THURSDAY CLUBS
KINDERGARTEN
Scienterrific Kids A wide variety of hands-on science experiences -- including neighborhood trips and museum visits -- with emphasis on fun activities that can easily be done at home. Taught by experienced PS87 Afterschool teachers, with guest museum and science educators, under the guidance of renowned science educator Mary Stetten Carson, author of The Scientific Kid and Let's Play Science.
Monster Mash Creative Arts (Gr. K-1) Have you ever seen a creepy, crawly, friendly monster? If you were a unicorn, what color would you be? Here’s a chance for children to create their own world with masks, sculpture, painting, and storytelling. Children will design their fantasy creatures -- playful dragons, wacky monsters -- using a variety of materials, and then engage in inventive activities designed to free creative self-expression. "Imagination Station" teacher Amey Goerlich has been teaching children's theatre, creative arts, and film classes for more than a decade.
Danses des Enfants (Ballet, Gr. K-1) This class incorporates improvisation, creative visualization, and various dance styles as a means of tapping children's unlimited potential. Children are introduced to basic steps and a variety of music as preparation for future study of ballet. Nicole Flender, accomplished choreographer/dancer, from New York City Ballet to Broadway.
GRADES 1 TO 2
Monster Mash Creative Arts (Gr. K-1) see above.
Danses des Enfants (Ballet, Gr. K-1) see above.
Totally Awesome Toy Factory This club is designed to encourage creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Children will be involved in engaging projects that include working with Lego bricks, building with Kapla and other architectural blocks, and designing and building projects of their own invention. With 2nd grade teachers Molly Jahraus and Carmela Oliveri leading the fun, no wonder this is always one of our most popular clubs!
Read Smart (Reading/Study Skills) This enrichment class, coordinated by The Reading Team director Lisa Shlansky, will focus on strengthening reading and other literacy skills, offering individual assistance for children who will benefit from small group guidance. Teachers will include seasoned instructors from The Reading Team and other specialists. Second-grade teacher Lisa Shlansky has more than 20 years' experience teaching 1st grade and five years' experience directing The Reading Team program for 1st and 2nd graders at PS87.
City Adventures/Ice Skating C Ice skating in the rink at Rockefeller Center or Bryant Park during ice skating season (beginning late October/early November). And before then -- what’s your pleasure? Bowling, boating, or a home sport in Central Park? Or maybe it's the zoo, the wax museum, or the Intrepid's flight simulator? There are wonderful opportunities for city adventures all over Manhattan, and we're ready to explore them! Led by PS87 teacher Bob D'Andrea and Angelika Rodriguez.
Note: There is a materials fee of $50 for all children. Public transportation will be used and children will return to PS 87 around 5:45 PM.
GRADES 2 TO 3
Wizards of Wood (Gr. 1-3) Basics of working with wood to create projects such as toy racing cars, banks, treasure boxes, and wood sculpture inventions. Safety and good work habits are emphasized, in an atmosphere of fun. Taught by Brittany Hall, experienced PS87 Afterschool creative arts teacher.
CAP’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Musical Theatre Caring, dynamic teaching artists from Create-a-Play give students a vibrant fun-packed experience as they work to create an original musical theatre production. In addition to their final staged production, each student receives a professionally produced CD of the production’s music. Create-a-Play director Stephen Jacobs has worked with hundreds of children in school and summer programs; his Dirty Sock Funtime Band, nominated Best New Artist by Children's Music Web Awards, has been featured on Nickelodeon and performed in clubs, concerts, and festivals across the United States.
Monet, Matisse & Me (Studio Art/Sculpture, 2+), see below.
GRADES 3 TO 6
Monet, Matisse & Me (Studio Art/Sculpture, 2+) This exciting hands-on program will introduce students to a variety of famous artists and the media in which they worked. From Matisse torn-paper collage to Calder mobiles, children will learn to appreciate art in their environment as they create their own artwork inspired by the masters. Focus will be on three-dimensional art, including sculpture projects using clay, wire, and decorative paper. Taught by artist/educators from Children's Museum of Manhattan.
Bloody Shakespeare An exciting exploration of the works of William Shakespeare, through creative projects, character study, theatrical combat, and staging. One of the most popular classes in previous semesters, "Bloody Shakespeare" aims to help students understand Shakespeare's world -- and understand our world through Shakespeare. Teachers include accomplished Shakespearean actors and teaching artists Sarah Hankins, under the direction of Imagine Me founder Jill Ahrold.
Softball Sluggers A popular class that will include skills such as hitting, pitching, fielding, and base running, as well as playing strategies. Instruction will take place in the Gym and outdoor play in nearby yards. Taught by experienced PS87 Afterschool coach Mike Vega and 5th-grade teacher Lauri Posner.
Money, Money, Money (And Other Math Smarts) Games, puzzles, and hands-on activities designed to encourage creative problem-solving skills. We’ll use a variety of math manipulatives and games, as well as one-on-one instruction; a highlight is activities building personal finance skills. A fun, rewarding class that will highlight the joys of exploring math in the world around us! Taught by experienced KidzMath leader Gloria Zwick and 3rd grade teacher and math enthusiast Laura Resnick.