We Spark Learning
by: Ani Janbazian
LORD OF THE RINGS AND LITERARY THINGS – NEW
Taught by
Ani Janbazian
We Spark Learning

Mondays
4:00 – 5:30
Classes start
September 14, 2020
ONLINE VIA ZOOM FOR SEMESTER 1
Target: Grades 8-12
COST PER TRIMESTER:
$230 for private pay homeschool families.
$250 for iLead, Epic, Aveson, Compass, Inspire, Heartland, Blue Ridge Academy, Granite Mountain, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Golden Valley, and Excel Academy Charter students. If you don’t see your school listed, please contact us at WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com so we can apply to become a vendor for you.
COURSE DURATION:
One trimester to start (2 more trimesters may follow to complete the trilogy if there is interest)
Fellowship of the Ring Volume 1 & Movie 1
9 week trimester: September 14, 21, 28 October 5, 19, 26 November 2, 9, 16
(Nov 23 held as emergency make-up day if needed)
IF THERE IS INTEREST IN CONTINUING THE TRILOGY,
THE REMAINING SCHEDULE WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
The Two Towers Volume 2 & Movie 2
9 week trimester – $230/$250
November 30 December 7, 14 January 4, 11, 25 February 1, 8, 22
(March 1 held as emergency make-up day if needed)
Materials Needed: Any printed version of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings (Volume 2): The Two Towers. ACCESS TO A HOME PRINTER AND GOOGLE CLASSROOM.
The Return of the King Volume 3 & Movie 3
9 week trimester – $230/$250
March 8, 15, 22 April 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17
(May 24 held as emergency make-up day if needed)
Students grades 8-12 are introduced to English literary analysis by exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s magical Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings classic books, and will compare them with the epic movies by Peter Jackson.
Explore the splendid and harrowing story of Frodo Baggins, a humble hobbit, on his quest to save Middle Earth from the dark forces of Sauron. Brace yourselves as Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, Goblins, Hobbits, WIzards and Men lay it all on the line in this epic tale of good versus evil. Be inspired by the tale of friendship, humility, sacrifice, and hope in the face of the impossible.
Weekly classroom quests will have students searching for the use of illuminating vocabulary, figurative language, and pondering the big questions about character, moral intent, symbolism and literary interpretation. We will read chapters from the books, and match them with segments of the movies providing lively comparisons, analysis, debate, and discussion.
Opportunities for innovative challenges, activities, creative writing, and hands-on projects will round out this extraordinary classroom adventure.
NOTE TO PARENTS
The minimum grade recommendation for this class has been set partially due to The Lord of the Rings movie series being rated PG-13. It depicts fantasy violence through gruesome battle scenes of good versus evil, and some scary imagery of Sauron’s evil army (orcs, goblins, etc..). If you would like to read more about the content of this film series, we recommend searching CommonSenseMedia.org for their age-based reviews. Parent permission slips for viewing will be required of all students taking this class.
REGISTRATION: Beginning May 1, 2020, simply complete the form and payment on the Registration page of WeSparkLearning.com . Charter School students should request a P.O./Enrichment Certificate to be issued as soon as school begin processing for this period, in order to secure enrollment.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com
WILD WEST CLASS TOWN JOURNAL WRITING *NEW*
Taught by
Ani Janbazian
We Spark Learning
Wednesdays
8:30 – 9:30
Classes start
September16, 2020
TARGET: Grades 1-5.
COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 14 week semesters – classes begin September 16, 2020)
COST PER SEMESTER (All materials provided):
- $250 for private pay homeschool families.
- $275 for iLead, Epic, Aveson, Compass, Inspire, Heartland, Blue Ridge Academy, Granite Mountain, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Golden Valley, and Excel Academy Charter students. If you don’t see your school listed, please contact us at WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com so we can apply to become a vendor for you.
Students become “neighbors” in a crazy Wild West Town they help create, where they will experience many events through the year including western themed activities, natural disasters, community events, unbelievable mishaps and some silly celebrations! As each town event effects the “homesteaders”, it will serve as the journal prompt for a creative writing assignment for the week.
“I hopped on my horse to round up some cattle thieves and …”
“I’ve never been to a barn raising before, so today was…”
“The unusual ingredients in my cauldron of stew were…”
Class cowboys and cowgirls will start by deciding what to name their town and establishing their own home and property. Each student will choose a job that will produce weekly earnings. They can use their income to save and upgrade their home, or enhance their property with decorative and fun items from the marketplace. Neighbors will talk about and compare stories about the wild western events of the week. Some drawing, crafts, prize games, and other creative expressions will also be incorporated throughout the year.
While the class will have some mini lessons on writing techniques, literary devices, figurative language, and poetry, our focus is not on the formal fundamentals of writing. The main goal of this class is to motivate kids to put pen to paper to write with enthusiasm and express their ideas in written form. Journal writing is done during class time, and journal expectations can be varied to adapt to different learning levels and abilities.
REGISTRATION: Beginning May 1, 2020, simply complete the form and payment on the Registration page of WeSparkLearning.com . Charter School students must request a P.O./Enrichment Certificate to be issued as soon as possible, in order to secure enrollment.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com
KID’S VID’S & ANCIENT CIV’S
TAUGHT BY:
Ani Janbazian
We Spark Learning
Wednesdays
9:45 10:45
Classes Start
September 16, 2020
TARGET: Grades 2-6th
1 year (two, 14 week semesters – classes begin September 16, 2020)
COST PER SEMESTER (All materials provided):
- $250 for private pay homeschool families.
- $275 for iLead, Epic, Aveson, Compass, Inspire, Heartland, Blue Ridge Academy, Granite Mountain, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Golden Valley, and Excel Academy Charter students. If you don’t see your school listed, please contact us at WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com so we can apply to become a vendor for you.
Journey through the life and times of Ancient Civilizations inspired by the cartoon video adventure series, Kid’s Animated History with Pipo. Each week, students will watch Pipo’s 11-minute video that uses humor and storytelling to share a picture of life in a specific Ancient Civilization. Together, we will identify important individuals, ideas, icons, and invention of that time period. We’ll bring that history alive with hands-on activities, games, art, and creative projects that will reflect the ancient culture we study.
Join us as we explore:
- The Mayan Civilization
- The Inca Empire
- The Aztec Empire
- The Viking Age
- The Celtic Era
- The Byzantine Empire
- Ancient Greece
- Ancient Rome
- Ancient India
- Ancient Egypt
- Ancient Persia
- Ancient China
- Ancient Japan
- Mesopotamia
Tuition includes all materials necessary for class, including a folder/binder, writing implements, school supplies, design materials, incentive prizes and goodies for classroom rewards or celebrations.
REGISTRATION: Beginning May 1, 2020, simply complete the form and payment on the Registration page of WeSparkLearning.com . Charter School students must request a P.O./Enrichment Certificate to be issued as soon as possible, in order to secure enrollment.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com
ROCK THE RENAISSANCE *NEW*
TAUGHT BY:
Ani Janbazian
We Spark Learning
Wednesdays
11:00am-12:00pm
OR
3:00-4:00pm
Classes Start
September 16, 2020
TARGET: Grades 2-6th
COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 14 week semesters – classes begin September 16, 2020)
COST PER SEMESTER (All materials provided):
- $250 for private pay homeschool families.
- $275 for iLead, Epic, Aveson, Compass, Inspire, Heartland, Blue Ridge Academy, Granite Mountain, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Golden Valley, and Excel Academy Charter students. If you don’t see your school listed, please contact us at WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com so we can apply to become a vendor for you.
What makes Michelangelo’s artwork so impressive?
Why do we still study Shakespeare’s plays today?
How did Galileo change how we view the world?
Students dive in with hands-on learning about this period of cultural riches in art, invention, philosopy, literature, science, exploration and music. Celebrate with experiential activities, crafts, games, and exploration of the human achievements that propelled the world.
The seeds of the Renaissance in Europe from 14th-17th centuries, planted the foundations of our modern world. There is so much to discover!
- Identifying our solar system
- Invention of Gutenberg’s printing press
- Circumnavigation of the earth
- Genius of Shakespeare
- Perfection of Michelangelo’s David
- Daring of Luther and Erasmus
- Breathtaking advances in science
- Marvelous Mathematics
- and much more.
Tuition includes all materials necessary for class, including a folder/binder, writing implements, school supplies, design materials, incentive prizes and goodies for classroom rewards or celebrations.
REGISTRATION: Beginning May 1, 2020, simply complete the form and payment on the Registration page of WeSparkLearning.com . Charter School students must request a P.O./Enrichment Certificate to be issued as soon as possible, in order to secure enrollment.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com
SECRET SOLVERS SOCIETY
TAUGHT BY:
Ani Janbazian
We Spark Learning
Wednesdays
12:30-1:30pm
Classes Start
September 16, 2020
TARGET: Grades 2nd-5th
COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 14 week semesters – classes begin September 16, 2020)
COST PER SEMESTER (All materials provided):
- $250 for private pay homeschool families.
- $275 for iLead, Epic, Aveson, Compass, Inspire, Heartland, Blue Ridge Academy, Granite Mountain, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Golden Valley, and Excel Academy Charter students. If you don’t see your school listed, please contact us at WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com so we can apply to become a vendor for you.
You are invited to become a savvy problem solver as a member of our distinguished society where we treasure critical thinking and out-of-the-box ideas.
Your exclusive S.S.S. membership entitles you to solve exciting weekly challenges, that will stretch your brainpower, flex your reasoning, boot your creativity, and harness the power of teamwork!
Your challenges will include:
- Perplexing Puzzles
- Detective Mysteries
- S.T.E.M. Challenges (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- Brain Games
- Treasure Hunts
- Escape Room Adventures
- And more!
Your success will merit awards, that could grant you a place in the Secret Solvers Society “Brain Hall of Fame”.
Tuition includes all materials necessary for class, including a folder/binder, writing implements, school supplies, design materials, incentive prizes and goodies for classroom rewards or celebrations.
REGISTRATION: Beginning May 1, 2020, simply complete the form and payment on the Registration page of WeSparkLearning.com . Charter School students must request a P.O./Enrichment Certificate to be issued as soon as possible, in order to secure enrollment.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com
BUILD-A-BIZ:
Pizzeria Edition
TAUGHT BY:
Ani Janbazian,
We Spark Learning
Wednesdays
1:45-2:45pm
Classes Start
September 16, 2020
TARGET: Grades 3rd-5th
COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 14 week semesters – classes begin September 16, 2020)
COST PER SEMESTER (All materials provided):
- $250 for private pay homeschool families.
- $275 for iLead, Epic, Aveson, Compass, Inspire, Heartland, Blue Ridge Academy, Granite Mountain, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Golden Valley, and Excel Academy Charter students. If you don’t see your school listed, please contact us at WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com so we can apply to become a vendor for you.
As a classroom entrepreneur you will plan and create your own pizzeria and take care of it’s daily operations, learning dozens of practical concepts related to your new venture along the way.
What will the week’s assignment be: Designing and naming your restaurant? Planning the Grand Opening? Calculating profit? Scripting a commercial? Making a brochure? Conducting an employee job interview?
In the exciting world of business, there is so much you can learn:
- Writing a Simple Business Plan
- Basic Economics
- Money Matters
- Math
- Problem Solving
- Marketing
- Customer Service
- Management
- Nutrition
- and Design.
You will dream up weekly pizza specials to test the market as you look for successful dishes to grow your permanent menu. Will your new recipe be a hit? Find out the following week, through a Consumer Report showing customer sales and reviews. We will track the collective profits of all class Pizzerias to earn real prizes throughout the year.
In Semester #2, you will have one special project to complete at home, followed by a chance to present it in front of your fellow “business owners”. We will finish our year with a real-life Pizza Party to celebrate how well you Build-a-Biz!
Tuition includes all materials necessary for class, including a folder/binder, writing implements, school supplies, design materials, incentive prizes and goodies for classroom rewards or celebrations.
REGISTRATION: Beginning May 1, 2020, simply complete the form and payment on the Registration page of WeSparkLearning.com . Charter School students must request a P.O./Enrichment Certificate to be issued as soon as possible, in order to secure enrollment.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS NINA PASADENA?
TAUGHT BY:
Ani Janbazian,
We Spark Learning
Wednesdays
4:15 – 5:15
Classes Start
September 16, 2020
TARGET: Grades 2nd-6th
COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 14 week semesters – classes begin September 16, 2020)
COST PER SEMESTER (All materials provided):
- $250 for private pay homeschool families.
- $275 for iLead, Epic, Aveson, Compass, Inspire, Heartland, Blue Ridge Academy, Granite Mountain, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Golden Valley, and Excel Academy Charter students. If you don’t see your school listed, please contact us at WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com so we can apply to become a vendor for you.
Join the Acme Detective Agency on the hunt for super spy criminal mastermind, Nina Pasadena. She and her henchmen are stealing treasures, and monuments from around the world. You and the other Acme Agents will follow the clues leading you through countries of the world, exploring exotic cultures and locations — all to deduce and track down the identity of the criminals and return the stolen goods.
As Nina and her gang escape to different parts of the globe, you will give chase by solving clues using travel guides, atlases, encyclopedias, books on nature, cultures, art, architecture, landmarks, and more. Each case will take you to three continents, three countries, and three cities on your hunt for suspects.
You will be given one Agent Special Assignment during the year (aka- a short research paper, and drawing task to work on at home) about a specific country that is a henchman hide-out. You will present your Special Assignment in front of the Acme team (oral presentation). You will also take turns to role play as witness and lead detective, as you learn about geography from around the world.
Will we catch Nina Pasadena in the end? Join us to find out! This crime-solving class is sure to be full of mystery and intrigue!
Tuition includes all materials necessary for class, including a folder/binder, writing implements, books, school supplies, incentive prizes and goodies for classroom rewards or celebrations.
PLEASE NOTE: If you took the USA version of this class last year, this class uses the same theme, but features new criminals, and is structured differently so that the cases unfold in a fresh new way for our world-wide adventures!
REGISTRATION: Beginning May 1, 2020, simply complete the form and payment on the Registration page of WeSparkLearning.com . Charter School students must request a P.O./Enrichment Certificate to be issued as soon as possible, in order to secure enrollment.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com
Basics of Film
Taught by:
Dan Shippey
Wednesday
11:00 – 12:00
..
Robotics
Taught by Barnabas
CONTACT:
-
Eric’s Cell Phone: 949-633-0055
-
Eric’s Personal Email: ericlin688@gmail.com
WHY STEM?
As parents and educators, why should we care about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.)? Science explores the physical world around us. Math explores the world through numbers and equations. Engineering uses math and science to solve real-world problems. Technology is the use of engineering to generate a good or service for the purpose of serving others. By combining S.T.E.M. education with the proper worldview, we are preparing our youth to develop products and services that can change the world.
FALL 2020 SEMESTER CLASSES
Build Your Own App

Thursdays
9/17/20; 9/24/20; 10/1/20; 10/8/20; 10/15/20; 10/22/20; 10/29/20; 11/5/20; 11/12/20; 11/19/20; 12/4/20; 12/11/20
11:00 – 11:55 AM
ONLINE CLASS
Build Your Own App
In this intermediate class, students will develop an Internet of Things (IoT) device, which bridges physical hardware, the internet and a smartphone. During the class, students will learn about coding (C/C++), app development and hardware (lights, motors, sensors). Students will use the Blynk and Arduino platforms – popular tools used by professionals for prototyping. Students will be able to take their hardware home at the end of the course. Class sizes are limited to 10 total students to ensure individualized, hands-on instruction.
Ages: 12-17
Cost: $275 (All charters funds accepted. Take $25 off discount if paying with credit card/check before first day of class.)
(Accepted Charters: California Enrichment Academy, Compass Charter Schools, Epic Charter School, Excel Academy, Golden Valley, Gorman, iLead, Inspire, Sage Oak, National University Academy, Sky Mountain, Summit Academy, Valiant Academy)
ABOUT US: https://www.barnabasrobotics.com
TO ENROLL:
- Eric’s Cell Phone: 949-633-0055
- Eric’s Personal Email: ericlin688@gmail.com
Build Your Own Electronics
Thursdays
9/17/20; 9/24/20; 10/1/20; 10/8/20; 10/15/20; 10/22/20; 10/29/20; 11/5/20; 11/12/20; 11/19/20; 12/4/20; 12/11/20
12:00 – 12:55
ONLINE CLASS
Build Your Own Electronics
In this intermediate class, students will learn how everyday electronics are designed so that they can recreate them while learning about circuits and code (C/C++). Example projects include building an IR remote control and keyless entry (RFID) device. Students will be able to take their hardware home at the end of the course. Class sizes are limited to 8 total students to ensure individualized, hands-on instruction.
- Ages: 12-17
- Cost: $275 (All charters funds accepted. Take $25 off discount if paying with credit card/check before first day of class.)
Barnabas Pathfinder Robots
Thursdays
9/17/20; 9/24/20; 10/1/20; 10/8/20; 10/15/20; 10/22/20; 10/29/20; 11/5/20; 11/12/20; 11/19/20; 12/4/20; 12/11/20
1:30 – 2:25
ONLINE CLASS
Barnabas Pathfinder Robots
In this intermediate class, students will build a robot on wheels that is able to follow a path on its own. Students will learn about the sensors required to design a robot that follows a line and sense obstacles. Skills covered include: Coding (C/C++), circuit building and mechanical assembly. Students will be able to take their robot home at the end of the course. Class sizes are limited to 8 total students to ensure individualized, hands-on instruction.
- Ages: 12-17
- Cost: $275 (All charters funds accepted. Take $25 off discount if paying with credit card/check before first day of class.)
- Eric’s Cell Phone: 949-633-0055
- Eric’s Personal Email: ericlin688@gmail.com
THEATER ARTS
Creative Kids Acting
Taught by:
Casting Director and Set Coach
Chris Gillmore and Leo Gilmore
Watch the interview with Chris about her class.
Mondays
2020
-
Mondays
2021- January 18, 25
- February 15, 22
- March 22, 29
- April 19, 26
- May 17, 24
- June 21, 28
- July 19, 26
- August 23, 30
- September 20, 27
- October 18, 25
- November 8, 15
- December 6, 13
- 12:00 PM-2:00 PM
- Little Stars (4 to 9)
- 2:05 PM -4:05 PM
- Beginners (9 thru teen)
- 4:10 PM -6:10 PM
- Intermediate to Advanced
VENDOR WITH THE FOLLOWING CHARTERS:
- Academy of Arts and Sciences
- California Enrichment Academy
- Excel Academy
- Golden Valley
- Gorman
- iLead
- Inspire
- Sage Oak
- Sky Mountain
COST:
- $125 per month private funds
- $150 with charter funds made out to Home School Coaches
So…Whatever you’re thinking an acting class for kids and teens is, you will be happily surprised! This acting class, taught by professional casting director and set coach of over 15,000 kids and teens, Chris Gilmore. It is much more than just a class where students learn how to act professionally on camera for movies, television and commercials.
The added benefits of this incredible series of classes are: It builds the student’s self esteem and self image. It teaches discipline and focus as well as teaching students to use their creativity and imagination. It empowers the students to be able to speak in front of a group with great confidence and improves memorization, improvisation and even helps develop a sense of humor.
From start to finish all students will learn the art of comedy, drama, two-party scene study, cold-reading, monologue technique, comedy improvisation as applied to on-camera film and television performances as well as commercial techniques. Every month is a different acting theme. This course is the Real Thing, and if acting professionally is the goal, students will receive all the skills necessary to pursue a professional acting career while having fun learning them.
LITTLE STARS CLASS
- This class is designed for the younger 5 – 9 year old children.
- Primary goal is to discover the child’s talent and introduce the concepts of creatity and imagination.
- Introduce child to cold reading skills and improve vocabulary to build communication skills.
- Improvisation to develope their on the spot problem solving and communication confidence.
- Teach discipline and focus.
- Works on a goal and reward system allowing the child to experience an instant gratification experience.
- Ideal class to work on communication skills including eye contact and body language.
BEGINNING ACTING CLASS
(In person class available)
This class is highly suggested for kids 9 years old through 18.
- Assorted acting skills including comedy improv, method acting, on camera scene study, and much more.
- A class which encourages the student to ask questions and learn the techniques of acting from the beginning steps on.
- A strong focus on building the student’s confidence in themselves and in letting go the fear of performing in front of others
- In this class, the teacher also evaluates the student’s learning style, confidence level, emotional needs, and develops a teaching plan for each individual student
- Great class for a trained actor who has developed bad acting habits and needs to relearn the skills from a new perspective. (such as a theatre-trained actor who needs to learn how to tone-down “theatre acting” and approach acting from a more organic and internal level.
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED ACTING CLASS
(In person class available)
This class is highly suggested for teens
- A faster paced class where students are challenged to utilize their acting skills to the max, as they learn new and more advanced skills
- Many acting challenges are given which builds even more confidence
- Great class for trained actors who are looking to continue growing in the art of on camera acting and seriously considering a professional acting career.
THE ADDED BONUS: At the end of every month, all parents will receive an on-line video of the students’ performances in class so you can watch their progress. (upon request)
CONTACT:
- Chris Gilmore (661) 510-7750
- http://www.creativekidsacting.com
- mail to:creativekidsacting@gmail.com
WOOD SHOP
Woodshop
Taught by
Jeff kreiger
Fridays
10:30 – 12:30
TARGET GROUP: 12 and older
COST: $25.00 per class, $40.00 for Mommy and Me! Plus material fees
CONTACT: EiE (626) 821-0025
Learn the real “Tricks of the Trade” with woodworking. This course is designed for the young person (and parents) to become familiar with the wonderful world of wood. You will first of all be introduced to all the concepts of safety and how to use hand tools as well as power tools. The student will understand the differences of various woods and will start out with simple projects and evolve into designing your own projects. The instructor is a seasoned professional as well as a former teacher teaching woodworking classes to students and adults. He is very motivated to provide your child a great experience. The class is held at his cabinet making business just two doors down from EIE.
CHESS
Chess
Taught by:
Jeff Schwartz
Monday
1:30 – 2:30
(New Time)
SESSION START DATES:
SEPTEMBER 14, 2020
JANUARY 25, 2021
Cost: $153.00 for each 12-week session per student.
Recommended ages: 5 to 13 or grades K to 8.
Open to beginners and advanced students
Students will learn to play the game of Chess and learn winning strategies. They will become prepared for tournament play which is organized by Coach Jeff. Tournament play is not required but is an added bonus.
Chess is a wonderful game that helps children develop mental discipline, analytical skills, strategic thinking, and do better academically. Studies have shown that students studying Chess demonstrated a marked development of their verbal and math aptitudes. This class is a great way for kids to have fun, improve in Chess, and make new friends.
Added bonus: As Coach Jeff’s program is in twenty-one elementary schools in the San Gabriel Valley, Coach Jeff organizes three tournaments per semester.
About Coach Jeff: Jeff Schwartz has played tournament chess from the time he was a freshman in college. Coach Jeff is a Life Member of the United States Chess Federation, and an active member of the Arcadia Chess Club. Coach Jeff has taught Chess since 2007, helping hundreds of students mature in the world of Chess, even while he uses an individualized approach for each student.
Contact: chesscoachjeff@live.com or (626) 232-5466