Love Classes

Do you want to be an engineer?! Learn basic building concepts and construct some of these amazing everyday contraptions. Electric car, Bascule Bridge, Elevator, and more!

This novice/beginner level class is for those completely new to the game of chess, and those who may have been introduced at home or elsewhere, but don't have a solid grasp of the fundamentals. This course may even be beneficial for younger students with previous class experience, but who have not fully learned the basics yet. Topics to be covered include: chessboard terminology and square identification; how the various pieces move and capture, plus their relative values; pawn promotion; the very crucial concepts of check, checkmate, and stalemate; the special move of castling; opening goals and principles; basic endgame checkmates using major pieces; and last, but not least, good chess etiquette. Potential students that have a solid foundation and know most, if not all, of the topics listed above, should enroll in the AEF/ACC post-beginner/intermediate level chess class, "Chess: Beyond the Basics" instead.

AEF/ACC afterschool chess classes are divided (roughly in half) timewise 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 1500 years of history, chess is arguably the greatest and most popular board game of all time. Numerous studies have suggested that learning & 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!

Each week delivers a theme from FLAG DAY to ZOO ANIMALS. The theme starts with reading and becomes a riot of fun language to ignite your child's imagination. From SOLAR SYSTEM DAY to TREASURE HUNTS, we offer "rhymes, puns, word search, crossword puzzles, nonsense, and other secret delights. We laugh at English language exceptions to rules, ironies, “what ifs,” “can you match this,” which makes each child learn phonics, diction, and figurative language through lighthearted humor to get everyone excited to read, play, and learn.

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 mininful 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 is a wonderful opportunity for students to develop a love for the game of golf. In this class, students will be exposed to every facet of golf; building upon the lessons from the Fall program. The winter/spring program includes putting technique and theory as well as an introduction to more analytical data using a “launch monitor.” Students will be shown the various data points used in golf and will learn how each of these data points relates to hitting a golf ball. They will also learn golf-related practice drills, swing mechanics, forces of flight as they relate to a golf ball, stretching techniques, and more. ASGA features SNAG golf equipment for the first week which makes learning swing fundamentals fun and relatable. We emphasize inclusivity, sportsmanship, integrity, and mindfulness relating to the game of golf (and life). Students will be outside and do not need to bring their own golf clubs (but are encouraged to bring their own) they will be provided. This class is a beginner golf class and is suited for all students whether they attended the Fall session or not.

Have fun and let creativity flow with this adventure in color class! Art can truly provide an outlet for self expression and discovery. In fact, it is well known that an artistic activity like painting can inspire creativity, problem solving and focus into other spheres of life. Early exposure to arts can develop into a lifelong pursuit of joy and well-being. In this series of classes, Mandar, an award winning artist based in Alameda, will provide an immersion in the key fundamentals of acrylic painting. He will do demos and work with each student on their technique as they paint along, encouraging individuality and creativity. The class will paint many exciting subjects that will focus on capturing the impression. The students will walk out with a finished canvas after every class. See Mandar’s art and testimonials at www.mandarfineart.com

Engineering Fun is an excellent hands-on activity based STEM curriculum. Students explore basic concepts about Energy, Light, Motion and more. This class is a project based hands-on discovery learning activity that engages students in engineering/science concepts. Projects include making a hoop glider, slime, geodesic dome, catapults and more. Each week students work on a project that requires them to build and become engaged in an engineering concept. Students learn thinking and reasoning skills needed for success. Engineering Fun engages children to apply what they know about science and math through hands-on activities based on real-world technologies and problems, they help children see how disciplines like math and science are relevant to their life.
This is a great way to learn about renewable energy and more.

Our specialty, focuses on building body-confidence, coordination, motor skills, strength, and flexibility as well as love of moving that will endure through to adulthood. Each class begins with a warm-up, incorporating age-appropriate songs and imagination games. The second section of class focuses on age appropriate tumbling passes and movement exploration that builds integrated strength and coordination for more advanced tumbling and inverted work. The class introduces a new piece of equipment each week.

Join Brick Tech as we explore the future of renewable energies using the new Spike Prime Robotics materials from LEGO®. Students will build and program a solar tracking array, recycling plant, hydroelectric dam and a biomass production plant! Students will be provided with everything they need from tablets for programming, Spike Prime Robotics materials (motors, sensors, brain brick), and more LEGO® bricks and pieces than they could ever build!

Get your child involved in golf through AEF’s Golf Enrichment class! Seth Pearman of All Square Golf Academy (ASGA) has created a golf curriculum using adaptive physical and mental golf lessons. Students will receive life skills instruction and swing fundamentals with SNAG (Starting New At Golf) equipment. The colorful, oversized tools make starting the game fun and encourage a high rate of success. The curriculum and activity layouts are created as a guideline knowing that each student will have modifications to best help them succeed. Through the AGSA golf program, your student will have fun learning about golf and developing their physical and social-emotional skills.