About our School Age in Elkhorn, NE

Focus: Encouraging curiosity and investigation to find out how or why something happens.

Your child can pursue a passion for science by creating and participating in hands-on experiments in clubs devoted to Discovery, Environmental Science, Zoology and other subjects.

Activities

• Using jars, gloves and shovels to take soil samples and comparing them.
• Planning and creating a garden for the Academy.
• Reading about then identifying the characteristics of insects using a magnifying glass and bug boxes.
• Bird-watching with binoculars and a bird guide.

Learn On^®

Learning continues beyond the classroom. Here are some easy projects you can do to extend learning into your home.

• Use jars, gloves and shovels to take soil samples from your yard and compare them.
• Plan and plant a family garden.
• Read “The Insect Book” and identify the characteristics of insects using a magnifying glass and bug boxes.
• Go bird-watching, using binoculars and a bird guide.

Focus: Building technology into the day as a natural extension of learning.

Children use tools such as interactive white boards, tablets and computers as they create projects in the Filmmakers Club, Photographers Club, Publisher’s Club and Web Designers Club.

Activities

• Using templates to design a website.
• Learning how to use a digital camera and then completing a scavenger hunt outside, taking pictures of each item needed to complete the checklist.
• Using photos to create a PowerPoint presentation to share with the class.

Learn On^®

Learning continues beyond the classroom. Here are some easy projects you can do to extend learning into your home.

• Do a scavenger hunt with a digital camera, taking pictures of each item on the list.
• Help your child create a PowerPoint presentation.

Focus: Inspiring children to learn about how things work and are made.

The Engineering Club uses hands-on projects to develop problem-solving skills while introducing school-age children to different engineering disciplines (e.g., architecture, civil, mechanical, structural).

Activities

• Using graph paper, pencils and measuring tools to design a blueprint of their dream home.
• Using LEGO bricks to create a model of a structure that inspires them.
• Learning about the Seven Wonders of the World and building a model of their favorite.

Learn On^®

Learning continues beyond the classroom. Here are some easy projects you can do to extend learning into your home.

• Use graph paper, pencils and measuring tools to help your child design a blueprint for their dream home.
• Use LEGO blocks to help your child create a model of a structure that inspires them.
• Learn about the Seven Wonders of the World and build a model of their favorite.

Focus: Improving reading and comprehension skills and expanding imaginations through a variety of coordinated learning experiences.

School-age students can join the Reading, Poetry or Writing clubs to delve into stories and participate in fun activities. They can also flex their creative arts skills by joining the 3-D Art, Painting or Music clubs.

Activities

• Identifying components of different kinds of poems, like haikus, acrostics and limericks, then composing a poem of their own.
• Reading books in the Book Club and participating in discussions about the characters and events in each book.
• Learning what the “hook” of a book means and practicing writing hooks of their own.
• Discussing how illustrations can help tell a story and practice drawing their own.
• Studying different types of comedy, like improv and stand-up, and writing their own knock-knock jokes.
• Learning about famous sculptors and making their own sculptures out of foil, play dough and pipe cleaners.
• Learning to play songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” on the xylophone.

Learn On^®

Learning continues beyond the classroom. Here are some easy projects you can do to extend learning into your home.

• Identify components of different kinds of poems, like haikus, acrostics and limericks, then compose a poem of their own.
• Read books together, then discuss the actions of the characters in the stories.
• Talk about their favorite stories then have them draw a picture to illustrate the story.
• Work together to write knock-knock jokes.

Focus: Reinforcing healthy habits, including nutritious snacking and physical activity.

Before and/or after school, students can learn about nutrition and fitness, while enjoying healthy snacks and fun activities. The healthy choices children make now inform their healthy decisions later in life.

Activities

• Refining gross motor skills by playing a friendly game of H-O-R-S-E on the basketball court.
• Participating in various track and field events, like racing and softball shot put.
• Learning how to dribble a soccer ball while running.
• Identifying healthy foods and discussing why certain foods provide more nutrition.
• Playing a game of limbo to practice flexibility.

Learn On^®

Learning continues beyond the classroom. Here are some easy projects you can do to extend learning into your home.

• Play a friendly game of H-O-R-S-E on the basketball court.
• Help your child learn how to dribble a soccer ball.
• Identify healthy foods and discuss why certain foods provide more nutrition.
• Play a game of Limbo to practice flexibility.

Focus: Our Character Essentials^SM is integrated throughout the Creative Explorers curriculum, fostering cooperation among the school-age students.

The small-group environment allows teachers to help children understand our society so they can develop into adults who respect others and get involved in their communities.

Activities

• Learning about dependability by participating in a group project in which everyone has specific tasks to complete.
• Learning about respect by having family members talk to the class about traditions and celebrations, then compiling photos, recipes and other noteworthy information into a Cultures of our Classroom book.

Learn On^®

Learning continues beyond the classroom. Here are some easy projects you can do to extend learning into your home.

• Help your child learn about dependability by coming up with a family project in which everyone has a specific task to complete.
• Have your child interview grandparents or other family members about traditions and celebrations they remember from growing up.