Virtual Fall/Winter Classes for Kids in 2020

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Virtual Fall/Winter Classes for Kids in 2020

With school days off this upcoming holiday season, there are fewer in-person activities to keep the kids occupied this year. That’s why we are helping out parents with this roundup of fall/winter virtual classes for kids. From drama to music to STEAM and more, sign the kids up this year for these online classes to keep busy and learning at home.

Psst…Want to know what holiday markets are open this year? Check out The Best Holiday Markets in NYC 2020: For Kids and Families

Amadeus Conservatory of Music 

201 King Street, Chappaqua

St. Matthew’s Church, 382 Cantitoe Street, Bedford

 914-238-0388

Amadeus Conservatory of Music offers joyful and enriching private and small group music lessons to all ages virtually, in person at Amadeus, or at home. They teach piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, Suzuki violin, viola, cello, voice, drums, winds, brass, composition and music theory. Early Childhood “Sounds of Music” classes are offered both virtually and in-person with social distanced small classes for babies, toddlers, and 4-5-year-olds. Children play ukuleles, xylophones, bongos and other percussion, and 1/8 size violins. Both their Chappaqua and Bedford locations are thoroughly sanitized and follow all NY State and CDC guidelines for safe indoor environments.  

Atlantic Acting School

Date: January – March 2021

Time: Winter afterschool & weekends

Type of class: Acting classes for ages 4-18

Atlantic Acting School’s popular afterschool and weekend programs are dedicated to nurturing the talents of kids and teens! They invite young ones ages 4-18 to play, create, and form lifelong friendships this winter – all from the comfort and safety of their own home! In addition to creating characters and scripts, young Atlantic actors will have the opportunity to produce their own work. Each class has a focus that varies from musical theater to sketch, improv, scene study, film/TV and more, but are all rooted in the Atlantic Technique. All classes have limited spots and expected to sell out, so register today! PLUS, receive a 10% discount when you enroll by December 10!

Benchmark Learning

336-310-6909

Benchmark Learning specializes in affordable online tutoring for school (all grades, K-12) and college students in all Mathematics & Science courses and English (Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening). They also offer preparation services for the SAT, SAT Subject Test, AP, and IB examinations. Beyond private tutoring, Benchmark Learning also offers Homework Help services (starting at $100 per month for 10 hours), and group tutoring sessions. Benchmark’s professional tutors are both experienced and knowledgeable, and always make sure that students stay on top of their curriculum throughout the school year. All tutors go through a rigorous screening and application process before joining Benchmark. Benchmark tutors are trained with the EngageNY curriculum, but can adapt to any curriculum preference as requested.

Brooklyn Robot Foundry

347-762-6840

Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers super fun online robot-building classes for children 2-13 years old! Each week, students are introduced to new engineering concepts and components while building that day’s robot in their own “workshop”. All classes maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for plenty of individualized instruction and socializing. The supplies are shipped in advance and classes are led by amazing instructors, taking all the pressure off parents. The Foundry’s main focus however, is that kids have fun, get creative, and enjoy being part of this STEAM-loving community! 

Child’s Play NY

347-759-6313

Child’s Play NY is a Brooklyn-based company founded in 2009, committed to offering a diverse array of theater arts classes for children. They believe studying the art of acting encourages kids to be even more creative, collaborative and compassionate human beings. Since its inception, Child’s Play NY has touched the lives of hundreds of students, worked inside dozens of schools and is consistently ranked as among the top theater arts programs. 

Fall/Winter virtual class options include Magical Creatures (pre-k/k), On-Camera Lab (grades 1-4) and Hogwarts School (grades 1-3). 

Dance for Joy 

1893 E. Main St, Mohegan Lake, NY

914-526-4486

Enrolling now for classical ballet training that is fun, energetic and makes every child love to dance. All programs allow students to progress at their own pace in a non-competitive, developmentally appropriate syllabus.

BippityBop starts 3-6-year-olds off exploring the world of dance. Their ballet program starts at age 7; jazz, contemporary and modern can be added as well as opportunities to perform in their Nutcracker and with our Youth Ballet Company.

Virtual and in-studio classes with all safety protocols observed.

The Neighborhood Playhouse

Date: January 9th – April 10th, 2021

Time: 10am – 5, varies

Type of class: Dramatic arts training

Nurture your creativity and talent! Apply for their popular dramatic arts programs on Saturdays for students in 2nd grade – High School and 3-4 week intensives for students in 4th grade – High School at the Neighborhood Playhouse, where Sanford Meisner’s world-renowned acting method was born! Faculty from their adult Professional Acting program, working professionals and master teachers, train students in a conservatory environment. The performance skills learned are applicable to film, theatre, television, and new media. Young grades focus on Creative Drama and Improvisation, while older groups immerse themselves in Scene Study, Interpretation, and Meinser-based exercises. All groups receive training appropriate to grade level in acting, acting a song, dance, improv, audition drills, and more. Interview and/or auditions required. Online applications are available. 

Plugged In Band
781-444-1879
info@pluggedinband.org

If your kids are young musicians, channel their creativity with these virtual classes to improve their skills. Plugged In Band is offering several classes such as Rock Band Class, Digital Audio Production, Weekly Online Open Mic, and Private Music Lessons. For more details on each class, see below.

Rock Band Class

Bands meet 1.5 hours per week to learn/perform four songs culminating with an end of session concert.

February 22, 2021- June 10,2021

Digital Audio Production

In this innovative 8-week project-oriented program, students will learn fundamental skills, techniques and tools to work with digital audio software.

November 27, 2020-January 31,2021

Weekly Online Open Mic

Saturdays 6:30 pm- 9:30 pm

Private Music Lessons

Available year-round in 4- or 8-week blocks

STREB Remote

Contact: Mary Schindler (mary@streb.org)

In Virtual Kid PopAction, children learn how to be action heroes as they move and explore space and time with their bodies in a style that brings together dance, martial arts and acrobatics. All classes are taught by professional dancers and teaching artists from the STREB Extreme Action Company and are modified to be age-appropriate, safe and fun for home remote learning.

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Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:info@potestatem.co?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">info@potestatem.co</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Speakitaly NYC

<p>SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.  Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress. </p> <p>Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge.</p> <p>Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City… Who doesn’t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history & in the arts?</p> <p>Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor’s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"</p>

Laurissa Jane Music

<p>Laurissa Jane Music Studio is a dedicated institution that offers a solid foundation for students to explore the captivating world of music and arts. With experienced instructors, we offer private and group lessons in piano, voice, and guitar, for all ages and skill levels. We provide year-round training for renowned programs such as NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). LJMS runs an annual Summer Musical Theatre Arts Program from July-August which offers a creative environment for young individuals with a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. We are proud to serve the vibrant communities of Jamaica Queens and can also provide classes virtually. At LJMS, we firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Call us today!</p>