Fall 2024
1st/2nd Course Descriptions
9:00-11:00 Tuesdays & Thursdays - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Two-Day ELA & Math Enrichment Class
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9:00-11:00
Fall 12 weeks
Tuition: 12 weeks $1,455
Note: Tuition Payments Are As Follows: Sept $500/ Oct $500 / Nov $455
Course Overview
Welcome to our First and Second Grade ELA/Math Enrichment Class! In this engaging two-day-
a-week program, students will explore both English Language Arts (ELA) and math concepts in
a warm and supportive classroom environment. Join us for a year of growth, positive change, and exciting adventures!
Course Highlights:
Outside Classwork: Weekly homework pages covering grade level fundamentals
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9:00-11:00
Fall 12 weeks
- Tuesdays: September 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15, 29 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10
- Thursdays: September 5, 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10, 24, 31 November 7, 14, 21 December 5
- (No Class October 17, 22, November 26, 28)
Tuition: 12 weeks $1,455
Note: Tuition Payments Are As Follows: Sept $500/ Oct $500 / Nov $455
Course Overview
Welcome to our First and Second Grade ELA/Math Enrichment Class! In this engaging two-day-
a-week program, students will explore both English Language Arts (ELA) and math concepts in
a warm and supportive classroom environment. Join us for a year of growth, positive change, and exciting adventures!
Course Highlights:
- Class Focus: Supporting the concepts taught in math and ELA.
- Class Structure: Students will participate in activities individually, with partners, in small groups, and as a whole class.
- Skills Practiced: Reading, writing, and math skills.
- Fun and Friendship: Plenty of opportunities for fun and building friendships!
- Penmanship: Students will practice writing skills.
- Phonics: Strengthening foundational phonics knowledge.
- Grammar: Learning essential grammar rules.
- Reading Skills: Enhancing reading comprehension.
- Memorization: memorizing poems
- Core Concepts: Dedicated time to practice core math concepts.
- Problem Solving: Building critical thinking skills.
- Hands-On Learning: Engaging in games and hands-on activities.
- Integration with Literature: Math concepts woven into literature-based activities.
- Addition and Subtraction Facts
- Odd and Even Numbers
- Core Geometry Concepts
- Measurement
- Fractions
- Place Value
- Skip Counting
- Patterns
- Ordinal Words
Outside Classwork: Weekly homework pages covering grade level fundamentals
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
11:15-12:15 - Tuesdays - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
NEW! American Pioneers
1st-2nd Grade
Tuesday: 11:15-12:15
6 Weeks: September 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
Together we will explore the fascinating world of American pioneers! In this engaging course, young learners will discover the spirit of adventure, resilience, and innovation that defined the pioneers who shaped our nation. Through hands-on activities, stories, and interactive lessons, students will learn about how pioneers lived and built their homes, how they traveled by covered wagon, what they ate, and the games pioneer children played. We will learn about famous pioneers such as Daniel Boone and Laura Ingalls Wilder, exploring their lives, challenges, and contributions to American history.
Outside Classwork: Complete at home what isn’t finished in class
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
1st-2nd Grade
Tuesday: 11:15-12:15
6 Weeks: September 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
Together we will explore the fascinating world of American pioneers! In this engaging course, young learners will discover the spirit of adventure, resilience, and innovation that defined the pioneers who shaped our nation. Through hands-on activities, stories, and interactive lessons, students will learn about how pioneers lived and built their homes, how they traveled by covered wagon, what they ate, and the games pioneer children played. We will learn about famous pioneers such as Daniel Boone and Laura Ingalls Wilder, exploring their lives, challenges, and contributions to American history.
Outside Classwork: Complete at home what isn’t finished in class
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
NEW! US Geography and Tall Tales
1st-2nd Grade
Tuesday: 11:15-12:15
6 Weeks: October 29 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10
No Class: November 26
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
Join us on a whimsical journey through the world of geography like never before in this engaging and purposeful class! “Geography Through Tall” combines the excitement of storytelling with the foundational concepts of geography to create an enjoyable and enriching learning experience.In this class, students will explore the diverse landscapes through a series of captivating tall tales. Each tale will transport students to different corners of the U.S., igniting their curiosity and imagination. Through these tall tales, students will learn key geographical concepts such as topography, climate, population, and more. They’ll uncover the connections between people, places, and environments, gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of our world. This class loves to embrace silliness and fun! Expect plenty of laughter and lighthearted moments as we embark on our geographical adventures together.
Course Highlights:
love of learning about the world around them.
Outside Classwork: Complete at home what isn’t finished in class
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
1st-2nd Grade
Tuesday: 11:15-12:15
6 Weeks: October 29 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10
No Class: November 26
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
Join us on a whimsical journey through the world of geography like never before in this engaging and purposeful class! “Geography Through Tall” combines the excitement of storytelling with the foundational concepts of geography to create an enjoyable and enriching learning experience.In this class, students will explore the diverse landscapes through a series of captivating tall tales. Each tale will transport students to different corners of the U.S., igniting their curiosity and imagination. Through these tall tales, students will learn key geographical concepts such as topography, climate, population, and more. They’ll uncover the connections between people, places, and environments, gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of our world. This class loves to embrace silliness and fun! Expect plenty of laughter and lighthearted moments as we embark on our geographical adventures together.
Course Highlights:
- Geographical Features: Through the stories, kids would become familiar with different geographical features such as mountains, rivers, deserts, forests, and oceans.
- Critical Thinking and Analysis: Through discussions and activities related to the stories, kids develop critical thinking skills by analyzing the geographical elements of each tale. They would learn to identify cause-and-effect relationships, draw conclusions, and make connections between the fictional narratives and real-world geography.
- Creativity and Imagination: By envisioning fantastical worlds and characters, students can
love of learning about the world around them.
Outside Classwork: Complete at home what isn’t finished in class
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
Keeping Fit! Elementary PE
Tuesdays: 11:15-12:15
13 weeks: Sept 10, 17, 24 Oct 1, 8, 15, 22 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10, 17
(No Class October 29 and November 26)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $273
Course Overview
Warm-Ups, activities, group games, and group sports to help prepare students for a life of physical fitness, fitness testing, improved social/emotional awareness, and self-esteem. Activities and sports can be adjusted depending on age and skill level of students. Our goal is to keep youth active and excited about lifelong skills and healthy habits while having fun! Youth develop friendships, cooperation, and character values. Healthy team competition providing a context for practicing humility, overcoming obstacles, strategic thinking, and being part of a community!
Note: Contact the Mission Viejo Family YMCA to Enroll. Charter School Funds Accepted
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
Tuesdays: 11:15-12:15
13 weeks: Sept 10, 17, 24 Oct 1, 8, 15, 22 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10, 17
(No Class October 29 and November 26)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $273
Course Overview
Warm-Ups, activities, group games, and group sports to help prepare students for a life of physical fitness, fitness testing, improved social/emotional awareness, and self-esteem. Activities and sports can be adjusted depending on age and skill level of students. Our goal is to keep youth active and excited about lifelong skills and healthy habits while having fun! Youth develop friendships, cooperation, and character values. Healthy team competition providing a context for practicing humility, overcoming obstacles, strategic thinking, and being part of a community!
Note: Contact the Mission Viejo Family YMCA to Enroll. Charter School Funds Accepted
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
12:15-12:45 - Tuesdays - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Lunch Bunch
Tuesdays: 12:15-12:45
13 weeks: Sept 10, 17, 24 Oct 1, 8, 15, 22 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10, 17
(No Class October 29 and November 26)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $156
Course Overview
Time for fun! This is a supervised period where students eat their lunches in between classes. This community-building environment is great for giving students some interaction between classes.
Note: Contact the Mission Viejo Family YMCA to Enroll. Charter School Funds Accepted
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
Tuesdays: 12:15-12:45
13 weeks: Sept 10, 17, 24 Oct 1, 8, 15, 22 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10, 17
(No Class October 29 and November 26)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $156
Course Overview
Time for fun! This is a supervised period where students eat their lunches in between classes. This community-building environment is great for giving students some interaction between classes.
Note: Contact the Mission Viejo Family YMCA to Enroll. Charter School Funds Accepted
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
12:45-1:45 Tuesdays - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
NEW! Beginning Grammar
1st-2nd Grade
Tuesday: 12:45-1:45
6 Weeks: September 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
In this six- week course, young language enthusiasts will dive into the fascinating world of words. They will explore the building blocks of sentences and play with language in delightful ways while building a strong foundation for confident communication.
Course Highlights:
Nouns: Naming the World
Outside Classwork: Complete at home what isn’t finished in class
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
1st-2nd Grade
Tuesday: 12:45-1:45
6 Weeks: September 10, 17, 24 October 1, 8, 15
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
In this six- week course, young language enthusiasts will dive into the fascinating world of words. They will explore the building blocks of sentences and play with language in delightful ways while building a strong foundation for confident communication.
Course Highlights:
Nouns: Naming the World
- Discover nouns—the superheroes of language!
- Learn about common nouns and proper nouns
- Grab your colorful brushes—adjectives are here!
- Describe nouns with words like funny, engaging, well-written, or suspenseful.
- Run, jump, dance, and be amazing!
- Explore action verbs (like running and winning) and non-action verbs (like to love and to be).
- Quietly, boldly, swiftly—adverbs enhance the story.
- Describe adjectives, verbs, or other adverbs with flair.
- Race against time in verb races.
- Solve adjective puzzles and create your own sentences.
Outside Classwork: Complete at home what isn’t finished in class
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
NEW! Fun with Reader's Theater
1st-2nd Grade
Tuesday: 12:45-1:45
6 Weeks: October 29 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10
No Class: November 26
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
This reader’s theater course is where stories come alive, and imagination knows no bounds! Reader’s Theatre is a fun and engaging way for children to interact with literature. It helps make reading and language arts more enjoyable and memorable, fostering a lifelong love of reading and storytelling.
Course Highlights:
In this magical journey, young performers will:
Explore Characters: Step into the shoes of a variety of characters and discover how to bring these characters to life through expressive reading.
Create Voices: From grumpy giants to giggly elves, learn to use your voice to make characters leap off the page. Practice funny accents, high-pitched squeaks, and deep rumbles
Act Without Memorization: No need to memorize lines! We’ll focus on expressive reading, gestures, and teamwork. Imagine being a talking tree or a mischievous puppy!
Collaborate: Work with fellow actors to perform delightful scripts. Whether it’s a silly dialogue or an adventurous tale, teamwork makes the magic happen.
Build Confidence: Shine on stage as you become storytellers. Express emotions, share
laughter, and create unforgettable moments.
Outside Classwork: light - practice readings
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
1st-2nd Grade
Tuesday: 12:45-1:45
6 Weeks: October 29 November 5, 12, 19 December 3, 10
No Class: November 26
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
This reader’s theater course is where stories come alive, and imagination knows no bounds! Reader’s Theatre is a fun and engaging way for children to interact with literature. It helps make reading and language arts more enjoyable and memorable, fostering a lifelong love of reading and storytelling.
Course Highlights:
In this magical journey, young performers will:
Explore Characters: Step into the shoes of a variety of characters and discover how to bring these characters to life through expressive reading.
Create Voices: From grumpy giants to giggly elves, learn to use your voice to make characters leap off the page. Practice funny accents, high-pitched squeaks, and deep rumbles
Act Without Memorization: No need to memorize lines! We’ll focus on expressive reading, gestures, and teamwork. Imagine being a talking tree or a mischievous puppy!
Collaborate: Work with fellow actors to perform delightful scripts. Whether it’s a silly dialogue or an adventurous tale, teamwork makes the magic happen.
Build Confidence: Shine on stage as you become storytellers. Express emotions, share
laughter, and create unforgettable moments.
Outside Classwork: light - practice readings
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
11:15-12:15 Thursdays - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
NEW! Science: States of Matter for Junior Scientists
1st-2nd Grade
Thursday: 11:15-12:15
6 Weeks: September 5, 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
In this dynamic 6-week course, our junior scientists will dive into the fascinating world of states of matter. From solids to liquids and gases, students learn about the properties, transformations, and real-world applications of each state.
Course Highlights:
Outside Classwork: Complete at home what isn’t finished in class.
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
1st-2nd Grade
Thursday: 11:15-12:15
6 Weeks: September 5, 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
In this dynamic 6-week course, our junior scientists will dive into the fascinating world of states of matter. From solids to liquids and gases, students learn about the properties, transformations, and real-world applications of each state.
Course Highlights:
- Solid Adventures: Investigate the structure and properties of solids..
- Liquid Magic: Explore the behavior of liquids - Observe surface tension, viscosity, and capillary action.
- Gaseous Wonders: Investigate pressure, expansion, and diffusion.
- Changes of State: Learn about melting, freezing, evaporation, and condensation.
Outside Classwork: Complete at home what isn’t finished in class.
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
NEW! Science: Our Solar System
1st-2nd Grade
Thursday: 11:15-12:15
6 Weeks: October 24, 31 November 7, 14, 21 December 5
No Class: November 28
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
Embark on a cosmic journey through our solar system! In this dynamic course, together we explore the wonders beyond Earth—from rocky planets to icy comets. Let’s dive into the celestial dance that shapes our universe.
Course Highlights:
Planetary Marvels:
Outside Classwork: Complete at home what isn’t finished in class.
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
1st-2nd Grade
Thursday: 11:15-12:15
6 Weeks: October 24, 31 November 7, 14, 21 December 5
No Class: November 28
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview
Embark on a cosmic journey through our solar system! In this dynamic course, together we explore the wonders beyond Earth—from rocky planets to icy comets. Let’s dive into the celestial dance that shapes our universe.
Course Highlights:
Planetary Marvels:
- Discover the unique features of each planet.
- Unearth mysteries about Mercury, Venus, Mars, and more.
- Investigate these rocky wanderers.
- Learn about their origins, orbits, and potential impact on Earth.
- Study fallen fragments from space.
- Decode their stories about the early solar system.
- Follow the tails of these celestial snowballs.
- Explore their elliptical paths and volatile compositions.
Outside Classwork: Complete at home what isn’t finished in class.
Instructor: Karina Penkethman
Keeping Fit! Elementary PE
Thursdays: 11:15-12:15
13 weeks: September 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10, 17, 24 November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19
(No Class October 31 and November 28)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $273
Course Overview
Warm-Ups, activities, group games, and group sports to help prepare students for a life of physical fitness, fitness testing, improved social/emotional awareness, and self-esteem. Activities and sports can be adjusted depending on age and skill level of students. Our goal is to keep youth active and excited about lifelong skills and healthy habits while having fun! Youth develop friendships, cooperation, and character values. Healthy team competition providing a context for practicing humility, overcoming obstacles, strategic thinking, and being part of a community!
Note: Contact the Mission Viejo Family YMCA to Enroll. Charter School Funds Accepted
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
Thursdays: 11:15-12:15
13 weeks: September 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10, 17, 24 November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19
(No Class October 31 and November 28)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $273
Course Overview
Warm-Ups, activities, group games, and group sports to help prepare students for a life of physical fitness, fitness testing, improved social/emotional awareness, and self-esteem. Activities and sports can be adjusted depending on age and skill level of students. Our goal is to keep youth active and excited about lifelong skills and healthy habits while having fun! Youth develop friendships, cooperation, and character values. Healthy team competition providing a context for practicing humility, overcoming obstacles, strategic thinking, and being part of a community!
Note: Contact the Mission Viejo Family YMCA to Enroll. Charter School Funds Accepted
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
12:15-12:45 Thursdays - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Lunch Bunch
Thursdays: 12:15-12:45
13 weeks: September 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10, 17, 24 November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19
(No Class October 31 and November 28)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $156
Course Overview
Time for fun! This is a supervised period where students eat their lunches in between classes. This community-building environment is great for giving students some interaction between classes.
Note: Contact the Mission Viejo Family YMCA to Enroll. Charter School Funds Accepted
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
Thursdays: 12:15-12:45
13 weeks: September 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10, 17, 24 November 7, 14, 21 December 5, 12, 19
(No Class October 31 and November 28)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $156
Course Overview
Time for fun! This is a supervised period where students eat their lunches in between classes. This community-building environment is great for giving students some interaction between classes.
Note: Contact the Mission Viejo Family YMCA to Enroll. Charter School Funds Accepted
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
12:45-1:45 Thursdays - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
NEW! Enhancing Phonics,Reading Fluency, and Comprehension
1st-2nd Grade
Thursday: 12:45-1:45
6 Weeks: September 5, 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview:
Welcome to the wonderful world of reading! In this vibrant course, young learners in first and second grade will embark on an adventure through the magic of words. Our mission? To ignite a lifelong love for reading by strengthening decoding skills and fluency through delightful stories.
Course Highlights:
Outside Classwork - Approximately one hour per week. Use this time to review concepts, reinforce learning, and explore related resources.
Instructor: Lisa Antonic
1st-2nd Grade
Thursday: 12:45-1:45
6 Weeks: September 5, 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview:
Welcome to the wonderful world of reading! In this vibrant course, young learners in first and second grade will embark on an adventure through the magic of words. Our mission? To ignite a lifelong love for reading by strengthening decoding skills and fluency through delightful stories.
Course Highlights:
- Solidify learning of basic phonics patterns and digraphs Apply phonics skills to decode literary passages.
- Learn new vocabulary through discussion and comprehension exercises.
- Practice reading fluency (accuracy, pacing, and expression) with echo and choral reading class exercises. Develop a love for reading through rich, engaging children’s literature.
Outside Classwork - Approximately one hour per week. Use this time to review concepts, reinforce learning, and explore related resources.
Instructor: Lisa Antonic
NEW! Strengthening Reading Fluency and Comprehension
1st-2nd Grade
Thursday: 12:45-1:45
6 Weeks: October 24, 31 November 7, 14, 21 December 5
No Class: November 28
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview: This class will be a fun place where every reading experience is celebrated and young readers are supported. Our mission is to empower readers. Through interactive activities, we’ll tackle a variety of texts, decode unfamiliar words, and boost literary skills. We’ll practice together and bring stories to life! Course Highlights: Continue building phonics skills for a firm foundation in reading Apply new phonics skills to decode unfamiliar words Practice reading fluency (accuracy, pacing, and expression) with echo and choral reading exercises Build critical comprehension skills by stopping to think about the meaning of words, sharing ideas and class discussion Develop a love for reading through rich, engaging children’s literature.
Outside Classwork - Approximately one hour per week. Use this time to review concepts, reinforce learning, and explore related resources.
Instructor: Lisa Antonic
1st-2nd Grade
Thursday: 12:45-1:45
6 Weeks: October 24, 31 November 7, 14, 21 December 5
No Class: November 28
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $245
Course Overview: This class will be a fun place where every reading experience is celebrated and young readers are supported. Our mission is to empower readers. Through interactive activities, we’ll tackle a variety of texts, decode unfamiliar words, and boost literary skills. We’ll practice together and bring stories to life! Course Highlights: Continue building phonics skills for a firm foundation in reading Apply new phonics skills to decode unfamiliar words Practice reading fluency (accuracy, pacing, and expression) with echo and choral reading exercises Build critical comprehension skills by stopping to think about the meaning of words, sharing ideas and class discussion Develop a love for reading through rich, engaging children’s literature.
Outside Classwork - Approximately one hour per week. Use this time to review concepts, reinforce learning, and explore related resources.
Instructor: Lisa Antonic