Fall 2023 Thursdays
3rd-8th Grade Course Descriptions
12:45-1:40 Jewish Community Center
NEW! Building Math Muscles: Number Sense
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 12:45-1:40
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $235
This class aims to build confidence, improve and practice foundational math skills and foster a love for math! Each week includes short lessons, practice, activities, and games to support the lesson's concept further. Classes are highly engaging, fun, and hands-on. Level of difficulty will be determined once class begins.
This course covers:
Outside Classwork: Finish assignments started in class and up to forty-five minutes a week of practice.
Instructor: Alexis Frazier
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 12:45-1:40
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $235
This class aims to build confidence, improve and practice foundational math skills and foster a love for math! Each week includes short lessons, practice, activities, and games to support the lesson's concept further. Classes are highly engaging, fun, and hands-on. Level of difficulty will be determined once class begins.
This course covers:
- Number sense – place value, reading and writing large numbers, rounding numbers, distributive property.
Outside Classwork: Finish assignments started in class and up to forty-five minutes a week of practice.
Instructor: Alexis Frazier
NEW! Building Math Muscles: Addition & Subtraction
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 12:45-1:40
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $235
This class aims to build confidence, improve and practice foundational math skills and foster a love for math! Each week includes short lessons, practice, activities, and games to support the lesson's concept further. Classes are highly engaging, fun, and hands-on. Level of difficulty will be determined once class begins.
This course covers:
Instructor: Alexis Frazier
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 12:45-1:40
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $235
This class aims to build confidence, improve and practice foundational math skills and foster a love for math! Each week includes short lessons, practice, activities, and games to support the lesson's concept further. Classes are highly engaging, fun, and hands-on. Level of difficulty will be determined once class begins.
This course covers:
- Addition – with and without regrouping, input/output tables
- Subtraction – with and without borrowing, input/output tables
Instructor: Alexis Frazier
1:45-2:45 Jewish Community Center
NEW! Fearless Writers: Getting Started
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 1:45-2:45
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Tuition: $235
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
If your child struggles to put words down on paper and start writing, this is the class for you. Through a series of fun activities, a transformation from the frustration of writing to enthusiasm for writing is the goal. Simple writing formats ease the transition from struggling to write to writing to more rigorous academic writing.
Outside Classwork:
Instructor: Lisa Antonice
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 1:45-2:45
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Tuition: $235
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
If your child struggles to put words down on paper and start writing, this is the class for you. Through a series of fun activities, a transformation from the frustration of writing to enthusiasm for writing is the goal. Simple writing formats ease the transition from struggling to write to writing to more rigorous academic writing.
Outside Classwork:
Instructor: Lisa Antonice
NEW! Fearless Writers Workshop
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 1:45-2:45
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $235
This six-week workshop focuses on making writing fun and purposeful for students struggling to put words down on paper and start writing. Through regular practice, students strive to eliminate the frustration of writing to enthusiasm for writing. Simple writing formats ease the transition from struggling to write to writing to more rigorous academic writing.
Outside Classwork:
Instructor: Lisa Antonic
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 1:45-2:45
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $235
This six-week workshop focuses on making writing fun and purposeful for students struggling to put words down on paper and start writing. Through regular practice, students strive to eliminate the frustration of writing to enthusiasm for writing. Simple writing formats ease the transition from struggling to write to writing to more rigorous academic writing.
Outside Classwork:
Instructor: Lisa Antonic
9:00-9:55 Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Writing Essentials: A Paragraph A Week
4th-7th Grade
Thursdays: 9:00-9:55
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
By building on what students already know, this class is designed to strengthen writing skills bit by bit. Each week we focus on constructing paragraphs using a streamlined method. This scaffolded approach to paragraph writing is perfect to help your child write solid detailed paragraphs! Students write weekly paragraphs, focusing on the organization and format of the paragraph itself. Mini-lessons and engaging classroom activities are added piece by piece, giving the students more challenging tasks as they progress into exceptional writers.
All of the writing prompts are student-centered, so students do not get bogged down on the topic but rather focus on writing the paragraph itself. A variety of writing formats are included. In addition to mastering the paragraph format, students practice revising and editing skills. Each week students are provided with detailed feedback on their work.
Outside Classwork: Students write and revise each week.
Depending on ability level, students should expect to spend approximately 1-1.5 hours each week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
4th-7th Grade
Thursdays: 9:00-9:55
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
By building on what students already know, this class is designed to strengthen writing skills bit by bit. Each week we focus on constructing paragraphs using a streamlined method. This scaffolded approach to paragraph writing is perfect to help your child write solid detailed paragraphs! Students write weekly paragraphs, focusing on the organization and format of the paragraph itself. Mini-lessons and engaging classroom activities are added piece by piece, giving the students more challenging tasks as they progress into exceptional writers.
All of the writing prompts are student-centered, so students do not get bogged down on the topic but rather focus on writing the paragraph itself. A variety of writing formats are included. In addition to mastering the paragraph format, students practice revising and editing skills. Each week students are provided with detailed feedback on their work.
Outside Classwork: Students write and revise each week.
Depending on ability level, students should expect to spend approximately 1-1.5 hours each week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
Writing Essentials: It's My Opinion
4th-7th Grade
Thursdays: 9:00-9:55
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
Encouraging students to express their personal opinions is an important part of the learning process. Writing opinion pieces is an excellent way for students not only to express their opinions, but to explore the strength and validity of those opinions. This six-week class walks students through the writing process from brainstorming to publishing an opinion composition. Students learn the parts of an opinion essay, how to connect opinions with reasons, and form strong conclusions. Editing skills are also practiced.
Students should be able to independently write an 8-sentence paragraph. All assignments are required to be typed in order to make the revision process easier.
Outside Classwork: Varies depending on skill level. Students write and revise each week. Depending on ability level, students should expect to spend approximately 60 to 90 minutes a week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
4th-7th Grade
Thursdays: 9:00-9:55
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
Encouraging students to express their personal opinions is an important part of the learning process. Writing opinion pieces is an excellent way for students not only to express their opinions, but to explore the strength and validity of those opinions. This six-week class walks students through the writing process from brainstorming to publishing an opinion composition. Students learn the parts of an opinion essay, how to connect opinions with reasons, and form strong conclusions. Editing skills are also practiced.
Students should be able to independently write an 8-sentence paragraph. All assignments are required to be typed in order to make the revision process easier.
Outside Classwork: Varies depending on skill level. Students write and revise each week. Depending on ability level, students should expect to spend approximately 60 to 90 minutes a week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
10:00-11:10 Mission Viejo Family YMCA
History and Geography of the 13 Colonies
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 10:00-11:10
6 weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $250
Take an in-depth view of the 13 original colonies before the Revolutionary War and gain an understanding of how and why the early settlers journeyed to America. Students learn about the lost colony of Roanoke, the founding of Jamestown, and the first successful colony. During class, each student creates a detailed map of the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies to gain a better understanding of the geography of a budding new nation. The format of the class includes mapping activities, short lectures, note-taking, and related readings.
Outside Classwork: Students may need to read short passages and complete work not finished in class.
Instructors: Laurie Weir
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 10:00-11:10
6 weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $250
Take an in-depth view of the 13 original colonies before the Revolutionary War and gain an understanding of how and why the early settlers journeyed to America. Students learn about the lost colony of Roanoke, the founding of Jamestown, and the first successful colony. During class, each student creates a detailed map of the New England, Middle, and Southern colonies to gain a better understanding of the geography of a budding new nation. The format of the class includes mapping activities, short lectures, note-taking, and related readings.
Outside Classwork: Students may need to read short passages and complete work not finished in class.
Instructors: Laurie Weir
Route to the American Revolution
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 10:00-11:10
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $250
Between the 1750s and 1776, an escalating series of conflicts between the United Kingdom and its American colonies led to revolution and the creation of the United States of America. What caused the colonies to change from loyalty to Great Britain and the King to rebellion? Travel through history with us while we discuss the disagreement over how the British treated the colonies, and how the colonies thought they should be treated. This course provides information about the injustices and events that led the American colonists down the road to the revolution and independence from the British. Step forward with us as we discuss the events that led to the Revolution! Topics include: French & Indian War, Proclamation of 1763, Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Quartering Act (taxation without representation), Stamp Act, Sons of Liberty , Tea Act & The Boston Tea Party, Intolerable Acts, Boston Massacre, and the First Congressional Congress.
Outside Classwork: Students will have approximately an hour each week.
Instructor:Adrienne Collins
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 10:00-11:10
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $250
Between the 1750s and 1776, an escalating series of conflicts between the United Kingdom and its American colonies led to revolution and the creation of the United States of America. What caused the colonies to change from loyalty to Great Britain and the King to rebellion? Travel through history with us while we discuss the disagreement over how the British treated the colonies, and how the colonies thought they should be treated. This course provides information about the injustices and events that led the American colonists down the road to the revolution and independence from the British. Step forward with us as we discuss the events that led to the Revolution! Topics include: French & Indian War, Proclamation of 1763, Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Quartering Act (taxation without representation), Stamp Act, Sons of Liberty , Tea Act & The Boston Tea Party, Intolerable Acts, Boston Massacre, and the First Congressional Congress.
Outside Classwork: Students will have approximately an hour each week.
Instructor:Adrienne Collins
11:15-12:30 Mission Viejo Family YMCA
New! Intro to Public Speaking
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 11:15-12:30
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
This course may serve either as a first introduction to the art of confident presentation or allow students to further practice their public speaking skills. Students will learn basic and advanced techniques to improve their presentations and enhance their natural abilities. Once again, having fun is a key goal as we learn through games, personalized coaching, and regular speech delivery practice!
Outside Classwork: Students prepare and practice speeches.
Instructors: Adrienne Collins
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 11:15-12:30
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
This course may serve either as a first introduction to the art of confident presentation or allow students to further practice their public speaking skills. Students will learn basic and advanced techniques to improve their presentations and enhance their natural abilities. Once again, having fun is a key goal as we learn through games, personalized coaching, and regular speech delivery practice!
Outside Classwork: Students prepare and practice speeches.
Instructors: Adrienne Collins
NEW! Literature - Johnny Tremain
5th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 11:15-12:30
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
Johnny Tremain is a gripping historical novel that is hard to put down once you start reading. Johnny, a young apprentice silversmith, is caught up in the danger and excitement of 1775, just before the start of the Revolutionary War. He is a gifted craftsman and a silversmith apprentice and experiences a life-changing accident. It is the kind of book that gets kids interested in history. Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and other members of the Sons of Liberty make history come alive.
Throughout the class, students build vocabulary, practice answering short comprehension questions, and discuss the themes, symbolism, and other literary elements found in the novel.
Outside Classwork: There are weekly assigned chapters to read, comprehension questions, and weekly vocabulary exercises.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
5th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 11:15-12:30
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
Johnny Tremain is a gripping historical novel that is hard to put down once you start reading. Johnny, a young apprentice silversmith, is caught up in the danger and excitement of 1775, just before the start of the Revolutionary War. He is a gifted craftsman and a silversmith apprentice and experiences a life-changing accident. It is the kind of book that gets kids interested in history. Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and other members of the Sons of Liberty make history come alive.
Throughout the class, students build vocabulary, practice answering short comprehension questions, and discuss the themes, symbolism, and other literary elements found in the novel.
Outside Classwork: There are weekly assigned chapters to read, comprehension questions, and weekly vocabulary exercises.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
11:15-12:15 Thursdays Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Keeping Fit! Elementary PE
Thursdays: 11:15-12:15
Monthly: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12, 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7
(No Class October 10/19 and November 11/23 )
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $64 Members and $75 non-members
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
Monthly: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12, 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7
(No Class October 10/19 and November 11/23 )
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $64 Members and $75 non-members
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
Lunch Bunch
Thursdays: 12:15-12:45
Monthly: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12, 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7
(No Class October 10/19 and November 11/23 )
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $35 Members and $35 non-members
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
Monthly: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12, 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7
(No Class October 10/19 and November 11/23 )
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $35 Members and $35 non-members
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
12:45-1:40 Mission Viejo Family YMCA
NEW! Earth Science: The Story the Rocks
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 12:45-1:40
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
In this class, students explore the foundations of geology: rocks, minerals, fossils, and more. We will cover the different types of rocks, how they formed, the rock cycle, and how to identify rocks. Learners are encouraged to participate, share ideas, ask questions, and become curious. Class includes short lectures, hands-on activities, and experiments as they build knowledge and uncover what geologists have
Weekly topics include:
Instructor: Erik Elstead
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 12:45-1:40
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
In this class, students explore the foundations of geology: rocks, minerals, fossils, and more. We will cover the different types of rocks, how they formed, the rock cycle, and how to identify rocks. Learners are encouraged to participate, share ideas, ask questions, and become curious. Class includes short lectures, hands-on activities, and experiments as they build knowledge and uncover what geologists have
Weekly topics include:
- Week 1: Introduction to Rocks - What Are Rocks?
- Week 2: Igneous Rocks Lesson - Born of Fire
- Week 3: Sedimentary Rocks - Layers of Earth's History
- Week 4: Metamorphic Rocks - Transforming Under Pressure
- Week 5: The Rock Cycle - A Never-Ending Journey
- Week 6: The Story of Rocks - Unraveling Earth's History (fossils)
Instructor: Erik Elstead
NEW! Life Science: The Mystery of Plant Growth
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 12:45-1:40
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7. (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
In this 7-week course, students dive into botany to uncover the mysteries of plant growth. Bring your questions and curiosity as we place our magnifying glasses on the wonders of plants. Students will observe, explore, discuss, brainstorm, and engage in all things related to plants. This class includes a mini-project and presentation.
Instructor: Erik Elstead
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 12:45-1:40
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7. (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
In this 7-week course, students dive into botany to uncover the mysteries of plant growth. Bring your questions and curiosity as we place our magnifying glasses on the wonders of plants. Students will observe, explore, discuss, brainstorm, and engage in all things related to plants. This class includes a mini-project and presentation.
- Week 1 – Introduction to plants
- Week 2 – Plant Life Cycle
- Week 3 – Plant Structure and Function
- Week 4 – Plant Uses and Importance
- Week 5 – Plant Diversity and Biomes
- Week 6 – Caring for Plants and the Garden
- Week 7 - The Future of Plants and Conservation - Protecting Plant Diversity
Instructor: Erik Elstead
1:45-2:45 Mission Viejo Family YMCA
NEW! Grammar Toolkit & Vocabulary Booster Part 1
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 1:45-2:45
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
Two elements of strong writers and readers include grammar and building a solid vocabulary. Review and reinforce grammar/word study concepts and skills using hands-on activities and playing fun, interactive games. A weekly focus skill will be introduced through a mini-lesson, followed by an activity or game for practice.
Outside Classwork:
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 1:45-2:45
6 Weeks: September 9/7, 9/14, 9/21, 9/28 October 10/5, 10/12
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
Two elements of strong writers and readers include grammar and building a solid vocabulary. Review and reinforce grammar/word study concepts and skills using hands-on activities and playing fun, interactive games. A weekly focus skill will be introduced through a mini-lesson, followed by an activity or game for practice.
Outside Classwork:
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
NEW! Grammar Toolkit & Vocabulary Booster Part 2
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 1:45-2:45
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
Two elements of strong writers and readers include grammar and building a solid vocabulary. Review and reinforce grammar/word study concepts and skills using hands-on activities and playing fun, interactive games. A weekly focus skill will be introduced through a mini-lesson, followed by an activity or game for practice.
Outside Classwork:
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays: 1:45-2:45
6 Weeks: October 10/26 November 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/30 December 12/7 (No Class November 11/23)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $235
Two elements of strong writers and readers include grammar and building a solid vocabulary. Review and reinforce grammar/word study concepts and skills using hands-on activities and playing fun, interactive games. A weekly focus skill will be introduced through a mini-lesson, followed by an activity or game for practice.
Outside Classwork:
Instructor: Adrienne Collins