Welcome to Denver Options Home School Enrichment

About our Classes: 

Physical Education  The idea is to move in P.E. Our time together will be split up into 4 parts which will be a warm-up, calisthenics/stretching, skills, and the main activity for the day. We will do a lot of non-traditional games in Physical Education this year. In other words, we will not be playing a traditional basketball game or soccer game. We will do activities/games that will involve basketball skills and soccer skills. The activities/games we will play will include team building, tag, soccer, basketball, volleyball, target games…to name just a few.  I will encourage the kids to set goals with their parents for improving their physical fitness. We will we perform some simple testing on upper body strength, abdominal strength, flexibility, agility and endurance. We will test in the fall and the spring so that we can talk about setting goals for ourselves. Requirements and supplies for Physical Education are simple. You will need a pair of running shoes, a water bottle, and a positive attitude please. Please do not wear inappropriate shoes such high heels, flip-flops, etc. If the girls choose to wear a skirt, please wear shorts underneath.  I am looking forward to a great year at Denver Options. Thank you!  Art We will be working with “WHO” this year and will be exploring artists throughout history.  We will discover what was going on during their time and how they responded to it through their art.  We will be creating with all sorts of mediums…like painting (VanGogh, Cezanne, Picasso), sculpture (Henry Moore, etc,), printmaking, pottery and weaving (Indian influences), the “WHO” will be answered as related to history and culture.  Basic drawing concepts will taught the younger children and will progress in depth for the older students.  Many themes and materials will be used throughout the year.  For all age groups, exploration and experimentation will be the key to learning and having fun.  They will amaze themselves at what great artists they are/or will become!

 Hands-On Science   Who was the famous inventor that was home schooled?
Who was one of the pioneers of the experimental approach to science, now known as the Scientific Method?
Who was the inventor that started the first public library?Who?  Who is our main focus in science this year.  We will be studying famous scientists and the contributions they made to the field of science.  We will investigate with yo yo’s, batteries and bulbs and study the brain and nervous system.  Our year will end with a rocket launch!  Students will realize that questions guide investigation in science.  They will work together to collect, organize and record data using the scientific method as a basis.  In science, students are expected to come prepared to investigate, observe, get messy and have fun!  I’m looking forward to another year full of hands on science!  Dissections? We’re working on those too! 

Young Ameritowne 

Young Ameritowne is an educational program to help teach students about business, economics and free enterprise in a fun and hands-on way.  The students will be taught lessons in the classroom to prepare for a day together at Young Ameritowne in March.  This class requires a $20 fee and a day of training with other Options kids in
Broomfield. Our Ameritowne field trip day meets at the Young American’s Bank in Cherry Creek. Visit http://www.yacenter.org and click on programs and classes for more information 

International Towne  -
International Towne is a one-of-a-kind educational program offered to 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade teachers to help teach students about global economics through fun, hands-on, experiential learning.  It is a day of international culture, money exchange, passports, costumes and trade that culminates the important lessons from their class time.  $20 fee for the field trip day is requested.  All other materials are provided.  No additional training day is required.  Visit http://www.yacenter.org and click on programs and classes for more information and photos of the International Towne center.   

Spanish Cultures -   We’ll be building a foundation for future language learning with the Primary kids this year.  They’ll learn, share and expand on their existing Spanish vocabulary, and learn to speak much more as we play games, do group activities, study traditions and make maps.  We may explore foods from around the world, make some fun projects and hear stories from other cultures!  Future language learning of all kinds can build from a good foundation and understanding of life in different part of the world.  Introduction to Spanish-  Intermediate and Secondary students will have an opportunity to learn the basics of the Spanish language and its many dialects.  Vocabulary, games, basic conversation, world geography, famous people and more will be topics included at various levels through- out the year.   Limited homework may be assigned.  Kindergarten and First Grade Classroom time:  

            Our school year will begin with a Friendship unit as we learn about each other, make new friends, and begin to build our classroom community.  Other general topics of study will include the calendar and seasons as we go through the year:  leaves, apples, and harvest in the fall, snow and animals in the winter, and rocks, soil, and living things in the spring.  Our days will be busy and full of good times as we learn about ourselves, each other, and the world around us. 

Author Study and Literature- What would homeschooling, or any schooling, be without BOOkS?  WHO wrote them and Why?   What was the author’s life like?  We’ll spend some time curled up with wonderful books and stories from a variety of wonderful authors.  We’ll enjoy different genres of literature, and maybe discover some new favorites.  We’ll create some fun projects based on the books, and maybe even bring some home to share.  Learning to love reading, begins by learning to love a good story.  Good stories begin with great Authors.  Together we’ll discover some old favorites and some new friends.  Choir with Mrs. Wolf This year I will take your students on an adventure in vocal music!  Each week we’ll develop our ears and our voices through vocalizing, breathing, and technique.  We’ll learn to make music together as a team, singing a wide variety of genres.  Not only will students get the “choir experience,” but they will also get a chance to experiment with playing different instruments.  We’ll explore the big “Whos” of vocal music throughout the ages and spend time demystifying how to read music.  Our school-wide concerts will serve as a fun motivator towards excellence and celebration of what we’ve been learning! 

Leadership Counsel -   Our oldest students set the example for the rest of the school in their behavior, language, and choices. These students will be asked to help guide the younger ones in classes.  Students will choose a younger grade level and class to ‘Mentor’ through out the year.  Students will assist teachers, build relationships and even teach the younger kids with the guidance of a mentor teacher.  The reversal of roles is a privilege as well as a new responsibility for our most mature students