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2023
ELEMENTARY CLASSES
Elementary classes are for students entering grades TK - 5 in August 2023.
Click here for a PDF of all class descriptions.
For our younger elementary students, we have full-morning classes so that students entering Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grade 1, and even Grade 2 can stay in one class all morning for the entire five weeks of Summer Adventure.
Our older elementary students will be able to select classes for each of the two periods so they can build a program that most appeals to them! Pick one class from Period 1 and one class from Period 2 for them to enjoy the entire five weeks of Summer Adventure.
NOTE: All classes will run subject to enrollment. If a class is canceled due to a lack of enrollment, you will be contacted. The teacher designated after each class description is tentative, and all class offerings depend on enrollment.
Elementary: Text
FULL-MORNING CLASSES
8:30AM - 12:30PM
Elementary: Text
Summer Adventure full-morning classes for younger elementary students have a teacher and two aides in the classroom. Each class has an academic component to help prepare students for the coming school year. Although the class titles and descriptions vary, they all involve reading, writing, art, and a lot of fun!
#010 AN ANIMAL A DAY
Grades TK-K
Join our summer safari as we travel through oceans, jungles, forests and farms to meet an animal each day. We will practice letters and sounds, counting and patterns, and learn about animal habitats as we circle the globe to find some furry friends. Along the way, we will explore reading, writing, math, science, social studies, cooking, sculpting, painting, puppets, and music to learn fun facts about the animal world!
Elayne Borenstein
NOTE: Foods may contain gluten, dairy and other allergens. Parents of children with allergies are cautioned.
#020 BOOK COOKS
Grades K-1
Book Cooks will whet the physical and mental appetites of young readers. We will spend 3-4 days diving into a new book, studying the story elements, focusing on vocabulary and writing a response. We will then finish the book with a culminating cooking activity that aligns with the story! We will focus primarily on fiction titles at a variety of reading levels to engage all students, as we feed our brains and our bellies!
Jamie Sharpe
NOTE: Foods may contain gluten, dairy and other allergens. Parents of children with allergies are cautioned.
#030 1,2,3…READY, SET, READ!
Grades K-1
Play, explore and learn! Children will have a blast exploring daily literacy activities while improving their developing literacy skills through art, imaginative play, exciting crafts and interactive read-alouds. We will focus on phonics and phonemic awareness, touch on creative writing, and play age-appropriate games that promote confidence. We will be learning and having fun at the same time!
Pat Proft
#040 YOUNG YOGIS
Grades K-1
Stand tall like a tree! Bend like a cat! Young yogis will learn strategies to help them navigate their world. Children will practice yoga, movement, mindfulness, inclusion and empathy in a fun and active environment that includes reading, music, calendaring, journal writing, art and social skills.
Danielle Royer
#050 PRIMARY OCEANOGRAPHY
Grades 1-2
This very popular class is back for another year! Taught by a team of three experienced primary teachers, this course is an in-depth study of sea life. Students will be encouraged to apply their knowledge of sea life in a variety of activities: sea life stories, sea life riddles, pop-up books, and under-the-sea murals, just to name a few! Math and science will be integrated throughout the program. Teachers will adjust instruction to challenge and motivate the individual learning needs of each student. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Nallely Aceves, Katja Alexander, Amy Turner
NOTE: If COVID-19 protocols allow, we may attend a research trip to the Santa Monica Pier and schedule a classroom visit from real marine scientists, in order to gather knowledge and gain hands-on experiences with sea life.
***JUST ADDED!***
#60 COME IMAGINE, EXPLORE AND CREATE
Grades K-1
Calling all Kindergarten and 1st Graders! Join the fun this summer as we use our imaginations to explore and create. We will read, write, build, play age-appropriate games, create cool art projects, make new friends, and explore math and science concepts. Instruction and activities will be adjusted to meet the individual learning needs of each student. Come join the fun!
Karen Mendelson
#070 INSPIRED BY NATURE
Grades TK-K
Experience the wonders of nature through hands-on explorations, guided observations and inspired art projects. We will celebrate the outside world through a wide variety of literature, art, music, songs and age-appropriate games. Join us as we explore nature while having fun!
Elizabeth Franchi
Elementary: Text
PERIOD 1
8:30AM - 10:25AM
Elementary: Text
#101 MAKER-SPACE: STEAM THROUGH THE SUMMER!
Grades 2-4
Do you like to tinker? Do you like to invent and create new things? This is the class for you! You will be encouraged to create something unique that has never been seen before. For part of each week, you will have the freedom to explore your own interests and come up with projects you would like to create. For the remainder of each week, you will work with a partner or team to solve a variety of Scientific, Technological, Engineering, Artistic and Mathematical problems. We will be cooking, building, creating and solving challenges using LEGO™, K’Nex™, computers and recycled materials. Join us for an action-packed, fun-filled experience and STEAM through the summer!
Lorie Alexander, Carl Avitia-Witt
NOTE: Foods may contain gluten, dairy and other allergens. Parents of children with allergies are cautioned.
#102 AMAZING ART
Grades 2-5
Join this class to learn about the seven elements of art design: line, shape, texture, color, value, form and space. You will observe and discuss how famous and contemporary artists used these basic concepts of art design in their works. We will incorporate a variety of materials in our projects, including crayon, marker, paint, pastels, pipe cleaners and paper. You will express yourself and have fun, while creating your own personal drawings, paintings, collages, weavings and sculptures. Be an artistic star ̶̶ join us and make Amazing Art!
Stephanie Neumann
#103 HAWAIIAN DANCE – HULA
Grades 2-5
When you hear the songs from Disney’s “Moana™,” do you just want to move and sing along? Then this is the class for you! Students will learn the basic steps and sways as well as the terminology used in the graceful dances of Hula. A variety of Hawaiian songs and dances will be featured. This exciting class is appropriate for both boys and girls of all skill levels. Come join us for summer fun!
Gina DeBaca
#104 CHESS CHAMPIONS
Grades 2-5
Did you know that there are more possible chess games than atoms in the earth? Do you have what it takes to be the next great chess champion? In this class, you will learn basic strategies of chess playing and work on your master openings and defenses. You will have an opportunity to play traditional chess against partners, play four-player chess and also play games online to become a master. All skill levels are welcome.
Gerardo Rodriguez
NOTE: Participants will receive a one-month gold membership to ChessKids.com
#105 HEROES, MONSTERS AND MYTHS
Grades 2-5
Journey back in time 2,500 years. You will be introduced to the world of Ancient Greece, where monsters had snakes for hair and heroes were stronger than lions. We will recreate our favorite Greek myths into comics, sculptures, mosaics, masks, stories and more! We will finish the summer with our version of the first Summer Olympic Games. Grab your suitcase and let’s go!
Rosio Medina
#106 CARDBOARD CREATIVES
Grades 2-5
In this engaging class, we will explore and study design, engineering, conservation, upcycling and recycling materials. Students will express themselves by creating art using cardboard and hone their skills in cutting, planning, arranging and constructing. Students will work and plan together to design and build their very own town.
Jennifer Mack
#107 STORIES THAT POP UP!
Grades 2-5
Express yourself with words and 3-D pop-ups! Awaken the creative writer and artist within you! Once you learn the basic steps for making pop-ups, you can create your own designs. Use your imagination in new ways to illustrate and illuminate your stories using crafty materials. Write better paragraphs with captivating details that actually jump off the page. Have fun improving your essential writing skills. Our summer session will culminate with a WRITERS AND ARTISTS SHOWCASE for families to attend. Freedom of expression is your key to Stories That Pop Up!
Ila Sender
#108 MINDFULNESS MAGIC
Grades 2-5
Zen out at Summer Adventure with yoga, meditation and gratitude awareness. Students will learn how to relax using breathing exercises and yoga poses. We will study mindfulness through storytelling, appropriate games, original poetry writing, and creative art projects, and improve our writing skills through daily gratitude journal entries. Come join us and be ready for chilled-out summer fun!
Ursula Caise
#109 COMICS – EASY AS ABC
Grades 2-5
Calling all cartoonists! In this exciting class, students will be introduced to the artistic style and illustrations of award-winning authors. Get your pen or pencil and sketch pad ready! We will practice drawing characters, faces, bodies, animals and their emotions. This class will demonstrate the techniques needed to create your very own comic book series. If short stories are more your style, you will have a collection of your very own creative writing. Most importantly, no experience is necessary! You don’t have to be an artist to pick up a pen or pencil and give it a try. The possibilities are endless!
Tiffany Estrada
#110 PE FUN IN THE SUMMER
Grades 2-5
We will play and build skills through a variety of PE games that are demonstrated throughout the school year. All of our favorite games are designed to build sportsmanship, teamwork, cooperation, skills and FUN! We will play games from SPARK® PE, part of the current SMMUSD curriculum. New games and skills will be introduced as well. The importance of sportsmanship, daily aerobic activity, improving athleticism, warming up, staying hydrated, cooling down and maintaining a positive attitude will be emphasized.
Tony Murphy
#111 THE MAGIC OF MARVEL
Grades 2-5
Not all heroes wear capes! Together we will explore and learn the history of Marvel and DC Comics and their classic superhero characters, stories and illustrations. Students will create a personalized comic book or series using the fundamentals of cartooning in the style of the classic comics we've studied. Come join us for creative fun!
Koko Mesrobian
#112 UNPLUGGED MATH AND LITERACY GAMES
Grades 2-5
We will have fun while gaining confidence in mathematics and boosting our literacy skills. Students will sharpen their number sense, build math proficiency, increase vocabulary and improve reading and writing skills through games. Using a variety of board games, dice and cards, your addition, subtraction, multiplication, as well as higher-level problem- solving skills, will be strengthened. Games are a wonderful way to make friends and learn while having fun.
Christine Brewer
#113 GCCSR EXPLORATIONS: Gears, Circuits, Coding, Simple Machines & Hands-On Robotics
Grades 3-5
This class is for curious-minded students and provides a collaborative, hands-on experience exploring and creating STEM projects, with partners and teams, using Gears, Circuits, Coding, Simple machines and Robotic exploration. Groups will collaborate and rotate, on a weekly basis, to create unique inventions and share creative ideas. Each week ends with a CHALLENGE for all groups to exhibit their skills! Your imagination will be challenged while having fun, working together, and thinking creatively.
Deborah Talbott
#114 WONDROUS WORDS - DIVE INTO PICTURE BOOK WRITING!
Grades 3-5
Calling all writers! Students will learn the elements of realistic fiction and be introduced to realistic fiction mentor texts. Students will use real-life experiences and mentor texts, and follow the writing process of collecting seed ideas, planning, draft writing, revising, editing and illustrating in order to publish their unique picture book story. During this process, they will also be taught literary elements that may be implemented into their creations. During our final week together, we will have a “book celebration” to share our beautiful writing!
Paula Flynn
Elementary: Academics
PERIOD 2
10:35AM - 12:30PM
Elementary: Text
#201 CHESS CHAMPIONS
Grades 2-5
Did you know that there are more possible chess games than atoms in the earth? Do you have what it takes to be the next great chess champion? In this class you will learn basic strategies of chess playing and work on your master openings and defenses. You will have an opportunity to play traditional chess against partners, play four-player chess and also play games online to become a master. All skill levels are welcome.
Gerardo Rodriguez
NOTE: Participants will receive a one-month gold membership to ChessKids.com
#202 HEROES, MONSTERS AND MYTHS
Grades 2-5
Journey back in time 2,500 years. You will be introduced to the world of Ancient Greece, where monsters had snakes for hair and heroes were stronger than lions. We will recreate our favorite Greek myths into comics, sculptures, mosaics, masks, stories and more! We will finish the summer with our version of the first Summer Olympic Games. Grab your suitcase and let’s go!
Rosio Medina
#203 MINDFULNESS MAGIC
Grades 2-5
Zen out at Summer Adventure with yoga, meditation and gratitude awareness. Students will learn how to relax using breathing exercises and yoga poses. We will study mindfulness through storytelling, appropriate games, original poetry writing, and creative art projects, and improve our writing skills through daily gratitude journal entries. Come join us and be ready for chilled-out summer fun!
Ursula Caise
#204 AMAZING ART
Grades 2-5
Join this class to learn about the seven elements of art design: line, shape, texture, color, value, form and space. You will observe and discuss how famous and contemporary artists used these basic concepts of art design in their works. We will incorporate a variety of materials in our projects, including crayon, marker, paint, pastels, pipe cleaners and paper. You will express yourself and have fun, while creating your own personal drawings, paintings, collages, weavings and sculptures. Be an artistic start - join us and make Amazing Art!
Stephanie Neumann
#205 MEET AN ARTIST
Grades 2-5
In this engaging class, students will immerse themselves in the world of classic and contemporary artists. Join us and learn to draw, paint and sculpt in the style of the various artists we study. In addition, students will have “open art studio” time, where they individually and collaboratively explore their personal artistic expression, using a wide variety of mediums, to produce large-scale creations!
Jennifer Mack
#206 BASKETBALL SKILLS FOR THRILLS!
Grades 2-5
Learn essential basketball skills and fundamentals while making new friends! We will start with practice drills, then play games that reinforce teamwork, while promoting a positive attitude and sportsmanship. Rules, hustling, encouragement and FUN will be emphasized. We will use age-appropriate basketballs and courts. Basketball is a great sport to learn, make friends, be active and enjoy for a lifetime!
Tony Murphy
#207 BALLET FOLKLORICO DANCE
Grades 2-5
Does your child love to dance and sing along to movies and soundtracks such as “Coco™,” “The Book of Life™” and “Encanto™?” Then this is the class for you! Students will learn the art of dance by embracing Latin and Mexican cultures. Dancers will develop strength, confidence, rhythm, coordination, flexibility and grace. Appropriate terminology will be introduced in English and Spanish. This exciting class is appropriate for both boys and girls of all skill levels. A performance opportunity for parents will be offered at the end of Summer Adventure. Come join us for summer fun!
Gina DeBaca
#208 THE MAGIC OF NUMBERS
Grades 2-5
Have you heard about the greatest number ever discovered? Do you know the trick with 9s? Improve your basic math skills beyond your grade level, using a variety of fun math activities. Challenge yourself to figure out math puzzles using logic and reasoning. We will practice mental math and computation, use critical-thinking skills, play dice games, play money math, solve algebra problems and engage in math art projects and games. You may choose to do class activities with partners or in small groups. Strengthen your confidence in problem-solving as you apply your knowledge to create your own math game board. The Mathematical Mystery Tour is waiting to take you to The Magic of Numbers!
Ila Sender
#209 COMICS – EASY AS ABC
Grades 2-5
Calling all cartoonists! In this exciting class, students will be introduced to the artistic style and illustrations of award-winning authors. Get your pen or pencil and sketch pad ready! We will practice drawing characters, faces, bodies, animals and their emotions. This class will demonstrate the techniques needed to create your very own comic book series. If short stories are more your style, you will have a collection of your very own creative writing. Most importantly, no experience is necessary! You don’t have to be an artist to pick up a pen or pencil and give it a try. The possibilities are endless!
Tiffany Estrada
#210 VIDEO GAME DESIGN
Grades 2-5
Join us for creative fun! Our adventure begins with a look into the evolution of video games and their many genres. With assistance, students will design and create a proposal and story map, introducing the group to their original game idea. In the design process, emphasis will focus on ideas for the setting, characters, plot, challenge and goals related to their video game creation.
Koko Mesrobian
#211 SUMMER ADVENTURE THEATRE COMPANY
Grades 2-5
Students will form our 2023 Summer Adventure Theatre Company to produce and star in a series of scenes from popular children’s shows. We will make our own props, posters and programs and coordinate costumes. Students will learn stage terminology and how to break down a script as an actor and as the producer, and experience the rehearsal process from both onstage and backstage. All students will have a speaking role and are welcome to wear protective masks both on and off stage, if needed. We will present an informal performance for parents during the last week of Summer Adventure.
Christine Brewer & Elizabeth Bransford-Bennett
#212 MAKER-SPACE: STEAM THROUGH THE SUMMER!
Grades 3-5
Do you like to tinker? Do you like to invent and create new things? Then this is the class for you! You will be encouraged to create something unique that has never been seen before. For part of each week, you will have the freedom to explore your own interests and come up with projects you would like to create. For the remainder of each week, you will work with a partner or team to solve a variety of Scientific, Technological, Engineering, Artistic and Mathematical problems. We will be cooking, building, creating, and solving challenges using LEGO™, K’Nex™, computers and recycled materials. Join us for an action-packed, fun-filled experience and STEAM through the summer!
Lorie Alexander, Carl Avitia-Witt
NOTE: Foods may contain gluten, dairy and other allergens. Parents of children with allergies are cautioned.
#213 DIGITAL STORYTELLING
Grades 3-5
Are you a creatively-minded, tech-savvy kid looking for tons of fun? Join us and you’ll be given an opportunity to learn and master the art of storytelling, using animation applications, storyboards and digital tools that bring your ideas to life! Stories will be produced using technology tools, digital cameras, LEGO™, still life props, green screen, and a variety of art materials. Come work in collaborative, story interest groups and use the available technology to present your work for the class to enjoy. Are you ready to be a digital star?
Deborah Talbott
NOTE: This class is for any tech-minded child with some experience using technology.
#214 JOURNEY TO THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
Grades 3-5
In this fast-paced class, students will read From The Mixed-Up Files Of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler, by E.L. Konigsburg, as we journey to the Met to study and recreate the works of art housed there. While reading Konigsburg’s novel, we will explore one artist each week, such as Vincent Van Gogh, Monet, Degas and Faith Ringold. Students will recreate famous works of art, interpreting them in their own way. We will paint, draw and explore while learning and having fun! Our virtual field trips to the Met will give students an opportunity to learn about a new artist, explore the Met, and dabble with creating art using these artists as mentors. We will culminate with an Art Walk and Reader’s Theater during our final week.
Paula Flynn
Elementary: Text
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