CLASS CATALOGUE Fall 2024
(GRADES 6-12)
Click Registration Form to open the registration form in a new window, so that you can view the Class Catalogue next to the registration form in your browser. Please request permission by emailing karen@karengolden.com, if your student would like to register for a class that is not listed for their age.
* If you are a student at a homeschool charter school, you may be able to take our high school classes for credit if you talk to your contact person from the school. All the schools have different procedures and policies. Please let us know if you need assistance with syllabi and curriculum.
MONDAY CLASSES (11 WEEKS) In-person at Temple Akiba
World History: 1919-1945
Monday: 9:30 am – 10:55 am (11 weeks)
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, (No 14, 21), 28, Nov. 4, (No 11), 18, 25, Dec. 2, 9
Grades 6 and up
Today, all humans, whether they are Europeans, Australian Aborigines, or Africans, belong to the same subgroup of human beings, Homo Sapiens Sapiens, or wise, wise humans. We have more in common with our ancestors and each other than we often admit, and we have survived thousands of years because of our ability to adapt and progress. This is the fifth semester of a 6-semester curriculum, but students can join at any time. The material covered for the fifth semester will be from 1919-1945, and will include World War I, the Great Depression, the rise of Communist China, World War II, and much more. We will be covering a lot of material in a short amount of time, so students will be expected to pay keen attention in class, take notes, and do a fair amount of homework, including weekly quizzes and a PowerPoint presentation. Students will not only learn the important events in history, but also learn how the information fits together in terms of human development, time periods, and regions of the world. We will make a timeline so that we can better understand how different societies developed over the course of history with similar stories. The curriculum will be based on the fifth unit of the Glencoe World History book.
Students are welcome to take this class remotely. Please let us know when you register.
TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $350
Geography - Oceania
Monday: 11:00 am – 11:55 am (11 weeks)
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, (No 14, 21), 28, Nov. 4, (No 11), 18, 25, Dec. 2, 9
Grades 6 and up
Dive into the Pacific, and join us on an exploration of Oceania! This class will cover both physical and human geography of Australia, Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Students will strengthen their map skills and become familiar with flags, currencies, and languages of the many islands of the Pacific Ocean. They will also learn about the rich history, culture, landmarks, and ecosystems of this region. At the end of the semester, students will complete an individual research project. Each class will include creative activities and discussions, as well as exercises on researching and writing. Students will be expected to complete assignments on Google Classroom. Access to a Gmail account is required for this class.
Students are welcome to take this class remotely. Please let us know when you register.
TEACHER: Soli Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $320
Interactive Fiction Writing
Monday: 12:30 pm – 1:25 pm (11 weeks)
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, (No 14, 21), 28, Nov. 4, (No 11), 18, 25, Dec. 2, 9
Grades 6 and up
You enter a classroom, eager to learn but also a little scared. You love reading, writing, and games but don’t know if you could ever create anything that's any good. You’re standing in the doorway holding your computer, unsure if you should take a seat or run away, when a man who was writing on the board turns around and cheerfully says:
“Hi! I’m Aaron, welcome to interactive fiction writing. Come on in! What’s your name?”
He must be the teacher, he has reading glasses and wears a collared retro shirt that’s kind of cool.
Do you:
- Sit down and take the class?
- Flee, but maybe live with regret?
This creative writing and interactive fiction class introduces students to text-based, “choose your own adventure” style stories. Students will get a historical overview of the medium, analyze interactive books in different genres, think critically about their style, structure, and themes, and then write their own interactive tales using Twine, a free online tool. There will be weekly writing assignments, both academic style and creative, with individual and group feedback for improvement.
Requirements: A computer - laptop or tablet recommended, but a phone works, plus a Google account (for Classroom and Gmail)
Recommended: A valid library card, Dictionary, and Thesaurus (online is fine)
TEACHER: Aaron Vanek
SEMESTER FEE: $310
Jump Rope Skills
Monday: 1:30 pm – 2:25 pm (11 weeks)
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, (No 14, 21), 28, Nov. 4, (No 11), 18, 25, Dec. 2, 9
Grades 6 and up
This jump rope course will teach students the basics of Single Rope, Double Dutch, and Group Jumping. Students will learn a variety of skills and jump rope activities to improve confidence, endurance, focus, teamwork, and creative expression. All skills will be age appropriate.
Mike will be selling jump ropes for $15 and you can purchase them directly from him.
Students will be responsible for bringing their ropes to class. If your child would like to leave a rope at CLP, this is fine. It will be labeled with their name.
Returning and new students welcome!
TEACHER: Mike Fry
SEMESTER FEE: $300
Drawing Fundamentals
Monday: 2:30 pm – 3:25 pm (11 weeks)
Sept. 9, 16, 23, 30, Oct. 7, (No 14, 21), 28, Nov. 4, (No 11), 18, 25, Dec. 2, 9
Grades 6 and up
People often tell me that they cannot draw. My answer is always the same: “Everybody can draw. You first need to learn how to see.” When you learn to play an instrument, you learn to identify the sound of the notes and you should practice often to become good. That is the same with drawing. We study the science of drawing (perspective and lighting), mixed in with doodling techniques, and other topics the students express interest in. Each student will need a sketchbook (minimum size 8”x10”) and will be expected to draw in it regularly outside of class. We will provide all other materials, but students are welcome to bring their own supplies.
New projects for returning students.
TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $320
WEDNESDAY CLASSES (11 WEEKS) In-person at Temple Akiba
Biology and Lab
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 10:55 am (11 weeks)
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct. (No 2), 9, (No 16, 23), 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, (No 27), Dec. 4, 11
Grades 6 and up
Biology is the study of life. This middle and high school biology course includes an introduction to the concepts of biology. Students will gain knowledge about the building blocks of life, plant and animal cell biology and cellular processes, as well as molecular genetics and heredity. In addition, the scientific method and ecology will be discussed. This course will prepare students for future science courses.
This class will include lectures and labs. During the labs, students will learn how to work with microscopes and make slides. Plant structure identification and the process of plant transpiration will also be explored. In addition, the labs will include one, or more, dissection(s). This class will also include a project to be presented on the last day of the semester. This class is run in two tracks. After the first 5 weeks, you cannot change tracks.
Track 1: Students will participate in lectures and in class labs. Quizzes, assignments, lab reports and class projects are optional. No formal grade is given.
Track 2: Students will participate in lectures and in class labs. Textbook: Biology by Prentice Hall, Foundation edition. Authors: Miller and Levine. ISBN: 978-0133669619. Students in Track 2 will read the textbook, turn in assignments (including lab reports), quizzes and exams in a timely manner. The class project is mandatory and a formal grade will be given.
TEACHER: Charlotte Swanson
SEMESTER FEE: $355
Middle School English (In-Person)
Wednesday: 11:00 am – 12:25 pm (11 weeks)
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct. (No 2), 9, (No 16, 23), 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, (No 27), Dec. 4, 11
Grades 6 - 8
From Shakespearian plays to spooky poetry by Edgar Allan Poe, and the dystopian worlds of Ray Bradbury to the allegorical novellas of George Orwell, this class will explore the richness and variety that the literary world has to offer. Students will learn how to analyze literature, and think critically about different ideas and themes. They will learn to write creatively as well as academically. Writing skills include richer word choices, stronger paragraphs, idea brainstorming, organizational tools, description enrichment, the five-paragraph essay format, and editing strategies. Students will be expected to complete weekly assignments on Google Classroom where they will also receive individualized feedback. Access to a Gmail account is required for this class. No textbook required. New material for returning students.
Required materials:
- Pencils and erasers
- Lined paper
- Folder
TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $350
Inventions And Problem Solving
Wednesday: 12:45 pm – 1:35 pm (11 weeks)
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct. (No 2), 9, (No 16, 23), 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, (No 27), Dec. 4, 11
Grades 6 and up
Unlock your student's potential with our "Inventions and Problem Solving" course! Tailored for grades 6 and up, this advanced program empowers students to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems (healthcare, sustainable communities, drought, etc). Through rigorous projects, hands-on activities, and collaborative teamwork, students will master the engineering design process, sharpen their problem-solving skills, and bring their visionary ideas to life. Students will analyze a local business or community organization in order to crowdsource workable solutions. In addition, students will build and pitch a functional model of their invention to a “Shark Tank” panel at the Innovation Fair at the end of the course in order to raise money from “Investors” to produce their invention at scale. Our course emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship, preparing students for future academic and career success. Enroll your teen today and watch them transform into confident, capable innovators ready to make a difference!
TEACHER: Em Leibiger
SEMESTER FEE: $320
Podcademy 4 Kids - Podcasting & YouTube Readiness
Wednesday: 1:45 pm – 2:40 pm (11 weeks)
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct. (No 2), 9, (No 16, 23), 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, (No 27), Dec. 4, 11
Grades 4 and up
This class introduces kids to the expanding world of podcasting, digital media, and youtube. They will explore various styles of podcasting including storytelling, debate, and news reporting. This is a hybrid course of audio and visual episodes designed to increase speech confidence and interpersonal skills.Rather you have a young podcasting star on the rise, or you just have a child that you’d like to see break out of their shell, Podcademy 4 Kids is the perfect place to get started.
This class has a maximum of eight students. Register early to hold your spot.
New and continuing students are welcome.
TEACHER: Keith Good News McElhannon
SEMESTER FEE: $350
Singing For Unity
Wednesday: 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm (11 weeks)
Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25, Oct. (No 2), 9, (No 16, 23), 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, (No 27), Dec. 4, 11
Do you love to sing? If the answer is "yes," than this class is for you. Over the course of 11 weeks, students will learn a variety of vocal warm ups and exercises to strengthen, control, open up, and become acquainted with the voice. Students will be introduced to the basics of sight-reading musical scores, different types of notes, and how they are used in music. Students will also learn techniques on how to breathe while performing a song and how to sharpen the skills of controlling volume and vocal strength to enhance the power of a song. The theme this semester is unity and each song will be meaningful and carry a powerful message. The students will join together and discover how to sing as a unit, combining all of their unique voices to create something unified and beautiful. Beginning and experienced singers are welcome.
New songs this semester.
TEACHER: Leila Balter
SEMESTER FEE: $310
FE JCC 5k with TEAM CLP. Team training is for EVER
FRIDAY CLASSES (11 WEEKS) Online. Your teacher will send you the Zoom links.
Storytelling - Let's Tell Stories
Friday: 8:00 am – 9:00 am PST (10 weeks)
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, 11 (No 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8), 15, 22, (No 29), Dec. 6, 13
Grades 3 - 7
Please note that this class will meet on Nov. 11, but other Friday classes will not meet on this day. Also this class will be ten rather than eleven weeks.
Humans love stories, and a well told story is even more beloved. In this class, we will learn to tell stories from a variety of sources including personal and family stories, folktales, legends and more. Students will learn what makes a good story and how to offer supportive suggestions for helping their classmates tell a better story. This class enhances creativity, public speaking, and the art of listening in a fun, interactive, and safe environment where even the shyest students can shine. Because this class is virtual, we can make friends from near and far and will have the opportunity to hear other professional storytellers from far-away places.
New and returning students welcome!
TEACHER: Karen Golden
SEMESTER FEE: $275
Chess 2.0: Advanced Chess
Friday: 9:15 am – 10:15 am PST (11 weeks)
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, (No 11, 18, 25), Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, (No 29), Dec. 6, 13
Grades 1 and up
In this class for more experienced players, we will be taking Chess education to a higher level. With a strong focus on Tactics students will dive into some serious Chess study with one goal in mind: Checkmate! We will learn strategies, tricks and traps, technique and style! And there will something challenging for all involved. The class will be fun and upbeat and will include gameplay, puzzles, technology, and group activities.
*All students should be confident in the basic rules of Chess. This is a perfect follow up class for any children who previously attended Beginners Chess*
TEACHER: Brian Julian
SEMESTER FEE: $310
Chess 4 Everyone
Friday: 10:30 am – 11:30 am PST (11 weeks)
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, (No 11, 18, 25), Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, (No 29), Dec. 6, 13
All ages
This is neither a beginner nor an advanced class; it’s both! In this course Kids To Kings welcomes students of all ages and experience levels. Players that are new to Chess will be introduced to The Game of Kings and learn everything from the names of the Chessmen all the way to special moves like Castling. For more experienced players, we will go beyond the basics to explore Chess strategy, technique and style! The class will be fun and upbeat and will include gameplay, puzzles, and group activities. And there will be something challenging for all involved.
This is truly Chess 4 Everyone!
TEACHER: Brian Julian
SEMESTER FEE: $310
Intro. to Photoshop
Friday: 10:30 am – 11:30 am PST (11 weeks)
Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27, Oct. 4, (No 11, 18, 25), Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, (No 29), Dec. 6, 13
Grades 5 and up
We will learn the basics of Photoshop, including working with layers, adjusting image quality, making selections, retouching images, using color, adding text and shapes, combining images, applying filters, and more. Each week there will be assignments to complete using your newly learned skills, including seamlessly deleting people from a photo and creating your own Mini Cooper car advertisement.
Adobe offers an “All Apps” plan to students for just $19.99/mo. for the first year.
TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $310
Math Circle: A Partnership With 21st Century Math
Registration for this class is a two part process:
1. Email instructor Eric Kogan erickogan@21centurymath.com to request placement for the class, dates and fees.
2. Email Karen@karengolden.com to register for the class.
If you are part of a charter school, the Purchase Order is to be made out to Creative Learning Place. Thank you!
Beginners 2, Grade 5-6
Beginners 2 is based on the book, Math Adventures with ORMC, Level 2 "UCLA Math Circle" , From Ciphers to Nets of Solids, by Dr. Gleizer and Dr. Radko.
The course is designed for mathematically inclined children 9 to 12 years of age. There are 20 lessons in the book. Each lesson takes two to three 50-minute-long sessions to cover. Each lesson is followed by homework. The lessons cover the topics including ciphers, functions, solids, projections, introduction to logic, microchip design, and more.
Intermediate 1, Grade 7-8
The classes are suitable for mathematically inclined children 11 to 13 years of age. The topics covered include the Tower of Hanoi and the Sierpinksi Triangle, Egyptian multiplication and binary numbers, introduction to geometry, compass and ruler constructions, clock-face arithmetic, coordinates in the plane and on a sphere, functions and graphs, and geometry on the cylinder.
For more details about the program, such as our curriculum, grade levels, classes and fees please visit: https://www.21centurymath.com/.
Feel free to download the LESSON EXAMPLES to share with your children.
TEACHER: Eric Kogan
SEMESTER FEE: Will be based on the day of the week your child is placed.
Private Recorder Or Saxophone Lessons
Private Recorder or Saxophone Lessons
Learn to play the recorder or saxophone or brush up on your recorder skills. For beginning through advanced players. Private lessons can be arranged anytime Karen is not teaching a class at CLP, including Tuesdays and Thursdays, and in the afternoon and early evening hours. Both in-person and online.
TEACHER: Karen Golden
Class Fees: Private lessons will be sold in lesson packages: $160 for four 30 minute lessons.
Please email Karen@karengolden.com to schedule a time.
Tutoring
Are you interested in tutoring sessions in math or reading and writing for your child? A number of our CLP teachers are available to help your kids. Please check the box for tutoring on the registration form, or request tutoring here, and we will let you know about fees and availability.