Murray Elementary School

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

Murray Elementary SchoolHello Murray 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 Murray Elementary.


Actors’ Workshop!

Instructor:          Professional Actors from Kenn Adams Synergy Theater
Grade Level:       1 - 5
Day/Dates:           Thursday – Nov 30  |  Dec 7, 14   |  Jan 11, 18, 25   |  Feb  1, 8, 15, 22
Sessions:             10 sessions x 1 Hour
Time:                    3:05  - 4:05pm
Room:                  B1
Tuition:                 Early Bird - $196     After November 23 - $210

It’s laughter, learning and limelight with the After School Drama Club - 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 workshop presentation of scenes and monologues for an invited audience.

Enrollment Open

Back to Top

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:          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:                  B3
Tuition:                Early Bird - $199       After November 28 - $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 who enjoy this Adv. Lego Robotics course may enroll in the class twice without repeating any projects. 

Enrollment Open

Back to Top

Beginner’s Yoga, Its Elementary!

Instructor:           Ms. Alison Starr, Murray Instructor
Grade Level:        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:                    2.05 - 3.12pm 
Room:                   B1
Tuition:                 Early Bird Pricing - $189      After November 20 - $200

Would you like to be a goddess?  How about a winged dragon? Maybe a proud warrior? Or even a soaring eagle? Then come try yoga with Mrs. Starr in K-3 at Magical Murray. This class is an introduction to yoga and will help you find strength, balance and focus all of which can help you in any sport your play as well as the classroom. You will also find inner peace through meditation the meditation period at the end of each class. Invest in yourself and come and try yoga, you will be amazed at all you learn.

Enrollment Open

Back to Top

Chess Academy for Kids (Tuesday)

Instructors:        Pacific Chess Academy 
Grade Level:      1 - 5
Day/Dates:         Tuesdays – 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:                  D4
Tuition:                Early Bird Pricing - $198       After November 29  - $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!

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

Back to Top

Chess Academy for Kids (Wednesday)

Instructors:        Pacific Chess Academy 
Grade Level:      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:                  B4
Tuition:                Early Bird Pricing - $198       After November 29  - $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

Back to Top

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:             Talent Nook 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 x 67 Minutes
Time:                       2:05 - 3:12pm
Room:                     D4
Tuition:                    Early Bird Pricing -  $200      After November 20 -  $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.

Talentnook Creative Writing after school classes at Dublin elementary schools.

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

      Back to Top

      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:                     B4
      Tuition:                    Early Bird Pricing -  $200      After November 20 -  $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

      Back to Top

      Full STEAM Ahead!

      Instructor:           Ms. Felicia Suminski, Murray Instructor
      Grade Level:        1 – 3
      Day/Dates:          Tuesdays – Dec 12, 19   |  Jan 9, 16, 23, 30   |  Feb 6, 13
      Sessions:             8 classes  x 75 minutes
      Time:                    2pm - 3:15pm
      Room:                  F2
      Tuition:                 Early Bird Pricing - $189        After November 23 - $200

      Hands on, Minds on!

      Exciting explorations, delightful discoveries, and wild wonders await. The project-based format will encourage students to make connections with math, science, and art experiences through weekly hands-on activities. Students will have the opportunity to work on projects such as 3-dimensional art, wearable art, and STEM challenges.  Students will work individually, in pairs, and in teams to solve open-ended STEAM challenges designed to teach the creative process!

      Come join the fun and discover your inner artist.

      Enrollment Open

      Back to Top

      Game Development

      Instructor:          CompuChild
      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:                  A3
      Tuition:                Early Bird Pricing -  $199            After November 28 - $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 who enjoyed this class may enroll in the course twice without repeating any of the projects.

      Enrollment Open

      Back to Top

      Girls with Confidence (Girls Only Class)

      Instructor:          Ms. Andrea Martinez & Ms. Francesca Milana, Murray Teachers
      Grade Level:       3 - 5
      Day/Dates:          Tuesday – Dec 12, 19   |  Jan 9, 16, 23, 30   |  Feb 6, 13
      Sessions:             8 classes  x 75 Minutes 
      Time:                    2:05 - 3.20pm 
      Room:                  F1
      Tuition:                Early Bird Pricing -  $189            After November 28 - $200

      The aim of this class is to help young girls develop positive self-esteem and self-worth, as well as encouraging them to find their voice and use it in an impactful way. History has shown that women like Katherine Johnson and Rosa Parks, whose actions changed the world, did so despite the challenges they faced along the way. We want to equip our female students with the tools and inspiration to pave the path of their future, just as the women of our history did.  Each week, students will learn about influential woman in history, what they are known for and the traits they exhibited to achieve their success and participate in an activity (art, movement, writing, and peer collaboration) to put the traits into practice.

      At the end of the Winter session, we want the students to leave empowered and believe that they can do anything they set their minds to!

      Note: Current research shows that only 34% of women make up the workforce in STEM fields even though they account for 51% of the population. Additionally, in 2021 the CDC (Center for Disease Control) reported a dramatic increase in teen girls who felt sad or hopeless om their daily lives. “According to CDC data, “nearly 3 in 5 (57%) U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless — double that of boys, representing a nearly 60% increase and the highest level reported over the past decade.” Girls with Confidence has the purpose of recognizing these statistics by helping young girls develop positive self-esteem and self-worth as well as encouraging them to find their voice and use it in an impactful way. 

      Enrollment Open

      Back to Top

      Keys to Becoming an Inspirational Speaker & Presenter

      Instructor:          Gurus Education Certified Teacher
      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:                  F1
      Tuition:                Early Bird - $200         After November 29 - $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

      Back to Top

      LEGO® Robotics

      Instructor:             CompuChild Instructor
      Grade Level:          1 - 5
      Days/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:                     D4
      Tuition:                    Early Bird - $199      After November 23 - $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 two times without repeating activities.

      Enrollment Open

      Back to Top

      Magical Murray Book Club

      Instructor:           Angieleque “Ms. Angie” Ollendorf, Murray Media Tech
      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   7 x 80 minutes
      Time:                    2:05 - 3:12pm   NEW TIME - 2.05pm - 3.25pm
      Room:                  Library
      Tuition:                 Early Bird Pricing - $189        After November 21 - $200

      Magical Murray After School Reading book club!


      Calling all story enthusiasts!  Do you like getting lost in a story but never have someone to talk  to about the books? Join Ms. Angie on a magical adventure as we read and talk about amazing books. Enhance your student’s comprehension and create lifelong readers with fun stories and activities. Students will participate in group activities and meaningful round table discussions where they can share their feelings and thoughts with their peers in a safe and non- judgmental environment. All students will receive a book to keep. This course is open to grades 1st through 5th and students will be grouped by reading levels. Come join our adventures in reading!

      Enrollment Open

      Back to Top

      Noetic Math – Inspire the Mathematician Within Your Student

      Instructor:       Instructor from Math Trek Program
      Grades:            1 - 3
      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:              B7
      Tuition:            Early Bird Pricing - $192         After November 28 - $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

      Back to Top

      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:                  3:05 - 4:05pm 
      Room:                B3
      Tuition:               Early Bird - $200         After November 30 - $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

      Back to Top

      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 & Reading Academy
      Grade Level:     3 - 5
      Day/Dates:        Thursday – Nov 30   |  Dec 7, 14   |  Jan 11, 18, 25   |  Feb 1, 8, 15, 22    
      Sessions:           10 classes x 1 hour 
      Time:                  3:05 - 4:05pm 
      Room:                 A3
      Tuition:               Early Bird - $200       After November 23 - $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

      Back to Top

      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 & Reading Academy
      Grade Level:     1 - 2
      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:                 K5
      Tuition:               Early Bird - $200       After November 29 - $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)

      WordSMASH! will enable your child to:

      1. Enjoy and develop reading and word skills with fun and inspiration.
      2. Read and develop endless possibilities that only a young child can imagine.
      3. Complete their endings, projects, and loose ends through words.

       

      Enrollment Open

      Back to Top

      WordSMASH! for Grades 3-5: 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 & Reading Academy
      Grade Level:     3 - 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:                 A3
      Tuition:               Early Bird - $200       After November 29 - $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

      Back to Top

      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 & Reading Academy
      Grade Level:     1 - 2
      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:                 D4
      Tuition:               Early Bird - $200       After November 24 - $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

      Back to Top

      Instructor:          Challenge Island Instructor
      Grade Level:       1 - 5
      Day/Dates:          Wednesday – Aug  30   |  Sept  6, 13, 20, 27   |  Oct  4, 11, 18, 25   |  Nov  8
      Sessions:             10 x 1 hour 
      Time:                    2:05pm - 3:05pm
      Room:                   F1
      Tuition:                 Early Bird Pricing - $205        After August 23rd - $215

      What do you want to be when you grow up? Challenge Island's all new Cool Careers Island© will give you a taste of some of the world's most exciting jobs from veterinarian to marine biologist to professional basketball player! Start engineering your future today with this STEAMtastic Challenge Island adventure!


      Enrollment Open

      Back to Top

      Instructor:           Ms. Sara Phillips, Murray Teacher
      Grade Level:        3– 5
      Day/Dates:          Tuesday – Sept  5, 12, 19, 26   |   Oct  3, 10, 17, 24, 31    |   Nov  7  
      Sessions:             10 x 1 Hour
      Time:                    2.05pm - 3.05pm
      Room:                  B6
      Tuition:                Early Bird Pricing - $189      After August 29th - $200

      In this course, we will read a variety of wonderful books and short stories that are richly illustrated will serve to inspire students to celebrate their own artistic qualities! After reading each book as a class, students will study the illustrator’s style within the text that inspire their own artistic side. Students will then create their own illustrations through a variety of mediums such as painting, drawing, collages, modeling, and construction. Not only will students enjoy the books we read, but they will be able to tap into their own artistic talents and create their own illustrations for the stories that reflect their own spirit and point of view.
      Tap into the Artist in your creative after school class with Sara Phillips at Murray Elementary.

      Enrollment Open

      Back to Top

      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.

      Error message

      Image resize threshold of 10 remote images has been reached. Please use fewer remote images.