Afternoon Electives    Fall 2024

Ever wonder how everything in nature is connected? Well, that's what we'll explore in this class! From the weather to the plants, animals, bugs, and trees, we'll learn all about the amazing web of life that surrounds us. Think of Earth as a wise, living friend! Get ready for an exciting journey where we'll ask lots of questions and discover cool things about our environment. We'll learn about Deep Ecology, discovering the importance of our relationship with nature. By being curious and open-minded, we'll become nature detectives, observing and thinking critically about the world around us. But it's not just about learning facts. We'll bridge worlds, make connections, deepen relationships with each other and the world around us, all the while developing a sense of belonging and self-trust. This class is for students in 2nd grade and above.

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Monday Cost: $360 per semester (1 hr/wk)

Tuesday Cost: $490 per semester (1.5 hrs/wk)

In this class, children will embark on a thrilling journey through history and across cultures to discover the remarkable stories behind some of the world's greatest minds. Throughout the course, students will be inspired by the ingenuity and creativity of visionaries who have transformed our world through their groundbreaking inventions and innovative designs. From ancient civilizations to modern-day pioneers, children will delve into the lives and works of different individuals each week who dared to dream big and change the course of history. Through engaging and hands-on interaction, students will gain a deeper understanding of the inventive process and the qualities that define successful innovations as they have the opportunity to create and design their own ideas inspired by these creative minds. Both new and returning students are welcome to join, as all will delve into exciting new material together, continuing our journey into the world of invention!

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Monday Cost: $360 per semester (1 hr/wk)

Thursday Cost: $490 per semester (1.5 hrs/wk)

Welcome to "Watercolor in the Garden"! In this enchanting class, children will immerse themselves in the beauty of nature as they explore the magical world of watercolor painting. Set amidst the vibrant colors and fragrant blooms of the garden, young artists will learn fundamental watercolor techniques while capturing the charm and serenity of their surroundings. From delicate petals to lush foliage, and even the ripe fruits and vegetables, each stroke of the brush will bring their imagination to life on paper. Through playful experimentation and guided instruction, students will cultivate their creativity and artistic skills in a relaxed setting. Join us for a delightful journey of artistic discovery, where every stroke tells a story and every element of the garden becomes a masterpiece!

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Cost: $360 per semester (1 hr/wk)

This class is an exploration into various cultures around the world. Diving into the people of each place, we will study their geographical landscape, weather, dwellings, dress, diet, agriculture, arts, dance, music, language, ritual, spiritual beliefs, day-to-day life and current issues. We will do an assortment of activities relating to each culture, such as: creating their art, practicing their dance, listening to their music, making their food and more. This class will show us the beautiful colorful tapestry of diversity around the globe. It will teach us our vast differences and our similarities at the same time. It will widen our horizons and color our imaginations. In learning culture, we learn what makes us human and the grand array of how that presents itself across our Earth. We develop a deeper understanding of human life and we become global citizens, humanitarians at heart.

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Cost: $360 per semester (1 hr/wk)

Calling all creative kids! We invite you to dive into the vibrant world of colors. Through engaging activities, interactive experiments, and creative projects, color kids will unravel the secrets of color theory and develop a deeper appreciation for the role of colors in our world. We will explore the rainbow hues in nature and consider how colors affect our emotions and well-being through areas as diverse as fashion, food, planets, bacteria, and even music. This course is a colorful adventure for curious minds ready to chase the rainbow.

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Cost: $490 per semester (1.5 hrs/wk)

In Mechanical Engineering, we will explore areas such as robotics, aerospace, automotive engineering, thermodynamics, and more! Students will be able to learn hands-on about the exciting aspects of mechanical engineering like design, development, building, and testing, as well as the principles of motion, energy, and force. They will learn about the history and importance of mechanical engineering, real-world relevance, and famous engineers like Leonardo DaVinci, Henry Ford, Nikolaus Otto, James Watt, Soichiro Honda, and more! Automotive mechanical engineering will be our focus as we progress to building an internal combustion engine that runs. Skills students will achieve throughout the semester include problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, teamwork, creativity, innovation, technical skills, and a growth mindset!  This class is for students in 3rd grade and above.

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Cost: $490 per semester (1.5 hrs/wk)

Welcome to Mindful Kids, a unique class that combines mindfulness, physical education, and yoga for a holistic learning experience! In this class, children will learn mindfulness practices alongside physical movement and yoga poses, fostering greater awareness of their bodies, emotions, and surroundings. Each class will incorporate fun physical fitness activities as well as lessons involving yoga, breathing exercises, nutrition, and healthy habits. The benefits of such practices are empowered and confident kiddos with healthy coping mechanisms, a strong immune system, body awareness, natural stress relief and so much more! Get ready to move, stretch, breathe, and experience the magic of mindfulness in action!

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Cost: $490 per semester (1.5 hrs/wk)

Book Club invites students and families to read or listen to chapter books at home before we deepen connections to the story and characters on the farm. We bring the literary world to life through discussion, games, crafts, and food to foster a joy for and love of reading. We’ll read a mix of classic and contemporary living books emphasizing character development and virtue. Themes include nature, courage, friendship, history, animals, and exploring world cultures. Books will be read at home either by the student themselves or by a parent (kids do not need to read independently). At the end of each book, we will have a celebration in class! This class is for students in 2nd grade and above.

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Cost: $490 per semester (1.5hrs/wk)

¡Hola niños! Welcome to Beginning Spanish, an adventure into the vibrant world of the Spanish language! In this dynamic beginner-level class, children will be immersed in the fundamentals of Spanish through an array of interactive activities, games, songs, and stories designed to captivate young minds and ignite a passion for learning.

Throughout this class, our primary goal is to provide a nurturing environment where children can develop essential language skills while having fun. Guiding them on this exciting voyage will be our native Spanish-speaking teacher and assistant teacher, who are bringing their linguistic expertise to the farm. Join us as we embark on this thrilling adventure of language discovery and cultural exploration! ¡Vamos a aprender español juntos! (Let's learn Spanish together!)

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Cost: $490 per semester (1.5hrs/wk)

Welcome to Farming, where children will roll up their sleeves and dive into the fascinating world of farming and agriculture! In this hands-on class, young learners will cultivate a deeper understanding of where our food comes from, the importance of sustainable farming practices, and the interconnectedness between agriculture and the environment. Throughout the course, students will embark on an enriching journey of discovery as they explore the diverse aspects of farming and agriculture. From planting seeds to tending crops, caring for animals, and understanding the intricate systems that support food production, children will gain practical knowledge and skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

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Cost: $490 per semester (1.5 hrs/wk)

Listen, listen, listen to the bird song. Spread your wings and soar through the sky in this talons-on class focused on our favorite feathered friends. We will learn the basics of bird identification, sharpen observation skills, and build the habits of attention, curiosity, and wonder. Our skies and imaginations will focus on the birds in our backyard and local area. Through stories, crafts, poetry, and games, our young explorers will foster a love and appreciation for colorful songbirds, majestic raptors, and every bird in between.

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Cost: $490 per semester (1.5 hrs/wk)