This year we have included this section dedicated to classes designed for elementary aged students.  We hope this makes your decision process easier.

Elementary Classes

Appropriate for grades K-8.  Older music lovers are welcome! Younger children are welcome with a parent.

 Traditional American songs, which include folk songs from around the world, were once known by every schoolchild.  Although they are foundational to an understanding of American literature, culture and history, our public schools dropped almost all of them in the 1970s, along with the fun and historical understanding they include.

In this class we will learn traditional songs from American history and the history/stories behind them.  We will do a lot of singing, clapping and moving with great music while learning about American History.   Carolyn majored in Music History and has been a song leader for several decades.  End your week with music, fun and history!

COST:  $100 per semester (ask about family discounts)

Semester 1:  September 20 – January 31

Semester 2:  February 7 – May 29

Call Carolyn at EIE 626-821-0025

TARGET: Grades 1-5.

COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 14 week semesters – classes begin Sept 18, 2019)

COST PER SEMESTER  (ALL materials provided):

$250 for private pay homeschool families.

$275 for iLead, Epic, Aveson,  Inspire, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Valiant Prep 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 Town they help create, where they will experience many events through the year including festivals, natural disasters, community events, unbelievable mishaps and some silly celebrations!  As each town event effects the residents, it will serve as the journal prompt for a creative writing assignment for the week.

“For Adopt-a-pet day I chose a…”

“When I ran the charity marathon, I couldn’t believe it when…”

“A meteor crashed into the town square today, and I was so…”

Town residents will start by deciding what to name their town and decorating 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 (trampoline, gazebo, bird bath, backyard mini golf, and much more!).  Town residents will talk about and compare stories about the 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, 2019 visit the registration page at WeSparkLearning.com.  Open Enrollment continues until classes are full.

Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com

TARGET: Grades 2-6

COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 14 week semesters – classes begin Sept 18, 2019)

COST PER SEMESTER  (ALL materials provided):

$250 for private pay homeschool families.

$275 for iLead, Epic, Aveson,  Inspire, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Valiant Prep 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.

Master Criminal Nina Pasadena is at it again!  This time she is determined to capture America’s amazing landmarks to declare this nation the “United States of Nina Pasadena”

 Join the Acme Detective Agency on the state-by-state hunt for super spy mastermind, Nina Pasadena.   This time she is using puzzles, secret messages, invisible ink, locked cases, combination codes, and more to communicate with her henchmen about their missions.  The henchmen will be under cover, disguising themselves as famous people from each state.  If we identify and capture them, we can intercept their messages and decode their plans for the next targeted landmark!

 Our investigations will include state nicknames, flags, symbols, major cities, significant sites, historical information and more.  We will use books, atlases, encyclopedia, maps and other research materials to stop Nina in her tracks!

 Agents will also be responsible for an Agent Special Assignment (aka- a short research paper, and drawing task to work on at home) about a specific state that is a suspected henchman hide-out. Agents will present their Special Assignment in front of the Acme team (oral presentation).

 Will we catch Nina Pasadena?  Join us on this Geography Adventure!

PLEASE NOTE: If you took the World 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 national adventures!

REGISTRATION: Beginning May 1, 2019 visit the registration page at WeSparkLearning.com.  Open Enrollment continues until classes are full.

Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com

TARGET: Grades 3-7

COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 14 week semesters beginning Sept 18, 2019)

COST PER SEMESTER  (ALL materials provided):

$250 for private pay homeschool families.

$275 for iLead, Epic, Aveson,  Inspire, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Valiant Prep 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, 2019 visit the registration page at WeSparkLearning.com.  Open Enrollment continues until classes are full.

Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com

Inspired by this class, we are excited to share how a Build-A-Biz graduate has started her own business selling beautiful handmade paper gifts – check out www.ChillinQuillin.weebly.com

Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc5mmNBkEwY to watch a student’s extra credit pizza commercial!

TARGET: Grades 3-7
COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 14 week semesters – classes begin Sept 11, 2019)
COST PER SEMESTER (ALL materials provided):
$250 for private pay homeschool families.
$275 for iLead, Epic, Aveson, Inspire, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Valiant Prep 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.

Imagine…
…an underwater nation where residents live in bio-domes, and use candy for money.
…a rock n’ roll republic where music starts each day and the president looks like Elvis.
…a kingdom whose citizens wear shades of purple, and travel by unicorn.
…a gamer state where video game scores translate to real money in the bank.
In this class, students can mastermind, invent, develop, and design their very own nation and culture.
Micronations are imaginary countries that have many of the same things as real ones: laws, customs, culture and history – even their own flags, coins, and stamps.  Step by step, using examples from real nations, other micronations, and fictional lands, students will establish a government, create a language and distinctive clothing, initiate unique holidays, print a currency, write a constitution, and so much more.

• Dynamic discussions and hands-on  activities will explore:
  Government
  Political Systems
  Language
  National Symbols
  History
  Geology & Resources
  Physical Geography
  Economy
  Currency
  Citizenship
  Infrastructure:
  Transportation & Communication
  Cultural Identity:
  Food, Art, Music, Clothing, Pastimes, Holidays

REGISTRATION: Beginning May 1, 2019 visit the registration page at WeSparkLearning.com . Open
Enrollment continues until classes are full.
Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES Literature Classes 

Exploring the world through great authors!

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES is predominantly a literature discussion class, but your child/teen will also be doing worksheets on literary devices, character development, vocabulary and literature analysis.

Recommended for 7-10 year olds. The books will be approximately 100-150 pages long and appropriate for 2nd-4th graders.  

Recommended for 10-12 year olds. The books will be approximately 150-300 pages long and appropriate for 5th-7th graders.

Recommended for 12-15+ year olds (Middle School/ High School). The books will be appropriate for middle school and high school students. This class will be fun and a great way to meet other teens!

WHY HAVE YOUR CHILD PARTICIPATE IN A DISCUSSION LITERATURE CLASS?

TALKING ADVENTURES

The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself . . . . . and Public Speaking!!!

Class begins September 9, 2019

In this Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons Themed course, students will survey the civilizations of Sumer, Egypt, Israel, Babylon, Greece, Rome, Asia Minor, and Asia—the people’s ideas, traditions, systems of government, feats, and skills. IEW’s structural units and elements of style are introduced gradually.

 During the course, students will take notes, summarize narrative stories, write from pictures, compose creative essays, and more. Additionally, with the activities, games, and parties, there will be enough silliness and fun to keep the atmosphere light while students learn.

 The goal of the course is NOT to receive a good grade or compare one student to another. The goal is to develop a love for and interest in writing. We are looking for progress. With realistic expectations, progress is determined by comparing a child’s writing in September to his/her own writing in January and in June.

COST: $200.00 per semester ($225 if a charter student) plus books, etc.  Plus, a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $25, which is waived for students whose paid tuition and registration are postmarked before August 1.

TEXT BOOK REQUIRED Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons [Student Book only]

By Lori Verstegen

ISBN: 978-1-62341-295-1

Edition/Printing: Fifth Edition, January 2018

Copyright Date: 2008, 2014, 2018

 CONTACT: Lilli Witczak (626) 232-7932 or email at: lilli.witczak@gmail.com

Class begins September 9, 2019

COURSE DURATION:  1 school year, from September 9 through May 18.

In this Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons Themed course, students will read and write about topics such as the Knights, Vikings, kings, and famous men of the Middle Ages.

From the Anglo-Saxons to the Renaissance, from chivalrous knights to Genghis Khan, students will learn about medieval times while learning to write using IEWs structure and stylistic techniques.

Top of Form

During the course, students will take notes, summarize narrative stories, write from pictures, compose creative essays, and more. Additionally, with the activities, games, and parties, there will be enough silliness and fun to keep the atmosphere light while students learn.

The goal of the course is NOT to receive a good grade or compare one student to another. The goal is to develop a love for and interest in writing. We are looking for progress. With realistic expectations, progress is determined by comparing a child’s writing in September to his/her own writing in January and in June.

 COST: $200.00 per semester ($225 if a charter student) plus books, etc.  Plus, a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $25, which is waived for students whose paid tuition and registration are postmarked before August 1.

TEXT BOOK REQUIRED Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons [Student Book only]

By Lori Verstegen

ISBN: 978-1-62341-311-8

Edition/Printing: Fifth Edition, January 2019

Copyright Date: 2007, 2019

CONTACT: Lilli Witczak (626) 232-7932 or email at: lilli.witczak@gmail.com

Cost:          $139.00  for each 11-week session per  student.  

Spring Session:  January 27 – April 13

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

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

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

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) 600-7372
• http://www.creativekidsacting.com
• mail to:creativekidsacting@gmail.com

SCIENCE-2-U ELEMENTARY CLASSES

Germs and Disease 

• ​​What exactly are germs?
  How do you catch a cold?
  What is a disease?
  We’ll explore the differences between bacteria and viruses and study some common diseases and learn prevention techniques. This class will be filled with tons of interesting experiments!

Let’s learn more about chemistry! In this class we’ll explore acids and bases, perform titrations and experiment with a variety of chemicals that are right under your nose.

Learn about the relationships that make this world so unique. We will study everything from the food chain to acid rain. We’ll be making some cool ecological models using soda bottles (so start saving those 2-L soda bottles!)​​

Christmas Break  December 23, 2019 – January 3, 2020

What is the scientific method?

Is it a logical way of problem solving in science?

In fact, you use this method everyday but you probably just don’t realize it. We will practice this method every week by solving cool, fun experiments with many outcomes. Your student will decide what they want to test and try it right in class. Some of the experiments we’ll figure out using the scientific method will be;

What is the best way to make the perfect flying plane?

How can you test whether an egg is raw or hard boiled without breaking it?

Why does food coloring react differently to different types of milk?

How can you tell what is in a box without picking it up?

We’ll even throw in more crazy experiments until you are a walking, talking scientist! See you there! 

Can you resist the pull of magnets and the fields they create? We’ll discover what magnets are, what types of materials they can and cannot attract, how many different types of magnets there are, and how magnetism relates to electricity! You won’t be able to pull yourself away from this class!

Learn about the life-cycle of the silkworm. We’ll study this creature from egg to larvae to pupa to moth. Each student will receive their own silkworms and science journal. This class is even a great idea for a science fair project!

Come learn the shocking truth about electricity! What is electricity? How is it produced? We’ll learn about AC/DC, parallel and series circuits and you’ll even build a working electric motor. Come have an electrifying time! ​​