Otis Classes

Do you want to be an engineer?! Learn basic building concepts and construct some of these amazing everyday contraptions out of motorized LEGO® with Bricks 4 Kidz. Electric car, Bascule Bridge, Elevator, and more! Tap into your engineering potential and unleash new skills!

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.

Hajime! (Begin!) establishes a strong base of judo technique, culture, and character. As we jump, run, and roll we develop balance, coordination and confidence! And we have fun! We start out learning our names in Japanese then do movement exercises and some simple judo techniques that teach us to fall safely. We place a strong emphasis on culture so everyone speaks the language of Japan. We learn to “nete” (lie down) and to “tonde” (leap) like a “raion” (lion). Judo allows a smaller person to control an opponent bigger and stronger than themselves. We learn to hold a person down with “kesa-gatame” (scarf hold) and we practice throws where our opponent can be flipped upside-down – on Sensei. Every class finishes with games that develop physical coordination, balance and laughter. We sing in Japanese about inspiration and bow to each other respectfully. Then we say "arigato," thank you. Respect and discipline are as much a part of Hanabi as smiling.

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 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 unfamiliar with more than a couple of these basic topics would probably be better off enrolling in the AEF/ACC novice/beginner level class, "Learn How to Play Chess".

These chess classes are divided timewise 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 4-5 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 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!

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.

These chess classes are divided 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!

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.

You'd never believe tennis could be so fun! ANTS tennis class will be an encouraging team environment with positive coaching, learning, and fun tennis games for your children. Our program welcomes all new and experienced players of all skill levels, even those who have never touched a racket. Our approach is to teach the FUNdamentals of tennis through individual hand-eye coordination, partner activities, and fun team tennis games. Using modified equipment that has been adopted by the USTA (smaller nets and rackets and easier to hit balls), our program allows your child to explore tennis at the right pace. In class we’ll focus on building healthy habits, team camaraderie, and good sportsmanship on and off the court. Come join us at ANTS Tennis! Please note: Students must provide their own racquet. ANTS Sports will have racquets for sale. ANTS Sports will email a link the day before the class starts which will enable parents to buy a racquet which will be provided on the first day of class. Racquets are $35.

All the fun happens while we are immersed in Mandarin! We believe in learning language through meaningful content, and our theme-based lessons focus language learning around a central theme. Each week we read theme-based stories and do activities based on them, like singing songs, acting, playing games, doing arts and crafts, cooking, and writing. Our students enjoy learning and they develop lifelong interests in Mandarin Chinese. See April’s programs and testimonials at EnjoyChineseLA.com

Calling all guitar players — beginning and experienced! This course is designed for young minds who have an interest in learning to play guitar. Within a group setting, students will learn the basics of guitar playing (proper technique, correct strumming patterns and music theory as it applies to the guitar. Starting right at the beginning then progressing to playing tunes in no time! As progress develops, we'll begin how to play music together as a small ensemble. Fun for all! Please note: Students must provide their own instrument.

In this fun class, your child will learn how to create different types of jewelry. We will begin with necklaces, bracelets, and earrings made with beads and wire. They will learn how to make finger crochet necklaces and bracelets. We will also explore making crochet wire jewelry.