Write A Novel or A Very Very Very Long Story (Grades 3-5)
Wednesdays 1:45 pm-2:45 pm 3rd-5th grade. FREE
In this afterschool class, your child will have the opportunity to write a long story or novel with young adult novelist and teacher Kim Purcell. In the class, each child will think up their own creative story idea with unique characters in an imaginative setting. They’ll write progressive chapters to create an interesting beginning, middle, and end for their story. The writing skills they learn will cross over to all areas of writing. In their stories, they’ll learn how to write multi-sensory descriptions, tension, dialogue, action, conflict, and literary tools like metaphors. In terms of grammar, they’ll improve their spelling, punctuation, sentence structures, and paragraphing. Using multi-sensory props, they will become inspired and have fun writing their stories while also improving their writing skills. Most importantly, when they complete the longest story they’ve ever written, they’ll build their creative confidence. Only enthusiastic writers should enroll in this class. Make sure your child is excited about writing their own novel because they’ll be writing for the entire class.
Picture Book Storytelling Class (Grades K-2)
Mondays 3:15 pm-4:15 pm K-2nd grade. FREE
In this afterschool class, your child will create picture book stories to improve their writing and storytelling skills with novelist and teacher Kim Purcell. They’ll start with a true story and learn how to write basic sentences to describe their family, home, and school. They will then write about a true experience they had, such as the first time they lost a tooth. Then, they’ll write their own imaginary picture book story. They’ll be able to draw pictures to go with their stories. Besides developing their storytelling skills in this class, they’ll improve their basic spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
“Garden Club”: Free-form Garden
Wednesdays 1:45-2:45 pm TK-5th grade. Cost $50 for 8 weeks
Come spend time in the La Ballona garden! In this mixed grade class, students will learn about planting, seed saving, garden critters and more. Students will get their hands dirty planting seeds, making crafts, and drawing on the chalkboard. Please pack a healthy snack.
Spanish Immersion Craft Time
Fridays 3:15-4:15 pm TK-2nd grade Cost $20 for 8 weeks
Craft time en Espanol. Students will have the ability to practice their Spanish language skills while also learning easy-to-do arts and crafts. In addition to the leader, Middle School volunteers will be present to encourage students in speaking Spanish, and help with fine motor skills such as cutting paper, drawing straight lines, etc. Students do not have to be enrolled in the Spanish program to participate in this class, but please know that if they speak in English, volunteers will respond in Spanish.
Tennis Red Ball
Monday 3:15-4:15 pm K-2nd grade. Cost $20 per class / $160 for 8 weeks
Wednesday A 1:45-2:45 pm 3rd-5th grade. Cost $20 per class
Wednesday B 2450-3:45 pm K-5th grade. Cost $20 per class
Join Coach Susan, a nationally-awarded junior tennis coach with decades of experience teaching junior tennis nationwide! Looking for students K-5 starting “Red Ball Tennis”, which is beginner tennis ball type to help with ball control and sportsmanship. 4+ monthly tournaments (free) offered per year. Currently, there is space for 16 students per session.
Coach Susan Tennis video: https://youtu.be/XgjTJ7WRuic
Youth technique. https://youtu.be/EXiFt7R-NLs
Chess Tutors
Tuesdays 3:15-4:15 pm K-5th grade. Cost $22 per class / $176 for 8 weeks
Chess Tutors is an award-winning program introduced to La Ballona in 2007 and 14 years later is now making a comeback! A diverse, talented team of chess instructors will engage students in all aspects of the game. The curriculum builds social skills, life skills, analytical skills, and mathematical skills.
Chess Tutors video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLVNaWoqkXo
Bucket Drumming
Thursdays 3:15-4:05 p.m. and 4:20 – 5:05 p.m. 2nd – 5th grade. Later session for aftercare students only. Cost is $20 for the entire 8 week session.
Join Cultivarte for multicultural bucket drumming. The focus of this 8 week session will be “Rhythms and Songs from The Americas.” Cultivarte will bring guest teaching artists that have unique specializations in diverse traditions and cultures that enrich the students’ experience. The class will include some Spanish language, and students will have a performance at the end of the 8 week session. Buckets and drumsticks are provided during class.
Running Club
Fridays 8:00 – 8:35 a.m. FREE
Get your morning energy going with Coach Garry! In Friday morning club, students meet on the soccer field and, well… they run! Coach organizes running games, challenges and races. Students are dismissed to their class line-ups after running club.