Dougherty Elementary School
We are offering a dynamic selection of courses available from TK through to 5th Grade.
Hello Dougherty Elementary 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 TK through to 5th Grade. Below is the list of courses we are offering at Dougherty Elementary.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Instructor: Professional Actors from Kenn Adams Synergy Theater
Grade Levels: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Friday - Aug 30 | Sept 6, 13, 27 | Oct 4, 18, 25 | Nov 8, 15 (no class on 20 Sept)
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12 pm
Room: 27
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After August 16th- $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.
Instructor: Challenge Island Instructor
Grade Levels: TK - 1
Day/Dates: Monday - Aug 26 | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 | Oct 7, 14, 21, 28
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 3:05pm - 4:12pm
Room: TBA
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $208 After August 12th - $218
Join us for an exciting island expedition where you and your pals will take a journey through the Animal Kingdom. Dive into the captivating world of diverse habitats, including oceans, rainforests, farms, and the realms of birds and reptiles. Along the way, you'll have the chance to explore various sensory bins and unleash your creativity through arts and crafts. Prepare for an incredibly thrilling adventure at Challenge Island's® Animal Island™!
Kindergarten parents will need to bring their students back to school for this class.
Note: The Challenge Island instructor has agreed to pickup and drop off TK and Kindergarten students from EDCC. If your child is enrolled in EDCC please complete and turn int the required EDCC form allowing them to release your child to the Challenge Island instructor. Otherwise, parents will need to bring their students back to school to attend this afternoon class.
Instructor: Talent Nook Writing Academy
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Monday - Aug 26 | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 | Oct 7, 14, 21, 28 | Nov 4 added
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:12pm
Room: 16
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $230 After August 12 - $240
This innovative curriculum seamlessly blends Science, Math, History, and Language Arts with the power of artistic expression, providing students with a holistic learning journey that ignites their curiosity and sparks innovation.
Students will embark on a dynamic exploration of STEM concepts through hands-on projects, collaborative activities, and interactive lessons, all infused with a creative twist. Each class session will revolve around a captivating theme, offering opportunities for learning, reading, discussions, idea sharing, and, of course, plenty of artistic expression.
From measuring and creating intricate designs with geometric math art, to building 3D models, exploring chemical reactions, understanding geological formations, and yet sharing their personal favorites, this class captivates students of all ages. Additionally, crafting Halloween-themed spiders and insects will also be a fun and engaging activity this fall semester.
Art Integration: Blending STEM and Creativity will enhance students to:
- Inspire curiosity and imagination, bridging the gap between analytical thinking and artistic innovation.
- Cultivate critical thinking skills by approaching STEM challenges with creative problem-solving strategies.
- Develop a holistic understanding of complex concepts by exploring them through both scientific and creative lenses.
Join us for this class brimming with fun, exploration, and enriching learning experiences that will inspire and empower your student
Instructor: Jean Wright from Café Art
Grade Levels: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday – Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Nov 5
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:12pm
Room: 9
Tuition: Early Bird - $199 After August 13th - $209
Join us for an exciting session where creativity and self-expression come to life! In our Fall After-School Art and Journaling Class, students will dive into the world of journaling, scrapbooking, and imaginative art projects. This class is designed to help children explore creative and artistic ways to journal their hopes, feelings, memories, and goals while crafting personal art pieces.
There is no "right way" to do art or journaling, making this class a perfect space for kids to freely express themselves. Art journaling is all about the process of being creative, whether it's ugly, pretty, messy, neat, silly, profound, quiet, loud, sad, happy, or expressive—all without judgment.
Students are encouraged to bring their own photos (4x6 or smaller) to document events in their lives or incorporate them into their art projects. Throughout the session, students will create their own art journal and learn techniques such as collage, stamping, and metal art. This class promises a fun, engaging, and enriching experience for all young artists!
Journaling helps to encourage self-confident but also with communication skills, creativity, emotional well-being, memory, self awareness and literacy.
Instructor: Pacific Chess Academy
Grade Levels: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Friday – Aug 30 | Sept 6, 13, 20, 27 | Oct 4, 18, 25 | Nov 8, 15 added
Sessions: 9 x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3.12pm
Room: 9
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $208 After August 16th - $218
Learn chess with Pacific Chess Academy! Offered to all levels (Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced) this program is a great opportunity for kids to learn how to overcome obstacles, think strategically, cultivate champion psychology, stay focused, and make new friends.
Each lesson consists of interactive instructions, analysis, and tournament games during which students play against each other. Lessons are fun and easy to follow and include individual instructions to practice at home. Kids are provided with all necessary chess equipment for lessons (boards, pieces, clocks, demonstration tools).
Additional online sessions (two per semester) will help students to improve their skills and become decent chess players in no time. In-person tournaments are organized at the end of each semester- all participants get trophies! Our students can enjoy a FREE application PACIFIC CHESS ACADEMY, easily downloadable from AppStore, to play against friends or computers, solve puzzles and participate in online tournaments. The Leaderboard allows parents to monitor their children’ progress.
6 Reasons Kids Should Learn Chess
- Improves concentration, attention span and memory abilities
- Enhances reading and math skills
- Fosters critical-thinking and creativity in young minds
- Encourages and rewards hard work
- Develops problem solving skills
- Exercises both sides of your brain
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Levels: TK, K - 1
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Nov 5 added
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: 120
Tuition: Early Bird - $215 After August 14th - $225
Children will explore the wonderful world of coding and logical thinking using physical tiles (no screen time) to make their bot move, sing, dance, and create beautiful artwork. Coding concepts such as; sequences, loops, and subroutines will be introduced through fun projects around treasure hunts and exploration. This fundamental coding course has been designed by CompuChild’s outstanding team members with a Ph.D. in engineering, children’s librarian, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). We are one of the two national children’s education franchises that are ‘STEM Certified’ by Cognia.
Instructor: Creatif Art Instructor
Grade Level: 1- 5
Day/Dates: Thursday - Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 | Oct 3, 17 | Nov 7, 14
Sessions: 8 classes x 75 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:20pm
Room: 15
Tuition: Early Bird - $205 After August 21st - $215
Join the Creatif - Clay Workshop, where imagination meets craftsmanship! In this hands-on class, participants will dive into the versatile world of clay artistry. From sculpting and molding to shaping and detailing, students will create art using clay. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, join us as we explore the endless possibilities of clay and create stunning works of art together!
Instructor: Creatif Art Instructor
Grade Level: 1- 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday – Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 | Oct 2, 9, 16, 30
Sessions: 8 classes x 75 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:20pm
Room: P6
Tuition: Early Bird - $205 After August 21st - $215
Join us for an exciting and interactive drawing and painting class tailored specifically for young artists. Through this fun session they will be introduced to basic drawing and painting skills. They'll have the opportunity to express themselves artistically, creating vibrant artworks.
No prior experience required as this class is designed to inspire creativity and foster a love for art. Join us as we embark on a colorful journey of self-expression and creativity! Enroll your child today to ignite their passion for drawing and painting.
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: Wednesday – March 13, 20, 27 | April 10, 17, 24 | May 1, 8, 15, 22
Sessions: 10 x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3.05pm
Room: 120
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $200 After March 6 - $210
Embark on an imaginative journey with our upcoming course, Creative Writing. Designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and a love for storytelling, this course introduces students to the dynamic worlds of Comedy and Thriller genres.
In the first five sessions, students will be engaged in interactive comedic tales featuring relatable characters and settings, which will be narrated. These stories will introduce them to the whimsical world of Comedy, emphasizing the humor derived from everyday situations. Through laughter and perspective, students will naturally connect with characters whose experiences mirror their own, fostering a sense of familiarity.
Through the readings of the Thriller genre, students will analyze character traits and behaviors in suspenseful contexts that lead to tension and climax of events. By exploring how characters respond to mysterious situations, students will recognize the parallels between the characters in the stories and their own experiences, making the circumstances more relatable.
Through the readings of Comedy and Thriller, students will:
- Gain an appreciation for the diverse ways stories can be told, from humorous narratives to suspenseful plots.
- Experience various emotions, from hearty laughter during comedic readings to the anticipation and excitement of thrilling stories
- Develop the ability to identify elements that contribute to the comedic or thrilling nature of a story.
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: Tuesday - Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Nov 5 added
Sessions: 10 x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05pm - 4:05pm
Room: 16
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $230 After August 13th - $240
Embark on a journey of imagination with our upcoming course, Creative Writing: Narrative and Folklore. Tailored to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for storytelling, this course introduces students to the captivating realms of Narrative and Folklore.
In the initial sessions, students will dive into interactive narratives, exploring diverse storytelling techniques and crafting their tales. Through engaging narratives, they will immerse themselves in the rich storytelling tradition, learning to develop characters, plot twists, and settings that captivate readers' imaginations.
As students delve into Folklore, they will unravel the mysteries of traditional tales and legends passed down through generations. From mythical creatures to heroic adventures, they will analyze the themes and motifs in folklore, gaining insight into the cultural significance of these timeless stories.
Through the exploration of Narrative and Folklore, students will:
- Hone their storytelling skills, crafting compelling narratives that captivate audiences.
- Explore the cultural significance of folklore, gaining a deeper understanding of traditional storytelling.
- Cultivate a love for literature and creative expression, fostering a lifelong appreciation for the power of storytelling.
Instructor: Ms Lina Barakat, Dougherty Teacher
Grade Levels: 3 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: 15
Tuition: Early Bird - $195 After August 13th - $205
Are you ready to embark on a thrilling literary journey?
Join our Young Readers' Book Club for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders, where each class is an adventure into the magical realms of books! Dive into captivating stories filled with adventure, mystery, and fantasy, and unlock the doors to endless imagination and critical thinking.
In our club, you'll meet fellow book lovers and embark on fun, thought-provoking discussions that bring stories to life. Imagine solving puzzles like a detective, embarking on quests like a hero, and exploring enchanted worlds—all through the pages of a book!
But that's not all! We’ll have exciting activities like book-themed games, creative arts and crafts. Each book we choose will take you on a new adventure, keeping you thrilled and excited about reading every time.
Our goal is to make reading fun, spark your imagination, and help you see stories in a whole new way. So grab your favorite book and join us for an unforgettable literary adventure!
Instructor: Gurus Education, East Bay
Grade Levels: 3 - 5
Day/Dates: Thursday – Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 | Oct 3, 17, 24 | Nov 7, 14 added
Sessions: 8 sessions x 75 minutes
Time: 2:05 – 3:20pm
Room: 27
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $200 After August 22nd - $210
An excellent combo camp!!
Kids will learn to present confidently and write effectively in 6 steps. They will develop public speaking & leadership skills to provide reasoning and evidence on thought provoking topics. Learning the concepts of money management will help students better understand the elements of personal finance, value of saving wisely & budgeting effectively. They will acquire the knowledge of entrepreneurship by creating step-by-step plan & present a New Business Project!
It will be Fun, Effective & Invigorating camp!
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Nov 5 added
Sessions: 10 classes x 90 minutes
Time: 3:05pm - 4:35pm
Room: P5
Tuition: Early Bird - $310 After August 13th - $320
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 may enroll in this class twice without repeating projects.
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 Happy Traveler Lego Robotics course.
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Levels: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday - Aug 28 | Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 | Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Nov 6 added
Sessions: 10 x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: P5
Tuition: Early Bird - $215 After August 14th - $225
This unit will develop your students' understanding of computer science as they create sequences and loops, decompose problems, and improve programs to meet specific needs. They'll investigate ways of accurately describing the decisions they've made when creating a program, carry out fair tests, and develop their ability to generate and debug multiple solutions. Your students will recount experiences using relevant facts and descriptive details. This will help them to improve their communication skills.
They will build river ferries, swamp boats, cable carts etc. by using LEGO pieces and program these LEGO figures to perform various actions.
Instructor: Lando Trained Instructor
Grade Level: 1- 3
Day/Dates: Monday - Aug 26 | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 | Oct 7, 14, 21, 28 | Nov 4
Sessions: 9 classes x 90 mins
Time: 3:05 - 4:35pm
Room: 120
Tuition: Early Bird - $340 After August 12th - $350
Our classes are designed to engage both new and experienced coders. Instead of your typical coding puzzles, students learn by creating a variety of mini-games. They’ll master key concepts — such as sequencing, variables, conditionals, and events — all while enjoying the process of building games for themselves and their friends. We provide laptops loaded with our custom, distraction-free version of Scratch and send regular updates to keep parents informed about each student’s progress.
Prerequisite – This classes is designed for student who have some experience listening to daily use of Mandarin in their home. However, speaking, reading and writing skills are not required and English explanations will be used in the classroom as needed to facilitate learning.
Instructor: Ms. Yu Wang, Owner Joyful Thoughts Mandaring Immersion Program
Grade Level: K - 3
Day/Dates: Friday - March 15, 22 | April 12, 19, 26 | May 3, 10, 17, 24
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 Minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:12pm
Room: TBA
Tuition: Early Bird - $205 After March 8 - $215
Join our dynamic Mandarin Immersion class where language comes to life through explorations, interactive activities, and cultural adventures. Ignite your child’s curiosity, make friends, and embark on a language journey full of fun and discovery! All classes are designed to combine academic and social-emotional learning (SEL) to foster language fluency, vocabulary, grammar and expression, cultural awareness, self-esteem, and respect for diversity through immersive classes.
Learning goals are set up for each class with two reference materials, YCT (Youth Chinese Test) and HSK (Chinese proficiency Test). We also incorporate oral Mandarin expressions and daily used sentences into our lessons.
In our Mandarin Immersion program, students will be actively involved in the whole Mandarin learning process. A unique topic is designed for each class covering real-life problems, culture, community, nature, art, or social-emotional development. Students start thinking, observing, and discussing from a driving question. They also lead the exploration process by asking more questions and participating in group discussions. The class will have abundant hands-on activities that students will have a chance to finish their “work”— a final presentation, a poster, a handcraft, or a questionnaire, etc.
Please join us, enroll now and empower your child with the gift of bilingualism!
Instructor: Lando Trained Instructor
Grade Level: 1- 3
Day/Dates: Thursday – Aug 29 | Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 | Oct 3, 17, 24 | Nov 7
Sessions: 9 classes x 2 hours
Time: 2:05 - 4:05pm
Room: TBA
Tuition: Early Bird - $415 After August 15th - $425
Lando classes teach students the skills needed to solve real world engineering problems without relying on step by step instructions. Our unique classes give students the freedom to explore their own solutions to engineering problems, while our expert teachers guide them with tactical hints and suggestions, as well as explanations of core engineering and design concepts. This approach allows them to gain early exposure to complex concepts and ideas, while developing mental toughness and perseverance. In each class students will utilize legos to solve a specific engineering or design challenge (e.g., building a bridge, dome, elevator, catapult, train.) These challenges include distinct levels (bridge holds 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 35+ pounds) to keep students engaged and allow them to progress at their own pace.
Instructor: Lando Trained Instructor
Grade Level: 1- 3
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sessions: 10 classes x 90 minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:35pm
Room: TBA
Tuition: Early Bird - $375 After August 13th - $385
Unlock artistic passion with our unique sculpting technique class, developed by experts from the Rhode Island School of Design. Students explore fundamental concepts such as color theory and structural supports while learning to simplify complex forms. Each session introduces new and exciting projects from our extensive library of builds, ensuring fresh challenges and creative fun for all skill levels. In addition, students can take home their unique sculptures to showcase their growing skills.
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Levels: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday – Aug 28 | Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 | Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Nov 6 added
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: P5
Tuition: Early Bird - $215 After August 14th - $225
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.
Instructor: Mr John Price, Dougherty Teacher
Grade Levels: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: 11/Garden
Tuition: Early Bird - $195 After August 13th - $205
Encourage a sense of wonder in your young scientist by utilizing the extensive Dougherty gardens in an exploration of Life Science. Students will learn about leaves, flowers and general plant-life as they collect & press specimens. Students will create their own guide to the plants growing in the Dougherty garden as well as their own backyard. Students will have the opportunity to create their own gift projects.
Pressing plants, flowers, and even leaves will supplement your child’s understanding of life science and help them gain an appreciation for the nature that surrounds them. Students will:
- Gain a better understanding of plant structures
- Appreciate the diversity of plants in the local area
- Learn skills for plant identification
- Experiment with sampling practices in the field of Botany
Instructor: Talentnook Academy
Grade Levels: 3 - 5
Day/Dates: Friday - Aug 30 | Sept 6, 13, 20, 27 | Oct 4, 18, 25 | Nov 8, 15 added
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 Minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: P4
Tuition: Early Bird - $230 After August 14th - $240
Money is an integral part of our lives, and understanding how to manage it is crucial, especially from an early age. Welcome to "Money Matters - Fun Finance for Kids," a dynamic and engaging course designed to introduce elementary students in grades 3-5 to the exciting world of money management.
Through a blend of interactive activities, games, and hands-on projects, students will learn essential financial concepts in a fun and practical way. In this course, students will explore the basics of money identification, budgeting, saving, spending, debit, credit, banking, and much more. They will participate in role-playing activities, such as running a classroom store and managing a lemonade stand, to practice real-world financial skills. Interactive online games and educational board games will reinforce their learning and make financial literacy enjoyable.
Students will also delve into important topics like needs versus wants, the value of earning money through chores or entrepreneurial activities, and the benefits of saving and investing. Engaging discussions and creative projects, such as DIY piggy banks and charity drives, will help students understand the importance of money in their everyday lives and the broader community.
By the end of the course, students will have a solid foundation in financial literacy, empowering them to make informed decisions about money now and in the future. Join us on this exciting journey to financial independence and responsibility!
Money Matters - Fun Finance for Kids will enable your student to:
- Learn the importance of saving and setting financial goals
- Develop budgeting skills through practical exercises and role-playing
- Understand the difference between needs and wants
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 Academy, Certified Instructors
Grade Level: K - 2
Day/Dates: Friday - Aug 30 | Sept 6, 13, 20, 27 | Oct 4, 18, 25 | Nov 8, 15 added
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 Minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: 15
Tuition: Early Bird - $230 After August 16th - $240
In this course, students can explore the magic of storytelling and develop a lifelong love of reading. In the Fall class, we will delve into a variety of reading materials, from enchanting picture books to simple texts that captivate young minds. With each story, students will have the opportunity to follow characters, unravel plot twists, and engage in lively dialogues.
Our dedicated teacher will guide every student through themed readings each week, covering a range of topics from Nature's Wonders to Adventures in Space. After each story, students will participate in discussions where they can share their thoughts, identify key characters, and express their likes or dislikes about the tale. Through these interactions, they'll learn the nuances of character development and storytelling, while honing their language and communication skills. Join us this semester and watch as your student develops a deep love for reading, engages in stimulating discussions, and explores the wonders of storytelling!
Read Aloud will enable your student to:
- Develop a deep love for reading, fostering a lifelong passion for literature.
- Enhance their language and communication skills through engaging discussions and storytelling.
- Explore the art of character development and plot unraveling, nurturing their imagination and critical thinking abilities.
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 - Aug 29 | Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 | Oct 3, 17, 24 | Nov 7, 14 added
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: P4
Tuition: Early Bird - $230 After August 15th - $240
It is never too early to start children on a path to reading for enjoyment and learning how to find important material in the text. Our Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies program developed with a theme of Narrative Writing for the fall semester for grades 1-2 allows children to read engaging passages with interest and accuracy, pulling out relevant information and developing a relationship with the text. The material is fun to read and encourages building a connection with the stories. Reading comprehension questions are designed to test understanding, while writing response questions foster student creativity.
Since writing skills are emerging at this age, teachers encourage students to draw and use illustrations to express their understanding. Learning to appreciate literature by listening, attempting to write, and creating through labeling and illustration is a win-win approach.
Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies will enable your child to:
- Listen, react, and illustrate the meaning of the text.
- Express main ideas and concepts about narrative texts through questions and responses.
- Engage in exploring the meanings behind literature.
Enroll your student in our Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies program to ignite their passion for reading and writing, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of literature.
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: Monday - Aug 26 | Sept 9, 16, 23, 30 | Oct 7, 14, 21, 28 | Nov 4 added
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 3:05 - 4:12pm
Room: 19
Tuition: Early Bird - $230 After August 12th - $240
This Reading and Comprehension course is designed for grades 3-5 to provide students with narratives they want to read, so they can enjoy writing about the experience. The reading is geared towards teaching students how to annotate and form a relationship between the text and the author. The goal is to create a relationship with the text so that recall of important details and information is understood and not forgotten when answering questions and giving written responses.
The writing aspect of the course is designed to further a student's awareness of literature and reading passages so that they can hone in on the important prompts and literary elements to create a more concise, thoughtful, and targeted response to reading. The aspects of figurative language, point of view, and author’s purpose will be utilized.
Reading Comprehension and Writing Strategies will enable your child to:
- Develop strategies for understanding written text
- Find important details and meanings behind the author’s objective
- Write a concise, thoughtful response to literary analysis.
Instructor: Professional Coaches from Soccer Stars Contra Costa
Grade Level: K - 5
Day/Dates: Wednesday - Aug 28 | Sept 4, 11, 18, 25 | Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Nov 6
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 2:05 - 3:12pm
Room: Field
Tuition: Early Bird - $225 After August 14th - $235
When school is done for the day, soccer is in! At Soccer Stars we teach the FUNdamentals of soccer in a non-competitive & nurturing environment. Our charismatic and dynamic coaches bring a cool blend of soccer skills, talents, and backgrounds to sprinkle extra fun and creativity. From practicing and playing small-sided games to skill development and team-building activities, our Super (soccer) Star line up has something for everyone!
Note: If your child is enrolled in EDCC please complete and turn in the required EDCC form allowing them to release your child to the Soccer Stars instructor. Otherwise, parents will need to bring their students back to school to attend this afternoon class.
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, Certified Instructors
Grade Level: 1 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday – Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 3:05 - 4:05pm
Room: TBC
Tuition: Early Bird - $230 After August 13th - $240
"Spanish Safari: Sing, Rhyme, Play, and Write!" embarks on a fresh expedition through language and culture in the Fall season, tailored to captivate and educate students in Grades 1-5.
This immersive language program invites young learners to explore the depths of the Spanish language and its cultural richness. Guided by well-experienced teachers, the semester kick-starts with fundamental aspects like greetings, alphabets, numbers, and colors, laying the groundwork for a captivating learning journey.
Throughout the semester, students engage in stimulating projects that allow them to demonstrate their newfound language proficiency in imaginative and purposeful ways. These projects shine a spotlight on Spanish-speaking cultures and their unique traditions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for global diversity.
Spanish Safari will enable your student to:
- Foster cultural awareness, acceptance, and a keen appreciation for diverse viewpoints from around the globe.
- Sharpen problem-solving skills as they navigate through the intricacies of grammar, vocabulary, and sentence construction in a new language.
- Access a world of global opportunities in an increasingly interconnected society, laying the groundwork for future endeavors.
Instructor: Challenge Island Instructor
Grade Levels: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Aug 27 | Sept 3, 10, 17, 24 | Oct 1, 8, 15, 22
Sessions: 9 classes x 67 minutes
Time: 3:05pm - 4:12pm
Room: TBA
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $208 After August 13th - $218
In this bestselling Slimetopia sequel, the world is being taken over by slime! Join a crew of STEAM Teammates and dive into the ooey-gooey excitement of our 9-week STEAM enrichment program, featuring 3 weeks of mind-blowing slime recipes.
Calling all innovative and inventive kids to an adventure in STEAM and entrepreneurship! You and your STEAM Team will design, create, and open new businesses every day: From PIZZApreneur Day and SWEETrepreneur Day to SLIMEtrepreneur Day, PETrepreneur Day.
Did you know that engaging in STEAM activities can significantly boost academic achievement and cognitive development? Our STEAM Slime-tastic Adventures class combines the thrill of creating slime with the educational benefits of STEAM learning and entrepreneurship. This unique program will spark curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in young minds.
Get ready to mix up an amazing array of internationally-inspired slimes, from Italian Pizza Slime and Ghana Chocolate Slime to Boba Slime. Each session is packed with squishy, squashy, and sensational fun that’s guaranteed to captivate and inspire.
This slime adventure is sure to sell out in a flash, so book your spot today and don’t miss out on the slimy 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, Certified Instructors
Grade Level: 1 - 2
Day/Dates: Tuesday - March 12, 19, 26 | April 9, 16, 23, 30 | May 7, 14, 21
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: TBA
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After March 5 - $210
WordSMASH! at the kindergarten to second grade level is a combination of reading, playing, and drawing fun that ignites your child’s creativity and love for language. This course is jam-packed with sensory details and engages play-on words and letter recognition sounds. In this most basic program for our youngest learners, WordSMASH! comes alive with new themes, games, fun, laughter, and music. It will make language inspiring for their age level with phonics, word families, and rhymes.
WORDSMASH! offers weekly activities ranging from “Color My World” to “Make a Wish” and many more out of the box themes. Our program includes engaging word games, find the mistakes, rhymes, jokes, nonsense words, connect-the-dots, and more. With activities like "Can you rhyme with?" and "Music to write with," we bring laughter and learning together, encouraging a fun and interactive reading experience for children.
Our teachers let their inner child come out to play with your students. WordSMASH! provides the perfect foundation for kids to unleash their understanding of letters, sounds, and drawings to listen, laugh, and smile as their words flow. Warning: WordSMASH! is extremely entertaining, and your students might tell you everything that happened as they laugh out loud.
WORDSMASH will enable your student to:
- Develop thinking skills with phonics, word families, and tactile word games
- Stimulate language with sensory and drawing manipulatives.
- Complete portfolios with illustrative language and activity projects.
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, Certified Instructors
Grade Level: 3 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday - March 12, 19, 26 | April 9, 16, 23, 30 | May 7, 14, 21
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 Hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: TBA
Tuition: Early Bird - $200 After March 5 - $210
WordSMASH isn't your typical language course – it's a journey into the wonders of words, cleverly disguised as a thrilling game of language, sounds, scavenger hunts, with the complexities and exceptions of language. Each week provides a theme that creates excitement from Music Makes to Superheroes Save the Word as students explore reading activities, and music to enlighten and inspire.
The course is crafted to combine learning with excitement, making language exploration an exhilarating game. The program incorporates a variety of interactive word games, challenges, and activities that stimulate critical thinking and creative expression. From puzzles to collaborative projects, to “What ifs,” and “This can’t be true,” students actively participate in the learning process all the while entertained with the nuances of language. Students learn with fun and games.
Each week introduces a captivating subject ranging from "Mythical Odyssey" to "Scientific Marvels." These themes serve as a gateway for students to explore diverse aspects of language in a fun and engaging manner.
WORDSMASH will enable students to:
- Develop thinking and word skills by enjoying language
- Read and explore new themes that ignite imagination and word play
- Complete language projects in illustrative ways to build cognitive skills Let the joy of learning words be an ongoing, animated adventure!
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Levels: 2 - 5
Day/Dates: Tuesday - Sept 5, 12, 19, 26 | Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 | Nov 7
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 2:05pm - 3:05pm
Room: P5
Tuition: Early Bird Pricing - $199 After August 29th - $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, communicating and reflecting.
Instructor: CompuChild
Grade Levels: 1 - 2
Day/Dates: Monday – March 14, 21, 28 | April 11, 18, 25 | May 2, 9, 16, 23
Sessions: 10 classes x 1 hour
Time: 2:05 - 3:05pm
Room: P4
Tuition: Early Bird - $189 After March 10th - $199
In this course we teach basic engineering, electronics and circuitry concepts by building components (musical doorbell, siren, motion detectors, 2 speed fan with lights and many more) using hands-on snap circuit kits. This is a part of maker series where children build their own circuits and learn in depth about electricity, battery, parallel and series circuits etc. We teach kids basic concepts in a fun and exciting way. If your child likes to work with creative hands-on projects, the Snap Circuit class is the one for them.
Instructor: CompuChild Instructor
Grade Levels: 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: P4
Tuition: Early Bird - $199 After November 30 - $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.
Elementary Schools
DPIE NEWS!
A Story of ... A Passion for Outdoors, Science & Nature
In a recent interview with Mr John Price, teacher of our Life Science in the Garden class...
Questions or Comments
We are here to help. Please contact us with questions or feedback.
Main Office
(925) 587-5610
Angela Clifford
Program & Marketing Director
(925) 587-5614
angela@dpie.org
Lillian Radwan
Office Administrator
(925) 587-5611
lilli@dpie.org
Local, Qualified Teachers
Courses organized by local teachers with California Teaching Credentials.