Grades 2 and 3
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3 Is the Magic Number
It takes 3 wheels to make a tricycle, 3 legs to make a tripod stand, 3 sides to make a triangle; all good things come in threes, it seems! Therefore, we will spend 3 weeks exploring 3 big topics: place value, multiplication and the beginnings of division. We will take a hands-on, game-filled approach to practicing these important mathematical topics and become more comfortable in our understanding of basic number sense, multiplication and beginning division.
A Light in the Classroom
In this class of poetry, we will delve into Shel Silverstein’s clever wit and rhyme to shed light on just how fun poetry really can be. We will read silly poems, nonsense poems and “All About Me” poems, and then create some poetry of our own. This class is designed to help gain a deeper appreciation for poetry as one way to express ourselves through writing. It will conclude with a “Poetry in the Park” reading of the class’s original works.
Aloha, Keiki
If you like “hanging ten,” this is the class for you! Join us on a high-sea adventure through Hawaii and the Polynesian islands as we read High Tide in Hawaii and 9 True Dolphin Stories. We will be exploring all things oceanic by looking at the creatures found in the deep blue sea, learning about tidal waves and figuring out what makes volcanoes explode!
Cool Chemistry Concoctions
In this class, you will create secret formulas that will amaze your friends and family! We’ll cause chemical reactions, create cool solutions, mix up chemical compounds and more. What could be more entertaining than making a homemade batch of disgusting runny slime? Or making miniature cave stalactites and stalagmites out of saturated salt solutions and string? We’ll make oobleck and flubber, and play with other cool polymers like insta-snow. You’ll also learn how to bounce a raw egg without cracking its shell and to make bubbles that resist popping!
¡Español Es Divertido! – Nivel I (Session One only)
Do you like to dance, sing, act…in Spanish? Then this is the class for you. Through singing songs, role playing with puppets and creating comic books in Spanish, we will cover the fundamentals for basic conversation. You will need to bring a notebook, a pencil and crayons or color pencils. In addition, we will use your family pictures and your favorite storybooks.
Helping Math Take Shape
In this hands-on, game-enriched class, we will see the many different forms math can take. We will practice geometry: looking at angles and sides, recognizing shapes and looking for common attributes. We will look at the importance of standardized measurements and practice skills using various measurement tools. We will continue to develop our understanding of carrying and borrowing by practicing the trade-first and partial-sums method for addition and subtraction. Join us in this fun, enriching class that will give math shape and meaning!
Making Dulcimers…An Appalachian Adventure (Session One only)
This session’s music elective will be an instrument building class! Students will be building dulcimers from kits: assembling, decorating and then playing the dulcimers along with other instruments in our music classroom. The dulcimer is a three-stringed instrument played with a pick, somewhat like a guitar, but played flat on a table. It was invented by Appalachian mountain musicians in the 1800s. Notes are changed by pressing down the strings on the frets, just like guitar. Join us for this wonderful combination of art, music and applied science!
Medieval Madness (Session One only)
Journey back to medieval Europe where we’ll learn about castles and kings, ladies and lords, serfs and peasants, popes and monks, and very brave knights! We’ll find out what it was like to live life on a manor (or even in a castle!) and what the journey from a page to a knight was like. We’ll dive into the rich culture of medieval food, music and festivals, and we’ll even create our very own coat of arms! This class will conclude with a mini-Renaissance Fair for all to attend.
Puppetry (Session Two only)
Puppetry is a key expressive tool in combining visual arts and theater arts. This summer we will explore the expressive use of shadow puppetry as well as large-scale puppets. Students will create their own characters and see them come to life with their own hands. Puppetry is one of the oldest theatrical traditions in the world, and for good reason. Each puppeteer will discover the creative and expressive advantages to mastering the art of puppetry.
Scratch Programming (Session Two only)
Scratch is a computer application that enables students to develop animations, games and interactive art. During this session students will learn about computer programming in a visual way. We'll begin by learning how different controls and objects can be put together to make a project run. Afterwards we'll move on to creating our own projects and then share these projects in our group. This is a great way to learn technology this summer while having fun!
Project Read Literacy Class
(Open only to students with a recommendation by teachers.)
The Project Read Literacy skills class will help keep skills sharp and ensure reading and writing readiness for the upcoming school year. The class will include ninety minutes of targeted, small-group instruction in phonics, reading comprehension, fluency, and writing. This class is open only to students who have been invited to attend.
