TNCS offers a range of extracurricular activities (ECAs) after the school day is over. Enrollment is optional. ECAs are offered on a quarterly basis; music programs run on a semester-long (i.e., two quarters) basis.
After Care as well as non–After Care students are welcome to register for extracurricular activities. In addition, ECAs and are open to non-TNCS students who meet the age/grade requirements.
After-School Extracurricular Activities—more ways to have fun and keep learning!
Important Information: Extracurricular Activities
- Activities run quarterly, on school days only (no holidays or inclement weather days). For what days of the week activities are offered, please see FamilyID.
- You must register for ECAs on FamilyID. You may register for future quarters at any time with a deposit. Payment for upcoming quarters is due 10 days prior to the start of the quarter. You will receive an email reminder prompting you to log in to FamilyID to pay your balance (there is no auto-payment).
- ECAs are led either by TNCS staff or by trusted third-party providers. Fees vary by activity.
- Age and grade restrictions also vary by activity. While some activities are available for children as young as age 4, most ECAs are geared toward Elementary and Middle School students in Grades K–8.
- ECAs start at 3:45 pm, just after regular dismissal.
- Non–After Care families are encouraged to enroll.
- Non–After Care parents who prefer to pick up their child after an activity ends may add After Care until 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm on days their child is enrolled in ECAs.
- For offsite programs, TNCS offers transportation to partner organizations.
- ECAs are open to TNCS and non-TNCS students.
- ECAs must meet a minimum enrollment to run, and TNCS may cancel an ECA at any time due to low enrollment. In the event an ECA is canceled, you will receive a refund for the canceled portion.
At a Glance: 2019–2020 Extracurricular Activities
ECAs for the 2019–2020 school year are more exciting and varied than ever! Use the chart below for a convenient overview. ECAs run quarterly and are led either by TNCS staff or by our recognized partners. For activity descriptions, see the section below. For days offered, please see FamilyID.
| Activity | Grades | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art and Culture of China | K–3rd | Θ | $40 | |||
| Awesome (Edible) Science Experiments | 3rd–8th | Θ | $100 | |||
| Bowling* | K–8th | Θ | Θ | $120 | ||
| Checkmate: Chess for All Levels | 3rd–8th | Θ | Θ | $150 | ||
| Collage Montage | K–8th | Θ | $35 | |||
| Chinese Yoga “Qigong” | Age 4–2nd | Θ | $175 | |||
| Conversational Chinese I | Age 4–1st | Θ | Θ | Θ | Θ | $200 |
| Conversational Spanish I | Age 4–1st | Θ | Θ | $200 | ||
| Conversational Spanish II | 2nd–8th | Θ | Θ | $200 | ||
| Hispanic Heritage | K–8th | Θ | Θ | Θ | Θ | — |
| Intro to Chorus | 1st–8th | Θ | $110 | |||
| Jiu Jitsu | K–3rd | Θ | Θ | $160 | ||
| Junior FutureMakers | Age 4–2nd | Θ | Θ | Θ | Θ | $280 |
| Let’s Dance: Bollywood | K–8th | Θ | $35 | |||
| Pending: Let’s Dance: Jazz | 1st–6th | TBD | ||||
| Let’s Dance: Tippi Toes Ballet | Age 4–K | Θ | $175 | |||
| Math Detectives | 2nd–6th | Θ | $35 | |||
| Modern Masters: Art with Ms. Hilary | K–8th | Θ | Θ | Θ | Θ | $160 |
| Project Kindness | 3rd–8th | Θ | — | |||
| Project Linus: Linus Blankets | 3rd–8th | Θ | — | |||
| Razzle Tazzle Bedazzle | 2nd–6th | Θ | $125 | |||
| Pending: Razzle Tazzle Bedazzle Junior | Age 4–2nd | Θ | TBD | |||
| Say It with Style: Etiquette & Manners | Age 4–2nd | Θ | Θ | $280 | ||
| Spa Creations | 2nd–8th | Θ | $75 | |||
| Spotlighters Theater | K–5th | Θ | Θ | $180 | ||
| Team Quest | 1st–3rd | Θ | $35 | |||
| Weave Loom Sew Create! | 2nd–8th | Θ | $75 | |||
| Word Detectives | K–3rd | Θ | $35 | |||
| Coppermine~ | K–8th | Θ | Θ | Θ | Θ | CM |
*This activity takes place offsite. Offsite programs include transportation to and from the site location. ~Coppermine pricing; register through Coppermine Du Burns.
All academic year music programs run the full semester (i.e., two quarters) and are priced for the semester. Register for 2019–2020 music programs on Family ID.
TNCS Strings Program
| Level | Grades | Time | Day(s) | Cost / Semester | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novice Violin | K–8th | 4:00–4:30 pm | W and F | $460 | This class is an entry point into the TNCS Strings Program. Students with little or no experience are taught by an experienced strings teacher in a small-group setting. Students begin to develop proper playing technique while practicing scales, études, and repertoire from the Suzuki books and elsewhere. |
| String Ensemble I | K–8th | 4:30–5:30 pm | F | $285 | In the TNCS Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass Ensemble, students come together as a group to experience the joy of making music in a collaborative environment. Participation is open to students who have at least 1 year of experience playing their chosen instrument, independent of their ability to read music. |
| String Ensemble II | 2nd–8th | 4:30–5:30 pm | W | $285 | For students playing at a more advanced level, this option is open to students who have participated in String Ensemble for at least 2 years and who have 3 years of experience playing their chosen instrument. Students are expected to be able to read music. |
Additional Information
- In order to learn the skills required to progress, students are strongly encouraged to practice at home for at least 15 minutes each day. A concert for parents will be given at the end of each semester.
- Students must provide their own instruments. Perrin and Associates Fine Violins, located in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore City, rents instruments of all sizes in wonderful condition.
About the Strings Program Instructor
Mr. Yoshiaki Horiguchi has been acclaimed by the Baltimore Sun for his ability to put on a “dazzling display of dexterity and panache” and featured by the Examiner in a “Must Watch Video.” Yoshi is an active double bassist, pedagogue, and educator in the D.C.–Baltimore area. His endeavors span a broad spectrum of genres. He has performed with the York Symphony, Baltimore Boom Bap Society, Opera Camerata of Washington, Classical Revolution, and more. Most recently, he sat as principal bass for a Naxos recording under the direction of Marin Alsop to record works by Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Puts. Yoshi proudly hails from the studios of Ed Malaga, Jeff Koczela, Laura Ruas, Paul DeNola, and Paul Johnson.
In addition to being an active performer, Yoshi is a highly sought-after pedagogue. Having served as the low-strings department chair and string ensemble director of the Baltimore Symphony’s El Sistema–inspired OrchKids program, faculty for Peabody’s Bass Works, and faculty for American Music System, his teaching experience is vast. Yoshi’s International Society of Bassists pedagogy research submission is currently being used as a resource to influence bass teachers across the country. He is also certified in the Mark O’Connor strings method and has studied the Suzuki strings method, making him an all-around strings pedagogy expert.
Yoshi graduated as a Linehan Artist Scholar from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and is proud to be an Aegon USA scholar at the Peabody Conservatory at the Johns Hopkins University for his graduate studies.
Small-Group Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, or Voice Lessons
| Level | Grades | Time | Day(s) | Cost/ Semester | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piano Lessons | K–8th | 3:45, 4:15, or 4:45 | T or W | $770 |
Lessons are 30 minutes once per week. Groups comprise no more than three students, and students are grouped by experience. Two books are required, a lesson book and a theory book, both at the student’s level (e.g., Level 1). Homework will be assigned in the theory book, and regular practicing is expected. This class is taught by Ms. Taryn Klusewitz. See her bio on our Music Education page. |
| Voice, Trumpet, or Trombone Lessons | K–8th | 3:45, 4:15, or 4:45 | M or T | $770 |
Lessons are 30 minutes once per week, with no more than three students per group. Instrument rental (except for voice) and purchase of a method book are required for participation. Regular practicing at home is expected. These classes are taught by Mr. Javan Bowden. See his bio on our Music Education page. |
ECA Registration is Open
Extracurricular Program Descriptions
Adobe Photoshop Elements
About Adobe Photoshop Elements
Art and Culture of China
Explore Chinese art and culture through arts and crafts projects, singing and dancing, playing traditional games, and preparing and eating Chinese dishes.
Awesome (Edible) Science Experiments
Are you ready to pair your two greatest loves—science and food—into one? If so, challenge your brain and your taste buds in this exciting new ECA.
Whether we are learning about eruptions through chocolate volcano cupcakes, creating glow-in-the-dark edible slime, or racing (and eating) Mars rovers down the street, we are going to have a great time!
Bookmaking: Polished & Published
About Bookmaking: Polished & Published
Writers plan, draft, illustrate, and publish a picture book or short graphic novel. The book can be fiction or nonfiction on a topic of the student’s choice. Each week, we will focus on a different step of the publishing process, beginning with brainstorming and ending with a publishing party.
Bowling
Location: Patterson Bowling Center (2105 Eastern Ave., Baltimore, MD 21231)
Transportation: Bus service to and from the site location is provided.
About Duckpin Bowling
We take students to the Patterson Bowling Center for an hour of duckpin bowling fun, returning to TNCS after the session. Duckpin Bowling is a time to enjoy bowling with classmates, strengthen friendships, and reinforce sportsmanship.
Checkmate: Chess for All Levels
For novice and experienced players alike, students are placed in small teams and work at their own level. Hosted by Baltimore Chess Developers, this activity helps students learn methods of chess designed to improve cognitive, interpersonal, and critical thinking skills.
Chinese "Qigong" Yoga
About Chinese “Qigong” Yoga
Chinese yoga focuses on qi, which is the life force or vital energy that flows through all things in the universe, and gong, which is a skill cultivated through steady practice. Students practice yoga through a series of specialized exercise and posture techniques in slow, circular movements while focusing on regulated breathing and focused meditation.
Collage Montage
Collage Montage
Students in this new ECA use different types of paper to create collaged art pieces. Flex your creative muscles and get making with these hands-on art techniques!
Conversational Chinese
About Conversational Chinese
Conversational Chinese provides a wonderful opportunity for students to increase their proficiency in a small-group setting. This class, led by a native Mandarin speaker, encourages speaking through age-appropriate games and play.
Students at Level 1 are able to recognize some characters from basic topics, such as numbers, colors, and animals. They are also able to use some simple grammar and sentences to describe things and begin to participate in basic dialogue.
Conversational Spanish I
About Conversational Spanish I
Conversational Spanish provides a wonderful opportunity for students to increase their proficiency in a small-group setting. This class, led by a native Spanish speaker, encourages speaking through age-appropriate games and play.
Students at Level 1 are able to recognize some characters from basic topics, such as numbers, colors, and animals. They are also able to use some simple grammar and sentences to describe things and begin to participate in basic dialogue.
Conversational Spanish II
About Conversational Spanish II
Conversational Spanish provides a wonderful opportunity for students to increase their proficiency in a small-group setting. This class, led by a native Spanish speaker, encourages speaking through age-appropriate games and play.
Students at Level 2 are able to hold basic conversations and understand the rudiments of grammar.
Cooking Club
About Cooking Club
In this culinary journey, students learn cooking fundamentals while having fun cooking (and eating!) a delicious dish.
Each week, students cook a recipe connected to a read-aloud book. These books are favorites such as Dragons Love Tacos and If You Give a Pig a Pancake. The class also emphasizes measurement skills. Students will bring home a recipe card to share with their families at the end of each week-long session.
View or download the booklet of recipes that Cooking Club compiled during the 2016–2017 school year.
Intro to Chorus
About Intro to Chorus
This ECA focuses on proper singing technique, music theory, and singing in harmonies. Students also sing songs in various languages as well as singing a cappella.
Hispanic Heritage Night
About Hispanic Heritage Night
Students must be willing to practice and perform at Hispanic Heritage Night on October 17, 2019 from 6:00 pm–7:30 pm.
Jui Jitsu
About Jiu Jitsu
This basics class is for new students who are interested in starting their Jiu Jitsu adventure. Students are introduced to the concepts and techniques that have allowed Jiu Jitsu to be the world’s most effective martial art. Along with basic positions, students also learn terminology and etiquette that will serve them long after they have progressed to the fundamentals class. This class is taught at a relaxed pace so students do not feel overwhelmed while learning new skills.
Junior FutureMakers
About Junior FutureMakers
Themes vary by quarter. For Q1, the theme is Woodshop Wonders: This woodshop experience is all about real tools for small hands with big ideas! Learn the fundamentals of planing, estimating, measuring, and accurately marking, and then use safety tools to shape, divide, drill, assemble, sand, and decorate projects made from pine! Your child will bring home projects you’ll treasure, and they will love—including a wooden vehicle for the playroom, trivet/cutting board for the kitchen, a decorative wooden memory box, and their own whimsical inventions.
Let's Dance: Bollywood
About Let’s Dance: Bollywood
Students learn up to four different styles of dancing in Bollywood, such as Traditional, Folk, Tollywood, Contemporary, Western, Soft, Techno, and International, which are all used in Bollywood dance. Students learn and perfect a new dance set by the end of the quarter.
Let's Dance: Jazz
About Let’s Dance: Jazz
Students are first introduced to the basic dance elements of jazz dancing Additional description coming soon.
Let's Dance: Tippi Toes Ballet
Join Tippi Toes® for a positive, upbeat dance class based on original, imaginative, and FUN music! Our instructors teach by doing so your dancer will be in a constant state of motion while they learn the basic elements of ballet. Tippi Jam is a great way for students to exercise their bodies and practice those singing voices in a way that is fun and healthy!
Tippi Toes® Dance Company cheerfully provides children with a fun, positive and nurturing environment so they are able to experience the joys of dance, self-expression and movement. Classes are specifically designed to develop motor skills and body awareness while enhancing each child’s self-esteem.
Tippi Toes® Dance Company’s award-winning dance classes have a remarkable impact on social and developmental growth. Tippi Toes®classes fuel and develop the imagination, critical thinking and sharpen both cognitive and creative skills.
Let's Dance: Merengue/Salsa
About Let’s Dance: Merengue/Salsa
Students are first introduced to the basic dance elements of Merengue, a style of dance indigenous to the Dominican Republic. Merengue emphases simplicity in step patterns rather than drama and style. Halfway through the quarter, students are introduced to Salsa, a dance style native to Cuba and Puerto Rico. During Salsa, students use their familiar Merengue dance moves and integrate Salsa dancing’s unique rotations and rhythmic motions.
Math Games
About Math Games
A common misconception about math is that it is boring. Math Games gives students a fun, creative way to learn math through competitive games and cooperative learning. Students practice math through a serious of games, questionnaires, puzzles, and other forms of learning to dive into math’s complex topics. Students use this safe math space to learn specific topics such as data, numbers, money, measurement, and concepts relating to geometry and algebra.
Modern Masters: Art with Ms. Hilary
About Art Class
Themes vary by quarter. Each session includes a variety of mixed media, such as drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking, and collage. Students are given the opportunity to make a final presentation at the end. A healthy snack and art supplies are included in the activity cost.
About the Instructor
Hilary Christian knew at a young age that the world of art would be her life path. She is passionate about painting but also uses mixed media (often sculptural in nature) to fully express herself when painting seems insufficient. She received a full tuition scholarship to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in General Fine Art. She later earned her Masters of Professional Studies in Creative Art Therapy from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, where she graduated in the top of her class.
In 2009, she had the prestigious honor of being one of the “Top 40 Entries” in the Washington Post Marshmallow Peeps, which showcased her edible creation titled “Charm City Roller Peeps vs. D.C Roller Peeps.” In 2015, Hilary had her first solo show at the Alchemy of Art Gallery, located in charming Fells Point, where she exhibited her illustrated “Soul Emancipator” series. Also that year, she was a visiting artist at the American Visionary Art Museum.
In 2016, she partnered with the staff and children of the Living Classrooms Foundation to create La Sirena Catrina, a large-scale skeletal mermaid float that débuted in the Patterson Park’s 2016 Lantern Parade. Hilary received grants from the Creative Alliance, Constellation Energy, and Living Classrooms Foundation to create this sculpture.
She now enjoys being the Owner of Planet Awkward, an arts and entertainment company. In this capacity, she takes her painting to another level, using the human as a canvas.
Hilary teaches art to young people and is enthusiastic about bringing art education to children and helping them tap into their own creativity and self expression.
Project Kindness
Do you want to be a part of something bigger than yourself? Are you ready to have open and honest conversations with your peers that will help transform your relationships, school community, and the world into a better place?
If so, join Project Kindness!
This service-based ECA will open your eyes to the world around you. Whether we are writing letters to the elderly in nursing homes, tackling how to handle toxic social media, or going on nature walks to clean up our community, we take the time each week to better ourselves by giving back to others.
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Project Linus: Blanketmaking
About Project Linus: Blanketmaking
Project Linus was established in Parker, Colorado on December 24, 1995 to provide love, a sense of security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. For this service-based ECA, volunteer “blanketeers” in grades 3 through 8 make no-sew fleece blankets over 9 weeks to be distributed by the local Linus coordinator. Read about Project Linus at TNCS here.
Volunteerism teaches basic character foundations to children, and having them help other children teaches them that people in need are really just like them. Studies have shown that serving as volunteers promotes healthy lifestyle and choices, enhances development, teaches life skills, promotes citizenship, improves the community, and encourages a lifelong service ethic in children ages 5 to 14 years. The value of volunteering teaches your children the importance of donating their time, a core value at TNCS.
Razzle Tazzle Bedazzle
Students use rhinestones, gems, and glitter to create one-of-a-kind beautiful pieces of art.
Razzle Tazzle Bedazzle, Junior
In this glitzed and blitzed bedazzling class, students use rhinestones, gems, and glitter to create one-of-a-kind beautiful pieces of art. Age-appropriate projects will have young bedazzlers applying their creativity—and some bling!—to cups, frames, and other fun pieces.
Say It with Style: Etiquette and Manners for Age 4 to Grade 2
About Etiquette Class
Hosted by The International School of Protocol, TNCS’s etiquette programs for students age 4 years through Grade 2 use fun and entertaining activities like coloring, masks, puppets, and other props along with lots of practice to teach social etiquette, communication skills, and table manners to young children.
The following topics may be included:
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- Handshaking and greeting others
- Introducing yourself and others
- Everybody is different; Including others;
- Setting the table
- Helping others
- Please, thank you, you’re welcome, excuse me, and I’m sorry
- Making friends
- Conversation
- Behavior at the table
- Body language
- Telephone
- Standing and sitting
- Hats on or off
- Gift giving
- Behavior at the table
- Host and guest
- Party time practice!
Visit http://www.schoolofprotocol.com/ to learn more about The International School of Protocol.
About the Instructors
During her years in the corporate world as a vice president for a major corporation, Carol Haislip, Director, interviewed thousands of prospective employees and managed and developed training programs for hundreds of corporate executives and employees on a wide variety of topics. She knows firsthand that first impressions really do last a lifetime. Through her dynamic teaching techniques, she illustrates that an effective professional image is critical for success on the job, in school or in any other social or business environment. Ms. Haislip’s programs in social and communication skills enable individuals to excel in our increasingly global marketplace. Ms. Haslip has appeared on radio and television talk shows and holds a Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business. She is a founding partner of Road to Success: Career Development Program.
Cathleen Hanson, Director provides training for business executives, corporations, politicians, groups, schools, and colleges and has appeared on radio and television talk shows. Prior to founding The International School of Protocol, Ms. Hanson was a university professor of communication and nationally recognized speech and debate coach. In addition, she taught courses in the area of public speaking, business communication, group communication, and nonverbal communication. She is an award-winning speaker and writer whose syndicated columns appeared in more than 30 publications nationwide. As a fully engaging top-notch teacher, her emphasis is on teaching adults, teens, and children what she considers to be skills for life. Ms. Hanson holds a Masters in Communication Theory and Research and is also a founding partner of Road to Success: Career Development Program.
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Say It with Style: Etiquette and Manners for Grades 3 through 8
About Etiquette Class
Hosted by The International School of Protocol, TNCS’s etiquette programs for students in Grades 3 through 8 focus on skills to help them succeed in the classroom, at home, on the job, with peers–in short, in life. Application of these skills leads to increased opportunities, greater confidence, and improved self-esteem. These highly interactive, informative programs include role-playing activities and instructive materials.
The following topics may be included:
Social Etiquette
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Communication Skills
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Table Manners
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Visit http://www.schoolofprotocol.com/ to learn more about The International School of Protocol.
About the Instructors
During her years in the corporate world as a vice president for a major corporation, Carol Haislip, Director, interviewed thousands of prospective employees and managed and developed training programs for hundreds of corporate executives and employees on a wide variety of topics. She knows firsthand that first impressions really do last a lifetime. Through her dynamic teaching techniques, she illustrates that an effective professional image is critical for success on the job, in school or in any other social or business environment. Ms. Haislip’s programs in social and communication skills enable individuals to excel in our increasingly global marketplace. Ms. Haslip has appeared on radio and television talk shows and holds a Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration in International Business. She is a founding partner of Road to Success: Career Development Program.
Cathleen Hanson, Director provides training for business executives, corporations, politicians, groups, schools, and colleges and has appeared on radio and television talk shows. Prior to founding The International School of Protocol, Ms. Hanson was a university professor of communication and nationally recognized speech and debate coach. In addition, she taught courses in the area of public speaking, business communication, group communication, and nonverbal communication. She is an award-winning speaker and writer whose syndicated columns appeared in more than 30 publications nationwide. As a fully engaging top-notch teacher, her emphasis is on teaching adults, teens, and children what she considers to be skills for life. Ms. Hanson holds a Masters in Communication Theory and Research and is also a founding partner of Road to Success: Career Development Program.
School Newspaper
About School Newspaper
After choosing a name for TNCS’s school newspaper, students will compose a series of both short and long topics of their choice. With the help of their other student news reporters, students take their stories through editing, support, collaboration, and more to publish a school newspaper.
Spa Creations
About Spa Creations
Students in Spa Creations explore their tactile and olfactory senses as they create luxurious soaps, scrubs, candles, lotions, and more in this popular ECA offering. Students learn the basics of soap-making and expand their craft from there, including making soap designs out of glycerin, bath “bombs,” salt- and sugar-scrubs, and so on, using all-natural, chemical-free materials. Maybe they’ll even share some of their hand-crafted relaxation products with you!
Spotlighters Theater: Movement & Dance
About Spotlighters Theater: Movement & Dance
Students learn a variety of movement styles from ballet, to jazz, to modern, and more. Much of the style content will depend upon student interest.
About Spotlighters Theater
The Audrey Herman SPOTLIGHTERS has been a part of the Baltimore Theatre Community since 1962. Originally created as part of Mayor Grady’s StageCrafters’ Project within the Parks and Recreation Department in 1958, SPOTLIGHTERS was born when the program ended in 1962. For more than 37 years, the theatre flourished under the leadership and artistic vision of Audrey Herman. Ms. Herman’s program of presenting a new show every month allowed for a wide variety of productions and many opportunities for directors, designers, and actors to experience SPOTLIGHTERS’ intimate setting.
Several alumni of SPOTLIGHTERS, who had their first theatre experience on this stage, have gone on to receive Tony Awards, Emmy Awards, Obie Awards, and Academy Award nominations. This list includes David Drake, Obie Award for “The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me” and Howard Rollins, Jr., Academy Award nominations for his role of Colehouse Walker in the movie “Ragtime” and his television role of Virgil Tibbs with Carroll O’Connor in “In the Heat of the Night.”
Team Quest
About Team Quest
Children work in cooperative learning structures and venture to figure how to experiment and find the answers. Can we create a long chain from one piece of paper? Are eggs strong or fragile? Children explore weekly quests in a team approach to find the answers.
Weave Loom Sew Create!
About Weave Sew Loom Create!
Students use different types of materials (like yarn and paper) to create woven art pieces.
Word Detectives
About Word Detectives
Children become detectives and explore mystery and nature stories. They are encouraged to look for details or scout out items in real life. A variety of reading materials will be used.