Course Descriptions
Thursday Classes - Winter 2022
In Person & Live Online
Kindergarten Enrichment Class:Jewish Community Center
9:30-11:30 In Person
NEW! Young Scholars Kindergarten Enrichment Class
Kindergarten and 5 years old by September 1st
Thursdays: 9:30-11:30
10 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 24 March 3, 10, 31 April 7
(No Class February 17 March 17 and 24)
Location: In Person - Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $420
This class is a continuation of the first semester; however, new students are welcome to join. Meeting two- hours one day a week gives students a unique kindergarten experience. The class continues to promote socialization, build fine and gross motor skills through penmanship, movement, and creative projects. Language arts, math, science, and special day celebrations shape this diverse and engaging classroom experience. This class focuses on the wonder of learning; thus, increasing students' ability to problem solve and foster their 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.
Engaging hands-on curriculum includes: calendar time, sharing, and a rich variety of activities to inspire students' learning.
Outside Classwork: Possibly finishing activities started in class.
Instructor: Laura Wong
Kindergarten and 5 years old by September 1st
Thursdays: 9:30-11:30
10 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 24 March 3, 10, 31 April 7
(No Class February 17 March 17 and 24)
Location: In Person - Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $420
This class is a continuation of the first semester; however, new students are welcome to join. Meeting two- hours one day a week gives students a unique kindergarten experience. The class continues to promote socialization, build fine and gross motor skills through penmanship, movement, and creative projects. Language arts, math, science, and special day celebrations shape this diverse and engaging classroom experience. This class focuses on the wonder of learning; thus, increasing students' ability to problem solve and foster their 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.
Engaging hands-on curriculum includes: calendar time, sharing, and a rich variety of activities to inspire students' learning.
Outside Classwork: Possibly finishing activities started in class.
Instructor: Laura Wong
4th-7th Grade Classes - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Note:
4th-8th Grade Students May Enroll In Up To Five Classes In A Row: Writing, History, Literature, Study Skills, and Science.
4th-8th Grade Students May Enroll In Up To Five Classes In A Row: Writing, History, Literature, Study Skills, and Science.
10:15-11:10 In Person
Writing Essentials: Its My Opinion
4th-7th Grade
Thursdays: 10: 15-11:10
6 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17
February 17- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person - 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 will learn the parts of an opinion essay, how to connect opinions with reasons, and form strong conclusions. Close 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: 10: 15-11:10
6 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17
February 17- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person - 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 will learn the parts of an opinion essay, how to connect opinions with reasons, and form strong conclusions. Close 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-8th Grade Classes - Live Online
When in Rome … Ancient Rome
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 9:00-10:10
7 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17, 24
Location: Live Online
Tuition: $195
Students dive into the fascinating history of Ancient Rome and take a look at its lasting heritage to the world. This unique empire was ruled from a city and expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world. We will take a 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: Laurie Weir
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 9:00-10:10
7 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17, 24
Location: Live Online
Tuition: $195
Students dive into the fascinating history of Ancient Rome and take a look at its lasting heritage to the world. This unique empire was ruled from a city and expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world. We will take a 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: Laurie Weir
NEW! India's Ancient Past
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 9:00-10:10
7 Weeks: March 3, 10, 31 April 7, 14, 21, 28 (No Class March 17 and 24)
Location: Live Online
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 concepts covered are: economy, government /leadership, 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 9:00-10:10
7 Weeks: March 3, 10, 31 April 7, 14, 21, 28 (No Class March 17 and 24)
Location: Live Online
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 concepts covered are: economy, government /leadership, 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! Comics/Graphic Novel Basics
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 1:30 - 2:30
6 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17
Location: Live Online
Tuition: $180
This six week class introduces a short history of American & Japanese graphic novel history along with fun projects that teach how to develop your own illustration and story. With focus on techniques students will learn all steps from character development to a short finished illustrated story.
Projects Include:
- Character reference sheet
- Layout and perspective
- Speech bubbles and narrations
- comic strip and parody
Materials needed: drawing paper or watercolor paper 90lb
Outside Classwork: If needed, finish projects.
Instructor: Sandy Reid
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 1:30 - 2:30
6 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17
Location: Live Online
Tuition: $180
This six week class introduces a short history of American & Japanese graphic novel history along with fun projects that teach how to develop your own illustration and story. With focus on techniques students will learn all steps from character development to a short finished illustrated story.
Projects Include:
- Character reference sheet
- Layout and perspective
- Speech bubbles and narrations
- comic strip and parody
Materials needed: drawing paper or watercolor paper 90lb
Outside Classwork: If needed, finish projects.
Instructor: Sandy Reid
4th-8th Grade Classes - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
11:15-12:30 In Person
Study Skills: Note-Taking & More
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 11:15-12:30
5 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $150
This class is designed to help students develop strong study skills. An extra emphasis is placed on learning and practicing the two-column Cornell note-taking system. Other course topics include time management, the importance of being organized, how to read a textbook, effective memorization techniques, and how to study.
Outside Classwork: Up to an hour a week
Instructor: Laurie Weir
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 11:15-12:30
5 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $150
This class is designed to help students develop strong study skills. An extra emphasis is placed on learning and practicing the two-column Cornell note-taking system. Other course topics include time management, the importance of being organized, how to read a textbook, effective memorization techniques, and how to study.
Outside Classwork: Up to an hour a week
Instructor: Laurie Weir
Science Fiction Literature - Journey to the Center of the Earth
5th-8th Grade
Thursdays 11:15-12:30
8 weeks: February 24 March 3, 10, 31 April 7, 14, 21, 28
(No Class March 17 and 24)
April 21- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $230
Forget about 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea: we are going deeper than ever before as we follow Otto Lidenbrock, professor of geology, into a fantastical world within an extinct Icelandic volcano. Originally published in 1864, Journey to the Center of the Earth, remains a must read if you want adventure and action. Students will discuss the novel as the story unfolds, play vocabulary games, learn literary elements, as well as complete a creative project. Come explore this classic Jules Verne masterpiece and enjoy the adventure!
Outside Classwork: Students will be assigned homework each week including chapters to be read, comprehension and vocabulary exercises to be completed, and specifics regarding a creative project. Homework can be easily modified to meet your child’s needs.
Instructors: Laurie Weir and Adrienne Collins
5th-8th Grade
Thursdays 11:15-12:30
8 weeks: February 24 March 3, 10, 31 April 7, 14, 21, 28
(No Class March 17 and 24)
April 21- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $230
Forget about 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea: we are going deeper than ever before as we follow Otto Lidenbrock, professor of geology, into a fantastical world within an extinct Icelandic volcano. Originally published in 1864, Journey to the Center of the Earth, remains a must read if you want adventure and action. Students will discuss the novel as the story unfolds, play vocabulary games, learn literary elements, as well as complete a creative project. Come explore this classic Jules Verne masterpiece and enjoy the adventure!
Outside Classwork: Students will be assigned homework each week including chapters to be read, comprehension and vocabulary exercises to be completed, and specifics regarding a creative project. Homework can be easily modified to meet your child’s needs.
Instructors: Laurie Weir and Adrienne Collins
12:45-2:00 In Person
When in Rome … Ancient Rome
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 12:45 - 2:00
7 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17, 24
February 17- Live Online Class Day
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $195
Students dive into the fascinating history of Ancient Rome and take a look at its lasting heritage to the world. This unique empire was ruled from a city and expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world. We will take a 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: Laurie Weir & Adrienne Collins
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 12:45 - 2:00
7 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17, 24
February 17- Live Online Class Day
Location: Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $195
Students dive into the fascinating history of Ancient Rome and take a look at its lasting heritage to the world. This unique empire was ruled from a city and expanded to one of the largest empires in the ancient world. We will take a 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: Laurie Weir & Adrienne Collins
NEW! India's Ancient Past
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 12:45 - 2:00
7 Weeks: March 3, 10, 31 April 7, 14, 21, 28 (No Class March 17 and 24)
April 21- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person - 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 concepts covered are: economy, government /leadership, 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 & Adrienne Collins
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 12:45 - 2:00
7 Weeks: March 3, 10, 31 April 7, 14, 21, 28 (No Class March 17 and 24)
April 21- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person - 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 concepts covered are: economy, government /leadership, 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 & Adrienne Collins
2:15-3:15 In Person
NEW! Science Lab: Hands-On Experiments
4th-8th Grade
Thursday 2:15-3:15
8 Weeks: February 24 March 3, 10, 31 April 7, 21, 28
(No Class March 17 and 24 and April 14)
April 21- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $265
Science is more meaningful with hands-on lab experiments. There is no better place to practice these skills than in an in-person science lab class. The science that we “know” today comes from questions, experiments, data collection, and collaboration of scientists. In this hands-on-science class, students investigate science using a variety of protocols and tools to conduct research in different scientific fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics. As a result, students gain a better understanding of science concepts, and how they apply to the world.
Outside Classwork: approximately one hour a week
Instructor: Laura Wong
4th-8th Grade
Thursday 2:15-3:15
8 Weeks: February 24 March 3, 10, 31 April 7, 21, 28
(No Class March 17 and 24 and April 14)
April 21- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $265
Science is more meaningful with hands-on lab experiments. There is no better place to practice these skills than in an in-person science lab class. The science that we “know” today comes from questions, experiments, data collection, and collaboration of scientists. In this hands-on-science class, students investigate science using a variety of protocols and tools to conduct research in different scientific fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics. As a result, students gain a better understanding of science concepts, and how they apply to the world.
Outside Classwork: approximately one hour a week
Instructor: Laura Wong
4th-8th Grade Classes - Jewish Community Center
12:45-1:45 In Person
NEW! Drawing, Sculpture, and Painting
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 12:45-1:45
5 Weeks: March 31 April 7, 14, 21, 28
April 21- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person - Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $228
In this five-week class, students learn the fundamentals of how to draw with pencil considering paper space, scale and proportion of a sculpture. We then model the sculpture in clay. We will also paint on canvas using the classical techniques with acrylic paint. This course is a brilliant way to ignite creativity!
Projects Include:
-Draw what you sculpt
-Sculpting from reference
-Painting on canvas (two sessions)
All materials included.
Outside Classwork: If needed, finish projects.
Instructor: Sandy Reid
4th-8th Grade
Thursdays 12:45-1:45
5 Weeks: March 31 April 7, 14, 21, 28
April 21- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person - Jewish Community Center of Mission Viejo
Tuition: $228
In this five-week class, students learn the fundamentals of how to draw with pencil considering paper space, scale and proportion of a sculpture. We then model the sculpture in clay. We will also paint on canvas using the classical techniques with acrylic paint. This course is a brilliant way to ignite creativity!
Projects Include:
-Draw what you sculpt
-Sculpting from reference
-Painting on canvas (two sessions)
All materials included.
Outside Classwork: If needed, finish projects.
Instructor: Sandy Reid
6th-9th Grade Classes - Mission Viejo Family YMCA
9:15-10:10 In Person
High School Writing Prep: From Summarizing to Analyzing
6th-9th Grade
Thursdays: 9:15-10:10
12 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17, 24 March 3, 10, 31
April 7, 14 (No Class March 17 and 24)
February 17- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person -Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $350
This 12-week writing class is suitable for both middle school students and high school students looking to sharpen their writing skills. Students learn how to move beyond summarizing main ideas to analyzing texts. Students are taught how to carefully read texts and how to use MLA format to cite direct and indirect quotations to ensure they support their analysis. Students write multi-paragraph and multi-draft papers on a variety of topics and receive personalized feedback for revisions. Literary elements such as characterization, theme, and point of view are taught. By the end of the course, students complete a five paragraph literary response paper.
Students should be able to independently write an 8-12 sentence paragraph. All assignments are required to be typed in order to make the revision process easier.
Outside Classwork: Students write and revise each week. Depending on ability level, students should expect to spend approximately 1-1.5 hours a week
Instructor: Adrienne Collins
6th-9th Grade
Thursdays: 9:15-10:10
12 Weeks: January 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17, 24 March 3, 10, 31
April 7, 14 (No Class March 17 and 24)
February 17- Live Online Class Day
Location: In Person -Mission Viejo Family YMCA
Tuition: $350
This 12-week writing class is suitable for both middle school students and high school students looking to sharpen their writing skills. Students learn how to move beyond summarizing main ideas to analyzing texts. Students are taught how to carefully read texts and how to use MLA format to cite direct and indirect quotations to ensure they support their analysis. Students write multi-paragraph and multi-draft papers on a variety of topics and receive personalized feedback for revisions. Literary elements such as characterization, theme, and point of view are taught. By the end of the course, students complete a five paragraph literary response paper.
Students should be able to independently write an 8-12 sentence paragraph. All assignments are required to be typed in order to make the revision process easier.
Outside Classwork: Students write and revise each week. Depending on ability level, students should expect to spend approximately 1-1.5 hours a week
Instructor: Adrienne Collins