Garden Reciprocal Program

Did you know there's a garden reciprocal program in Southern California and across the country?

Join one of these local gardens as a member and get free admission to all for one year.

• Descanso Gardens, La Canada Flintridge
• LA County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Arcadia
• Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, Claremont
• South Coast Botanical Garden, Palos Verdes Peninsula
• Fullerton Arboretum
• The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, CSULB

Membership to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is $40 for CSULB alumni and $50 for the basic membership.  This gives you admission for two adults and children at the same address.

The complete directory of participating gardens is at http://www.ahs.org/events/reciprocal

 

Kindle, Disney, Math, oh my!

Free hs resources on the kindle: http://kindlehomeschool.com/

Grad Night at Disneyland for homeschoolers!  June 22nd
Payment is due by April 20th  $61/person - guests can join student 14+ 
Contact Crystal at CLaDeeB@Aol.com

MathMovesU.com - free math program for middle schoolers by Raytheon

Volunteering in Long Beach!

Free Volunteer Village Event Offers Wide range of volunteer Opportunities for All

Wednesday, October 20, 3pm-7pm
El Dorado Park West Community/Senior Center
2800 Studebaker Rd., Long Beach
Admission and parking are free

Interested in volunteering? Don't know where to start? Answers and advice can be yours by attending the 8th Annual Fall Volunteer Village.

Volunteer Village aims to make it easier for the public to find their perfect volunteer placement in a one-stop shopping experience. The event provides potential volunteers an opportunity to interview nonprofit and public agencies to find a volunteer placement that matches their time, talents and interests.

Everyone - students, adults, retirees, families and corporate employees - with an interest in volunteering is invited to attend.  Over 40 Greater Long Beach community organizations, nonprofits and public agencies will have representatives available to provide potential volunteers information about their programs and how volunteers can help. The event is free to the public and attendees of all ages are welcome.

Volunteer Village is organized by the Greater Long Beach Directors of Volunteers, an affinity group convened by the Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership. Event co-sponsors are Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership, Long Beach Unified School District, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program and the City of Long Beach: Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine.

For general information, please contact Diane Johnson at Retired & Senior Volunteer Program: (562) 506-2801 or email myrsvp@hotmail.com. Information for agencies interested in participating is available at Long Beach Nonprofit Partnership: www.lbnp.org

Free archery classes!

Free archery classes are every Saturday at El Dorado Park (except for holiday weekends). First time you must take the safety class, taught at 12pm. Sign up by at least 11am because it fills up fast. They supply all equipment.

The archery range is off Spring St., north side, across the street from the nature center.  Parking fee is $7/car, annual pass is $40 (purchase at the nature center).  To avoid the parking fee, you can park in the neighborhood just west of the park.

Participants must be 8yrs old at least.

After you pass the safety class, the beginner class meets at 11am. You achieve a score of 100 to move onto the intermediate (at 10am).

The instructors are dedicated volunteers, very patient and knowledgeable.

For more info: Aletha Donathan, Head Archery Instructor at (562) 688-9666.

For regular classes, contact Janet Dykman.  Ms. Dykman is a 3 time Olympic archer.
Children must be at least 8 years old.  The first five weeks is geared toward getting the student to shoot safely and consistently while the sixth week is a private fun shoot for the class with fun activities.  The cost for the session is $75, but you can save $20 by prepaying the $55 before the first class.  Class fee includes all instruction, equipment use in class, program folder, and fun shoot.  Class members also have practice privileges and equipment use at the other class times for Int./Adv. archers on Wednesday & Thursday

Want to learn to shoot, but need flexibility and can't commit to six consecutive weeks?  Save $15 off the daily rate by buying a six class punch card for $75 and use it any day class is being held.

 

If you have questions call Janet @ 626.242.8870 or email to gotarrows@gmail.com

 

A Spelling "Course"

From Connect the Thoughts:

Our Spelling Program is simple, and allows the student to correct words he is already using in his work, rather than providing an arbitrary list of words “right for his level”, whatever that means, and whoever makes those decisions.
During the week’s work (Monday morning-Friday afternoon), the tutor or parent MAY
NOT correct spelling. But they DO make a list of any and all spelling errors noted in the student’s work. Here’s how it works:
1. Students working with a computer to type reports, essays and creative works leave spell check turned ON. They then do their written assignments on the computer. (This will also help their typing.)
2. They will see their misspelled words underlined in red by Spell Check, as they work.
3. Students (or their tutors) list in writing any words they misspell during a week. This is done on the weekly form, below.
4. Ten of the student’s misspelled words for the week are selected on Friday Afternoon (after studies), and a copy of the completed form (called SPELLING PROGRAM
WEEKLY FORM) is given to the student. The master remains in a file for that student’s spelling work. (This is so you can have the word list he misspelled in case the other copy is lost.)
5. The student is expected to take the list of ten words home and drill the spelling of the found words until he or she knows how to spell them. This is done over the weekend, and is usually the only “homework” done in conjunction with Connect The Thoughts.
6. On Monday morning, first thing, the student is asked to write down all the spelling words on a blank piece of paper. This quiz is to take about five minutes.
7. Any words misspelled are added onto a new list for next week, on the bottom of the Weekly Form. The completed weekly form including quiz results is placed in the student’s spelling file and kept with his or her other work. Place these in the folder chronologically, the oldest tests in the back, the most recent test at the front when you open the folder.

That’s it. Don’t add anything to this procedure, please. If a student is a particularly poor speller, do the procedure twice a week, generating a list on Tuesday and Friday nights.

A new year at gee!

Welcome to a new and exciting year at gee! We've been relaxing over the holiday, but now we are ready to get back into the swing of things. Check out our new offerings and some old favorites. Remember, to sign up for classes, go to our meetup site. Thank you! http://www.meetup.com/geeclasses

Science2U is full for our first session, but we will be offering The Expanding World of Gases in February!

Engineering with LEGOS will start on Friday, January 14 at 1pm. This is 90 minute session for 7-12 year olds. $112.50 for 6 weeks. Sign up here.

Art with Brenda Benveniste begins on Friday, January 21 at 11am. Ms. B is an amazing teacher and has many years experience working with all ages and abilities. 105 minute class for 5-12 year olds. $99 for 3 sessions. RSVP here.

We are excited to offer Stop Motion Animation this year, but it is already filled up. We hope to schedule another class in March. Stay tuned on our meetup list.

Middle School English is starting another session with Erin Chianese. She gets rave reviews from her students and their parents. Begins Tuesday, January 25 at 1pm. 90 minute sessions for 11-13 year olds. $280 for 16 sessions. Sign up here.

And we have new classes on Wednesdays! Beginning Spanish for 5-8 year olds from 11am-noon ($75/6 weeks); The Magic of Music for 5-10 year olds from 12:30pm-1:30pm ($50/4 weeks); and History of Contemporary American Music for 11+ years from 1:45pm-2:45pm ($50/4 weeks). All classes begin Wednesday, January 26. RSVP here!

And keep an eye out for a new Magic Tree House book club forming for 6-8 years olds beginning Thursday, February 3rd. This will also have an optional field trip outing each month!

We are very excited about seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments. Write Cindy at hijola@yahoo.com . Thank you and we wish you many Great Educational Experiences!

Fall semester at gee!

Hello all!

We are ready to start a new semester at gee! We are fortunate to have such a wonderful, bright, and fun space in Long Beach. While we have drop-off classes, parents are always welcome to stay and chat or have a cup of coffee. We, also, have wi-fi.

To find our latest list of classes, sign up at http://www.meetup.com/geeclasses . Meetup handles our RSVPs and some photos and comments from previous classes are on there, as well.

While we bring in vendors for Sky Mountain and we, ourselves, are vendors for SM, you don't need to be affiliated with any group to take our classes. Feel free to bring payment to the first day of class or pay online (for a small fee).

And now for what we have planned so far...

Star Wars Origami
Ages: 5-12 (Parents of 5-6 year olds, please stay to help your child)
Monday, August 23, 1pm-2:30pm
$15/child
http://www.meetup.com/GEEclasses/calendar/14316996/

American Literature - High School
Grades: 9th-12th
Tuesdays, August 24-December 14, 11am-12:30pm
$300/student
http://www.meetup.com/GEEclasses/calendar/14213462/

English for Middle Schoolers
Grades: 6th-8th
Tuesdays, August 24-December 14, 1pm-2:30pm
$280/student
http://www.meetup.com/GEEclasses/calendar/14213301/

World Cultures: Sub-Saharan Africa
Ages: 9-12 years
4 sessions: Wednesdays, 8:45am-9:45am, 8/25, 9/1, 9/8, 9/15
$50/child
http://www.meetup.com/GEEclasses/calendar/14428587/

World Cultures: Sub-Saharan Africa
Ages: 6-8 years
4 sessions: Wednesdays, 9:45am-10:45am, 8/25, 9/1, 9/8, 9/15
$50/child
http://www.meetup.com/GEEclasses/calendar/14290746/

Math & Money
Ages: 6-9 years
4 sessions: Wednesdays, 11am-noon, 8/25, 9/1, 9/15, 9/22 (no class on 9/8
$50/child
http://www.meetup.com/GEEclasses/calendar/14213404/

Intermediate Elementary Writing
Ages: 9-11 years
4 sessions: Thursdays, 9:45am-10:45am, 8/26, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16
$50/child
http://www.meetup.com/GEEclasses/calendar/14339490/

Beginning Elementary Writing
Ages: 6-9 years
4 sessions: Thursdays, 11am-noon, 8/26, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16
$50/child
http://www.meetup.com/GEEclasses/calendar/14329394/

Cookamation: Mayan Citrus Salad & Shrimp Maya Ceviche
Ages: 5-12 years
Thursday, August 26, 1pm-2:30pm
$35/child
http://www.meetup.com/GEEclasses/calendar/14317243/

Science2U: Kid's Chemistry
Grades: 4th-6th
4 sessions: Mondays, 12:30pm-1:30pm, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4
$50/child
http://www.meetup.com/GEEclasses/calendar/14213139/

Science2U: Kid's Chemistry
Grades: K-3rd
4 sessions: Mondays, 2pm-3pm, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4
$50/child
http://www.meetup.com/GEEclasses/calendar/14213180/

Stay tuned for classes with Mad Science, Spanish4U, Engineering with LEGOS, US History, Photography, and Arts & Crafts.

All classes are held at Paint N Glaze, 3960 N. Studebaker Rd., #102, Long Beach. Please contact me at hijola@yahoo.com for more info or check us out at http://www.meetup.com/geeclasses

Engineering with LEGOS camp!

Engineering FUNdamentals with LEGO

Have your child become a Play Well Engineer! Students take on real-life engineering challenges that explore concepts in physics, architecture, mechanical and structural engineering with over 100,000 pieces of LEGO material. From race cars to Battletracks, this is a hands-on and minds-on camp suitable for LEGO novices to "maniacs." Designed by engineers, the curriculum challenges both new and returning students to reach the next level of engineering comprehension all while having fun.

What: LEGO Engineering
When: Monday thru Friday, August 2nd - August 6th
Time: Ages 4-6 years 9am - noon
Ages 7-13 years 1pm - 4pm
Cost: $170 per child
Location: Paint N Glaze, 3960 N. Studebaker Rd., #101, Long Beach

Please sign up by July 15.

Checks may be made payable to:
Great Educational Experiences
6444 E. Spring St. #279
Long Beach, CA. 90815

or you may pay online through Amazon Payments for your convenience (a service charge of 5.00 is added). Become a member of meetup and RSVP here.

For more info: email geeclasses@yahoo.com or call 562-841-6493

Functional Families Parenting Workshop

Join us for a 4-week workshop exploring parenting tools for a new generation.

Parenting is people-making...every parent has experienced deep and overwhelming feelings of frustration and anger. Together we will learn tools to help you meet your needs and the needs of your children. We will focus on what lies beneath your child's behavior and make conscious choices to connect with empathy and strengthen family bonds.

Wednesdays, July 7, 14, 21, & 28
7pm-9pm
$100
* Sorry, we do not have childcare at this time

Workshop topics include:
- Healing Reflection
- Brain Development
- Anger, Self-care, and Setting limits
- Communication and Practice

Tova Pusl is a certified Parent Educator and mother of two school-aged boys. Tova found her true passion upon becoming a parent; connecting with her children and helping others find that family connection. Tova takes a realistic approach to parenting, realizing that each and every day of parenting brings us unexpected challenges. She aims to share information and create a community of support for parents, family, and caregivers.

To sign up:
Email geeclasses@yahoo.com or
Call 562-841-6493 or
Join our meetup and RSVP here.

Intro to Anthropology!

See what we have planned for the fall! In this intro class, students will learn what anthropology is and get an idea for what the subject covers. We are suggesting ages 6-9 years, but you can come check it out and see if it will be a good fit for your child. $12.50/child. See you there!

Intro to Anthropology
Wednesday, June 30
10am-11am
Ages: 6-9 years
$12.50/child (pay online here or bring a check to class)

Fall class description:
Please join us for an exciting year of Anthropology! This class will encourage curiosity about our world. Each month children explore different regions – Africa, Europe, Asia, Oceania, South America, and Central America. December will, also, include holidays around the world.

Each four week session includes geography of the area, climate, vegetation, animals, films, photos, and games. Cultures in the region will be discussed and compared to our own. A craft project is included, as well as, artifacts and costumes. Students will be encouraged to complete a project at home and present in class if they like.

Our teacher is Ms. Helena Ottoson-Carter, a native of Sweden and mother of a 4 year old daughter. She has a Master’s degree in Applied Anthropology and a BA in International Studies.

To join us on this journey around the world, RSVP here.

First ever gee! Summer Camp!

Come join us for an educational and fun action-packed week of classes. We are very happy to bring you some of the greatest classes in the area for your children to enjoy. This promises to be one fun and exciting week of Great Educational Experiences for your children.

You can, also, mix and match classes!
For more info, contact us at 562-841-6493 or geeclasses@yahoo.com


Who: All Children Ages 5-12 years
What: gee! Summer Camp
Where: Paint N Glaze, 3960 N. Studebaker Rd. #101, Long Beach
(near the corner of Carson & Studebaker)
When: Monday June 21st through Friday June 25th
Time: 9:00am - 12:00 noon
Cost: $199 for the entire week, see class descriptions for individual pricing
For your convenience you may pay by Amazon Payments or
checks may be made payable to Great Educational Experiences and sent to:
6444 E. Spring St. #279, Long Beach, CA 90815


MONDAY: Paint N Glaze, $30/child
Children will learn to design and paint ceramic pottery in the Paint N Glaze studio.


TUESDAY: Mad Science, $55/child:
“Energy, Gravity, and Balance Day:” Children will discover the fundamental forces that make the world go round and cause everything to do what everything does. This day is full of activities involving gravity, inertia, potential and kinetic energy and more!


WEDNESDAY: LEGO® Engineering with Play-Well TEKnologies, $40/child
Have your child become a Play-Well Engineer! Students will build cities, bridges, and motorized cars/planes and explore the many creative possibilities of engineering with the LEGO® system. With access to over 100,000 pieces of LEGO, your child will have the opportunity to build what they have only dreamed of with the support of an experienced Play-Well Engineering instructor to guide them.



THURSDAY: Cookamation, $45/child: Something smells delicious as Susan Derrick shows the children how to cook up a refreshing and healthy Caribbean Burger with Mango Salsa. All the ingredients are fresh and tasty. All the children get to wear their chefs hats and aprons and learn the valuable life skill of cooking.






FRIDAY: Art of the Masters with Brenda Benveniste, $40/child: Children will prepare to get creative as they study and paint in the style of Van Gogh and reproduce one of his masterpieces.




All Children are welcome to gee! Summer Camp.
To reserve your space, go to gee! Summer Camp or contact us at geeclasses@yahoo.com or (562) 841-6493.

Best Regards,

George and Cindy Castro

Elementary Writing - 6 to 9 year olds

Behind every great writer is the foundation that was formed when they were young! Through journals, group and individually created stories, and poems, children will learn to express themselves in a safe and cooperative environment.

Instructor: Dana Stibor
Thursdays, 11am-noon
Cost: $50/4 sessions
Sky Mountain vendor: George Castro, Great Educational Experiences (gee!)

RSVP here.

Dana Stibor has a BA in English Literature from Pomona College. She worked as an editor for more than ten years, before going back to school to become a teacher. She holds a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State University, Long Beach, and is in the process of adding her Single Subject Credential in English.

Art with Brenda Benveniste!

We are pleased to offer Art with Brenda! Students will learn to draw and paint by interpreting the art of masters and movements. Artists receive a high level of information for creative thinking and artistic confidence. The focus is on drawing techniques and elements, enjoying the process of art, individual style and the joy of creating. Only professional art mediums are used with high quality papers and canvas. No experience needed. Watercolor, soft and oil pastels, acrylic, charcoal, pen, ink, gouche, and mixed.

Fridays, 11am-12:30pm
Ages: 5-12 years
Location: Paint N Glaze, 3960 N. Studebaker Rd., Long Beach
Cost: $88/4 sessions

RSVP here.

Engineering with LEGOS

Join us in learning engineering principles with LEGOs! Sessions run for six weeks and each class is 90 minutes.

Tuesdays, 11:30am-1pm for 4-6 year olds
Fridays, 1pm-2:30pm for 2nd to 5th graders

Cost is $112.50/student and Play-Well TEKnologies is a Sky Mountain vendor.

Play-Well Teknologies provides project-based programs designed to teach principles and methods of engineering, architecture, and science to children using LEGOs and other building systems.

Essay Writing for Middle Schoolers

We will be writing, writing, writing as we work toward forming clear, flowing, five paragraph essays. Some of the things we will be doing together are: fun exercises to jump-start and organize thoughts, grabbing the reader's attention in the first paragraph, using transitions to link ideas, expressing those ideas in a personal style, and learning to edit. Informative, compare/contrast, and persuasive essays will be included. All levels are welcome! Because writing is so personal, sharing will be optional and content will not be a factor in grading.

Grades 6-8
Time: 1:00-2:30 PM
Dates: Tuesdays March 2, 9, 16, and 23rd
Cost: $70

Erin Chianese is a teacher, a Sky Mountain vendor, a homeschooling mom of 2 girls graduating this year from college, and a published author. Her goal as an English teacher is to share her love of writing and reading with students. Her philosophy is to respect each student's writing content and process, to try to create a safe place to share writing, and to acknowledge students' gifts.

Science2U

Get ready for another great year of Science2U!

Mondays
12:30-1:30pm for 4-6th graders
2-3pm for K-3 graders
Location: Paint N Gaze
Cost: $50



Topics:
January - Energy
February - Machines
March - Animal Behavior
April - Water
May - Insects

We're SCIENCE-2-U and our team of degreed professionals has developed a science program especially designed to meet the needs of homeschoolers. SCIENCE-2-U comes directly to your educational facility or home, along with all of the materials for lectures, experiments, and homework assignments.

Our classes for elementary and secondary aged students, are based on both national and locally accepted guidelines for science curriculum to equip your child with the finest science education.

Science2U is a Sky Mountain vendor.
Please RSVP here.