MIDDLE SCHOOL ELECTIVES

International Crafts
Geared toward 6th - 8th graders.  This course is a study of the traditional arts and crafts of various cultures around the world.  We will look briefly at the lives of the different people groups, and then try our hand at creating some of the art that they produced.  Some of the projects will include bead weaving, sand painting, scrimshaw hand built pottery and batik, to name a few.  There will be an art fee and homework.

Phys. Ed:  Wushu Basics –(one semester)
Wushu is the Chinese word for “Martial Arts”. The common term used in the United States to refer to Chinese Martial Arts is “Kung-fu.”  Kung-fu actually means “acquired skill through hard work.”  Originally martial arts were used to defend yourself, your family and your country.  Benefits derived from martial arts training include focus, discipline, respect, integrity, confidence and most importantly, health and physical fitness. These are developed through the physical process the student goes through in learning movements that will increase strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Biblical lessons are also used to teach and reinforce life skills such as perseverance and discipline.  This is a Non-Contact Course. Lessons will include movements such as blocking, punching and kicking skills, basic acrobatics, self defense and individual choreographed routines called “Forms.”  The Forms in martial arts are physical text books of “acquired skills.”  Students will be tested and graded quarterly using both the Towle grading system as well as a colored belt ranking system. Students will be required to purchase a Towle specific martial arts uniform for $20. Time will be provided before and after class to change clothes. 

Middle School Economics
7th grade or 8th grade students only
The class will include general money management, budgeting, balancing a checkbook.  Each student will be given a set amount of money with bills and expenses to keep track of over the course.  The student will have opportunities to increase the funds through investments in money markets, stocks, etc.  The focus of this class will be to make the student aware of how important money management is in their lives as well as introduce them to the concepts of investing.

Drama – full year class
7th grade or Prerequisite: Intro to Drama and Speech or Teacher recommendation
A course designed to provide the student with an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of stage presentation.  Students will learn drama terms, character development, stage blocking movements, improvisation, storytelling, safe stage management, publicity and set building while rehearsing a play to be performed as a culminating experience.  The student will be required to attend practices outside of school time along with a full tech week.  A $25 fee will per charged.

Introduction to Drama and Speech – ½ year
A course designed to develop students’ confidence in public speaking, stage presence and the basics of acting.  We will work on oral interpretation, Readers’ Theater, monologues, skits, improvisation, and speeches. 

Study Skills – ½ year
This course is designed to help the middle school student with the basics of study skills including: note taking, how to read a textbook, improving listening skills, and test taking skills.

Critical Thinking for Middle School – full year class
The objective of the Critical Thinking class is to teach students “to think logically, present well-developed arguments, and see through unsupported arguments”.  In addition, the students will learn how to solve logic puzzles and brain teasers.

Parents are welcome to provide outside sources for electives including but not limited to:  private music lessons, chorus, band, private dance instruction, Math Counts, and community clubs.  To receive placement for these electives on the student’s report card, please submit by week 33, a course description and log of activity time.