Course Descriptions
Thursday Classes - Fall 2021
In Person & Live Online
Kindergarten Enrichment Class:Jewish Community Center
9:30-11:30 In Person
Young Scholars Kindergarten Enrichment Class
Grade: Kindergarten and 5 years old by September 1st
Thursdays: 9:30-11:30
13 Weeks: Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA September 9, 16, 23, 30
Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo October 7, 14, 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class October 21 and November 25)
Tuition $500
We are excited to present our first class for kindergarteners. This two-hour class is designed to give students a unique kindergarten experience. The focus of the class is to foster socialization, build fine and gross motor skills through penmanship, movement, and creative projects. The program will be enriched with language arts, math, science, and special day celebrations. This class focuses on children’s pleasure and excitement for learning, increasing their ability to problem solve and fostering the ability to be a contributing member of a group. Students admitted have to reach age five by September 1. There is a maximum of eight students.
It will include calendar time, sharing, and a rich variety of activities to engage students in learning.
Outside Classwork: Possibly finishing activities started in class.
Instructor: Laura Wong
Grade: Kindergarten and 5 years old by September 1st
Thursdays: 9:30-11:30
13 Weeks: Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA September 9, 16, 23, 30
Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo October 7, 14, 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class October 21 and November 25)
Tuition $500
We are excited to present our first class for kindergarteners. This two-hour class is designed to give students a unique kindergarten experience. The focus of the class is to foster socialization, build fine and gross motor skills through penmanship, movement, and creative projects. The program will be enriched with language arts, math, science, and special day celebrations. This class focuses on children’s pleasure and excitement for learning, increasing their ability to problem solve and fostering the ability to be a contributing member of a group. Students admitted have to reach age five by September 1. There is a maximum of eight students.
It will include calendar time, sharing, and a rich variety of activities to engage students in learning.
Outside Classwork: Possibly finishing activities started in class.
Instructor: Laura Wong
4th-8th Grade Classes - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Note:
4th-8th Grade Students May Enroll In Up To Five Classes In A Row: Writing, History, Study Skills, Public Speaking, Art, Math, and PE
4th-8th Grade Students May Enroll In Up To Five Classes In A Row: Writing, History, Study Skills, Public Speaking, Art, Math, and PE
9:0o-10:10 Live Online
Egypt, The Land of Mystery
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 9:00-10:10
7 Weeks: September 9, 16, 23, 30 October 7, 14, 21
Location: Live Online
Tuition $195
Learn the fascinating truth about the Egyptians. They were incredible builders, but why did they build those pyramids? Were they in love with death? Most Egyptians worked hard, but what else did they do? How did the Nile shape the success of the Egyptian culture and legacy? Each week focuses on one or two aspects of Ancient Egypt. Lesson topics include: pyramids and temples, rulers, scientific contributions, the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian writing and art, and much more. During this class, students practice the art of note-taking during short lectures and assigned reading.
Outside Classwork: Students will practice taking notes from short reading assignments and finishing projects started in class.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 9:00-10:10
7 Weeks: September 9, 16, 23, 30 October 7, 14, 21
Location: Live Online
Tuition $195
Learn the fascinating truth about the Egyptians. They were incredible builders, but why did they build those pyramids? Were they in love with death? Most Egyptians worked hard, but what else did they do? How did the Nile shape the success of the Egyptian culture and legacy? Each week focuses on one or two aspects of Ancient Egypt. Lesson topics include: pyramids and temples, rulers, scientific contributions, the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian writing and art, and much more. During this class, students practice the art of note-taking during short lectures and assigned reading.
Outside Classwork: Students will practice taking notes from short reading assignments and finishing projects started in class.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
Ancient Greece: A Lasting Legacy
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 9:00-10:10
6 Weeks: October 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class November 25)
Location: Live Online
Tuition $170
Gifts from the ancient Greeks impact our lives today in literature, science, math, the arts, philosophy, and politics. Come take a closer look at these gifts. Learn about Alexander the Great, architecture, and the Greek’s influence on modern civilization. As we study Ancient Greece, students also work on the art of showing and not telling in writing. Using descriptive language, students craft weekly postcards home sharing their new knowledge and fun facts about Ancient Greece.
Outside Classwork: Each week students use their notes taken in class and write a postcard showing what they learned. In addition, students may need to finish up other work not completed in class.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 9:00-10:10
6 Weeks: October 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class November 25)
Location: Live Online
Tuition $170
Gifts from the ancient Greeks impact our lives today in literature, science, math, the arts, philosophy, and politics. Come take a closer look at these gifts. Learn about Alexander the Great, architecture, and the Greek’s influence on modern civilization. As we study Ancient Greece, students also work on the art of showing and not telling in writing. Using descriptive language, students craft weekly postcards home sharing their new knowledge and fun facts about Ancient Greece.
Outside Classwork: Each week students use their notes taken in class and write a postcard showing what they learned. In addition, students may need to finish up other work not completed in class.
Instructor: Laurie Weir
10:15-11:15 Live Online
NEW! Architectural and Perspective Drawing
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 10:15-11:15
4 Weeks: September 9, 16, 23, 30
Location: Live Online
Tuition: $120
Students learn step-by-step process how to sketch like an architect. The course begins with the basics and gradually moves to more complex and organic compositions inspired by nature, fantasy and book illustration. In addition, students are taught various techniques to create sketches with a sense of depth and an overall architectural look.
Projects Include:
- One point perspective & diagonals
- Architecture inspired by everyday objects
- Dr. Seuss and buildings
- Fantastic Tree house project
Materials needed: Pencil, ruler, sharpie, watercolor set or markers, drawing- or watercolor paper (90lb)
Outside Classwork: If needed, finish the project.
Instructor: Sandy Reid
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 10:15-11:15
4 Weeks: September 9, 16, 23, 30
Location: Live Online
Tuition: $120
Students learn step-by-step process how to sketch like an architect. The course begins with the basics and gradually moves to more complex and organic compositions inspired by nature, fantasy and book illustration. In addition, students are taught various techniques to create sketches with a sense of depth and an overall architectural look.
Projects Include:
- One point perspective & diagonals
- Architecture inspired by everyday objects
- Dr. Seuss and buildings
- Fantastic Tree house project
Materials needed: Pencil, ruler, sharpie, watercolor set or markers, drawing- or watercolor paper (90lb)
Outside Classwork: If needed, finish the project.
Instructor: Sandy Reid
10:15-12:30 In Person
Writing Essentials: A Paragraph A Week
4th-7th Grade
Thursdays 10:15-11:10
9 Weeks: October 7, 14, 21, 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9
(No Class November 25)
Location: In Person - 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 one weekly paragraph, 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 10:15-11:10
9 Weeks: October 7, 14, 21, 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9
(No Class November 25)
Location: In Person - 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 one weekly paragraph, 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
11:30-12:30 In Person
Literature: Where the Red Fern Grows
4th-7th Grade
Thursdays 11:30-12:40
5 weeks: September 9, 16, 23, 30 October 7
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $160
This classic novel about a 10-year-old boy growing up in the Ozark mountains with his inseparable pair of coonhounds will warm the hearts of all readers. A young boy named Billy living in the Ozarks achieves his heart's desire when he becomes the owner of two redbone hounds and teaches them to be champion hunters. Billy and his two precious coonhound pups romp relentlessly through the Ozarks, trying to "tree" the elusive raccoon. In time, the inseparable trio triumphs over many exciting challenges. When a victory turns to tragedy, Billy grieves but learns the beautiful old Native American legend of the sacred meaning of where the red fern grows.
Outside Classwork: Students will receive a suggested homework sheet each week detailing the chapters to be read, comprehension and vocabulary exercises to be completed, and specifics regarding a creative project. Homework can easily be modified to meet your child’s needs.
Instructors: Laurie Weir and Adrienne Collins
4th-7th Grade
Thursdays 11:30-12:40
5 weeks: September 9, 16, 23, 30 October 7
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $160
This classic novel about a 10-year-old boy growing up in the Ozark mountains with his inseparable pair of coonhounds will warm the hearts of all readers. A young boy named Billy living in the Ozarks achieves his heart's desire when he becomes the owner of two redbone hounds and teaches them to be champion hunters. Billy and his two precious coonhound pups romp relentlessly through the Ozarks, trying to "tree" the elusive raccoon. In time, the inseparable trio triumphs over many exciting challenges. When a victory turns to tragedy, Billy grieves but learns the beautiful old Native American legend of the sacred meaning of where the red fern grows.
Outside Classwork: Students will receive a suggested homework sheet each week detailing the chapters to be read, comprehension and vocabulary exercises to be completed, and specifics regarding a creative project. Homework can easily be modified to meet your child’s needs.
Instructors: Laurie Weir and Adrienne Collins
NEW! Ancient Art Lab
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 11:30-12:30
4 weeks: October 14, 21, 28 November 4
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $188
This course provides an introduction into the art and thriving cultures of the ancient civilizations: Egypt, Greece, Rome and China. Join us as we explore ancient art using ceramic clay, rice paper and more.
Projects Include:
-Greek & Rome mythological stories on vases
-Egyptian Canopic clay jar sculpting (two sessions)
-Chinese Calligraphy art scroll project
(All materials are included)
Outside Classwork: If needed, finish the project.
Instructor: Sandy Reid
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 11:30-12:30
4 weeks: October 14, 21, 28 November 4
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $188
This course provides an introduction into the art and thriving cultures of the ancient civilizations: Egypt, Greece, Rome and China. Join us as we explore ancient art using ceramic clay, rice paper and more.
Projects Include:
-Greek & Rome mythological stories on vases
-Egyptian Canopic clay jar sculpting (two sessions)
-Chinese Calligraphy art scroll project
(All materials are included)
Outside Classwork: If needed, finish the project.
Instructor: Sandy Reid
Literature - A Christmas Carol
5th-8th Grade
Thursdays 11:30-12:40
4 weeks: November 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class November 25)
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $130
Bah-humbug! The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is the classic story of a bitter old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge who is transformed by the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and yet to come. This popular English classic was written to bring light to the plight of the poor people and their children. As the vocabulary in this novel is difficult, students will be challenged to annotate and look for the deeper themes that Dickens chose to highlight. Students will enjoy a creative project in this class.
Outside Classwork: Students will be assigned chapters to be read, comprehension and vocabulary exercises to be completed, and specifics regarding finishing up a creative project.
Instructors: Laurie Weir and Adrienne Collins
5th-8th Grade
Thursdays 11:30-12:40
4 weeks: November 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class November 25)
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $130
Bah-humbug! The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is the classic story of a bitter old miser, Ebenezer Scrooge who is transformed by the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and yet to come. This popular English classic was written to bring light to the plight of the poor people and their children. As the vocabulary in this novel is difficult, students will be challenged to annotate and look for the deeper themes that Dickens chose to highlight. Students will enjoy a creative project in this class.
Outside Classwork: Students will be assigned chapters to be read, comprehension and vocabulary exercises to be completed, and specifics regarding finishing up a creative project.
Instructors: Laurie Weir and Adrienne Collins
12:45-1:55 In Person
NEW! Biology: Living Things - Grow and Change
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays 12:45-1:55
6 Weeks: October 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class November 25)
Location: In Person - Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $195
What does it mean to be living? Explore living organisms and components of their habitats to find out what it means to be alive, and how living things respond to their environments. Students study living plants and animals as well as artifacts of living organisms. Students learn about themselves and the world around them by learning how things grow and change.
Outside Classwork: Thirty minutes or less
Instructor: Laura Wong
3rd-5th Grade
Thursdays 12:45-1:55
6 Weeks: October 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class November 25)
Location: In Person - Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $195
What does it mean to be living? Explore living organisms and components of their habitats to find out what it means to be alive, and how living things respond to their environments. Students study living plants and animals as well as artifacts of living organisms. Students learn about themselves and the world around them by learning how things grow and change.
Outside Classwork: Thirty minutes or less
Instructor: Laura Wong
NEW! Watercolor Techniques
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 10:15-11:15
4 Weeks: November 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class November 25)
Location: Live Online
Tuition: $120
Learn how to paint with watercolors! This class covers beginning watercolor techniques. Students are provided weekly pointers in the lessons to help them develop new skills and techniques to paint landscape scenes in nature, beautiful florals & botanicals as well as shapes and objects of daily use.
Projects Include:
-Objects on your desk
-Animals
-Landscapes
-Plants
Materials needed: Watercolor set, watercolor paper 90 lb or more, brushes (preferably watercolor brush)
Outside Classwork: If needed, finish project.
Instructor: Sandy Reid
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays: 10:15-11:15
4 Weeks: November 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class November 25)
Location: Live Online
Tuition: $120
Learn how to paint with watercolors! This class covers beginning watercolor techniques. Students are provided weekly pointers in the lessons to help them develop new skills and techniques to paint landscape scenes in nature, beautiful florals & botanicals as well as shapes and objects of daily use.
Projects Include:
-Objects on your desk
-Animals
-Landscapes
-Plants
Materials needed: Watercolor set, watercolor paper 90 lb or more, brushes (preferably watercolor brush)
Outside Classwork: If needed, finish project.
Instructor: Sandy Reid
4th-8th Grade Classes - Jewish Community Center
1:00-2:15 Blended Class: The first three weeks are live online and then switch to in person on October 7th.
Egypt, The Land of Mystery
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 1:00-2:15
7 Weeks: September 9, 16, 23, 30 October 7, 14, 21
Location: Blended Classes Start Online and Switches To In Person At The Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition $195
Learn the fascinating truth about the Egyptians. They were incredible builders, but why did they build those pyramids? Were they in love with death? Most Egyptians worked hard, but what else did they do? How did the Nile shape the success of the Egyptian culture and legacy? Each week focuses on one or two aspects of Ancient Egypt. Lesson topics include: pyramids and temples, rulers, scientific contributions, the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian writing and art, and much more. During this class students practice the art of note-taking during short lectures and assigned reading.
Outside Classwork: Students will practice taking notes from short reading assignments and finishing projects started in class.
Instructor: Laurie Weir and Adrienne Collins
NOTE: This is a blended class.
The first three weeks are live online and then switch to in person October 7th.
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 1:00-2:15
7 Weeks: September 9, 16, 23, 30 October 7, 14, 21
Location: Blended Classes Start Online and Switches To In Person At The Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition $195
Learn the fascinating truth about the Egyptians. They were incredible builders, but why did they build those pyramids? Were they in love with death? Most Egyptians worked hard, but what else did they do? How did the Nile shape the success of the Egyptian culture and legacy? Each week focuses on one or two aspects of Ancient Egypt. Lesson topics include: pyramids and temples, rulers, scientific contributions, the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian writing and art, and much more. During this class students practice the art of note-taking during short lectures and assigned reading.
Outside Classwork: Students will practice taking notes from short reading assignments and finishing projects started in class.
Instructor: Laurie Weir and Adrienne Collins
NOTE: This is a blended class.
The first three weeks are live online and then switch to in person October 7th.
1:00-2:15 In Person
Ancient Greece: A Lasting Legacy
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 1:00-2:15
6 Weeks: October 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class November 25)
Location: In Person- Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition $170
Gifts from the ancient Greeks impact our lives today in literature, science, math, the arts, philosophy, and politics. Come take a closer look at these gifts. Learn about Alexander the Great, architecture, and the Greek’s influence to modern civilization. As we study Ancient Greece, students also work on the art of showing and not telling in writing. Using descriptive language, students craft weekly postcards home sharing their new knowledge and fun facts about Ancient Greece.
Outside Classwork: Each week students use their notes taken in class and write a postcard showing what they learned. In addition, students may need to finish up other work not completed in class.
Instructor: Laurie Weir and Adrienne Collins
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 1:00-2:15
6 Weeks: October 28 November 4, 11, 18 December 2, 9 (No Class November 25)
Location: In Person- Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition $170
Gifts from the ancient Greeks impact our lives today in literature, science, math, the arts, philosophy, and politics. Come take a closer look at these gifts. Learn about Alexander the Great, architecture, and the Greek’s influence to modern civilization. As we study Ancient Greece, students also work on the art of showing and not telling in writing. Using descriptive language, students craft weekly postcards home sharing their new knowledge and fun facts about Ancient Greece.
Outside Classwork: Each week students use their notes taken in class and write a postcard showing what they learned. In addition, students may need to finish up other work not completed in class.
Instructor: Laurie Weir and Adrienne Collins