Making the Connection Between Fun and Learning
Creative Learning Connection
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More January News, Workshop Schedule, Classes

January 15, 2009

More January 2009 News, Workshop Schedule, and Spring Class Schedule

In preparation for our “inventory purge”, we have a great sale going on from now until Saturday, February 7th. New children’s books are 50% off, Used children’s books are 25% off, Lapbook kits are 25% off, and numerous other items are 25% or 50% off. Shop early and shop often!

We are sad to say that we have discontinued taking consignments until at least February 12th. (Please call before you head over and confirm that we are taking books again any time after that.) When we take books again, there will be a new consignment policy in place. (This does not apply to books that have previously been consigned.) We are going to have to start taking books only for credit. And only “unlisted”. (And the customer will receive 60% of the selling prices.) We apologize in advance for these changes, but in an attempt to keep our store afloat, these are changes that have to be made. If you have any questions, just ask.

We are continuing to update our “CPSIA” page as we have new information. I have added a link to a great Wall Street opinion piece called “Pelosi’s Toy Story” for those who are still having difficulty grasping the severity of this problem.

Now for the Workshop Schedule I promised for our Upcoming Seminars and our current class schedule. Here’s what we’ve got right now; please check back later to see if we’ve added any additional workshops or speakers:

Schedule for Friday, February 6:
9:30 – 10:30
Teaching Teens
Catherine Jaime

11:00 – 12:00
Getting Started Homeschooling Panel
Panel, including Dee Fuller

1:30 – 2:30
Making Education 3-Dimensional
Catherine Jaime

3:00 – 4:00
Lapbooking!
Dee Fuller


Schedule for Saturday, February 7:
9:30 – 10:30
Getting Started Again
Catherine Jaime

Homeschooling Software that won't Bust the Bank
David Smith

11:00 – 12:00
Teaching History with Timelines!
Catherine Jaime

1:30 – 2:30
Learning through the National Parks
Robert & Dee Fuller

Surviving Homeschool – the Students’ Perspective
Panel of Homeschool Graduates


3:00 – 4:00
Traveling Tips for Families
Dee Fuller

Spring 2009 Classes for Younger Students

Class Title: Art and Craft Creations (each class is independent of others)
Age: 5-12
Instructor: Betty J. Wilson
Instructor's Credentials: Retired Teacher, BA-Art, MS-Psychology
Day/Dates/Time: Thursday, 8 Jan, Thursday, 15 Jan, Monday, 19 Jan, Thursday, 22 Jan, Monday, 26 Jan, Thursday, 29 Jan, all from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. (February dates to be announced later...)
Brief Description: A 2 hour class of mixed media involving drawing, painting, print making,
craft making, paper mosaics, paper collage, and foil art.
Cost/Class: Price is $12/session, all materials furnished, limit 10 students.
Contact Info and Registration Info: Register and pay at Creative Learning Connection.

Individual questions should be directed to Betty Wilson at 772-5891.

* * * * * * *

Class Title: Treasures (continues)
Instructor: Susie Cagle
Day/Date: 4th Monday, September through March (not including December)
Times: 3:15 – 4:15 P.M.
Description: Treasures includes a hands-on study of the 50 states and capitals, the preamble,
the 13 Original Colonies, the United States Constitution, all 43 presidents of the U.S., Eastern and
Western Hemisphere facts, the solar system, the 10 commandments. During class each child is
provided with an assortment of manipulatives, such as silly putty, cars, trucks, airplanes, animals,
and colored chips. These manipulatives are used during the class activities to teach the concepts.
Each child may also complete handouts which reinforce the concepts. Children who complete the
handouts and prepare a project will receive a certificate of participation along with a beautiful trophy
during the month of April. These projects will be entered for display along with other Treasures’
participants.
Cost: $50 for the year (6 month) per family.
Contact: Susie at 256-303-7184 for more details.

* * * * * * *

Class Title: Geography/History Club (continues)
Aimed at Students Grades: 2nd -- 7th
Instructors: Dee Fuller and Catherine Jaime
Day/Date/Times: Generally the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Brief Description: Come discover Early American History through videos, activities, and more.
Cost: $5.00/week
Contact: Dee at deirdrefuller@mchsi.com, or Cathy at cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu for more details.

* * * * * * *

Class Title: Science Club/Inventors’ Corner, with a focus on Benjamin Franklin (continues)
Aimed at Students Grades: 1st -- 7th
Instructors: Catherine Jaime and Dee Fuller
Day/Date/Times: Generally 2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Brief Description: Each week is an exciting hands on approach to learning about Benjamin Franklin
and Science.
Cost: $5.00/week
Contact: Cathy at cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu for more details or Dee at deirdrefuller@mchsi.com.

* * * * * * *

“Class”: "Critter Club" (continues)
Instructor: Mike Sharman
Retired Instructor (Calhoun Community College 25 years; Health/Physical Education);
(8th Grade Science 1 Year Decatur Heritage Christian Academy); BS in Health/PE w minor in
Biology from U.A.B.; MA/EDS in Education from U.A.B.
Grades/Ages: 2nd-6th grade
Day/Dates/Times: 11:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on the following Tuesdays:
Jan 13, Jan 27, Feb 10, Feb 24, Mar 10, Mar 24, Apr 14, Apr 28, May 12.
Brief Description: A fun study and experiences with a different animal/group of animals each
meeting. To include physical examination, games, worksheets, and discussions concerning the
animal/group of the day. (Cathy’s comment: Mike did this for the first time this past spring,
and my kids have loved it!!!)
Cost: $5/class or $80 for all 20 classes
Contact info and Registration Info: Mike Sharman
msharman9047@charter.net or 256-227-7190

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Class Title: Sign Language for Elementary Students
Instructor: Rickey Clemons
Assistant: Dee Fuller
Time: Tuesdays 3-4 pm, February 3- March 24
No textbook required, instructors will use Signing Fun by Penny Warner
Cost: $48 for the whole class or $24 per month
Description: Emphasis on vocabulary, finger alphabet and sign language activities and games.
For more information, or to sign up, please contact: Rickey Clemons – APTO@mchsi.com

* * * * * * *

Spring 2009 Classes for Older Students

Class Title: Watercolor Classes (each class is independent of others)
Age: 10 -15
Instructor: Betty J. Wilson
Instructor's Credentials: Retired Teacher, BA-Art, MS-Psychology
Day/Dates/Time: Saturday, 10 Jan and Monday, 12 Jan, both from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. (February dates to be announced later.)
Cost/Class: $14/session, all materials furnished, limit 10 students
Contact Info and Registration Info: Register and pay at Creative Learning Connection.
Individual questions should be directed to Betty Wilson at 772-5891.

* * * * * * *

Class Title: Algebra 1 (continues)
Text: Algebra I (Saxon, 3rd Edition)
Instructor: Susie Cagle, B.S. in Education from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN.
Day/Date/Times: through April 27, 12:45 – 1:45 P.M.
Cost: $60.00 per semester per student
Contact: Susie at 256-303-7184 for more details.

* * * * * * *

Class Title: Geometry (continues)
Text: Geometry (Math U See)
Instructor: Susie Cagle
Day/Dates: Mondays, through April 27
Times: 2:00 – 3:00 P.M.
Cost: $60.00 per semester per student
Contact: Susie at 256-303-7184 for more details.

* * * * * * *

Class Title: ACT Preparation Class (continues)
Text: No Book (Worksheets provided)
Instructor: Susie Cagle
Day/Date: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Mondays,
Times: 3:15 – 4:15 P.M.
Cost: $60.00 per semester per student
Contact: Susie at 256-303-7184 for more details.

* * * * * * *


Class Title: American Literature Part 2 (spring semester)
Instructor: Michele Penton
Grades/Ages: High School
Day & Times: Tuesdays 10-11:30
Class Description: Students will read and discuss a variety of American authors as well as
historical context/influences and literary movements. Lessons will incorporate literary analysis
and composition.
Recommend Text: Elements of Literature (Essentials of American Literature) Holt.
Textbook is not required as most of the selections are readily available at the library and on the internet.
Fees: $25/month
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Michele directly at : cmpenton@yahoo.com


* * * * * * *

Class Title: Literature and Composition (spring semester)
Instructor: Michele Penton
Grades/Ages: Junior High/High School
Day & Times: Tuesdays 11:45-12:45
Class Description: Students will read, discuss, analyze, and write about a variety of authors and
genres including novels, poetry, short stories, and essays. This class will also include a review of
grammar and writing techniques.
Fees: $25/month
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Michele directly at: cmpenton@yahoo.com

* * * * * * *

Class Title: Sign Language Level 4
Instructor: Rickey Clemons
Dates: January 6 to April 28 (Tuesdays)
Times: 1 - 3 pm
Description: Develops vocabulary, conversational competence, and grammatical knowledge with a total immersion approach. Introduces increasingly complex grammatical aspects, including those unique to ASL. Discusses culture and literature. Contact with the Deaf Community is encouraged to enhance linguistic and cultural knowledge. Lecture 2 hours per week.
Cost: $40 /month
Contact: Rickey Clemons – APTO@ mchsi.com.

* * * * * * *


Class Title: Beginner Sign Language for Students grades 7-12
Instructor: Rickey Clemons
Time: Tuesdays 3:00 - 4:30 pm, March 31- May 19
Textbook requirement: TBA
Cost: $80 for the whole class or $40 per month
Description: Signing is a necessary communication skill for those who work with the Deaf and hard of hearing. The class will focus on the manual alphabet and simple signs, then incorporate them into sentences to develop a sense of flow and rhythm. Sign language can be useful for alternative ways of communication in various situations.
Students will earn approximately ½ credit for this class.
For more information or to sign up, please contact: Rickey Clemons – APTO@mchsi.com

* * * * * * *

“Class”: Government Club (continues)
Advisor: Catherine Jaime
Grades/Ages: Junior High/High School Students
Day: 1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays, beginning January 7th.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Class Description: At least 1 meeting/month is a General Meeting. (In the spring, 1 meeting/month is Youth Legislature related.)
Fees: $20/family/semester
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Catherine at: cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu or 325-3305.

* * * * * * *

Class: Economics (continues)
Instructor: Catherine Jaime
Grades/Ages: High School Students
Day: Wednesdays, beginning January 7th.
Time: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Class Description: This is the 3rd year Cathy has taught this class, and she is very excited!
Some of the resources include the Wall Street Journal and Ideas on Liberty.
Classes will involve various amounts of discussion, lectures, activities, and some videos.
Fees: $20/month
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Catherine at: cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu or 325-3305.


* * * * * * *

Class: Shakespeare (continues)
Instructor: Catherine Jaime
Grades/Ages: Junior High/High School Students
Day: Wednesdays, beginning January 7th.
Time: 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Class Description: We will watch & read (& occasionally discuss) Shakespeare plays.
We will start the spring with Julius Caesar and then Antony and Cleopatra.
Fees: $20/month
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Catherine at: cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu or 325-3305.

* * * * * * *

Class: Creation Science (this class was cancelled in the fall -- it may or may not take in the spring)
Instructor: Catherine Jaime
Grades/Ages: Junior High/High School Students
Day: Wednesdays, beginning January 7th.
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Class Description: This is a great class for your students, even if they are taking another
Science class! Classes will involve various amounts of discussion, lectures, activities,
and some videos.
Fees: $15/month
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Catherine at: cmmjaime@alum.mit.edu or 325-3305.

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Creative Learning Connection
8006 Old Madison Pike, Suite 11-A
Madison, AL 35758
(256) 325-3305
www.CreativeLearningConnection.com
Regular Hours: 12 – 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday, and GENERALLY the 1st Friday and Saturday of each month.