Edison Classes

This post-beginner/intermediate level class is for those with a solid grasp of chess fundamentals. Potential students are expected to already know: chessboard terminology and square identification; how the various pieces move and capture, plus their relative values; pawn promotion; the crucial concepts of check, checkmate, and stalemate; the special move of castling; opening goals and principles; basic tactics; endgame checkmates using major pieces; and last, but not least, good chess etiquette. Potential students unfamiliar with more than a couple of these basic topics, or unable to achieve checkmate in games they are clearly winning, would probably be better served enrolling in the AEF/ACC novice/beginner level class, "First Year Chess".

AEF/ACC afterschool chess classes are split time-wise between instruction and supervised play. Instruction will focus on learning tactics and strategy through the explanation of games and positions from historical players and events, and/or current top-level competitions. The instructor will organize and run an unofficial tournament during the last 3-5 weeks of this level course, with labeled medals as awards for all participants upon completion.

All enrolled students earn and accumulate points towards ACC's Royalty Loyalty Program (RLP) rewards by participating in the instruction half of class and playing with good chess etiquette afterwards. RLP rewards consist of chess-related items, including chess puzzle books and equipment.

With its nearly 1,500 years of history, chess is arguably the greatest and most popular board game of all time. Numerous studies have suggested that learning and playing chess at an early age can yield various benefits regarding cognitive skills. Confidence, decision-making, and sportsmanship are other areas of potential improvement. The benefits and enjoyment of chess can last a lifetime!

This novice/beginner level class teaches and reinforces (through sample/model games & positions) the fundamentals of chess. Topics to be covered include: chessboard terminology and square identification; how the various pieces move and capture, plus their relative values; pawn promotion; the crucial concepts of check, checkmate, and stalemate; the special move of castling; opening goals and principles; basic tactics; endgame checkmates using major pieces; and last, but not least, good chess etiquette.

Students are only ready for the AEF/ACC post-beginner/intermediate level chess class, "Chess Beyond the Basics", when they have a solid foundation based on the fundamentals, and can achieve checkmate in games they are clearly winning. For most younger students (1st-3rd graders), at least two semesters of chess instruction are generally needed to reach this level of proficiency (older students may only require one). The ACC instructor can advise parents, guardians, and/or students themselves when they are ready for the next level class.

AEF/ACC afterschool chess classes are split time-wise between instruction and supervised play. All enrolled students earn and accumulate points towards ACC's Royalty Loyalty Program (RLP) rewards by participating in the instruction half of class and playing with good chess etiquette afterwards. RLP rewards consist of chess-related items, including chess puzzle books and equipment.

With its nearly 1,500 years of history, chess is arguably the greatest and most popular board game of all time. Numerous studies have suggested that learning and playing chess at an early age can yield various benefits regarding cognitive skills. Confidence, decision-making, and sportsmanship are other areas of potential improvement. The benefits and enjoyment of chess can last a lifetime!

This class will focus on textile arts like embroidery and sewing. Over the course of the classes, we will have many projects including making our own pouches with felt, block-printing on fabric tote bags, embroidery and weaving. Our approach to facilitating art projects is open-ended and we'll be learning sewing skills in a fun and supportive way, meeting each student where they are at. No prior sewing experience is necessary! Students will have plenty of opportunities to bring their own creative spin to each project regardless of their age and skill.

After School Hoops® is a weekday afternoon basketball program for aspiring young players. The one hour instructional sessions combine fundamental skills instruction with organized team competition with the goal of providing an enjoyable and educational after school athletic event. Developing players benefit by improving their individual skills such as passing, dribbling, shooting, rebounding, and defending while, at the same time, learning how to work within the framework of a team. Boys and girls of all skill levels are encouraged to join. One of the many merits of After School Hoops® is that it provides school children with an organized after school event at which they can learn, socialize, and most of all, have fun. Parents and teachers often express concern that idle and unsupervised after school hours provide too many negative temptations for their children. Using athletics as the vehicle, After School Hoops® provides children with an opportunity to improve their overall physical fitness, develop sportsmanship and athletic integrity, and gain an understanding of the game of basketball.

After School Hoops® is a weekday afternoon basketball program for aspiring young players. The one hour instructional sessions combine fundamental skills instruction with organized team competition with the goal of providing an enjoyable and educational after school athletic event. Developing players benefit by improving their individual skills such as passing, dribbling, shooting, rebounding, and defending while, at the same time, learning how to work within the framework of a team. Boys and girls of all skill levels are encouraged to join. One of the many merits of After School Hoops® is that it provides school children with an organized after school event at which they can learn, socialize, and most of all, have fun. Parents and teachers often express concern that idle and unsupervised after school hours provide too many negative temptations for their children. Using athletics as the vehicle, After School Hoops® provides children with an opportunity to improve their overall physical fitness, develop sportsmanship and athletic integrity, and gain an understanding of the game of basketball.

This class uses Teaching with Comprehensible Input (TCI), a methodology that is proven to be effective, based on Second Language Acquisition research from the last four decades. The students will ACQUIRE the Spanish Language rather than learning about it.
"We acquire language when we understand messages; when we understand what people tell us and when we understand what we read.” Dr. Stephen Krashen
YOUR CHILD WILL: Read in Spanish ● Listen in Spanish ● Respond as able using signals at first, then words in Spanish, then phrases ● communicate through mindful interactions.
YOUR CHILD WILL NOT: Memorize vocabulary lists ● Practice verb conjugations ● Learn about Spanish in English

Proficiency is the Goal: Proficient learners can communicate about something appropriately and accurately for a purpose. We listen, read, write, and speak in Spanish. We use the language to explore our cultures, Spanish speaking cultures, world cultures, and ancient cultures. We use useful language in the class so that we are prepared to communicate in the real world.  We center our interactions on what each student needs, knows and can do now and what each student needs in order to move forward.

This dynamic program is designed to build your child’s confidence through a mix of writing, speaking, and improv—skills that support self-expression, resilience, and leadership. Whether your child is shy or outgoing, the course provides a supportive space for all students to grow in their communication and social abilities. Each week, students explore a fun new theme—like Marvelous Magical Me, Redwood Ramble, and Working Together with Dr. Seuss—while developing skills in body language, storytelling, and collaboration. Through group games, partner work, and writing, students gain the tools to express themselves with courage and clarity. The program concludes with a joyful final-day showcase for friends and family.

Get ready for some cool kitchen science! In this hands-on class, young chefs will explore the fascinating science behind delicious cold treats like ice cream, jello, and fruit pops. We'll mix, measure, and experiment with different ingredients to see how they change from liquids to solids, all while learning about concepts like freezing points, emulsions, and polymers in a fun and tasty way. Come join us and discover the yummy science of cold foods!

This post-beginner/intermediate level class is for those with a solid grasp of chess fundamentals. Potential students are expected to already know: chessboard terminology and square identification; how the various pieces move and capture, plus their relative values; pawn promotion; the crucial concepts of check, checkmate, and stalemate; the special move of castling; opening goals and principles; basic tactics; endgame checkmates using major pieces; and last, but not least, good chess etiquette. Potential students unfamiliar with more than a couple of these basic topics, or unable to achieve checkmate in games they are clearly winning, would probably be better served enrolling in the AEF/ACC novice/beginner level class, "First Year Chess".

AEF/ACC afterschool chess classes are split time-wise between instruction and supervised play. Instruction will focus on learning tactics and strategy through the explanation of games and positions from historical players and events, and/or current top-level competitions. The instructor will organize and run an unofficial tournament during the last 3-5 weeks of this level course, with labeled medals as awards for all participants upon completion.

All enrolled students earn and accumulate points towards ACC's Royalty Loyalty Program (RLP) rewards by participating in the instruction half of class and playing with good chess etiquette afterwards. RLP rewards consist of chess-related items, including chess puzzle books and equipment.

With its nearly 1,500 years of history, chess is arguably the greatest and most popular board game of all time. Numerous studies have suggested that learning and playing chess at an early age can yield various benefits regarding cognitive skills. Confidence, decision-making, and sportsmanship are other areas of potential improvement. The benefits and enjoyment of chess can last a lifetime!

This novice/beginner level class teaches and reinforces (through sample/model games & positions) the fundamentals of chess. Topics to be covered include: chessboard terminology and square identification; how the various pieces move and capture, plus their relative values; pawn promotion; the crucial concepts of check, checkmate, and stalemate; the special move of castling; opening goals and principles; basic tactics; endgame checkmates using major pieces; and last, but not least, good chess etiquette.

Students are only ready for the AEF/ACC post-beginner/intermediate level chess class, "Chess Beyond the Basics", when they have a solid foundation based on the fundamentals, and can achieve checkmate in games they are clearly winning. For most younger students (1st-3rd graders), at least two semesters of chess instruction are generally needed to reach this level of proficiency (older students may only require one). The ACC instructor can advise parents, guardians, and/or students themselves when they are ready for the next level class.

AEF/ACC afterschool chess classes are split time-wise between instruction and supervised play. All enrolled students earn and accumulate points towards ACC's Royalty Loyalty Program (RLP) rewards by participating in the instruction half of class and playing with good chess etiquette afterwards. RLP rewards consist of chess-related items, including chess puzzle books and equipment.

With its nearly 1,500 years of history, chess is arguably the greatest and most popular board game of all time. Numerous studies have suggested that learning and playing chess at an early age can yield various benefits regarding cognitive skills. Confidence, decision-making, and sportsmanship are other areas of potential improvement. The benefits and enjoyment of chess can last a lifetime!

We will explore the many modes of paint. From mixing our own colors, painting canvases in acrylic, exploring watercolor, and more, each week will be its own exploration of a different type of paint and a vibrant and fun project to take home.

Learn the world of simple machines made of LEGO and how much fun can be had with these unusual gizmos such as: a paper crinkler, spin machine and 3-in-a-row spinning mini-figure game! These Bricks 4 Kidz LEGO® builds are fun to build and even more fun to interact with.