Description:
This session is for anyone who really loves animals! Every week, we will read a different picture book and each one will feature ANIMALS as the main characters! From wild boars to iguanas and sloths to monkeys, we will meet all kinds of cute critters that make us curious. Then we will dive right in to learning more about our new beastie besties: where they live, what they eat, and what they look like in the world outside the pages of our book.
Some of the stories we study may be familiar and some will definitely be brand new, but together we will learn and laugh and level up our animal facts and finish each week with a hands-on craft or game inspired by our reading.

Description:
In this play-based class, students will learn acting and improvisation skills, explore different types of storytelling, and practice positive social and emotional habits within their learner community. Through acting games and improv activities, students can build skills in playful ways. Many activities will encourage team work and a supportive community; students will work together to re-tell storybooks, prepare brief skits, and guess charades prompts.
Theater is a safe place for everyone. Students will learn to foster a supportive environment for any anxieties we may experience during acting activities. Each student may be encouraged to participate outside of their comfort zone with our motto: It is safe to be silly here!

Description:
In this music class, students will explore the fundamentals of music through singing, playing instruments, and movement. Using Orff-Schulwerk principles, which emphasize active participation and creativity, children collaborate with their peers to create vibrant musical compositions.
Students are encouraged to express themselves creatively while developing essential music skills such as rhythm, melody, and harmony. Students will have the opportunity to play xylophones, glockenspiels, drums, and other musical instruments.
At the end of each semester, students will present a fairy tale themed performance including student-composed music, lyrics, and choreography.
Students who have taken this class previously are encouraged to join us again as we explore new music, new tales, and new activities!

Description:
Join us for a fun, hands-on journey through the world of science! In this session, students will explore the basics of biology, chemistry, and geology through exciting activities, models, and real-world applications.
When studying life science, students will discover what makes something alive as we explore the characteristics of life using interactive models and manipulatives. Then, students will dive into the wonders of chemistry and learn how it impacts everything from cooking to cleaning and even breathing! They will gain an understanding of how chemistry supports us in everyday life. Finally, students will take a closer look at our amazing planet and the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape it. Through case studies and projects, we’ll explore the Earth’s spheres (the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere) and see how they all connect.
A Google Classroom will be available for students to share ideas, access materials, and continue our science conversations outside the classroom.

Description:
Ready to learn some new forms of handwork? There are so many beautiful things we can do with a bit of string. In this session, we will begin with embroidery by learning a variety of stitch structures. Students will then experience the process of making yarn all the way from preparing fleece, dyeing, and spinning the fiber, to weaving a class tapestry. Students will have direct instruction in knitting, crochet, and needle felting.
All crafting experience levels are welcome—whether you’re brand new or already stitching up a storm, we would love to have you!

Description:
Creative writing for the reluctant writer. This class will combine writing techniques with the elements of role play games, such as Dungeons and Dragons. We will focus largely on character creation and development, but will also cover other important aspects of developing a good story. I always aim to keep my classes student-led, so the direction of the course will depend greatly on the needs and interests of the group.
We will aim to complete most work in class in order to keep homework requirements minimal, however, there is a chance some tasks may be completed at home. Students do not need to have prior knowledge of role play games to enjoy this class.
Due to the nature of fantasy storytelling and RPGs, there will be elements of fantasy violence discussed in this class, such as sword fighting and monster slaying, but we will attempt to keep discussions PG-13.

Description:
In this course for grades 6-12, learners will explore how scientists study the past. From dinosaur fossils to ancient human artifacts, students will investigate how discoveries are made, studied, preserved, and eventually displayed in museums.
Students will learn how fossils and artifacts are found in the field, how scientists carefully excavate sites, and the methods used to analyze and interpret discoveries. Topics will include fossil formation, ancient ecosystems, early human civilizations, dating techniques, and the work of paleontologists, archaeologists, and museum curators.
Reading materials and assignments will be differentiated by grade level, allowing younger students to focus on foundational concepts while older students explore scientific methods, historical interpretation, and ethical questions surrounding excavation and artifact preservation.
Activities may include simulated excavations, artifact analysis, creating field journals, designing museum exhibits, and exploring famous discoveries from around the world. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how we learn about the distant past while developing observation, research, and critical thinking skills.

Description:
Learn to make a quilt! Yes, that’s right – by the end of the year your student will have completed an entire quilt. We will start the class with learning sewing basics, then advance to piecing the top, and finally quilting or tying the quilt. Throughout the year, we will add in fun side projects and learning about the history of quilts.
Required supplies: a sewing machine, fabric scissors, and various notions. This session may require purchase of additional materials such as fabric and quilt batting. A full list of materials will be available before classes start.