Winter/Spring Thursdays
3rd-8th Grade Course Descriptions
9:00-10:10
New! Foundations in Math
3rd-5th Grade
Thursday: 9:00-9:55
13 Weeks: January 19, 26 February 2, 9, 16, 23 March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5
(No Class March 9 and 16 April 13)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $325
Are you ready to build a stronger foundation in math? During this thirteen-week course, every class begins with students participating in a math talk to build number sense, learn how to discuss mathematics, and develop computational fluency. In addition, each class includes a math lesson on key concepts.
Outside Classwork: Up to forty-five minutes a week
Instructor: TBD
3rd-5th Grade
Thursday: 9:00-9:55
13 Weeks: January 19, 26 February 2, 9, 16, 23 March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5
(No Class March 9 and 16 April 13)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $325
Are you ready to build a stronger foundation in math? During this thirteen-week course, every class begins with students participating in a math talk to build number sense, learn how to discuss mathematics, and develop computational fluency. In addition, each class includes a math lesson on key concepts.
Outside Classwork: Up to forty-five minutes a week
Instructor: TBD
10:00-10:55
Literature-Snow Treasure
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 10:00-10:55
6 Thursdays: January 19, 26 February 2, 9, 16, 23
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $175
In the bleak winter of 1940, Nazi troops parachuted into Peter Lindstrom's tiny Norwegian village and held it captive. Nobody thought the Nazis could be defeated—until Uncle Victor told Peter how the children could fool the enemy. Find out how a group of children outwitted the Nazis and sent the treasure to America. Join us as we use class discussions, vocabulary games, and projects to shovel our way into this classic story. This is a beautifully written story thought to be true. Students have the opportunity to learn about Norway, it’s geography, literary elements, vocabulary, and much more.
Outside Classwork: Assigned reading, comprehension questions, and vocabulary building exercises.
Instrutor: Adrienne Collins
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 10:00-10:55
6 Thursdays: January 19, 26 February 2, 9, 16, 23
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $175
In the bleak winter of 1940, Nazi troops parachuted into Peter Lindstrom's tiny Norwegian village and held it captive. Nobody thought the Nazis could be defeated—until Uncle Victor told Peter how the children could fool the enemy. Find out how a group of children outwitted the Nazis and sent the treasure to America. Join us as we use class discussions, vocabulary games, and projects to shovel our way into this classic story. This is a beautifully written story thought to be true. Students have the opportunity to learn about Norway, it’s geography, literary elements, vocabulary, and much more.
Outside Classwork: Assigned reading, comprehension questions, and vocabulary building exercises.
Instrutor: Adrienne Collins
NEW! Creative Writing
3rd-6th Grade
Thursdays: 10:00-10:55
7 Weeks: March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5 (No Class March 9, 16 April 13)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $205
Creative writing provides students with new and exciting ways to express themselves. Inspirational and fun activities are the focal point of this class, helping writers gain confidence and skills to create higher quality writing. Mini lessons and in-class writing time are combined with engaging exercises, creating the building blocks used to improve student writing. Along the way, we'll explore the foundations of great storytelling--character, setting, atmosphere, and plot--as we build our own short stories.
Additionally, students will develop vocabulary skills and gain lots of experience with grammar and sentence structure. The goals of this class are for students to learn different ways of expressing themselves through writing, to engage in the full writing process, and to gain exposure to different forms of writing. Of course, we won't forget to have fun. Once learned, these skills will serve as tools that students can keep using as they write in the future!
Outside Classwork: Students write and revise each week.
Depending on ability level, students should expect to spend approximately 30 minutes -1 hour each week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
3rd-6th Grade
Thursdays: 10:00-10:55
7 Weeks: March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5 (No Class March 9, 16 April 13)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $205
Creative writing provides students with new and exciting ways to express themselves. Inspirational and fun activities are the focal point of this class, helping writers gain confidence and skills to create higher quality writing. Mini lessons and in-class writing time are combined with engaging exercises, creating the building blocks used to improve student writing. Along the way, we'll explore the foundations of great storytelling--character, setting, atmosphere, and plot--as we build our own short stories.
Additionally, students will develop vocabulary skills and gain lots of experience with grammar and sentence structure. The goals of this class are for students to learn different ways of expressing themselves through writing, to engage in the full writing process, and to gain exposure to different forms of writing. Of course, we won't forget to have fun. Once learned, these skills will serve as tools that students can keep using as they write in the future!
Outside Classwork: Students write and revise each week.
Depending on ability level, students should expect to spend approximately 30 minutes -1 hour each week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
11:00-12:10
World Geography
4th-8th Grades
Thursdays: 11:00-12:10
13 Weeks: January 19, 26 February 2, 9, 16, 23 March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5
(No Class March 9 and 16 April 13)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $350
Get ready for an exciting voyage to all seven continents! Student will learn about the five themes of geography and build a greater knowledge of geography vocabulary. We will focus on the major geographic features climate, locations, latitude & longitude, world populations and mapping skills. Students will work on creating their own desktop map and take notes in an interactive notebook.
Outside Classwork: Students can expect to have some mapping to complete at home, review countries using an online geography game, and classwork to finish.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
4th-8th Grades
Thursdays: 11:00-12:10
13 Weeks: January 19, 26 February 2, 9, 16, 23 March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5
(No Class March 9 and 16 April 13)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $350
Get ready for an exciting voyage to all seven continents! Student will learn about the five themes of geography and build a greater knowledge of geography vocabulary. We will focus on the major geographic features climate, locations, latitude & longitude, world populations and mapping skills. Students will work on creating their own desktop map and take notes in an interactive notebook.
Outside Classwork: Students can expect to have some mapping to complete at home, review countries using an online geography game, and classwork to finish.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
The YMCA Physical Education Elective
4th-8th Grade
Thursday 11:00-12:00
4 Weeks: February 2, 9, 16, 23
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $64 Members and $76 non-members
Believe Achieve Succeed!
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!
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
4th-8th Grade
Thursday 11:00-12:00
4 Weeks: February 2, 9, 16, 23
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $64 Members and $76 non-members
Believe Achieve Succeed!
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!
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
The YMCA Physical Education Elective
4th-8th Grade
Thursday 11:00-12:00
4 Weeks: April 6, 13, 20, 27
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $64 Members and $76 non-members
Believe Achieve Succeed!
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!
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
4th-8th Grade
Thursday 11:00-12:00
4 Weeks: April 6, 13, 20, 27
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $64 Members and $76 non-members
Believe Achieve Succeed!
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!
Instructor: Certified YMCA Instructor
12:30-1:25
Writing Essentials: It's My Opinion
4th-7th Grade
Thursdays: 12:30-1:25
6 Weeks: January 19, 26 February 1, 9, 16, 23
Online Class February 23
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $175
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: 12:30-1:25
6 Weeks: January 19, 26 February 1, 9, 16, 23
Online Class February 23
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $175
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
Writing to Explain and Inform
4th-7th Grade
Thursdays: 12:30-1:25
7 Weeks: March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5
(No Class March 9, 16 and April 13 )
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $205
In practical terms most tasks require you to inform or explain. In this class, students focus on understanding the differences between writing to inform and writing to explain while continuing to improve grammatical correctness, vocabulary development, and revision and editing skills. Students analyze and utilize mentor pieces as a model, complete prewriting organizers, and share in skilled-based instruction necessary for writing strong essays.
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 45 - 60 minutes a week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
4th-7th Grade
Thursdays: 12:30-1:25
7 Weeks: March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5
(No Class March 9, 16 and April 13 )
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $205
In practical terms most tasks require you to inform or explain. In this class, students focus on understanding the differences between writing to inform and writing to explain while continuing to improve grammatical correctness, vocabulary development, and revision and editing skills. Students analyze and utilize mentor pieces as a model, complete prewriting organizers, and share in skilled-based instruction necessary for writing strong essays.
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 45 - 60 minutes a week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
1:30-2:30
When in Rome … Ancient Rome
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 1:30-2:30
6 Weeks: January 19, 26 February 2, 9, 16, 23
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $195
Students dive into the fascinating history of Ancient Rome and take a look at its lasting impact to the world. We look at Rome’s talent for borrowing and improving concepts of other cultures, and what made Rome powerful. The focus is on what the Ancient Roman civilization contributed to modern life including technological and architectural feats.
Outside Classwork: Students have assigned readings and may need to finish up other work not completed in class. Up to approximately 1 hour a week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 1:30-2:30
6 Weeks: January 19, 26 February 2, 9, 16, 23
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $195
Students dive into the fascinating history of Ancient Rome and take a look at its lasting impact to the world. We look at Rome’s talent for borrowing and improving concepts of other cultures, and what made Rome powerful. The focus is on what the Ancient Roman civilization contributed to modern life including technological and architectural feats.
Outside Classwork: Students have assigned readings and may need to finish up other work not completed in class. Up to approximately 1 hour a week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
India's Ancient Past
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 1:30-2:30
7 Weeks: March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5
(No Class March 9 and 16 April 13)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $195
Students explore the lasting contributions Ancient India made to the world's knowledge and culture. The course is organized with the key "big idea" concepts for social studies. Some of the topics covered are: economy, government, social classes, geography, religion, and achievements. Through teaching with these key concepts, students become familiar with the crucial attributes that have enabled India's civilization to prosper. Our study starts with the geography of India where students research the Indus Valley and find out how the importance of its geography played in its success. Next, students look at the first empires, India's caste system, and learn the influential leader, Gandhi. Come join us for seven weeks of highly-engaging, hands-on lessons to teach your students all about the intricacies of Ancient India.
Outside Classwork: Students have assigned readings and may need to finish up other work not completed in class. Up to approximately 1 hour a week.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 1:30-2:30
7 Weeks: March 2, 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5
(No Class March 9 and 16 April 13)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $195
Students explore the lasting contributions Ancient India made to the world's knowledge and culture. The course is organized with the key "big idea" concepts for social studies. Some of the topics covered are: economy, government, social classes, geography, religion, and achievements. Through teaching with these key concepts, students become familiar with the crucial attributes that have enabled India's civilization to prosper. Our study starts with the geography of India where students research the Indus Valley and find out how the importance of its geography played in its success. Next, students look at the first empires, India's caste system, and learn the influential leader, Gandhi. Come join us for seven weeks of highly-engaging, hands-on lessons to teach your students all about the intricacies of Ancient India.
Outside Classwork: Students have assigned readings and may need to finish up other work not completed in class. Up to approximately 1 hour a week.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
NEW! Drawing with Lewis & Clark : Sketchbook Class
3rd-7th Grade
Thursdays: 1:00-2:00
5 Weeks: March 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 (No Class April 13)
Location: Potaki Center for the Arts -Mission Viejo
Tuition: $150
Learn to draw animals the way famous explorers Lewis &Clark did! In this fun drawing course you will learn how to draw both a jackrabbit and prairie dog on the plains; a grizzly bear in the mountains; and a condor and otter on the Pacific coast. Students will learn how to use pen and watercolor wash and also how to make and draw with a feather quill pen just as Lewis & Clark did. A little history is thrown in too! This is a class for any skill level.
Outside Classwork: There is no outside class work - projects go home after they are finished. Mostly every week. It’s up to the students if they want to work on it more at home.
Instructor: Vickie Frazier
3rd-7th Grade
Thursdays: 1:00-2:00
5 Weeks: March 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 (No Class April 13)
Location: Potaki Center for the Arts -Mission Viejo
Tuition: $150
Learn to draw animals the way famous explorers Lewis &Clark did! In this fun drawing course you will learn how to draw both a jackrabbit and prairie dog on the plains; a grizzly bear in the mountains; and a condor and otter on the Pacific coast. Students will learn how to use pen and watercolor wash and also how to make and draw with a feather quill pen just as Lewis & Clark did. A little history is thrown in too! This is a class for any skill level.
Outside Classwork: There is no outside class work - projects go home after they are finished. Mostly every week. It’s up to the students if they want to work on it more at home.
Instructor: Vickie Frazier
2:45-3:45
NEW! Character Creation For Animation & Comics
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 2:45-3:45
4 Weeks: February 2, 9, 16, 23
Location: Potaki Center for the Arts -Mission Viejo
Tuition: $125
Learn the basics of character design! This fun exploration class is packed full of tips and tricks animators use to design characters full of personality and life. Students will learn about squash and stretch, action lines, facial expressions, and how to build their characters using simple shapes. We will animate a bouncing ball with flashcards, and explore form using Sculpey models while taking inspiration from some famous animated characters. Students will get to design their unique character as a final assignment. For any skill level!
Outside Classwork: There is no outside class work - projects go home after they are finished. Mostly every week. It’s up to the students if they want to work on it more at home.
Instructor: Vickie Frazier
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 2:45-3:45
4 Weeks: February 2, 9, 16, 23
Location: Potaki Center for the Arts -Mission Viejo
Tuition: $125
Learn the basics of character design! This fun exploration class is packed full of tips and tricks animators use to design characters full of personality and life. Students will learn about squash and stretch, action lines, facial expressions, and how to build their characters using simple shapes. We will animate a bouncing ball with flashcards, and explore form using Sculpey models while taking inspiration from some famous animated characters. Students will get to design their unique character as a final assignment. For any skill level!
Outside Classwork: There is no outside class work - projects go home after they are finished. Mostly every week. It’s up to the students if they want to work on it more at home.
Instructor: Vickie Frazier
NEW! Explorations in Art
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 2:45-3:45
6 Weeks: March 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5 (No Class April 13)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $230
In this art exploration class, students are encouraged to express their creativity and expand their talents. Students will learn basic art concepts and principles. They will love drawing, painting, mixing and comparing color while strengthening their creativity and building technical skills. Projects are new every week.
Outside Classwork: There is no outside class work - projects go home after they are finished. Mostly every week. It’s up to the students if they want to work on it more at home.
Instructor: Vickie Frazier
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 2:45-3:45
6 Weeks: March 23, 30 April 6, 20, 27 May 5 (No Class April 13)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $230
In this art exploration class, students are encouraged to express their creativity and expand their talents. Students will learn basic art concepts and principles. They will love drawing, painting, mixing and comparing color while strengthening their creativity and building technical skills. Projects are new every week.
Outside Classwork: There is no outside class work - projects go home after they are finished. Mostly every week. It’s up to the students if they want to work on it more at home.
Instructor: Vickie Frazier