Winter/Spring Tuesdays
3rd-8th Grade Course Descriptions
9:00-10:10
Geometry & Measurement
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays 9:00-10:10
7 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $199
To help reinforce your math skills this year, join us for a special workshop class. Each week starts with a mini-lesson focused on important geometry or measurement skills. Students build math vocabulary and a greater understanding of the subject matter and participate in hands-on activities. Topics include standard measurement and conversions, types of lines and angles, finding the area and perimeter of a shape, understanding the coordinate plane, and measuring angles using a protractor.
Outside Classwork: up to forty-five minutes depending on skill level
Instructor: Laurie Weir
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays 9:00-10:10
7 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $199
To help reinforce your math skills this year, join us for a special workshop class. Each week starts with a mini-lesson focused on important geometry or measurement skills. Students build math vocabulary and a greater understanding of the subject matter and participate in hands-on activities. Topics include standard measurement and conversions, types of lines and angles, finding the area and perimeter of a shape, understanding the coordinate plane, and measuring angles using a protractor.
Outside Classwork: up to forty-five minutes depending on skill level
Instructor: Laurie Weir
Learning To Solve Word Problems
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays 9:00-10:10
6 Weeks: March 21, 28 April 4, 18, 25 May 2
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $170
Word problems can be tricky for many students. The goal of this class is to guide learners to become problem solvers, by expanding their understanding of how to break down word problems and recognize keywords. Students put into practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division while practicing strategies to break down word problems. In addition to developing strategies, students are given plenty of opportunities to solve problems. This course is designed as additional support to your child's math curriculum.
Outside Classwork: Daily problem-solving questions thirty minutes to an hour a week.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays 9:00-10:10
6 Weeks: March 21, 28 April 4, 18, 25 May 2
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $170
Word problems can be tricky for many students. The goal of this class is to guide learners to become problem solvers, by expanding their understanding of how to break down word problems and recognize keywords. Students put into practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division while practicing strategies to break down word problems. In addition to developing strategies, students are given plenty of opportunities to solve problems. This course is designed as additional support to your child's math curriculum.
Outside Classwork: Daily problem-solving questions thirty minutes to an hour a week.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
10:15-11:15
Intro to Report Writing (Animal Report)
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays 10:15-11:15
8 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28 March 21, 28 (No Class March 7 and 14)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $210
This course is designed for students who are new to report writing. Students gain an understanding of finding information from different sources, basic note-taking, and using the information from the notes to write paragraphs. Included in this class are the elements of the traditional paragraph format: topic sentences, supporting sentences, details, and closing sentences.
Prerequisite: Students must be comfortable with writing sentences and paragraphs.
Outside Classwork: completing research, writing started in class, and editing writing drafts
Instructor: Laurie Weir
Note: Students may easily repeat this class. They can select a different animal.
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays 10:15-11:15
8 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28 March 21, 28 (No Class March 7 and 14)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $210
This course is designed for students who are new to report writing. Students gain an understanding of finding information from different sources, basic note-taking, and using the information from the notes to write paragraphs. Included in this class are the elements of the traditional paragraph format: topic sentences, supporting sentences, details, and closing sentences.
Prerequisite: Students must be comfortable with writing sentences and paragraphs.
Outside Classwork: completing research, writing started in class, and editing writing drafts
Instructor: Laurie Weir
Note: Students may easily repeat this class. They can select a different animal.
Literature-Cricket in Times Square
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 10:00-10:55
4 Weeks: April 4, 18, 25 May 2 (No Class April 11)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $ 120
Come and enjoy one of our favorite Newbery Honor Books, The Cricket in Times Square. Tucker is a streetwise city mouse who thought he'd seen it all. But, he's never met a cricket before, which really isn't surprising because along with his friend, Harry Cat, Tucker lives in the very heart of New York City―the Times Square subway station. Chester Cricket never intended to leave his Connecticut meadow. He'd be there still if he hadn't followed the entrancing aroma of liverwurst right into someone's picnic basket. Now, like any tourist in the city, he wants to look around. He could not have found two better guides―and friends―than Tucker and Harry. The trio have many adventures―from taking in the sights and sounds of Broadway to escaping a smoky fire.
During this class students are introduced to the author, learn about the genre, analyze the text, make predictions and inferences, build vocabulary and much more! The curriculum is designed to not overwhelm the student.
Outside Classwork: Coming soon!
Instructor: Laurie Weir
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays: 10:00-10:55
4 Weeks: April 4, 18, 25 May 2 (No Class April 11)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $ 120
Come and enjoy one of our favorite Newbery Honor Books, The Cricket in Times Square. Tucker is a streetwise city mouse who thought he'd seen it all. But, he's never met a cricket before, which really isn't surprising because along with his friend, Harry Cat, Tucker lives in the very heart of New York City―the Times Square subway station. Chester Cricket never intended to leave his Connecticut meadow. He'd be there still if he hadn't followed the entrancing aroma of liverwurst right into someone's picnic basket. Now, like any tourist in the city, he wants to look around. He could not have found two better guides―and friends―than Tucker and Harry. The trio have many adventures―from taking in the sights and sounds of Broadway to escaping a smoky fire.
During this class students are introduced to the author, learn about the genre, analyze the text, make predictions and inferences, build vocabulary and much more! The curriculum is designed to not overwhelm the student.
Outside Classwork: Coming soon!
Instructor: Laurie Weir
11:30-12:45
Natural Disasters: Sky, Land, and Sea
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays 11:30-12:45
7 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $ 255
Why do earthquakes happen? What is lightning? How does wind happen? The earth is constantly changing in ways that cause a variety of natural disasters. Students will practice reading science materials and create models to better understand natural disasters caused by weather and plate tectonics. Don’t get left in the rain! Find out what you can do to be safe and how scientists use their knowledge to ensure the safety of people who face natural disasters.
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
7 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $ 255
Why do earthquakes happen? What is lightning? How does wind happen? The earth is constantly changing in ways that cause a variety of natural disasters. Students will practice reading science materials and create models to better understand natural disasters caused by weather and plate tectonics. Don’t get left in the rain! Find out what you can do to be safe and how scientists use their knowledge to ensure the safety of people who face natural disasters.
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
Marine Biology: Marine Mammals
3rd-5th Grade
Tuesdays 11:30-12:45
6 Weeks: March 21, 28 April 4, 18, 25 May 2 (No Class April 11)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
What has warm blood, breathes air, and lives in the ocean? Calling all marine mammal enthusiasts! From the otter to the blue whale, marine mammals are amazing creatures. They come in many shapes and sizes and live in all of the oceans of the world. Get to know some of these animals and become an ambassador for marine mammals.
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: March 21, 28 April 4, 18, 25 May 2 (No Class April 11)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
What has warm blood, breathes air, and lives in the ocean? Calling all marine mammal enthusiasts! From the otter to the blue whale, marine mammals are amazing creatures. They come in many shapes and sizes and live in all of the oceans of the world. Get to know some of these animals and become an ambassador for marine mammals.
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
The Transcontinental Railroad Project
3rd-6th Grade
Tuesdays 1:00-2:10
7 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $220
In the mid 1800s, Americans dreamed of building a railroad that would cross the continent and further connect us as one nation. In this class students find out how this railroad transformed America. They learn about the Big Four, land grants, Chinese railroad workers, the two competing companies, the golden spike, the dangers and difficulties of the project, geography, and a new need for time zones. Students are teamed up to construct a model of the railroad that linked the East and the West and united Americans.
Outside Classwork: up to 30 minutes
Instructor: Laurie Weir
3rd-6th Grade
Tuesdays 1:00-2:10
7 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $220
In the mid 1800s, Americans dreamed of building a railroad that would cross the continent and further connect us as one nation. In this class students find out how this railroad transformed America. They learn about the Big Four, land grants, Chinese railroad workers, the two competing companies, the golden spike, the dangers and difficulties of the project, geography, and a new need for time zones. Students are teamed up to construct a model of the railroad that linked the East and the West and united Americans.
Outside Classwork: up to 30 minutes
Instructor: Laurie Weir
California Geography
3rd-6th Grade
Tuesdays 1:00-2:10
6 Weeks: March 21, 28 April 4, 18, 25 May 2 (No Class April 11)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $199
The geography of California is rich and diverse. There are alpine mountains, foggy coastlines, hot deserts, and a fertile central valley. It is home to the world's tallest trees, highest and lowest points in the 48 contiguous states. Journey through the four main regions of the state, learning about geographical land features, points of interest such as national parks, historical sites, and other attractions unique to California. During class, students complete a large map of California to help them visualize the diversity and essential locations in California.
Outside Classwork: California Geography students will have up to an hour of homework each week.
Instructors: Laurie Weir
Suggested Companion Classes: First Californians & Missions, The California Gold Rush, The Pony Express, The Transcontinental Railroad Project
3rd-6th Grade
Tuesdays 1:00-2:10
6 Weeks: March 21, 28 April 4, 18, 25 May 2 (No Class April 11)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $199
The geography of California is rich and diverse. There are alpine mountains, foggy coastlines, hot deserts, and a fertile central valley. It is home to the world's tallest trees, highest and lowest points in the 48 contiguous states. Journey through the four main regions of the state, learning about geographical land features, points of interest such as national parks, historical sites, and other attractions unique to California. During class, students complete a large map of California to help them visualize the diversity and essential locations in California.
Outside Classwork: California Geography students will have up to an hour of homework each week.
Instructors: Laurie Weir
Suggested Companion Classes: First Californians & Missions, The California Gold Rush, The Pony Express, The Transcontinental Railroad Project
Writing Fundamentals: Comprehensive Composition
6th-9th Grade
Tuesdays 10:30-11:25
12 Weeks:
Tuition: $350
This semester-long class aims to strengthen students' foundation in the four main types of writing: expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative. Students learn the defining features of each writing style and develop their skills supporting, organizing, and expressing ideas in multi-paragraph essays. Mini lessons focus on the six traits of writing: purpose, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and mechanical correctness.
Writing tasks will involve analysis of poetry and other literature as well as close study of an author's intent and style (including references to character, conflict, symbol, setting, and theme). Students are provided with a wide variety of stimulating writing assignments, allowing them to critically evaluate their reading and improve their own personal writing styles. Examples of writing assignments include personal narratives, creative non-fiction, response to literature, literary analysis, and opinion articles. Additionally, students are taught how to properly create in-text-citations and integrate quotations using proper MLA format.
Each week students work through the writing and revision process and are provided with detailed personalized feedback. Taking this course is terrific preparation for high school. This class is challenging, but also fun!
Outside Classwork: Each week students compose a new writing assignment and revise/edit their work from the previous week, using feedback from Mrs. Collins. Depending on ability, outside class time is around 1- 1.5 hours a week.
Instructor: Mrs. Collins
6th-9th Grade
Tuesdays 10:30-11:25
12 Weeks:
- In Person - January 18, 25 February 1,8, 15, 22 March 1, 8, 29 April 5, 12, 19, 26
- Live Online - February 22 and April 19
- (No Classes March 15 and 22)
Tuition: $350
This semester-long class aims to strengthen students' foundation in the four main types of writing: expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative. Students learn the defining features of each writing style and develop their skills supporting, organizing, and expressing ideas in multi-paragraph essays. Mini lessons focus on the six traits of writing: purpose, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and mechanical correctness.
Writing tasks will involve analysis of poetry and other literature as well as close study of an author's intent and style (including references to character, conflict, symbol, setting, and theme). Students are provided with a wide variety of stimulating writing assignments, allowing them to critically evaluate their reading and improve their own personal writing styles. Examples of writing assignments include personal narratives, creative non-fiction, response to literature, literary analysis, and opinion articles. Additionally, students are taught how to properly create in-text-citations and integrate quotations using proper MLA format.
Each week students work through the writing and revision process and are provided with detailed personalized feedback. Taking this course is terrific preparation for high school. This class is challenging, but also fun!
Outside Classwork: Each week students compose a new writing assignment and revise/edit their work from the previous week, using feedback from Mrs. Collins. Depending on ability, outside class time is around 1- 1.5 hours a week.
Instructor: Mrs. Collins
Speech and Debate Semester 2
6th+ Grade and 12+ years old
Tuesdays 11:15-12:40
13 Weeks:
Tuition: $375
This class is the continuation of the first semester speech and debate class; however, new students are welcome to join. Students continue to learn and practice the art of speech and debate, develop research, reasoning, organizational, and essay writing skills. Students refine leadership skills while becoming more confident speakers and debaters.
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 polished 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 Forensic League.
Please 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 11:15-12:40
13 Weeks:
- In Person - January 18, 25 February 1,8, 15, 22 March 1, 8, 29 April 5, 12, 19, 26
- Live Online - February 22 and April 19
- (No Classes March 15 and 22)
Tuition: $375
This class is the continuation of the first semester speech and debate class; however, new students are welcome to join. Students continue to learn and practice the art of speech and debate, develop research, reasoning, organizational, and essay writing skills. Students refine leadership skills while becoming more confident speakers and debaters.
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 polished 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 Forensic League.
Please 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
Dynamic Planet: Natural Disasters
4th-8th Grade
Tuesdays: 1:45-2:45
7 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $255
Our planet is always changing, from the shape of the earth to the winds in the skies. Volcanoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes are a few of the signs of these changes. Come explore how our constantly changing planet causes many natural disasters. Students will create models and conduct research to discover how scientists learn about causes of these earth-shattering events.
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
7 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $255
Our planet is always changing, from the shape of the earth to the winds in the skies. Volcanoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes are a few of the signs of these changes. Come explore how our constantly changing planet causes many natural disasters. Students will create models and conduct research to discover how scientists learn about causes of these earth-shattering events.
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
Marine Biology: Secrets of the Abyss
4th-8th Grade
Tuesdays: 1:45-2:45
6 Weeks: March 21, 28 April 4, 18, 25 May 2 (No Class April 11)
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $220
Journey to the bottom of the sea to discover the unusual animals that live in an environment with heavy darkness and limited resources. How do scientists learn about this part of earth that is so hard to reach? What can the secrets of the abyss tell us about our planet? This study of the abyss will cover topics such as bioluminescence, hydrothermal vents, and seafloor exploration. Let’s dive in!
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: March 21, 28 April 4, 18, 25 May 2 (No Class April 11)
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $220
Journey to the bottom of the sea to discover the unusual animals that live in an environment with heavy darkness and limited resources. How do scientists learn about this part of earth that is so hard to reach? What can the secrets of the abyss tell us about our planet? This study of the abyss will cover topics such as bioluminescence, hydrothermal vents, and seafloor exploration. Let’s dive in!
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: Mega Motor Madness
3rd-6th Grade
Tuesdays 2:15-3:15
6 Weeks: March 21, 28 April 4, 18, 25 May 2 (No Class April 11)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $160
This class will get students’ motors running! Through this course students will build models designed to introduce them to core concepts essential to science, technology, engineering, and math. Children will also utilize LEGO® Power Functions to illustrate fundamental principles of simple machines and mechanisms.
Outside Classwork: None
Instructor: TBD
3rd-6th Grade
Tuesdays 2:15-3:15
6 Weeks: March 21, 28 April 4, 18, 25 May 2 (No Class April 11)
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $160
This class will get students’ motors running! Through this course students will build models designed to introduce them to core concepts essential to science, technology, engineering, and math. Children will also utilize LEGO® Power Functions to illustrate fundamental principles of simple machines and mechanisms.
Outside Classwork: None
Instructor: TBD
NEW! Engineering with LEGO: Stars Wars - Tales of the Jedi
K-3rd Grade
Tuesdays 2:15-3:15
6 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31. February 14, 21, 28
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $160
LEGO® Storytelling: STAR WARS Edition! teaches character development, symbols, settings, parts of a story and more. Students will solve problems where characters are in a tough situation. They will use LEGO® to present a creative solution to the class. Other skills that will be developed in this class include writing, public speaking, creativity, team work, and presentation! Don’t miss this fun adventure!
Outside Classwork: None
Instructor: TBD
K-3rd Grade
Tuesdays 2:15-3:15
6 Weeks: January 17, 24, 31. February 14, 21, 28
Location: Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $160
LEGO® Storytelling: STAR WARS Edition! teaches character development, symbols, settings, parts of a story and more. Students will solve problems where characters are in a tough situation. They will use LEGO® to present a creative solution to the class. Other skills that will be developed in this class include writing, public speaking, creativity, team work, and presentation! Don’t miss this fun adventure!
Outside Classwork: None
Instructor: TBD