DISTRICT 103 SUMMER SCHOOL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Kindergarten - 7th Grade
at DANIEL WRIGHT JUNIOR HIGH
Wednesday, June 11, 2014 – Thursday, July 3, 2014 (Classes will be in session Monday – Friday.)
PERIOD 1
PERIOD 3
8:30 am - 9:20 am
10:20 am - 11:10 am
PERIOD 2 9:25 am - 10:15 am
PERIOD 4 11:15 am - 12:05 pm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Students enroll in classes for the grade level most recently completed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LANGUAGE ARTS COURSES
ELL, grades K-5
Geared specifically toward English Language Learners, and taught by a certified ELL
instructor, this course will promote language acquisition and vocabulary development
through reading and engaging projects.
FIRST GRADE READINESS, grade K
This remedial class reinforces early math and reading concepts to better prepare students for
first grade. This class runs for two consecutive periods (periods 3 & 4).
READERS’ WORKSHOP: BOOK CLUB, grades K-5
Students will read and discuss award-winning books in literature circles. Through teacher led
"book talks," students will self-select books to read. Literature groups will set reading goals,
formulate discussion questions and lead book discussions.
READERS’ WORKSHOP: BOOK CLUB/SUMMER READING (book purchase required),
grades 6-7
Students can read and discuss award-winning books in literature circles OR students can elect
to read the required novel for the coming school year! Groups will set reading goals,
formulate discussion questions and lead book discussions. Students will participate in
activities to enhance their comprehension of text. For summer reading, it is required to
purchase the selected novel, which will be available the first day of class. Cost TBD.
READERS’ WORKSHOP: FAIRY TALES, grades K-2
Students will study the unique characteristics of fairy tales. They will have the opportunity to
read many different fairy tales. Read aloud, art, drama and creative writing will also be used
to explore this literary genre.
READING BEYOND!, grades 2-4
Does your student currently receive additional reading support? This course is taught by a
certified reading specialist and is designed to extend students’ individual reading programs
into the first four weeks of summer to promote reading fluency, vocabulary development and
comprehension growth.
1
READING BOOST, grades 1-7
This course reviews reading strategies to improve students’ overall reading abilities.
Instruction covers the five major areas of reading: fluency, phonemic awareness, vocabulary,
phonics, and comprehension. This course is suited for students who need additional reading
exposure.
WRITERS’ WORKSHOP, grades K-7
Students will enjoy time for free writing to explore multiple genres, such as fiction, personal
narrative, expository essays, poetry, and the like. Students will be guided through the writing
process by engaging in prewriting activities (brain storming & graphic organizers), peer and
teacher conferencing, revising, editing, publishing and sharing of their stories. This course is
perfect for students who love to write and publish their own stories.
MATH COURSES
BRAIN GAMES, grades 3-4
Get those brain muscles moving with fun games, puzzles, and activities designed to improve
your logic, creativity, and problem solving skills! Brain Games will challenge your critical
thinking and memory as well as your math and word skills. Have fun while boosting your
brain POWER!
FIRST GRADE READINESS, grade K
This remedial class reinforces early math and reading concepts to better prepare students for
first grade. This class runs for two consecutive periods (periods 3&4).
MATH INVESTIGATIONS, grades K-1
Graphing, probability, measurement, geometry, addition and subtraction concepts will be
explored through a series of mathematical investigations. Students will use hands-on
materials, math games and art to solve challenging real-life problems.
MATH INVESTIGATIONS, grades 2-6
Fractions, geometry, measurement, probability and number operations will be explored
through a series of mathematical investigations. Students will use hands-on materials, math
games, art and the tools of technology to solve challenging problems.
M.E.S.T.A. ($5.00), grades 5-7
Back by popular demand, this course integrates and enriches the subjects of Mathematics,
Engineering, Science, Technology, and Art through hands-on activities and experiences, and
more! A variety of new activities are in store for this summer!
MATH BOOST, grades 1-7
This course provides support for students who need additional exposure with mathematical
concepts. Emphasis is placed on skill building in computation and conceptual understanding,
as well as developing strategies for problem solving.
2
SCIENCE COURSES
ENGINEERING ADVENTURES ($5.00), grades 2-5
Interested in designing and engineering? This course is for you! Hands-on activities will
prompt students to understand and apply the methodologies of design and engineering as
they create innovative solutions to challenges! A variety of new activities are in store for this
summer!
M.E.S.T.A. ($5.00), grades 5-7
Back by popular demand, this course integrates and enriches the subjects of Mathematics,
Engineering, Science, Technology, and Art through hands-on activities and experiences, and
more! A variety of new activities are in store for this summer!
THINK TANK ($10.00), grades 1-4
Can you build a device that will protect an egg from being broken in a fall? Can you blow out
a candle using only a mousetrap, a ping-pong ball, and a piece of paper? If you have an
interest in developing your creative and problem solving skills, then THINK TANK is the class
for you.
YOUNG SCIENTISTS ($10.00), grades K-1
Students will explore special areas of interest in science. The scientific inquiry method will be
emphasized, while students will be engaging in active investigations and multistep problem
solving.
WORLD LANGUAGE
SPANISH through GAMES and TECHNOLOGY ($5.00), grades K-6
Grades K & 2: Students will continue to acquire vocabulary and new sentence structures
through GAMES - outdoor games, board games, card games, apps, and computer games. We
will learn some authentic games played by children in Spanish speaking countries, and we
will design some of our own, to encourage learning throughout the rest of the summer.
Grades 1 & 3: Students will be introduced to Spanish through games. Various types of games
will be used to teach vocabulary and present how people in other countries enjoy their free
time. Children will have the experience of being immersed in a different language in
preparation for next school year.
Grades 4 & 6: Students will continue to acquire vocabulary and new sentence structures
through GAMES - board games, card games, apps, and computer games. Authentic and
traditional games from other countries will give students an opportunity to explore different
cultures.
Grade 5: Students will be introduced to Spanish through games. Various types of games will
be used to teach vocabulary and present how people in other countries enjoy their free time, as
students are immersed in the Spanish language.
3
TECHNOLOGY COURSES
CODEBUSTERS!, grades 2-5
Are you tired of playing computer games and want to design your own? Have you ever
wondered how your favorite apps were created? Did you enjoy participating in the “Hour of
Code” activities this year? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the CodeBusters
summer school class is for you. You will use Macbooks, iPads, and software (like Scratch and
Tynker) to learn how to program your own games and animations. You’ll design, build, and
debug your project, then create a website to share your creations with the world.
COMPUTERS – iPAD INTO THE FUTURE!, grades K-3
Soar to a new level of “techiness” using iPads and computers with a variety of apps and
programs. You will stretch your imagination as you create collages, multi-media projects and
lots, lots more. In addition, basic computer skills will be reviewed and enhanced.
COMPUTERS – USE TECH TO HELP YOU LEARN!, grades 4-7
This course will provide students with multiple technology resources, including iPads, to help
them in the classroom! Advanced word processing techniques will be taught along with new
apps, websites and other technology tools that students can use to improve organization and
study skills that support academic achievement.
SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES
TOP OF YOUR GAME ($5.00), grades K-4
Students will play a variety of familiar and NEW games appropriate to their specific age level
and interest to learn trivia, vocabulary, teamwork, strategy and much more!
WORLD CULTURE ($10.00), grades 1-3
Through interactive learning, experience the art, music, language, holidays, food, and customs
of five different countries around the world.
4
FINE ARTS COURSES
ACTING, grades K-7
This course will use movement and drama to develop students' self-confidence and
communication skills. The class will also develop problem solving and group skills through
acting.
ART ($15.00), grades 4-7
Students will create a variety of projects using multiple forms of art!
ARTS & CRAFTS ($15.00), grades K-4
Students will learn about arts and crafts through fun-filled exploratory activities. Projects and
materials used will be chosen to match the different interests and skill levels of students in the
classes. Student creativity is the focus.
BABY-SITTING/FIRST AID, grades 4-7
This class will cover the care of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
playing and safety/first aid issues will be discussed.
Feeding, changing,
COOKING ($28.00, K-4, $30.00, 5-7), grades K-7
Tie on an apron, wash your hands, and get ready to cook! Students will be creating tasty
recipes for their pleasure. This class is for beginning cooks and returning chefs alike. Recipes
will be specifically geared to match the skill level and taste preferences of each age group.
Students make and enjoy a snack and beverage daily.
KNITTING ($10.00), grades 3-7
Knit one, purl two! Learn basic knitting stitches while constructing a scarf! You will learn
how knit on a loom (grades 3-5) and knit with needles (grades 5-7). Looms and knitting
needles will be provided for you to borrow as you knit your scarf.
POTTERY ($20.00), grades 4-7
Designed for the beginner, students will create a variety of ceramic objects using the hand
building techniques of pinch, coil, and slab. Students will experiment by making works that
are both decorative and functional and by adding shiny, colorful glazes. This class will be a
fun, hands-on way to use your imagination and create!
SUMMER BAND BLAST, grades 5-7
Are you a young musician looking for more practice and opportunities to perform during the
summer? Then this is the course for you! In Summer Band Blast we will work on improving
tone and intonation through warm ups and technique exercises, while seeking out venues to
display the talent our group has to offer the public!
5
SPORTS COURSES
BASKETBALL, grades 5-7
Instruction in the fundamentals of basketball will be taught and will include dribbling,
shooting, passing, rebounding, and defense. There will be skill practice as well as scrimmages
to begin incorporating these skills into game situations. During the last week of summer
school, there will be tournaments for one-on-one, three-on-three, free-throw and three-point
competitions.
CHEERLEADING, grades 3-6
This course will introduce new and easy cheers and chants, while concentrating on positive
sportsmanship. This course will also be designed to teach basic partner stunts and pyramids.
FOOTBALL, grades 3-5
Students will practice essential skills, such as passing, catching, and kicking before playing
games of touch football. Additionally, students will review the rules of the game and learn the
structure of the National Football League.
OPEN GYM, grades K-4
Students will have an opportunity to play team sports and participate in other gym activities.
SOCCER, grades 5-7
In this course, students will be introduced to skills needed to play soccer, from beginning skills
to advanced techniques. Games will stress sportsmanship.
TEAM SPORTS, grades 3-7
Learn drills, improve skills and play team sports, such as volleyball, basketball, floor hockey,
soccer, softball, etc. Each week the students will participate in a different team sport. Students
will be given an opportunity to choose activities.
TUMBLING, grades K-2
Learn the basics of gymnastics and cheerleading through tumbling exercises that promote
physical fitness and development of large motor skills.
VOLLEYBALL, grades 5-7
In this course, students will be introduced to skills needed to play volleyball, from beginning
skills to advanced techniques. Students will focus on passing, setting, serving and teamwork.
Games will stress sportsmanship.
6