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The following is a description of all the specialty classes offered in Fall 2008 by division: Preschool, Lower School, and Middle School. The brochure and registration forms, which list fees, may be downloaded.
PRESCHOOL SPECIALTY CLASSES
Preschool specialty classes are 40 minutes; from 3:10 p.m. - 3:50 p.m. A light snack is served in the Blue Room prior to the beginning of class, at 3:00 p.m. Children are escorted to and from their class location by an Afterschool teacher; they may be picked up in the Blue Room at 3:50 p.m. Preschool specialty classes run for 8 weeks, beginning the week of October 20th, and ending in December. Children may register for both playgroup and specialty classes, or just specialty classes. Prices are adjusted accordingly. Please consult the registration form for details.
Monday 3:10 to 3:50 p.m.
Spanish 10/20 to 12/15 Instructor TBA
This class uses age-appropriate songs, games and art activities to expose young children to language and culture in a fun way.
Tuesday & Wednesday 3:10 to 3:50 p.m.
Music, Movement & Improv 10/21-12/9 & 10/22-12/17 Broadway Bound
Taught by experienced instructors and performers from Broadway Bound, this class is an interactive journey that incorporates song, dance and elements of theater to give students an overall experience of the performing arts.
Thursday 3:10 to 3:50 p.m.
West African Drumming 10/23-12/18 Sam Bathrick
Using authentic drums, bells and rattles from Ghana, young musicians learn rhythm, improvise compositions and work together. Sam has studied extensively in Ghana and incorporates song and culture into his classes.
LOWER SCHOOL SPECIALTY CLASSES
The majority of LS specialty classes are one hour long. The 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. time-slot includes the first half-hour of playgroup, during which your child receives a snack before being gathered by his or her specialty class teacher at 3:30 p.m. When registering for a 4:30 p.m. specialty class, please keep in mind that the fee structure does not include the first hour of playgroup.
MONDAY
Adobe Photoshop, 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., grades 3-4
Gilbert Gonzalez
Students explore the ways in which photography and technology can be integrated to create art. Emphasis will be placed on completing specific projects, such as digital photomontages, in an atmosphere that allows individual imaginations to flourish. Gilbert earned a BFA in Design & Technology/Photography from Parsons School of Art and Design, and is currently enrolled in a Masters program at Pace University. Please note: Children enrolled in Adobe Photoshop are welcome to stay in study hall until 6:00 p.m. for no additional charge.
Lower School Book Club, 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., grades 3-4
Angela Ungaro
Led by BFS librarian, Angela Ungaro, this specialty class is for 3rd and 4th graders who want to spice up their reading lives. In addition to book chats, fun activities such as reader's theatre, literature games and a book-related field trip will be incorporated into this class.
Beginning Jazz 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Misty Owens
Feel the groovy beat and move your snazzy feet! This class will focus on movement combinations with body isolations, turns, kicks and shifts of weight. Misty received her MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and her BFA from the University of New Mexico. In addition to performing with Bill Evans Dance Co., Absolut Tap, and the Peggy Spina Tap Company, Misty is currently on the faculty at Marymount Manhattan College, Long Island University, Mark Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Music School.
Beginning Tap 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grades 2- 4
Misty Owens
Children explore movement patterns and rhythm while learning basic steps and techniques in this traditional tap class.
Chess III 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Gary Ryan
This class is ideal for the chess enthusiast who has completed Chess I and II, and is comfortable working at an advanced level. A master teacher, Gary has taught in the NYC public schools with Chess in the Schools for 7 years. He mentors other chess instructors and organizes local tournaments. Children should have at least 1 year of chess experience in a classroom setting prior to enrollment in Chess III.
Super Soccer Stars 3:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. grades K-4
Super Soccer Stars Coaches
Under the guidance of seasoned coaches, children develop and expand their skills in an atmosphere of fun and sportsmanship. Each session will include a warm-up, stretching, drills, games and cool-down. Children will be split into two age-groups – K-1 and 2-4. Please note: Soccer ends on Nov. 17. Children enrolled in soccer are welcome to attend playgroup free of charge until 6:00 p.m. and after Nov. 17.
Magic Forest 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades K-2
Jenny Sargent
Combining elements of theatre, art and story-telling, Jenny leads children on an adventure in imagination where they develop their own mythical creatures and landscapes.
Ceramics 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades K-1
Josh Sloyer
Under the instruction of veteran ceramics teacher, Josh Sloyer, students learn the basics of coiling, pinching and slump molds. Their final creations will be glazed and fired.
Knitting 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Marie-Christine Perry
In this open-level knitting class, children will have the opportunity to learn the basics of knitting, such as casting on and off and basic stitches, as well as expand their skills by working with more intricate stitches and patterns. Knitter extraordinaire and current BFS French teacher, Marie-Christine provides students with the one-on-one attention they need to improve their skills while having fun.
Homework Club 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Cheryl Foote
Homework Club provides a quiet, structured setting in which children can concentrate on homework assignments without distraction. This specialty class is perfect for the self-motivated student.
Homework Clinic for Lower Schoolers
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Bea Bartolotta, BFS Fourth Grade Teacher Ellen Conroy, BFS Fourth Grade Teacher
Nick Sardar, BFS Fourth Grade Assistant Teacher
Smaller and more personalized than Homework Club, Homework Clinic provides students with individualized assistance and focuses on strengthening organizational strategies and study habits.
TUESDAY
West African Drumming 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. grades K-2
Sam Bathrick 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. grades 3-4
Using authentic drums from Ghana, children learn to master rhythm, improvise compositions and work together as a percussion ensemble. Sam has studied extensively in Ghana, and incorporates song and culture into his classes.
Ballet I 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grade K
Erin Hopkins
Students new to ballet learn the fundamentals of the craft, while developing muscle control and self-confidence. Erin earned a BFA in Dance from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA. In addition to teaching ballet with our Afterschool Department, Erin is a Master Teacher with Children’s Oasis Services and Camba.
Ballet I 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 1-2
Misty Owens
Students new to ballet learn the fundamentals of the craft, while developing muscle control and self-confidence.
Woodworking 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 1-2
Tim Waugh 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grades 3-4
Veteran BFS woodworking teacher, Tim Waugh, guides children as they learn how to use woodshop tools and their creativity to make a variety of projects. At the end of the semester, finished pieces are sanded and painted.
Double Dutch 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grades 2-3
Cheryl Foote
Double Dutch is a vigorous jumping game that children have loved for centuries. In addition to teaching the children how to jump with two ropes, Cheryl teaches traditional jumping songs and hand games.
Tap II 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grade 4
Misty Owens
Children expand their knowledge of basic tap steps and technique. .
Homework Club 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Bea Bartolotta - BFS Fourth Grade Teacher
Homework Clinic 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Ellen Conroy - BFS Fourth Grade Teacher
Nick Sardar, BFS Fourth Grade Assistant Teacher
Cooking 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grades 1-4
Joseph Gordon
In this class, children work with wholesome ingredients to create simple, yet delicious culinary delights. In addition to his work with our Afterschool Program, Joe recently completed a Master Cooking class at The New School. With two young children of his own, Joe knows that structure, planning, and fun presentation lead to a creative, stimulating cooking experience. Please note: Children enrolled in Cooking are welcome to stay in playgroup until 6 p.m. for no additional charge.
Robofun 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. grades 2-4
Vision Education and Media
Bring Legos to life! Merging art and science, children design, construct and program creative, interactive, autonomous robots. Vision Education and Media provide skilled and experienced technology educators who guide your child through this exciting, new way to work with computers and Legos.
Fun with French 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades K-1
Marie-Christine Perry
Taught by BFS teacher, Madame Perry, this class uses age-appropriate songs, games and activities to expose young children to French language and culture in a fun way.
Beginning French 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Marie-Christine Perry
In this formal, more structured introduction to French, instruction will be geared toward speaking and listening in order to communicate. Emphasis will be placed on learning rudiments of the language, practicing simple sentences and dialogues, achieving proper pronunciation and exploring the cultural aspects tied to the language.
Hip-Hop Dance 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 3-4
Jennifer Archibald 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grades 1-2
Children increase their coordination, muscle control, aerobic conditioning, and balance while exploring this dynamic form of dance that focuses on rhythmic movement and body isolation. With contemporary music as the backdrop, Jennifer creates a fun, comfortable atmosphere. Jennifer choreographs and performs with her own dance company, and is affiliated with Alvin Ailey.
WEDNESDAY
Yoga 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades K-2
Instructor TBA 4:30 p.m – 5:30 p.m. grades 3-4
Internal and external flexibility, balance and strength are all enhanced through this ancient practice. Children will experience both the physical and meditative aspects of yoga as the instructor creatively adapts postures and techniques to suit children’s needs.
Chess I 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades K-3
Gary Ryan
A master teacher, Gary has taught in the NYC public schools with Chess in the Schools for 7 years. He mentors other chess instructors and organizes local tournaments. In Gary’s class, children learn the fundamentals while having a great time.
Double Dutch 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grades K-1
Cheryl Foote
Homework Clinic 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Bea Bartolotta and Ellen Conroy, BFS Fourth Grade Teachers
THURSDAY
Documentary Film Making 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. grade 4
Sam Bathrick
In this unique class, young film makers become a team as they learn the basics of film making together and create an original documentary film. Participants will explore different aspects of film making, such as research, location scouting, story development, interviewing, camera operation and digital editing. Sam is a co-producer at Flatbush Pictures in Dumbo. His most recent collaboration, Run for Your Life, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2008. In 2004 Sam co-founded the Zongo Junction Youth Photo Program in Ghana, West Africa, where Ghanaian junior high students learned to tell stories using still photography.
Hip Hop Spoken Word 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Franklin Rossman
Students learn the basic elements of Hip Hop song writing, performance and visual arts. Through playing, singing and listening exercises they are find their “flow” while exploring various rhyming techniques to create original songs and poems. Franklin teaches in the BFS Summer Arts program. In addition to being a recording artist, he developed a Hip Hop English curriculum, implemented at W.E.B. Dubois High School, which analyzes the music using literary techniques.
Wizardry 101 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 1-2
Jenny Sargent 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grades 3-4
Children will learn how to turn and/or make everyday objects into magical props while exploring techniques from classical magic such as misdirection, suggestion and manipulation.
Penciltopia Animation Adventure
Lindsay Gilberto 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Children collaborate to create an original stop-action animated short film. Our young film makers are involved in every aspect of the production, from conceiving a story, to constructing story boards and sets, to completing the film using a camera and laptop. Lindsay is a seasoned artist and teacher who has worked with various programs throughout the city. Please note: Children enrolled in Penciltopia have the option of staying in playgroup until 6:00 p.m. for no additional charge.
Art with Sujin 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Sujin Lee
Children explore and work with a variety of mediums, including paint, collage, pencil and clay. Sujin holds an MFA from New York University and has taught, exhibited and performed in a variety of settings. This class is just right for your young artist!
Puppet Making 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m grades K-1
Sujin Lee
Children use a variety of art materials to create puppets, and then become puppeteers by building stories around their creations. This class introduces children to art and storytelling in a playful, imaginative way. .
Fun with Spanish 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades K-1
Instructor TBA
This class uses age-appropriate songs, games and activities to expose young children to Spanish language and culture in a fun way.
Beginning Spanish 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m grades 2-4
Instructor TBA
In this formal, more structured introduction to Spanish, instruction will be geared toward speaking and listening in order to communicate. Emphasis will be placed on learning rudiments of the language, practicing simple sentences and dialogues, achieving proper pronunciation and exploring the cultural aspects tied to the language.
Double Dutch 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grade 4
Cheryl Foote
FRIDAY
Tennis 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 1-3
Ad-In Kids
Ad-in Kids is a non-competitive tennis program that teaches children tennis basics. Using nets, balls and rackets specifically tailored for young children, Ad-in Kids instructors guide their students through traditional tennis drills that enhance hand-eye coordination and footwork.
Music Stories 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades K-2
Bert Eisenstadt
Using instruments to represent different characters in a story or song, children create “music stories.” Bert has been sharing his talents for music and story-telling with children at BFS for many years.
Musical Theater 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 3-4
Broadway Bound Theater Workshop
If you like to sing, act and dance, Broadway Bound's Musical Theater Workshop is the class for you. Children will learn traditional Broadway tunes, as well as create their own plays and dances.
Chess II 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Gary Ryan
In this class, children expand on the skills they gained in Chess I. Children should have at least one year of chess experience in a classroom setting prior to enrollment in Chess II.
Ceramics 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 2-4
Josh Sloyer See Monday for description
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIALTY CLASSES
MIDDLE SCHOOL MONDAY
Adobe Photoshop 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. grades 5-6
Gilbert Gonzalez
Students explore the ways in which photography and technology can be integrated to create art. Emphasis will be placed on completing specific projects, such as digital photomontages, in an atmosphere that allows individual imaginations to flourish. Gilbert earned a BFA in Design & Technology/Photography from Parsons School of Art and Design, and is currently enrolled in a Masters program at Pace University. Please note: Students enrolled in Adobe Photoshop are welcome to stay in study hall until 6:00 p.m. for no additional charge.
Knitting 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 5-6
Marie-Christine Perry
In this open-level knitting class, children will have the opportunity to learn the basics of knitting, such as casting on and off and basic stitches, as well as expand their skills by working with more intricate stitches and patterns. Knitter extraordinaire and BFS teacher, Mme. Perry provides students with the one-on-one attention they need to improve their skills while having fun.
Homework Clinic 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 5-8
Hope Blosser, Tony Soll, Michael Kabot, BFS Middle School Teachers
Conducted by veteran teachers, this clinic specifically addresses the homework issues facing middle school children, including organization, time management and effective study habits.
Chess III 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grade 5
Gary Ryan
This class is ideal for the chess enthusiast who has completed Chess I and II, and is comfortable working at an advanced level. A master teacher, Gary has taught in the NYC public schools with Chess in the Schools for 7 years. He mentors other chess instructors and organizes local tournaments. Children should have at least one year of chess experience in a classroom setting prior to enrollment in Chess III.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TUESDAY
West African Drumming 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grade 5
Sam Bathrick
Using authentic drums from Ghana, students learn to master rhythm, improvise compositions and work together as a percussion ensemble. Sam has studied extensively in Ghana, and incorporates song and culture into his classes.
Tap Dance 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grades 5-8
Misty Owens
Students expand their knowledge of basic tap steps and technique.
Woodworking 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grade 5-6
Tim Waugh
Veteran BFS woodworking teacher, Tim Waugh, guides children as they learn how to use woodshop tools and their creativity to make a variety of projects. At the end of the semester, finished pieces are sanded and painted.
Homework Clinic 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m grades 5-8
Hope Blosser – BFS Middle School Teacher
Michael Kabot – BFS Middle School Teacher
See Monday for description
MIDDLE SCHOOL WEDNESDAY
Middle School Math Clinic 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. grade 5-8
Fanny Sosenke
Similar to Homework Clinic, this specialized study group will focus on supporting Middle School students as they tackle the challenges of math. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their skills and complete assignments.
Hip-Hop Dance 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 5-6
Jennifer Archibald
Dancers increase their coordination, muscle control, aerobic conditioning and balance while exploring this dynamic form of dance that focuses on rhythmic movement and body isolation. With contemporary music as the backdrop, Jennifer creates a fun, comfortable atmosphere. Jennifer choreographs and performs with her own dance company, and is affiliated with Alvin Ailey.
Yoga 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. grades 5-6
Instructor TBA
Internal and external flexibility, balance and strength are all enhanced through this ancient practice. Children will experience both the physical and meditative aspects of yoga as postures and techniques are adapted to suit their needs.
MIDDLE SCHOOL THURSDAY
Documentary Film Making 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grade 5-8
Sam Bathrick
In this unique class, young film makers become a team as they learn
the basics of film making and create an original documentary film. Participants will explore different aspects of film making, such as research, location scouting, story development, interviewing, camera operation and digital editing. Sam is a co-producer at Flatbush Pictures in Dumbo. His most recent collaboration, Run for Your Life, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2008. In 2004 Bathrick co-founded the Zongo Junction Youth Photo Program in Ghana, West Africa, where Ghanaian junior high students learned to tell stories using still photography.
Hip-Hop Spoken Word 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. grades 5-6
Franklin Rossman
Students learn the basic elements of Hip Hop song writing, performance and visual arts. Through playing, singing and listening exercises they are find their “flow” while exploring various rhyming techniques to create original songs and poems. In addition to being recording artist, Franklin developed a Hip Hop English curriculum, implemented at W.E.B. Dubois High School, which analyzes the music using literary techniques.
Penciltopia Animation Adventure 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. grades 5-8
Lindsay Gilberto
Middle schoolers collaborate to create an original stop-action animated short film. Our young film makers are involved in every aspect of the production, from conceiving a story, to constructing story boards and sets, to completing the film using a camera and laptop. Lindsay is an artist and teacher who has worked with various programs throughout the city. Penciltopia students are welcome to stay in Study Hall until 6:00 p.m. for no additional charge.
Double Dutch 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grade 5-6
Cheryl Foote
Double Dutch is a vigorous jumping game that children have loved for centuries. In addition to teaching her students how to jump with two ropes, Cheryl teaches traditional jumping songs and hand games.
MIDDLE SCHOOL FRIDAY
Brooklyn Friends Film Society 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. grades 5-8
Merida Gorman
Every Friday the group will watch a film from a different genre. Aspects of film making and story telling – direction, character development, story arc, cinematography, etc. – will be explored through discussion and journaling. A graduate of the New School, Merida majored in Creative Writing.
Musical Theatre 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m grades 5-6
Broadway Bound Theater Workshop
If you like to sing, act and dance, Broadway Bound’s Musical Theater Workshop is the class for you. Participants will learn traditional Broadway tunes, as well as create their own plays and dances. |