Enrichment Class Offerings Spring 2025

Martial Arts - Mondays with Sensei Maxwell

Learn the basics of martial arts and self defense in a safe environment!

During this course, children will learn basic movements patterns and techniques from Aikido, Jujitsu, and Karate. Each move will be taught in an easy-to-follow and safe manner, and classes will have each child engaged and participating. Self defense skills will be reinforced with group games aimed at specific skills. Aikido is a contemporary Japanese martial art developed in the 20th century based on jujitsu. Harmless redirection of the opponent's force is the core of many of the techniques. Utilizing grabs, misdirection, and joint locks practitioners protect themselves while respecting their opponents.

This class will introduce students to martial arts techniques including: basic posture, walking drills, falling safely, knee walking for leg strength, raising both hands together, and basic rolling. Partner work and group activities are aimed at building muscle memory in a cooperative environment.

About the Instructor: "I was introduced to martial arts with Tae-Kwon-Do at around 7 years old, and switched between that and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu before training in Aikido for close to 20 years. I hold a Shodan (1st degree) black belt from Tenzan Aikido, and have competed in kickboxing, jujitsu, and water polo tournaments. I believe developing a connection between your mind and body can have far reaching positive effects on anyone's life, and I enjoy sharing this concept by teaching the martial arts."

Guitar Lessons I and II -Tuesdays with Mr Yuro

Guitar I Class Objectives: Establish hand-eye coordination, basic arm, hand, and finger motor skills for guitar playing. Perform short melodies.

Guitar II Class Objectives: Improve hand-eye coordination, arm, hand, and finger motor skills for guitar playing. Read guitar notation (tablatures) and chord charts. Identify chords and recognize chord shapes. Perform short melodies

Intro to Painting - Wednesdays with Ms. Courtney

Class Description: Try your hand with a variety of painting supplies in Ms. Courtney’s Intro to Painting Class.

Explore different painting styles, supplies, paint mediums, and create a variety of final projects that you will be proud to show off. Experience watercolor, acrylic, latex (optional), paint pen, and more!

In this class students will create: one landscape and one portrait.

Fun with Robotics! - Thursdays

This program uses playful activities to introduce fundamental robotics and coding concepts, fostering creativity and problem-solving in younger students.

This program allows students to build and program robots. They'll gain valuable experience in coding, engineering, and teamwork.

For ages 6 to 12. Children who have taken robotics before will be given extra activities during this class to ensure that they feel challenged and engaged in this series.

Dance Classes - Thursdays - with Ms. Katlin

Ages 3-4 - Preschool Ballet/Creative Movement - with some tumbling, musical theory and learning rhythm. Preferred for 3-4 year olds that are brand new to the dance program.

Ages 7+ - Beginning Hip Hop (NOTE: Complimentary for 3rd and 4th grade students of Laurel Academy)

Ages 5-6 - (and 4 year olds who have danced with Ms. Katlin for a year or more) Beginning Jazz and Tumbling Class.

Benefits of our dance program: *Part of the Productions Dance Performing Arts studio on Lake City Way- discounted tuition on additional or future classes there. Some dancers may have an opportunity to join the performance Company. Training with certified professional dance educator in a fun, imaginative environment.

Dance can have many benefits for children, including physical, mental, and social development:
Dance can improve cardiovascular health, muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, and range of motion. It can also help children develop stronger reflexes and better balance and coordination.
Dance can help children develop spatial awareness and an increased attention span. It can also stimulate creativity and encourage children to experiment with their bodies. Dance classes can help children learn teamwork, cooperation, and trust. They can also help children make new friends and feel like they fit in, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem.

Painters Workshop - Thursdays with Ms. Courtney

Class Description: Has your student taken painting class before? Would they enjoy an opportunity to “just create”? This is their class! Your student will gain access to numerous painting supplies, while being guided by a professional artist. Leave the mess at school as your child practices their craft. In addition to self planned projects, students will gain confidence, independence, and a better understanding of painting supplies and composition while creating pieces right from their own imagination.

Drumming Class I and II with Mr Yuro - Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays

Drum Class Objectives: Heighten awareness of musical beats and rhythms. Learn to use the body as a whole and develop vigorous types of body movements. Ingrain quick recognition of various beats and rhythms. Eventually transfer learned rhythm skills to playing a drum kit.

The Rhythm Class is an enrichment program which is a direct extension of Laurel Academy’s daily Music classes.