Kolb Elementary School

We are offering a dynamic selection of courses available from 1st Grade through to 5th Grade.

Hello Kolb Families!!!!

We are delighted to be offering in-person after school classes again.  We have some of your favorite teachers back and some new courses to offer you.  

We are offering a dynamic selection of courses available from Kindergarten through to 5th Grade.  Below is the list of courses we are offering at Kolb Elementary.



Actors’ Workshop! (Tuesday)

Instructor:         Professional Actors from Kenn Adams Synergy Theater
Grade Level:      1- 5
Day/Dates:        Tuesday – Dec 5, 12, 19   |  Jan 9, 16, 23, 30   |  Feb 6, 13, 20
Sessions:           10 classes x 1 hour
Time:                  2:05 - 3:05pm
Room:                A27
Tuition:               Early Bird Pricing -$196     After November 28 - $210

It’s laughter, learning and limelight with the After School Drama Club’s The Actor’s Workshop! Through a fun series of theater games, acting exercises and scripted scene work, this introductory acting class teaches the fundamentals of the actor’s craft. Students explore the “three tools of the actor” – voice, body and imagination – as they learn how to create characters, interpret scripts and perform for an audience. The class teaches true theater skills such as stagecraft, emotionally truthful acting, and professional theater etiquette, while encouraging creativity and inspiring the imagination. The class culminates with a free workshop presentation of scenes and monologues for an invited audience.

Take it once or take it again and again! Students are encouraged to repeat the program several times. While the overall objectives remain the same, there are always new games, new activities and new performance scenes to keep the program varied and interesting. As students progress through successive iterations of the program, they continue to work on more sophisticated material in order to ensure that their skills continue to grow and that they are being appropriately challenged.


Enrollment Open

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Actors Workshop! (Thursday)

Instructor:         Professional Actors from Kenn Adams Synergy Theater
Grade Level:      1- 5
Day/Dates:        Thursday - Dec 7, 14   |  Jan 11, 18, 25   |  Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sessions:           10 classes x 1 Hour
Time:                  3:05 - 4:05pm
Room:                A27
Tuition:               Early Bird Pricing -$196     After November 30 - $210

It’s laughter, learning and limelight with the After School Drama Club’s The Actor’s Workshop! Through a fun series of theater games, acting exercises and scripted scene work, this introductory acting class teaches the fundamentals of the actor’s craft. Students explore the “three tools of the actor” – voice, body and imagination – as they learn how to create characters, interpret scripts and perform for an audience. The class teaches true theater skills such as stagecraft, emotionally truthful acting, and professional theater etiquette, while encouraging creativity and inspiring the imagination. The class culminates with a free workshop presentation of scenes and monologues for an invited audience.

Take it once or take it again and again! Students are encouraged to repeat the program several times. While the overall objectives remain the same, there are always new games, new activities and new performance scenes to keep the program varied and interesting. As students progress through successive iterations of the program, they continue to work on more sophisticated material in order to ensure that their skills continue to grow and that they are being appropriately challenged.


Enrollment Open

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Advanced LEGO® Robotics

Prerequisite: To enroll in this course you MUST have first completed our Lego Robotics, WeDo Lego Robotics for Elementary Students or some other beginning Robotics class so your child is familiar with the basics of block coding. Otherwise, students should enroll in the Lego Robotics class at least once before enrolling in the Advanced Lego Robotics course.

Instructor:          CompuChild Instructor
Grade Level:       2 - 5
Day/Dates:          Wednesday – Dec 6, 13, 20   |  Jan 10, 17, 24, 31   |  Feb 7, 14, 21 
Sessions:             10 classes x 1 Hour
Time:                    2:05 - 3:05pm
Room:                  B2
Tuition:                Early Bird - $199      After November 29 - $210

Do you have a budding engineer in your family and a child who just can’t get enough of building and problem solving? Then the Advanced Lego Robotic course might be just the class you’re looking for. Working in teams, students will participate in an interactive engineering design process and will be challenged to construct more complex and dynamic robot projects that enable them to successfully complete a series of engineering challenges.

 

The Advanced Robotics course is designed for students who have already participated in our Beginning Lego & Robotics course as taught in the DPIE After School Program or a student who has already taken a basic robotics course and learned or is familiar with the basics of block coding.

Note: Students can enroll in this class twice without repeating projects.


Enrollment Open

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Arcade Mania Island©

Instructor:        Challenge Island Instructor
Grade Level:     2 - 5
Day/Dates:        Monday –  Nov 27   |  Dec  4, 11, 18   |  Jan 22   |  Feb  5, 12, 26   |  Mar 4
Sessions:           9 classes x 67 minutes
Time:                  2:05 - 3:12pm 
Room:                 A13
Tuition:               Early Bird - $205     After November 20- $215

This Kids-Choice Challenge Island adventure puts a 100% SCREEN-FREE STEAM twist on popular video games: from Super STEAM to Island Blox to Mine Island to retro-inspired games like Space Aliens and Pinball Machines! You and your STEAM Team will swap game consoles for creativity and joysticks for ingenuity and imagination as you take on islands of low-tech STEAM challenges created with game-loving kids in mind!

Enrollment Open

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Café Art – Winter Art, All Things Kawaii & Zentangles

Instructor:           Ms. Jean Wright from Cafe Art
Grade Levels:      1 - 5
Day/Dates:          Wednesday – Dec 6, 13, 20   |  Jan 10, 17, 24, 31   |  Feb 7, 14
Sessions:             9 classes x 67 minutes
Time:                    2:05 - 3:12pm
Room:                   A13
Tuition:                 Early Bird - $192     After November 29 - $205

Café Art is excited to invite your child on a seasonal art journey as we combine our favorite classes – all things kawaii (cute) and zentangles (fun doodles) with seasonal art. This session we will be learning to draw Kawaii characters such as, but not limited to, snowmen, snowflakes, birds, penguins, polar bears, and heart.

Students will use their skills to make sketchbooks, Shrinky dink keychains, bookmarks, button pins, canvas, final portfolio’s and more. We will be using art mediums such as pencil, sharpies, watercolor pencils, markers, and others. Don’t wait! These classes fill up fast. Hope to see your child soon.

Kawaii art students creating art!

Enrollment Open

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Chess Academy for Kids (Thursday)

Instructor:           Pacific Chess Academy 
Grade Level:        1 - 5
Day/Dates:           Thursday – Dec 7, 14   |  Jan 11, 18, 25   |  Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sessions:              10 x 1 Hour
Time:                     3:05 - 4.05pm
Room:                   MPR
Tuition:                 Early Bird - $198       After November 30  - $210

Learn chess with Pacific Chess Academy! 

This program is a great opportunity for kids to learn how to overcome obstacles, think strategically, and stay focused. Specially designed for young players with various levels of chess experience (Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced) the course offers easy-to-follow instructions, individual recommendations and preparation for chess tournaments.  Parents can monitor kids’ progress by using our FREE mobile application PACIFIC CHESS ACADEMY easily downloadable from AppStore with unlimited chess games, studies, puzzles and tournaments.

Our students learn chess tactics and strategies and quickly become decent players ready for any challenge. We also offer make-up classes in online format (2 per semester) to kids who miss their regular class at school. Our students are provided with all necessary chess equipment for lessons so all they need to bring is a big smile and a willingness to win!

Chess being played at an After School Elementary School in Dublin.

6 Reasons Kids Should Learn Chess

  1. Improves concentration, attention span and memory abilities
  2. Enhances reading and math skills
  3. Fosters critical-thinking and creativity in young minds
  4. Encourages and rewards hard work
  5. Develops problem solving skills
  6. Exercises both sides of your brain



Enrollment Open

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Chess Academy For Kids (Friday)

Instructor:          Pacific Chess Academy 
Grade Level:       1 - 5
Day/Dates:          Friday -  Dec 1, 8, 15   |  Jan 12, 19, 26   |  Feb 9, 23   |  Mar 8
Sessions:              9 classes x 67 minutes
Time:                     3:05 - 4.12pm
Room:                   MPR
Tuition:                 Early Bird - $198       After November 24 - $210

Learn chess with Pacific Chess Academy! 

This program is a great opportunity for kids to learn how to overcome obstacles, think strategically, and stay focused. Specially designed for young players with various levels of chess experience (Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced) the course offers easy-to-follow instructions, individual recommendations and preparation for chess tournaments.  Parents can monitor kids’ progress by using our FREE mobile application PACIFIC CHESS ACADEMY easily downloadable from AppStore with unlimited chess games, studies, puzzles and tournaments.

Our students learn chess tactics and strategies and quickly become decent players ready for any challenge. We also offer make-up classes in online format (2 per semester) to kids who miss their regular class at school. Our students are provided with all necessary chess equipment for lessons so all they need to bring is a big smile and a willingness to win!

Chess Academy after school program at Dublin Elementary Schools

6 Reasons Kids Should Learn Chess

  1. Improves concentration, attention span and memory abilities
  2. Enhances reading and math skills
  3. Fosters critical-thinking and creativity in young minds
  4. Encourages and rewards hard work
  5. Develops problem solving skills
  6. Exercises both sides of your brain

Enrollment Open

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Code to the Future & Robotics

Instructor:        Ms. Allison Tomcik, Kolb Elementary Teacher
Grade Level:     3 - 5
Day/Dates:       Thursday –  Nov 30  |  Dec 7, 14   |  Jan 11, 18, 25   |  Feb 1, 8, 15, 22
Sessions:          10 x 1 Hour
Time:                  3:05 - 4:05pm  
Room:                J2
Tuition:             Early Bird - $189     After December 1 - $200

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced coding student, this class will work for you. Students will be able to work at their own pace. The class will blend step by step lessons in coding with fun, hands-on, "unplugged" activities. With an emphasis on developing computational thinking, students will learn about algorithms, debugging, loops, conditionals, binary coding and more. Working individually, in pairs and in teams, students will be introduced to coding using a block-based online coding program. The more advanced students will begin to work with Javascript using other online coding programs. In addition, students will have the opportunity to program Ollie robots and will learn to build and program LEGO robotic sets using basic engineering techniques and coding. Problem solving, persistence and teamwork will be emphasized.

 

Enrollment Open

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Creating Crafts Thru Canva

Instructor:        Ms. Kara Burell, Kolb Teacher
Grade Level:     3 - 5
Day/Dates:       Tuesday – Dec 5, 12, 19   |  Jan 9, 16, 23, 30   |  Feb  6, 13, 20
Sessions:          10 x 1 Hour
Time:                  2:05 - 3:05pm  
Room:                 J3
Tuition:               Early Bird - $189     After November 28 - $200

Kids will have fun creating, collaborating, designing and publishing through the graphic design tool Canva!  Your child will learn to apply artistic skills, utilize photo editing skills, and create their own unique creations from Canva's custom fonts, frames, icons, and design elements.

Unique features to this course include 4 take-home projects your child creates within Canva. Each project will then become printed and sublimated by transferring their design from the computer to ink, to high heat and will then be placed upon a bookmark, a keychain, a t-shirt, and finally a water tumbler ...all uniquely customized and created from your child!

Each child will build graphic design skills, confidence in themselves as designers, artists and creators, and have fun creating something truly unique to call their own! Don’t miss out on the fun of creating your own products.

Skills learned in this class can further be applied to enhance student presentations, video and classroom assignments within the classroom, collaboration, graphic design.

 

Enrollment Open

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Creative Writing for Grades 3-5: Historical Fiction and Realistic Fiction

Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.

Instructor:             Talent Nook Writing Academy 
Grade Level:          3 - 5
Day/Dates:             Monday –Nov 27 |  Dec 4, 11, 18   |  Jan 22   |  Feb 5, 12, 26   |  Mar 4
Sessions:               9 X 67 Minutes
Time:                       2:05 - 3:12pm
Room:                     J2
Tuition:                    Early Bird Pricing -  $200    After November 29 -  $210

Encourage your child to use their imagination and creativity to explore these two similar yet different genres through reading and writing.

Students will be introduced to Historical and Realistic Fiction, where the characters and setting resemble real life. In this course, students will “feel” the events in their own lives. In Historical Fiction, authors illustrate the events in an effective way by using the language of the “real” characters during their unique period. Students learn to identify with time periods and fictional and non-fictional characters. An example of historical fiction would be Peter Pan. Here, the character is a fictional boy looking to remain forever young and oblivious to the world around him.

In Realistic Fiction, students gain an awareness of both present and past situations. Here, the author portrays the character, culture, and society with more modern twists. Learning realistic fiction aids in understanding global facts, which can be an asset in their own lives. An example of Realistic Fiction is R.J. Palacio's Wonder and the character, August. The disfigured character must live in a society that is often cruel, with many misunderstandings of his disability and his plight for acceptance.

Students complete their writing portfolio, showcasing their newfound skills and creativity. They also gain a deeper appreciation for both genres and learn to relate and identify with character settings, new perspectives, and determine fact from opinion.

Through the readings of Historical and Realistic Fiction, students will:

  1. Develop and understand accurate historical settings.
  2. Learn about what makes facts come alive during reading and writing.
  3. Appreciate elements of character, dialogue, setting, theme, plot, conflict, and world-building

 

Enrollment Open

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Creative Writing for Primary Grades: Historical Fiction and Realistic Fiction

Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.

Instructor:         Talentnook Writing Academy 
Grade Level:      1 - 2
Day/Dates:        Wednesday – Dec 6, 13, 20   |  Jan 10, 17, 24, 31   |  Feb 7, 14, 21 
Sessions:            10 x 1 Hour
Time:                   2:05 - 3:05pm
Room:                 K1
Tuition:               Early Bird Pricing - $200   After November 29 - $210

Encourage your child to use their imagination and creativity to explore these two similar yet different genres through reading, writing, and drawing.

In this course, students will be introduced to Realistic Fiction and Historical Fiction. Historical Fiction unfolds with past events that repeat into present-day events. All characters and settings resemble people in history. Tales within Historical Fiction remain grounded in historical characters and events, and many authors introduce some modern-day concepts. An example would be a day in the life of Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln’s lifestyle, education, struggles, and accomplishments are true to what we portray today.

Realistic Fiction has outcomes from real-life situations. Here, the characters bear a resemblance to people in the real world, complete with our challenges and how we overcome them towards success. In Realistic Fiction, there is language to convey the actual situation of the “real” characters, such as in The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Suess. Here, The Cat is the same as any visitor who creates chaos in the home without parental supervision.

Students complete their writing and drawing portfolios, showcasing their newfound skills and creativity. Students gain a deeper appreciation for both genres and learn to relate to characters, settings, and new situations.

Through the readings of Historical and Realistic Fiction, students will:

  1. Develop and understand real-life versus historical events in drawing and writing.
  2. Learn about different character development and their roles in the real world.
  3. Appreciate the author’s point of view and how it may differ from their own.

Enrollment Open

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Exploring Illustration: A Journey Through Different Styles (Monday)

Instructor:           Ms Stacy Alvarez and Ms Katie Barnes, Kolb Teachers
Grade Levels:      K - 5
Day/Dates:          Monday –Nov  27   |  Dec  4, 11, 18   |  Jan  22   |  Feb  5, 12, 26  |  Mar 4  
Sessions:             9 classes x 67 minutes
Time:                    2:05pm - 3:12pm
Room:                   K2
Tuition:                 Early Bird - $189      After November 20 - $200

In "Exploring Illustration: A Journey Through Different Styles," young artists will embark on a creative adventure to discover the fascinating world of illustration. This engaging and hands-on course is designed for elementary students eager to explore the diverse and captivating styles of various illustrators. Through a series of fun and interactive lessons, students will not only learn about various illustration techniques but also develop their own artistic skills.

Join us on a colorful and imaginative journey through the world of illustration! Unleash your creativity, sharpen your artistic skills, and discover the power of visual storytelling in "Exploring Illustration: A Journey Through Different Styles." Enroll today to start your adventure in art!

 

Note: For those of you enrolled in the EDCC program, Ms. Barnes or Ms. Alvarez will pick up and drop off Kindergarten students who are enrolled in EDCC. Please make sure to complete the required EDCC form and turn it into your EDCC program so they are aware that either Ms. Barnes or Ms. Alvarez will pick up your child from EDCC.  If your Kindergartner is not enrolled in EDCC, parents will need to bring their child back to school in order to participate in this class.

Enrollment Open

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Exploring Illustration: A Journey Through Different Styles (Tuesday)

Instructor:           Ms Stacy Alvarez and Ms Katie Barnes, Kolb Teachers
Grade Levels:      K - 5
Day/Dates:          Tuesday – Dec  12, 19   |  Jan 9, 16, 23, 30   |  Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
Sessions:             10 classes x 1 hour
Time:                    2:05pm - 3:05m
Room:                   K2
Tuition:                 Early Bird - $189      After November 28 - $200

In "Exploring Illustration: A Journey Through Different Styles," young artists will embark on a creative adventure to discover the fascinating world of illustration. This engaging and hands-on course is designed for elementary students eager to explore the diverse and captivating styles of various illustrators. Through a series of fun and interactive lessons, students will not only learn about various illustration techniques but also develop their own artistic skills.

Join us on a colorful and imaginative journey through the world of illustration! Unleash your creativity, sharpen your artistic skills, and discover the power of visual storytelling in "Exploring Illustration: A Journey Through Different Styles." Enroll today to start your adventure in art!

 

Note: For those of you enrolled in the EDCC program, Ms. Barnes or Ms. Alvarez will pick up and drop off Kindergarten students who are enrolled in EDCC. Please make sure to complete the required EDCC form and turn it into your EDCC program so they are aware that either Ms. Barnes or Ms. Alvarez will pick up your child from EDCC.  If your Kindergartner is not enrolled in EDCC, parents will need to bring their child back to school in order to participate in this class.

Enrollment Open

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Game Development

Instructor:       CompuChild  
Grade Level:    2 - 5
Day/Dates:       Friday – Dec 1, 8, 15   |  Jan 12, 19, 26   |  Feb  9, 23   |  Mar 8      
Sessions:          9  classes x 67 minutes
Time:                 3:05 - 4:12pm
Room:               A27
Tuition:             Early Bird - $199          After November 24 - $210

This is a beginner’s course in design and building games. Students will be using the roblox game engine to build 3D games and learning the fundamentals of programming doing so. This is a fun way for kids to learn programming while applying their creative side to design games. They will be learning and practicing the concepts of variables, IF ELSE conditions, Loops, timers, functions, checkpoint, and events in this course.

Note: Students can enroll in this class twice without repeating projects.

Enrollment Open

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Kawaii Art Adventure

NEW CLASS - JUST ADDED

Instructor:           Ms. Sydney Langell from Creatif Art Studio
Grade Levels:      1 - 5
Day/Dates:          Wednesday – Dec 6, 13, 20   |  Jan 10, 17, 24, 31   |  Feb 7, 14, 21 
Sessions:             10 classes x 1 hour
Time:                    2:05 - 3:05pm
Room:                   E2
Tuition:                 Early Bird - $192     After November 29 - $205

Creatif is thrilled to extend an invitation to your child for an enchanting Kawaii-themed adventure. In this engaging session, participants will immerse themselves in the art of drawing adorable Kawaii characters, such as, but not limited to, animals, trees, whimsical figures, delightful food items, and imaginative shapes.

Each student will be provided with a dedicated sketchbook to cultivate their Kawaii artistry. They will have the opportunity to apply their new found skills in crafting cherished keepsakes, such as bookmarks, flowerpots, canvases, and more. Our artistic journey will encompass various mediums, including pencils, sharpies, markers, and other creative tools.

Don't miss out on this exciting and highly sought-after class; secure your spot today! We are looking forward to creating art with your child.

Enrollment Open

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Keys to Becoming an Inspirational Public Speaker & Presenter

Instructor:         Gurus Education, East Bay
Grade Level:     2 - 5
Day/Dates:         Tuesday –Dec 5, 12, 19   |  Jan 9, 16, 23, 30   |  Feb  6, 13, 20   
Sessions:            10 x 1 hour
Time:                   2:05 - 3.05pm
Room:                  A13
Tuition:                Early Bird - $200     After November 28 - $210

A highly confident speaker is viewed as being more credible & knowledgeable.

Our goal is to help kids overcome public speaking anxiety, voice their opinion confidently, present impressively and write effectively in 6 easy steps. Students will gain an understanding of various writing formats such as persuasive, narrative, descriptive etc. They will also learn to make strong arguments by providing reasoning and evidence on thought provoking debatable topics.

This course will help kids formulate their thoughts with a clear and concise structure and prepare them for SUCCESS with CONFIDENCE!! 

Enrollment Open

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LEGO® Robotics (Monday)

Instructor:        CompuChild Instructor
Grade Level:     1 - 5
Day/Dates:       Monday – Nov 27   |  Dec 4, 11, 18   |  Jan 22   |  Feb 5, 12, 26   |  Mar 4 
Sessions:           9 x 67 minutes 
Time:                  2:05 - 3:12pm 
Room:                B2
Tuition:              Early Bird - $199   After November 21st - $210

Kids will have a great time in this hands-on Robotics course while also being introduced to various aspects of mechanical, electrical, and computer science Engineering. Students will be introduced to a block coding language in order to provide an intuitive understanding for programming as well as provide easy to follow instructions to build many simple machines.

In every class session students will use Lego pieces to build figures like airplanes, alligators, a smart spinner, etc., and they will be introduced to mechanical and electrical mechanisms like sensors, gears, pullies.  They will then use block programming to help their fit all these pieces together to create their own moving project.

 

NOTE:  Students can enroll in this class twice without repeating any of the same projects.

Enrollment Open

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Noetic Math – Inspire the Mathematician Within Your Student

Instructor:        Certified Instructor from Math Trek Program
Grade Level:     1 - 3
Day/Dates:        Monday – Nov 27   |  Dec 4, 11, 18   |  Jan 22   |  Feb 5, 12, 26   |  Mar 4      
Sessions:           9 classes x 67 minutes 
Time:                  2:05 - 3:12pm 
Room:                A27
Tuition:               Early Bird - $192     After November 20 - $205

Help your child discover the “magic” of math by enrolling them in our Noetic Math course. This class is different from a typical math class as it focuses on problem-solving skills that help students discover their own mathematical abilities and learn to appreciate how math can help them in the real world. During the course students will work on problems both individually and in teams to solve complex math problems through a variety of math games that are fun, challenging and inspirational.

Students will not only learn to effectively multiply, divide. they will be introduced to algebraic concepts that help them learn math conceptually. The class takes a gradual approach of exposing students from conceptually easy problems to progressively more complex problems. Not only will their math skills improve but they will be inspired to learn and enjoy math on a level they may not have experienced in the past. During our time together students will have the chance to participate in a variety of math contests that challenge them to apply the skills they are learning. Students who choose, can participate in semi-annual Noetic Learning Math Contests (NLMC) for elementary students which we will let our families know about.

The goal of our program is to help students develop their problem-solving skills, enhance their enjoyment of math and to inspire them to excel in math as time goes on.

Enrollment Open

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Reading Comprehension Strategies: Expository Reading for Primary Grades

Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.

Instructor:         Talentnook Writing Academy
Grade Level:      1- 2
Day/Dates:         Tuesday – Dec 5, 12, 19   |  Jan 9, 16, 23, 30   |  Feb 6, 13, 20     
Sessions:            10 classes x 1 hour
Time:                   2:05 - 3:05pm
Room:                 B2
Tuition:               Early Bird $200      After November 28 - $210

Expository style explains a topic using facts in simple stories with pictures, often including an argument, fact, and a conclusion summarizing the information. In this reading course, students will interpret simple text to understand different opinions in the world through reading and illustrations with important messages.

Students will read passages that help explain information at their level of understanding. The most common examples of expository writing include reports, essays, and magazine articles. Different articles either compare and contrast, state a problem with a solution, or describe a situation with cause and effect. Expository writing has a clear purpose: to educate the reader. This style persuades readers through observations and experiences through simple text and illustrative techniques. Early elementary students learn through identifying and observing text.

Reading Expository Passages will enable your student to:

  1. Explain to the instructor and understand the reading passages.
  2. Understand the author's point of view and determine whether they agree or disagree!
  3. Learn to evaluate evidence, opinion, and accuracy.

Enrollment Open

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Reading Comprehension Strategies: Expository Reading for Grades 3-5

Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.

Instructor:         Talentnook Writing Academy
Grade Level:      3 - 5
Day/Dates:         Wednesday– Dec  6, 13, 20   |  Jan 10, 17, 24, 31   |  Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 (New Date Added)
Sessions:            10 classes x 1 hour
Time:                   2:05 - 3:05pm
Room:                 Library
Tuition:               Early Bird $200      After November 29 - $210

Expository writing primarily aims to provide factual information about a particular topic, subject, method, or concept. It serves as a means to explain information, encompassing various forms such as reports, essays, and magazine articles. In contrast to creative writing, such as fiction, expository writing focuses on delivering factual content, making it the language of learning and understanding the world around us.

In this course, students will read descriptive reading passages where characteristics, traits, and examples define topics. Essays outline a series of steps needed to complete a task or produce something and will also be covered. Comparative/contrast passages will demonstrate how two or more subjects are the same and different. Cause/effect will describe how one step leads to a result. Problem/solution presents a problem with possible solutions backed by data and facts, and Classification reading material breaks down a broad topic into groupings. Your student will get a chance to sample all four expository writing pieces. Students will determine if the reading is factual or fictional and be able to cite evidence from the text to prove their theories.

Reading with Comprehension Strategies course will enable your student to:

  1. Identify four subtopics of expository writing.
  2. Understand and annotate various types of writing and attempt to comprehend details.
  3. Begin to cite accurate evidence in writing practice for cohesion and sophistication.

Enrollment Open

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STEM Exploration: Engineering & Beyond

Instructor:         Ms. Allison Tomcik, Kolb Elementary Teacher
Grade Level:      2 - 5
Day/Dates:         Tuesday – Dec 5, 12, 19   |  Jan 9, 16, 23, 30   |  Feb  6, 13, 20   
Sessions:            10 x 1 Hour 
Time:                   2:05 - 3:05pm
Room:                  J2
Tuition:               Early Bird - $186      After November 28 - $200

Is your child interested in building and creating different projects?  Does your son or daughter love to work with their hands?  If so, this is the class for them. In this hands-on program, your child will be given different STEM challenges to complete individually and in groups. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to create their own designs in a maker space format. This is a great way for your child to learn to work with others and overcome different challenges while also being able to show their creative side. Students will use a variety of materials.

Enrollment Open

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Stop Motion Animation

Instructor:          CompuChild Instructor
Grade Level:       2 - 5
Day/Dates:         Wednesday – Dec  6, 13, 20   |  Jan  10, 17, 24, 31   |  Feb  7, 14, 21     
Sessions:            10 classes x 1 hour
Time:                   2:05pm - 3:05pm
Room:                  B1
Tuition:                Early Bird - $199       After November 29 - $210

Everyone has a story to tell. Make yours memorable with Frames. Combine imagination, art and technological skills to create stop motion animation projects to share at your school, with family or with friends. Learn how to use cool special effects while creating your project that will be the envy of all your friends. You will learn how to use stop motion as can be seen in many popular movies such as Kubo, Missing Link, Boxtrolls, and even Robocop. During the course you will learn the step-by-step instructions, from video editing to the compilation of pictures, to make your own movie.

  •  Master the creative foundational skills of stop motion animation and graphic design concepts
  • Project-based, instructor guided class. Students work on 135 frame movie from inception to publishing the movie
  • Final project involves envisioning concept, script writing and development (visual & sound editing, frame rates, frame duration, shapes, adding nodes, pan & zoom, animating texts etc.). Presentation and peer evaluation in the last class
  • Introduction to different animation styles (Claymation, object, cut-out and pixilation) through examples and discussion. Our program promotes out of the box thinking, observing,

Enrollment Open

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WordSMASH! for Grades 1-2: Reading and Word Fun

Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.

Instructor:         Talentnook Writing Academy
Grade Level:      1 - 2
Day/Dates:         Thursday – Dec 7, 14   |  Jan 11, 18, 25   |  Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29    
Sessions:            10 classes x 1 hour
Time:                   3:05pm - 4:05pm
Room:                 K4
Tuition:               Early Bird $200      After December 1 - $210

Shh! Between you and me, this is an academic language course, but the children do not believe it. This engaging reading and vocabulary course is jam-packed with word games, jokes, rhymes, wacky prompts, and silly books that inspire your child to read, figure out, and laugh out loud.  It's a complete mishmash of reading and words that makes language entertaining, so much so that children have no idea they are learning complex language skills.

Each week delivers a theme from FLAG DAY TO ZOO ANIMALS. The theme starts with reading and becomes a riot of fun language to ignite your child's imagination. From SOLAR SYSTEM DAY to TREASURE HUNTS, we offer "rhymes, puns, word search, crossword puzzles, nonsense, and other secret delights. We laugh at English language exceptions to rules, ironies, “what ifs,” “can you match this,” which makes each child learn phonics, diction, and figurative language through lighthearted humor to get everyone excited to read, play, and learn. The collaborative and energetic environment encourages participation, and your child will let loose and let the words and ideas flow.

Each student creates a folder filled with their dazzling creations after reading thematic stories, poems, and literature full of jokes, puzzles, word searches, themes, limericks, scrambled words, silly sagas, and funny situations. Please be aware that they will laugh on their way home. Your child's imagination is the only limit! (Caution: This course is contagious to other family members! Enjoy)

Enrollment Open

 

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Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.

Instructor:         Talentnook Writing Academy
Grade Level:      3 - 5
Day/Dates:         Thursday – Dec 7, 14   |  Jan 11, 18, 25   |  Feb 1, 8, 15, 22, 29    
Sessions:            10 classes x 1 hour
Time:                   3:05pm - 4:05pm
Room:                 B2
Tuition:               Early Bird $200      After December 1 - $210

Ignite your child’s creativity and love for language and reading with this jam-packed, engaging play-on-word course.

WORDSMASH! is packed with a great reading theme each week from Food Day to Animal Day, complete word games, wacky and humorous prompts, rhymes, hilarious jokes, nonsense words, humorous scenarios, absurd plots, homophones, puns, and reading ridiculous possibilities with everything in between to name a few. We offer activities such as "design your own nonsense words" and "read silly stories with laughable endings " that encourage giggles. Our collaborative and lively environment provides the perfect foundation for kids to unleash their creativity to read, listen, laugh, and ponder to let their words flow. Be prepared; this course is extremely entertaining, and your kids might tell you everything that happened.

Each student creates a personal folder filled with their creations, including jokes, crossword puzzles, word hunts, rhymes, limericks, scrambled words, silly sagas, funny situations, and interesting tidbits, all while leaving room for the simple pleasure of reading a favorite, whimsical book and smiling some more.

WORDSMASH will enable your student to:

  1. Develop thinking skills in a relaxed environment by reading tidbits, funny words, phrases, and suggestions.
  2. Read about entertaining thoughts and grandiose ideas that only an elementary child can imagine.
  3. Complete their own language projects in illustrative ways to use and learn language freely.

 

Get ready to giggle and laugh out loud with your children - it's contagious!

Enrollment Open

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Writing with Comprehension Strategies - Expository Writing for Primary Grades

Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.

Instructor:         Talentnook Writing Academy
Grade Level:      1 - 2
Day/Dates:         Monday – Nov 27   |  Dec 4, 11, 18   |  Jan 22   |  Feb 5, 12, 26   |  Mar 4
Sessions:            9 classes x 67 minutes
Time:                   2:05pm - 3:12pm
Room:                 B1
Tuition:               Early Bird $200      After November 23 - $210

In this writing course, students improve their grammar, reading comprehension, writing, and vocabulary through reading passages and direct instructor input. The ingredients of language arts, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and reading are developed to create better writers. Students attempt to organize their thoughts into words and sentences and understand information through pictures and reading.

Students use previous skills taught in the classroom and continue to reflect their own opinions in popular children’s nonfiction reading passages. Advanced critical thinking skills become more fluid and organized. Communication through context grows as students develop strategies for engaging in conversations and class discussions, leading to articulate writing. Students write in a harmonious atmosphere to enhance their understanding of text and discussion.

Students develop new strategies for writing skills. Through language, vocabulary, and writing practice, students focus on developing thought and improving writing with confidence, understanding, and interest.

Writing with Comprehension Strategies course will enable your student to:

  1. Identify the specific purpose at a basic level.
  2. Develop advanced vocabulary, grammar, and language skills for academic writing.
  3. Write more detailed responses from non-fiction reading passages.

Enrollment Open

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Writing with Comprehension Strategies - Expository Writing for Grades 3-5

Note: Students may re-enroll in all Talent Nook Writing & Reading courses as the themes change from session to session and the students will learn new curriculum each time they enroll in one of their courses.

Instructor:         Talentnook Writing Academy
Grade Level:      3 - 5
Day/Dates:         Friday – Dec 1, 8, 15   |  Jan 12, 19, 26   |  Feb 9, 23   |  Mar 8
Sessions:            9 classes x 67 minutes
Time:                   3:05pm - 4:12pm
Room:                 B2
Tuition:               Early Bird $200      After November 23 - $210

In this writing course, students improve their grasp of grammar, reading comprehension, writing, and the use of language with engaging reading passages and direct instructor input. The ingredients of language arts, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and reading are developed to create better readers and writers in this academic course. Students benefit from reading a variety of different points of view.

Through varied and interactive reading passages, students learn to compare and contrast different points of view, author’s tone, figurative language, opinions, and facts presented in educational literature. Informational text is analyzed with reading and writing strategies for accuracy and speed for the later stage at the elementary level.

Students build skills by conversing on grade-level topics and reading texts with supporting details. Textual information is presented with engaging questions discussed in class, which leads to better descriptive writing. With greater understanding, writing builds confidence and awareness.

Writing with Comprehension Strategies course will enable your student to:

  1. Decode figurative language and use evidence when writing.
  2. Understand the difference between fact, opinion, and theme for writing.
  3. Write with clarity of textual meaning at their grade levels.

Enrollment Open

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Instructor:       Ms. Stacy Alvarez, Kolb Teacher
Grade Level:     2  -  3
Day/Dates:       Thursday - Aug  31   |  Sept  7, 14, 21   |  Oct  5, 19, 26   |  Nov  2, 9
Sessions:           9 x 67 minutes
Time:                  3:05 - 4:12pm 
Room:                 K4
Tuition:               Early Bird Pricing - $189      After August 24th - $200

Every year students will be asked to write informational books and essays as they progress through school. At a young age, we can give our kids the tools to be successful in this genre of writing.

In this course, students will learn the basics of informational writing. They will learn the structure of an informational book and a “How-To” book. They will engage in learning activities that help them feel confident with their writing, learn how to write with strong grammatical skills , learn and use technology to self-publish their work, edit, and revise their own work. At the end of the course they will have one published book to share and to refer back to when they are writing in class. 

Enrollment Open

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Instructor:        CompuChild Instructor
Grade Level:     1 - 5
Day/Dates:        Friday – Aug  25   |  Sept  1, 8, 22, 29   |  Oct  6, 20   |  Nov  3
Sessions:           8 x 75 Minutes
Time:                  3:05 - 4:20pm 
Room:                B1
Tuition:              Early Bird - $199      After August 18th - $210

Kids will have a great time in this hands-on Robotics course while also being introduced to various aspects of mechanical, electrical, and computer science Engineering. Students will be introduced to a block coding language in order to provide an intuitive understanding for programming as well as provide easy to follow instructions to build many simple machines.

In every class session students will use Lego pieces to build figures like airplanes, alligators, a smart spinner, etc., and they will be introduced to mechanical and electrical mechanisms like sensors, gears, pullies.  They will then use block programming to help their fit all these pieces together to create their own moving project.

 

NOTE:  Students can enroll in this class twice without repeating any of the same projects.

Enrollment Open

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Elementary Schools

Questions or Comments

We are here to help. Please contact us with questions or feedback.

Main Office
(925) 587-5610

Rich Boschetti
Academy Director
(925) 587-5613
rich@dpie.org

Angela Clifford
Academy Program Manager
(925) 587-5614
angela@dpie.org

Local, Qualified Teachers

Courses organized by local teachers with California Teaching Credentials.