Can you
have fun and learn at the same time?
Yes! Even in
High School?
Absolutely!
Ms. Deb Evans' Academic and Enrichment Classes are all about teens learning in a nurturing and engaging environment with lots of discussion and laughter, but also with high standards and accountability. Right Brain refers to the subjects we teach - literature, writing, and others which allow for creative thinking and analysis. Left-brained and right-brained students are welcome!
Who is Deb Evans? I am a homeschooling mom of two teens, and I have been teaching outside classes since they were in kindergarten. I'm also an SAT tutor, professional photographer and small business consultant. I call my students "my kids" because that is how I feel about them. I've been blessed with being surrounded by great kids, and I treat them all like part of my family. I only teach classes that I enjoy and that I have a great deal of experience with, so I can bring a high level of enthusiasm and skill to everything I teach. For testimonials and more information about me, please keep scrolling to the bottom of this page.
Check out what we have to offer! We'd love your family to be part of Ms. Deb's Right Brain Classes' family.
Review the schedule below, then click www.rightbrainclasses.com/registration.htm to register.
I will be at the Homewood Information Night in The Woodlands, May 22nd. Come visit me and learn more about what I have to offer your family.
click to go to SAT PREP
Academic Year Classes
Fall/Spring 2012-2013
All classes are year-long classes [30 weeks/class sessions, August - May] and meet on Mondays. Students are expected to commit to the full year. New students will be accepted each semester. Classes take place at The South County Community Center in The Woodlands. This may be subject to change. Tuition - $225 per semester/per class. Payment plan available. Classes are generally geared towards high school, but students will be considered for classes on a case-by case basis. Register online - www.debsclasses.com/registration.htm
High School Classes (13+ years old)
British Literature / Composition
(12:30-1:30 pm)
Combining elements of a teen book club with those of a college prep
literature/composition class, students will learn and apply literary
analysis techniques, including dialectical journaling, essay writing,
and Socratic discussion, to classic British novels and short
stories. Along with a study of literature, students will write several
essays and creative pieces, as well as review SAT vocabulary and
advanced grammar skills.
This survey of British Literature covers the major literary periods as
reflected by major British writers and includes extensive reading and
writing. Students should expect to read and respond to about 100 pages
per week. If students
complete the assigned work, as well as extra-credit work, they should be
prepared to take the CLEP British Literature exam for up to 6
hours college credit. Recommended
credit: english, full year = one credit.
Short
Story Workshop / Creative Writing
(1:30 - 2:30 pm) Looking for a writing class to motivate and inspire your
child? 5-paragraph essays just not doing it? Our Short Story Workshop
will! This fun class explores the fundamentals of writing with special
emphasis on creative writing techniques, including using story elements,
finding your voice, and giving and receiving constructive criticism.
Students will read and analyze short stories from classic writers and
will be mentored as they write their own short stories. The class will
write a collaborative short story and participate in NANOWRIMO (National
Novel Writing Month). Students will enjoy working on a variety of
creative writing projects as they discover or nurture their love for
writing. Required Text: On Writing by Stephen King. Recommended
credit: english or academic elective, full year = one credit.
Personal Finance (Economics)
(2:45-3:45 pm) You will learn overall economic principles and how they
apply to you (as well as the rest of the world)! This is math that you
really will use in your life! Through our interactive projects, you will
get a job, start a business, invest in the stock market, get a credit
card, balance your checkbook, take out and pay back a loan, file a tax
return, buy insurance, and more. Have fun while you learn about budgeting,
banking, career planning, entrepreneurship, saving, investing, loans and interest
rates, taxes, and more through class projects, readings,
lectures, and class discussion.
Recommended
credit: economics or academic elective or consumer math, full year = one credit.
Constitutional Law and
Current Events (Government) (fall
only)
(3:45-4:45 pm) Is
there a budding lawyer in your family? How about a natural debater?
Teens love to argue! Give them a constructive outlet in this
challenging, in-depth study of the U.S. Constitution. Through reading,
Socratic discussion, speaking, and writing, students will build critical
skills and knowledge as they analyze the Constitution in light of past
and current court cases that challenge or support it. We will explore
its historical context and the Founding Fathers’ views and beliefs, as
well as discuss and debate current events in context of constitutional
and case law. We will monitor congressional legislation, both state and
federal, including lobbying congress, and we’ll try our hand at drafting
legislation. We will also pay close
attention to the 2012 Presidential election. Required Text: The
Original Argument (updated "translation" of the Federalist Papers),
Glenn Beck.
Recommended
credit: government, one semester = one-half credit.
Online Registration : www.debsclasses.com/registration.htm (There is a $25 registration fee per family.)
Email Mrs. Deb Evans at debsclasses@yahoo.com
For
more info on my Photography Classes, visit
www.debevans.com/photoclass.htm
or
http://photoclasses.ning.com .
Learn photography from a pro photographer!
Private individual and private group classes for teens and adults are available.
PRIVATE TUTORING IS AVAILABLE - IN-PERSON and/or ONLINE. I specialize in writing and grammar, including ACT/SAT/Compass/CLEP test prep.
Policies: * Younger students may be accepted on a case by case basis. All students will be expected to behave in a mature, appropriate manner, and to take their work seriously. Students will be expected to show respect to Ms. Deb, to themselves, and to the other students in the class at all times. Students will be expected to treat the class location and staff with respect and courtesy. Drinks and snacks will be allowed in class, but students will be responsible for taking care not to make a mess and to clean up any mess they may make. We do not have a dress code, but students are expected to dress modestly and not in a way that is distracting or inappropriate for their ages.
Tips on Homeschooling High School
|
Ms. Deb's Classes - Philosophy I am Deb Evans. I've homeschooled my children from Day One - they are in high school now [wow! time flies] - and I'm a homeschooler through and through. I strongly believe in parents' right to direct their own children's education, including serving as teacher or outsourcing specific classes. I believe that children all learn differently and that teaching should reach children where they are, ideally using a variety of methods. I love teenagers - I have two myself - I enjoy teachi*ng them, listening to them, mentoring them, and hanging out with them. [Check out my SuperFriends Teen Social Club]. The best way to find out what teens are learning? TALK TO THEM. I am a professional photographer and writer. Those are my passions and sharing them brings me immeasurable joy. I'm a huge fan of the U.S. Constitution and desire to light a fire under our youth [future voters]. My teaching style is very laid back and informal, but that doesn't mean that my classes are not serious or that I don't have high standards for my students. I do. I believe that if you expect a lot from kids, they will rise to the challenge. I'm very nurturing, though, and understand that students come to me with a variety of skills and experiences and as long as they are trying and giving their best effort, I will encourage and support them. Deb Evans' classes and clubs are open to ALL students who are interested in learning and participating.
Deb's Writing Class Philosophy: 1. Writing is FUN. Learning to write should also be fun. Most writing curriculum is so focused on the mechanics that they all but ignore the reason we write - to communicate - to share information, express an opinion, entertain through a story. It also zaps all the fun out of writing! Mechanics - grammar and punctuation and spelling – are important… Proper mechanics help us to communicate effectively, to make it easier for our readers to understand what we’re saying, but they aren't the reason we write. Writing teachers must understand that writing is, ultimately, expression, communication, art. By accepting that premise, we allow students the joy and freedom that comes with writing. When students enjoy writing… enjoy creating… the mechanics will fall into place. 2. Students need a purpose for writing. It increases their motivation and willingness to work and improve. Our writing assignments are designed to appeal to students’ interests and/or to coordinate with their other classes. We focus on the importance of writing throughout your life and career. 3. The process of writing is vital. We teach writing in separate stages -prewriting/writing/rewriting. It’s important to separate writing from editing. Editing too early in the process stifles creativity and expression. Remember, even bestselling authors need revising and editing. 4. Effective writing instruction must be individualized to the student’s needs and must include specific and timely feedback or assessment. A simple grade will not allow students to improve. They must have the opportunity to revise their work and learn from feedback. Students must have clear, achievable goals. 5. Reading and writing go hand in hand. Students learn the most about writing by reading good literature. Our curriculum includes studying the techniques of influential writers from a variety of genres. Writing should be taught across the curriculum; its importance in all areas of life should be emphasized. 6. Good writing is important. Colleges and Universities annually report an increase in the percentage of students requiring remedial reading and writing classes. Even corporations are reporting sending new employees to remedial writing classes. Students need to develop good writing skills. Although some children are naturally gifted writers, all children are capable of learning fundamental composition skills. 7. We believe that writing is a process. Every written work should go through this same process:
©Deb Evans
Homeschooling High School Dual Credit - a popular avenue for many homeschoolers is to take dual credit classes through the community college. As a mom, I'm not ready for my kids to be on a college campus, although it is something I will consider in the future. CLEP testing - another popular choice is for your student to take a CLEP exam after completing high school courses. By passing the appropriate CLEP exam, the college will issue your child college credits for that course! This is the route that my family will pursue. Each college has their own requirements for which CLEP exams they will accept, so you would need to look into that before going forward with testing. Many of my classes will help prepare your student for CLEP testing. If this is something you are interested in, please discuss it with me at the beginning of the semester, and I will help you to make sure your student is prepared [add'l coursework may be required.] |
from a mom...
... so
apparently YOU are the TEACHING QUEEN - not only do you rock the photog
classes but you can also demolish the wall of fear surrounding ... da da
da dum .... WRITING! Oh the horror - ANYthing but writing!!!!
--- until today! Pull up to
pick up my non-writer, who hops in the car & says: "I love writing". I
almost turned the car around to see if I picked up the right kid! another mom... Alex enjoyed your camp very much and it's encouraging to see her actually enjoy writing. You do have a gift with these students and your tutoring this summer has been extremely helpful. Judy Dueitt from a mom... you are really good with these kids & it shows ... they LIKE you! highest teen compliment I can think of. C. Darnell another mom... I met Deb Evans during the school year 2008-2009. She is very dedicated to teaching kids about Writing, Literature, and Government. She has taught my oldest son how to pull stories out of his mind, and put these on paper. He has taken a great interest in creative writing and has really enjoyed her classes. He will be taking more classes with Deb during the summer and this following school year. I am happy to know that my son takes a real interest in writing because of the great things he learned from Deb this past school year. I wish her the best in all of her teaching adventures! Brenda Stuart Rodriguez from a former student, now attending Texas A&M "Deb Evans has been a part of my life for many years, and for that I am so thankful. She has taught me everything from grammar basics to taking a passion in what I am writing about. Once frustrating to me, writing has become my form of expression as well as a great joy in my life. Many English teachers I have had in my life frustrated me with a greater concern for mechanics than content. Deb Evans balances the two perfectly, correcting my mistakes while still caring for my writing as if it were her own. I still rely on her services today, and every time I get her help on a paper I can submit it with confidence no matter how much the teacher likes that red pen;)" Sharon Joncyk and a few words from her mom... I have known Deb Evans for over
8 years. At that time, Montgomery College (now known as Lonestar) offered
classes to homeschoolers. Deb taught "Grammar Bootcamp" and a beginning
writing course. Both my children had always homeschooled, and worked on
unit studies with other families. These were their first "classroom"
experiences. There was some apprehension to be in a classroom- not just
for them, but also me. They immediately took to Deb because of her
charismatic personality and kindness. As a teacher, she taught concepts in
a non-threatening way, took time to explain things, and showed
encouragement. My children did not "like" to write, and that was a big
reason for our looking elsewhere for "help". Within the first few weeks
they were EXCITED to write. I watched small paragraphs become large
paragraphs, short/quick written papers became well-worded, well-thoughtful
essays. another student You are one of the coolest moms I know!! You started the completely awesome group SuperFriends!! And I can't wait till fall to do the photography class :D L.R. Brown
Interested!? Email Mrs. Deb at debsclasses@yahoo.com
Deb Evans' classes and clubs are open to ALL students who are interested in learning and participating. Deb Evans is an 11+ year homeschooling veteran, mom to Kayla, age 17, and Kristin, age 16, and wife to Mike for 19 years. She has taught language arts, history, government, photography, and more through multiple programs including Montgomery College, Extraordinary Education, and The Lighthouse. Deb also mentors SuperFriends! a local social club for teen homeschoolers in Montgomery County. She has owned DebEvansPhotography.com since 2003, providing “contemporary, fine art portraiture in your home”. She has a BS degree from UT, is a widely published writer, and has extensive, business experience, primarily from her life “before kids”. She still works as a small business consultant for select clients. Click here for more info about Deb Evans. Please note that ALL photographs and text on this web site are protected by U.S. Copyright Laws and may NOT be reproduced in ANY manner without express permission.
|