Logic/Cognitive Skills/Critical Thinking:
Feuerstein Instrumental Enrichment: This is a research-based cognitive skills program that targets underlying thinking skills needed for many higher-ordered operations in math, writing, and general problem-solving. When consistently taught by a skilled mediator, FIE can strongly improve the student’s ability to learn across any subject matter.
Latin:
Memoria Press “Prima Latina”
Using MP’s award-winning “Prima Latina”, Latin will be introduced to the student in a beautiful and confidence-building manner.
Grammar:
The student will practice daily grammar recitation, learning parts of speech and grammar rules by repetition and practice. The students will practice daily sentence analysis with the teacher, starting with basic concepts and gradually layering in more complex ideas that build a strong foundation for good writing, thinking, and speaking.
Spelling:
The student will practice a targeted spelling list each week by analyzing the words phonetically and practicing their use in vocabulary and writing exercises. Some spelling quizzes/tests will be administered to evaluate progress and for test-taking practice.
Writing:
RSF takes a parts-to-whole approach with writing, using research-based methods to shore up sentence structure understanding, then paragraph writing, then essay writing. The students will build up to the ability to write a persuasive essay and a historical research paper, with supportive scaffolding and appropriate graphic organizers provided to help students with dysgraphia or other writing difficulties find a sense of accomplishment in this area. Writing and language skills are also strengthened with the use of the “Visualizing and Verbalizing” program (listed below).
Visualizing and Verbalizing:
Based on the brilliant program written by Carol Bell to improve reading comprehension, Visualizing and Verbalizing also strengthens all-around vocabulary and expressive language skills. It is effective in helping students to produce strong mental images when reading, therefore increasing comprehension. It is also effective for helping students learn to summarize and use “gestalt” thinking, which is needed for strong writing, analytical thinking, and persuasive speaking.
Literature:
Students will practice deep reading and analytical thinking with an exploration of great literature that journeys through time and world geography. Literature selections will mirror the history and humanities curriculum for strong historical connections and better understanding of themes. As much as possible, literature will correspond with the cultural periods being covered in history and humanities.
Sample of Possible Selections for 2022-2023 (corresponding to the nine cultural periods learned in history and humanities)
Ancient: “Story of Joseph” (the Bible), Greek Myths, Overview/Excerpts of “The Odyssey”, “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, “Detectives in Togas” by Henry Winterfield
Medieval: “Beowulf”, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, and “Aladdin”
Renaissance: Excerpts from “The Lives of the Artists” by Giorgio Vasari. Sonnets by Shakespeare
Baroque: Overview/Excerpts from “Don Quixote” by Cervantes
Enlightenment: “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift (Satire)
Romantic: “Queen of Spades” by Alexander Pushkin
Victorian: “The Princess and the Goblin” by George MacDonald
Modern/Post Modern: “The Magician’s Nephew” by C.S. Lewis or “The Hobbit” by Tolkein
History:
Students will learn:
Nine cultural periods of the western world: (Students often forget history lessons because of a lack of a place in the memory to store it. Memorizing nine cultural periods gives them a mental “filing cabinet” or “chest of drawers” for the history, literature, and great works they will learn in the future.”)
Students will also learn from:
“Story of the World” by Susan Wise Bauer
Memoria Press: “Famous Men of Greece”, “Famous Men of Rome”, and “Famous Men of the Middle Ages”
Geography will be integrated with history lessons.
Art History/Humanities:
Twenty Great Works of Art, Architecture, and Music
(This mirrors and complements the history and literature curriculum to help students connect historical events with creative expression.)
Science: (2022-2023)
Students will study:
“Archimedes and the Door of Science” by Jeanne Bendick
We will enjoy reading about the life of this amazing Greek mathematician and inventor. We will recreate his simple machines and enjoy learning some applied physics!
“Exploring the World of Astronomy” by John Hudson Tiner
We will explore the world of astronomy utilizing amazing visuals, hands-on experiments, creativity, and drawing. The goal is to inspire continued wonder and appreciation for our created world.
Realistic Drawing:
Students will increase visual perception and observation skills by practicing drawing. Drawing will be practiced with some subjects and will be also be taught as an enjoyable, stand-alone enrichment when possible. On a beautiful day, we may spend some time outdoors practicing close observation skills with plein-air sketching! Talent for drawing is not necessary. It is a learned skill and improves with practice like any other subject.
RSF Optional Math (2022-2023):
Saxon 6/5 (This will be taught at a pace that encourages confidence and retention.)
Feuerstein’s “Think Math” (This addresses and strengthens underlying thinking processes for higher math operations.)
ST Math (Online computer program that strengthens conceptual concepts)
Ransom Fellowship School 