Fall 2022 Tuesdays
3rd-8th Grade Course Descriptions
9:00-10:10
Building A Strong Foundation In Multiplication
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 9:00-10:10
12 Weeks: September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13
(No Class October 18 and November 22)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition $325
Leap from learning subtraction and addition to the basic concept of multiplication. First, we will anchor the concept of multiplication in relation to addition – which your child should already be comfortable with. Students will visualize the idea of repeated addition using arrays. Next, join us as we embark on a multiplication journey through skip-counting, pneumonic devices, hands-on activities, and games. Each week students are introduced to new facts while reviewing the previous ones. Essential multiplication vocabulary and the properties of zeros, ones, twos, threes, fives, tens, and elevens are covered first then we move on to the other facts. We continue to build covering multiplication facts 0 - 12's. Sign up, and don't miss the fun!
Outside Classwork: 10 minutes a day of review
Instructor: Laurie Weir
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 9:00-10:10
12 Weeks: September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13
(No Class October 18 and November 22)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition $325
Leap from learning subtraction and addition to the basic concept of multiplication. First, we will anchor the concept of multiplication in relation to addition – which your child should already be comfortable with. Students will visualize the idea of repeated addition using arrays. Next, join us as we embark on a multiplication journey through skip-counting, pneumonic devices, hands-on activities, and games. Each week students are introduced to new facts while reviewing the previous ones. Essential multiplication vocabulary and the properties of zeros, ones, twos, threes, fives, tens, and elevens are covered first then we move on to the other facts. We continue to build covering multiplication facts 0 - 12's. Sign up, and don't miss the fun!
Outside Classwork: 10 minutes a day of review
Instructor: Laurie Weir
10:15-11:15
Crafting Quality Sentences
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 10:15-11:15
6 Weeks: September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 25
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $175
Keep your young writer inspired by encouraging them to craft beautiful sentences. One of the commonly ignored factors that influences the quality of a paragraph or essay is sentence construction. Help your child flex their “idea” muscles and learn to express those ideas in more sophisticated ways. This class uses age-appropriate writing topics and activities are used to spark students’ creativity and engage them in the writing process. Skills your child will work on include deleting extraneous words, writing longer and more complex sentences, and understanding the importance of word choice.
Outside Classwork: up to 30 minutes per week
Instructor: Laurie Weir
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 10:15-11:15
6 Weeks: September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 25
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $175
Keep your young writer inspired by encouraging them to craft beautiful sentences. One of the commonly ignored factors that influences the quality of a paragraph or essay is sentence construction. Help your child flex their “idea” muscles and learn to express those ideas in more sophisticated ways. This class uses age-appropriate writing topics and activities are used to spark students’ creativity and engage them in the writing process. Skills your child will work on include deleting extraneous words, writing longer and more complex sentences, and understanding the importance of word choice.
Outside Classwork: up to 30 minutes per week
Instructor: Laurie Weir
Island of the Blue Dolphins Literature Class
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 10:15-11:15
6 Weeks: November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13 (No Class November 22)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition:$175
Based on the true story of Juana Maria, a Native American, left alone on San Nicolas Island, off the coast of California in the 19th Century. This is a story of survival as Karana waits to be rescued. The focal point of this award-winning classic is how to read a book. Students are taught specific reading strategies such as book previewing, annotating, making inferences, and how to answer comprehension questions. The emphasis is on building comprehension skills and having shared discussions.
Outside Classwork: Students read assigned chapters and complete light assignments designed to help students come to class prepared to discuss the book in a meaningful way.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 10:15-11:15
6 Weeks: November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13 (No Class November 22)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition:$175
Based on the true story of Juana Maria, a Native American, left alone on San Nicolas Island, off the coast of California in the 19th Century. This is a story of survival as Karana waits to be rescued. The focal point of this award-winning classic is how to read a book. Students are taught specific reading strategies such as book previewing, annotating, making inferences, and how to answer comprehension questions. The emphasis is on building comprehension skills and having shared discussions.
Outside Classwork: Students read assigned chapters and complete light assignments designed to help students come to class prepared to discuss the book in a meaningful way.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
11:30-12:45
NEW! Electricity and Magnetism
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 11:30-12:45
6 Weeks: September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 25 (No Class October 18)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $225
Why does my hair stand up when I rub a balloon on it? Am I conductive? Why are magnets so useful? Come explore the answers to these questions and others in this class with hands-on activities to make sense of the science of electricity and magnetism.
Outside Classwork: Most work will be finished in class. Homework may include watching videos to prepare for class, reading assignments, and/or to finish unfinished classwork and will take less than 1 hour per week.
Instructor: Laura Wong
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 11:30-12:45
6 Weeks: September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 25 (No Class October 18)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $225
Why does my hair stand up when I rub a balloon on it? Am I conductive? Why are magnets so useful? Come explore the answers to these questions and others in this class with hands-on activities to make sense of the science of electricity and magnetism.
Outside Classwork: Most work will be finished in class. Homework may include watching videos to prepare for class, reading assignments, and/or to finish unfinished classwork and will take less than 1 hour per week.
Instructor: Laura Wong
NEW! Based On The Evidence: Forensics
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 11:30-12:45
6 Weeks: November 1, 8, 15, 29 Dec 6, 13 (No Class November 22)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $220
Investigators wanted! Make observations, collect evidence from the “scene”, and use other forensic science methods to solve mysteries. Detectives participate in hands-on forensic activities such as fingerprint and soil analysis. Stick to the protocol, think critically, and communicate your conclusions to solve “whodunits”, science style.
Outside Classwork: Most work will be finished in class. Homework may include watching videos to prepare for class, reading assignments, and/or to finish unfinished classwork and will take less than 1 hour per week.
Instructor: Laura Wong
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 11:30-12:45
6 Weeks: November 1, 8, 15, 29 Dec 6, 13 (No Class November 22)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $220
Investigators wanted! Make observations, collect evidence from the “scene”, and use other forensic science methods to solve mysteries. Detectives participate in hands-on forensic activities such as fingerprint and soil analysis. Stick to the protocol, think critically, and communicate your conclusions to solve “whodunits”, science style.
Outside Classwork: Most work will be finished in class. Homework may include watching videos to prepare for class, reading assignments, and/or to finish unfinished classwork and will take less than 1 hour per week.
Instructor: Laura Wong
1:00-2:10
First Californians & Missions
3rd-6th Grade
Tuesdays: 1:00-2:10
6 Weeks: September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 25
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $199
Students take a look back at the original inhabitants of our state. California's indigenous people were among the most populous and diverse natives in all of North America. Students are introduced to the history and rich culture of many tribes which made their home in California. We learn about the twenty-one missions built along the El Camino Real, and the roles the indigenous peoples played in these communities.
Outside Classwork: Students may need to read short passages and complete work not finished in class.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
Suggested Companion Classes: The California Gold Rush, The Pony Express, Transcontinental Railroad Project, California Geography
3rd-6th Grade
Tuesdays: 1:00-2:10
6 Weeks: September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 25
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $199
Students take a look back at the original inhabitants of our state. California's indigenous people were among the most populous and diverse natives in all of North America. Students are introduced to the history and rich culture of many tribes which made their home in California. We learn about the twenty-one missions built along the El Camino Real, and the roles the indigenous peoples played in these communities.
Outside Classwork: Students may need to read short passages and complete work not finished in class.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
Suggested Companion Classes: The California Gold Rush, The Pony Express, Transcontinental Railroad Project, California Geography
The California Gold Rush & Pony Express
3rd-6th Grade
Tuesdays: 1:00-2:10
6 Weeks: November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13 (No Class November 22)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $199
Eureka! We found it! Join us for an adventure where we will investigate the fascinating history of the 1848 Gold Rush in California. Learn about James Marshall, the man who started the rush to California, and other notable figures. Stake out a claim and find out about panning for gold and mining. We will take a close look at the "Gold Country" geography and create a map of the area. Most importantly, we answer the question: How did the 1848 gold rush impact California and the United States?
Next, experience the rich history of the Pony Express. Students learn how mail was carried across the country in the 1860s until the telegraph replaced it. Through mini-lectures and hands-on activities, students will find who started the mail delivery service, which route the brave riders took, and the numerous obstacles they encountered.
Outside Classwork: None
Instructor: Laurie Weir
Suggested Companion Classes: Transcontinental Railroad Project, California Geography, First Californians & Missions
3rd-6th Grade
Tuesdays: 1:00-2:10
6 Weeks: November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13 (No Class November 22)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $199
Eureka! We found it! Join us for an adventure where we will investigate the fascinating history of the 1848 Gold Rush in California. Learn about James Marshall, the man who started the rush to California, and other notable figures. Stake out a claim and find out about panning for gold and mining. We will take a close look at the "Gold Country" geography and create a map of the area. Most importantly, we answer the question: How did the 1848 gold rush impact California and the United States?
Next, experience the rich history of the Pony Express. Students learn how mail was carried across the country in the 1860s until the telegraph replaced it. Through mini-lectures and hands-on activities, students will find who started the mail delivery service, which route the brave riders took, and the numerous obstacles they encountered.
Outside Classwork: None
Instructor: Laurie Weir
Suggested Companion Classes: Transcontinental Railroad Project, California Geography, First Californians & Missions
10:30-11:25
NEW! Writing Through History: American Stories
5th-8th Grade
Tuesdays: 10:30-11:25
12 Weeks:
Tuition: $350
While spotlighting significant historical events, students engage in purposeful and fun activities to gather information and write about memorable moments in history. Students will use their research to write interesting historical narratives, original poetry, fun tales, persuasive and expository essays, and more.
During these 12 weeks, students focus on learning to effectively write using the four major styles of writing: expository, descriptive, narrative and persuasive. Students also concentrate on improving their own personal writing styles while engaging in the writing and revising process. Mini lessons emphasize the six traits of writing: purpose, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and mechanical correctness.
Some Topics Include:
Settlers & Colonies
Outside Classwork: Finish assignments started in class and composing and revising writing assignments. Depending on ability, outside class time is around 1- 1.5 hours a week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
5th-8th Grade
Tuesdays: 10:30-11:25
12 Weeks:
- In Person - September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13
- Online - September 27 October 11
- (No Class October 18 and November 22)
Tuition: $350
While spotlighting significant historical events, students engage in purposeful and fun activities to gather information and write about memorable moments in history. Students will use their research to write interesting historical narratives, original poetry, fun tales, persuasive and expository essays, and more.
During these 12 weeks, students focus on learning to effectively write using the four major styles of writing: expository, descriptive, narrative and persuasive. Students also concentrate on improving their own personal writing styles while engaging in the writing and revising process. Mini lessons emphasize the six traits of writing: purpose, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and mechanical correctness.
Some Topics Include:
Settlers & Colonies
- 1587- The Lost Colony of Roanoke
- 1775 - Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride
- 1817 - The Erie Canal- Engineering Challenge
- 1869 - New York City & Industrialization - The Building the Brooklyn Bridge
- 1929 The Great Depression
- 1938 - H.G. Wells’s Radio Broadcast - War of the Worlds
- 1954 Brown vs the Board of Education
Outside Classwork: Finish assignments started in class and composing and revising writing assignments. Depending on ability, outside class time is around 1- 1.5 hours a week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
11:30-12:45
Speech and Debate - Fall Semester
6th+ Grade and 12+ years old
Tuesdays: 11:30-12:45
12 Weeks:
Tuition: $360
This is the first half of a year-long course where students are taught the fundamentals of effective oral communication skills. While collaborating with other students, your student can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the power and responsibility of a well trained voice, increase their confidence, and consistently use critical thinking skills. Through games and meaningful application, students learn proper speech techniques and polish delivery.
Students engage in structured argumentation, learn how to research and support their developing perspectives, and apply their learning through debates. Using our unique teaching approach, we incorporate several team and partner assignments, along with key concepts from the renowned National Speech and Debate Association.
Note: If your child has taken speech and debate with us before, each year follows a new curriculum, so the class may be taken multiple times.
Outside Classwork: Students are expected to research topics, write speeches, and rehearse presentations outside of class.
Instructors: Adrienne Collins and Laurie Weir
6th+ Grade and 12+ years old
Tuesdays: 11:30-12:45
12 Weeks:
- In Person - September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 19, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13
- Live Online - September 27 October 11
- (No Class October 18 and November 22)
Tuition: $360
This is the first half of a year-long course where students are taught the fundamentals of effective oral communication skills. While collaborating with other students, your student can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the power and responsibility of a well trained voice, increase their confidence, and consistently use critical thinking skills. Through games and meaningful application, students learn proper speech techniques and polish delivery.
Students engage in structured argumentation, learn how to research and support their developing perspectives, and apply their learning through debates. Using our unique teaching approach, we incorporate several team and partner assignments, along with key concepts from the renowned National Speech and Debate Association.
Note: If your child has taken speech and debate with us before, each year follows a new curriculum, so the class may be taken multiple times.
Outside Classwork: Students are expected to research topics, write speeches, and rehearse presentations outside of class.
Instructors: Adrienne Collins and Laurie Weir
1:45-2:45
NEW! Investigation: Forensics
4th-8th Grade
Tuesdays: 1:45-2:45
6 Weeks: November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13 (No Class November 22)
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $220
You are needed at a crime scene. Investigation: Forensics needs you to evaluate the scene, collect data, and use evidence to solve mysteries. No experience necessary. We will train you to collect different kinds of evidence, make observations, analyze samples, and follow protocols that will empower you to find the culprit and bring them to justice.
Outside Classwork: Most work will be finished in class. Homework may include watching videos to prepare for class, reading assignments, and/or to finish unfinished classwork and will take less than 1 hour per week.
Instructor: Laura Wong
4th-8th Grade
Tuesdays: 1:45-2:45
6 Weeks: November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13 (No Class November 22)
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $220
You are needed at a crime scene. Investigation: Forensics needs you to evaluate the scene, collect data, and use evidence to solve mysteries. No experience necessary. We will train you to collect different kinds of evidence, make observations, analyze samples, and follow protocols that will empower you to find the culprit and bring them to justice.
Outside Classwork: Most work will be finished in class. Homework may include watching videos to prepare for class, reading assignments, and/or to finish unfinished classwork and will take less than 1 hour per week.
Instructor: Laura Wong
2:15-3:15
NEW! Engineering with LEGO:Amazing Carnival Machines
1st-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 2:15-3:15
6 Weeks: November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13 (No Class November 22)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $160
Crazy Carnival Machines gets students working with LEGOs while teaching a wide variety of engineering topics. Children learn organizational and fine motor skills, as well as team work and other life strategies! Through this course, the students discover simple engineering concepts (gears, levers, pulleys) by engaging in fun activities and guided play which are all based around carnival games and machines.
Outside Classwork: None
Instructor: TBD
1st-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 2:15-3:15
6 Weeks: November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13 (No Class November 22)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $160
Crazy Carnival Machines gets students working with LEGOs while teaching a wide variety of engineering topics. Children learn organizational and fine motor skills, as well as team work and other life strategies! Through this course, the students discover simple engineering concepts (gears, levers, pulleys) by engaging in fun activities and guided play which are all based around carnival games and machines.
Outside Classwork: None
Instructor: TBD
NEW! Writing Through History: American Stories
5th-8th Grade
Tuesdays 2:30-3:30
12 weeks: September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13
(No Class October 18 and November 22)
Location: Live Online
Tuition: $350
While spotlighting significant historical events, students engage in purposeful and fun activities to gather information and write about memorable moments in history. Students will use their research to write interesting historical narratives, original poetry, fun tales, persuasive and expository essays, and more.
During these 12 weeks, students focus on learning to effectively write using the four major styles of writing: expository, descriptive, narrative and persuasive. Students also concentrate on improving their own personal writing styles while engaging in the writing and revising process. Mini lessons emphasize the six traits of writing: purpose, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and mechanical correctness.
Some Topics Include:
Settlers & Colonies
Outside Classwork: Finish assignments started in class and composing and revising writing assignments. Depending on ability, outside class time is around 1- 1.5 hours a week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
5th-8th Grade
Tuesdays 2:30-3:30
12 weeks: September 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 29 December 6, 13
(No Class October 18 and November 22)
Location: Live Online
Tuition: $350
While spotlighting significant historical events, students engage in purposeful and fun activities to gather information and write about memorable moments in history. Students will use their research to write interesting historical narratives, original poetry, fun tales, persuasive and expository essays, and more.
During these 12 weeks, students focus on learning to effectively write using the four major styles of writing: expository, descriptive, narrative and persuasive. Students also concentrate on improving their own personal writing styles while engaging in the writing and revising process. Mini lessons emphasize the six traits of writing: purpose, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and mechanical correctness.
Some Topics Include:
Settlers & Colonies
- 1587- The Lost Colony of Roanoke
- 1775 - Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride
- 1817 - The Erie Canal- Engineering Challenge
- 1869 - New York City & Industrialization - The Building the Brooklyn Bridge
- 1929 The Great Depression
- 1938 - H.G. Wells’s Radio Broadcast - War of the Worlds
- 1954 Brown vs the Board of Education
Outside Classwork: Finish assignments started in class and composing and revising writing assignments. Depending on ability, outside class time is around 1- 1.5 hours a week.
Instructor: Adrienne Collins