Creative Learning Place

CLASS CATALOGUE Fall 2025

(GRADES K–5)

Click Registration Form, to open the registration form in a new window, so that you can view the Class Catalogue next to the registration form in your browser. Please request permission by emailing karen@karengolden.com, if your student would like to register for a class that is not listed for their age.

Please note, new this year: We do not provide supervision if there is a break in a student's day that is not listed as a break on our CLP schedule. We will supervise lunch. All students age 10 and under must have adult supervision.

MONDAY CLASSES (10 WEEKS) In-person at Temple Akiba

Cyber Explorers: Digital Safety and Coding

Monday: 9:30 am – 10:25 am (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades 3 - 5

This 10-week journey introduces students to the exciting world of cybersecurity through a mix of storytelling, hands-on activities, and beginner-friendly coding. Each week, students will:

Meet unforgettable characters from the "Genfinity CyberTales" collection who face real-world tech challenges
Learn how to spot online scams, create strong passwords, and protect their personal information
Discover how hackers think and how to outsmart them
Explore basic coding concepts using tools designed for young minds
Take on interactive missions that turn students into Junior Cyber Defenders

By the end of the course, your child won’t just be better at using technology, they’ll be more confident, more aware, and more equipped to make smart choices in their digital world. Whether they want to be a future tech leader or just stay safe while gaming or surfing the web, this course lays the foundation for both. Let your child step into a fun, engaging learning experience that combines storytelling, STEM, and life skills in one unforgettable program.

TEACHER: Deshan Edwards
SEMESTER FEE: $310

Intro. To Physics

Monday: 9:30 am – 10:25 am (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades K - 3

Step into a world of science! This introductory level class for young learners gets students involved in hands-on experiments. Students will learn basic science terms, develop reading and writing skills using those terms, as well as build and conduct experiments using jet propulsion, some chemical reactions (the ice levitation experiment), and endothermic reactions to make ice cream.

TEACHER: Mr. Layman
SEMESTER FEE: $295

Jump Rope Skills

Monday: 10:30 am – 11:25 am (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades K - 3

This jump rope course will teach students the basics of Single Rope, Double Dutch, and Group Jumping. Students will learn a variety of skills and jump rope activities to improve confidence, endurance, focus, teamwork, and creative expression. All skills will be age appropriate.

Mike sells ropes for $15 and students will be able to purchase them directly from him.

Students will be responsible for bringing their ropes to class. If your child would like to leave a rope at CLP, this is fine. It will be labeled with their name.

Returning and new students welcome!

TEACHER: Mike Fry
SEMESTER FEE: $275

Dungeons and Dragons

Monday: 10:30 am – 11:25 am (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades 3 - 5

This class focuses on building reading comprehension and math skills to follow clues to unravel mysteries; the more the students are able to connect puzzles and ideas together, the better they do, and the more rewarding the story. A detective "Film Noir" style adventure, each month or so brings a new case to unravel, capers that include haunted houses, investigating bank fraud, and saving a mayor from certain doom.

TEACHER: Mr. Layman
SEMESTER FEE: $295

Drawing Fundamentals

Monday: 11:30 am – 12:25 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades 1 - 3

People often tell me that they cannot draw. My answer is always the same: “Everybody can draw. You first need to learn how to see.” When you learn to play an instrument, you learn to identify the sound of the notes and you should practice often to become good. That is the same with drawing. This semester we will look at the works of famous artists throughout history and create drawings based on their techniques and styles, and we will study the science of drawing (perspective and lighting), mixed in with doodling techniques, and other fun exercises. Each student will need a sketchbook (minimum size 8”x10”) and will be expected to draw in it regularly outside of class. We will provide all other materials, but students are welcome to bring their own supplies.

New material for returning students!

TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $295

Jump Rope Skills

Monday: 11:30 am – 12:25 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades 3 - 5

Mike sells ropes for $15 and students will be able to purchase them directly from him.

Students will be responsible for bringing their ropes to class. If your child would like to leave a rope at CLP, this is fine. It will be labeled with their name.

Returning and new students welcome!

TEACHER: Mike Fry
SEMESTER FEE: $275

Science Stories and True Tales From The Natural World

Monday: 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades K - 3

Sing and dance the germination song, experience metamorphosis though the journey of Charlie the caterpillar, trace the flight path of the tagged monarch butterfly who flew from Mexico to Minnesota and explore the rain cycle. Each week, students will learn about the natural world through the most memorable oral vehicle, storytelling! Karen was a walk leader for eight years with the Children’s Nature Institute and led hundreds of children through the Santa Monica Mountains. In addition, each student will be encouraged to make a nature box and collect rocks, shells, sticks, seeds and more.

TEACHER: Karen Golden
SEMESTER FEE: $285

Drum Circle

Monday: 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades 3 - 5

Aaron’s Drum Circle offers an engaging, high-energy drumming class for all students that builds rhythm, confidence, and teamwork through hands-on percussion and group collaboration. Rooted in joy and inclusivity, each session transforms the classroom into a dynamic musical community where every student’s voice is heard—through the beat.

TEACHER: Aaron Yedidia
SEMESTER FEE: $315

Elementary Math

Monday: 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades 3 - 5

We will reinforce multiplication and begin to learn division and fractions. Other skills to learn will be determined by what students know and need to work on. Possible subjects will be telling time, Roman numerals, counting money, graphing, 2-dimensional shapes, place values and rounding, and decimals. Class structure will depend on the students in the class. We will work as a group when possible, but students will also work individually if that works best.

Prerequisite: the ability to do 3-digit addition and subtraction, and beginning to learn multiplication.

New material for returning students!

This class has a maximum of 5 students. Register early to get a spot.

TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $285

Drum Circle

Monday: 1:30 pm – 2:25 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades K - 3

TEACHER: Aaron Yedidia
SEMESTER FEE: $315

Introduction to Game Design

Monday: 2:30 pm – 3:25 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades 3 - 5

This introductory hobby game design course combines the fun of playing board and card games with the lessons of teamwork, time and resource management, creative production, research and critical analysis, plus science, math, history, language, reading and writing skill development. Students play different analog games while applying a critical eye to the structural mechanics of rules and content. They will participate in group discussions focused on game theories, game history, and game modification such as altering the rules of Tic-Tac-Toe and playtesting the revisions. These are the fundamentals for any game, digital or analog, and knowing the iterative process helps any creative endeavor. All students will receive either a box of components to develop their own games and get individual feedback or their original games will be professionally printed and made. This is not a video game programming course.

New and continuing students are welcome.

TEACHER: Aaron Vanek
SEMESTER FEE: $305

Social Skills: We All Have Superpowers

Monday: 2:30 pm – 3:25 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 8, 15, (no 22), 29 Oct. (no 6, 13), 20, 27, Nov. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Dec. 1, 8

Grades K - 3

Developing social skills is strongly connected to reading signals around us. One of the most challenging skills for children is managing their emotions. Expressing thoughts and feelings involves navigating what is happening around us, making sense of it, and then responding in a helpful manner for both ourselves and those around us. Sometimes, children (and adults) are not sure what they are feeling or how to read their body signals to help them figure out how they are feeling. In this class, the students will be learning about feelings, their body signals that tell them information about how they feel, and how to express their emotions in helpful ways. These skills and more will be practiced in a fun, thoughtful, and creative manner through different activities, such as a variety of games, stories, art, music, role-playing, and mindfulness.

Whether your child has taken my class before or is taking it for the first time, they will have fun making friends and learning about themselves. Your children will practice skills such as self-regulation, listening, respectful communication, giving and receiving help, and working cooperatively in groups. Students will also connect with others of diverse cultures by building group cohesion, curiosity, and embracing our differences.

Your child will discover their own superpower and celebrate other’s super-powers!

TEACHER: Dr. Sharon Bacharach
SEMESTER FEE: $295

Wednesday CLASSES (10 WEEKS) In-person at Temple Akiba

Beginning Writing: Think, Write and Create

Wednesday: 9:30 am – 10:20 am (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades K - 2

This class is tailored for young learners beginning their journey into literacy. Each student will receive individual attention, allowing them to work at their own pace while also having time to cooperate with their peers. Some students will focus on recognizing letters, sounds, and simple words. As we assess their development, those who are ready will begin to explore writing longer sentences and how to build a paragraph on their own. They will be introduced to these fundamental reading and writing skills through interactive games, songs, stories, and worksheets including MadLibs, Word Searches, and the creation of their own handwritten books. The class will be divided into 2 or 3 groups to accommodate everyone's skill level.

TEACHERS: Soli Rachwal and Karen Golden
SEMESTER FEE: $285

Elementary English

Wednesday: 9:30 am – 10:25 am (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades 3 - 5

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
—Dr. Suess

Join us on an adventure through words as we explore poetry, short stories, and level-appropriate novels. Students will begin to think deeper about what they are reading, and make connections to other texts and to their own lives. They will learn how to structure their paragraphs, transition gracefully between sentences, and strengthen their word choice. Students will look at the elements of a good story, and even write some of their own. Each class will include a lesson and an activity to inspire expression and reinforce what students have learned. Students will be expected to complete weekly assignments on Google Classroom where they will also receive individualized feedback. Access to a Gmail account is required for this class. New material for returning students.

Please note: Students entering this class should be able to read chapter books and write a paragraph.

Required materials:

Pencils and erasers
Lined paper
Folder

TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $285

Beginning Math: Numbers, Logic and Teamwork, Oh my!

Wednesday: 10:30 am – 11:20 am (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades K - 2

Teamwork and independent thinking will be reinforced as we explore different projects using math skills; including basic addition and subtraction, measuring, using money, solving puzzles, charting graphs and much more. Each week there will be a fun, hands-on math/logic-themed exercise or game. Each student will work at their own pace, receive individual attention, and also have opportunities to cooperate with their peers. The curriculum includes many worksheets specifically made for this class, including mazes, tangrams, charting graphs and other puzzles. The class will be divided into 2 or 3 groups to accommodate everyone's skill level.

TEACHERS: Soli Rachwal and Karen Golden
SEMESTER FEE: $285

Physics

Wednesday: 10:30 am – 11:25 am (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades 3 - 5

Physics, this time with a little bit of fire! This intermediate class focuses more on reading and applying concepts like Charles' Law and Newtonian Physics to experiments. This class will also apply what we learn to practical experiments, such as making a vacuum with smoke and demonstrating that some gases have more weight than air by snuffing out a candle with Carbon Dioxide.

TEACHER: Mr. Layman
SEMESTER FEE: $295

Geography Through Art: US National Parks

Wednesday: 11:30 am – 12:25 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades 3 - 5

Pack your backpacks, and join us on an artistic adventure through U.S. National Parks. Each week, students will “visit” a new park, such as Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and the Everglades, to learn about its unique geography, history, and cultural significance. Students will become familiar with the biodiversity of our country and learn traditional crafts from the first people to inhabit these extraordinary places. Students will channel their inner park rangers as they experiment with 3D construction, fiber arts, and painting.

TEACHER: Soli Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $310

Storytelling Theater

Wednesday: 11:30 am –12:25 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades K - 3

What would you have done if the three bears had been your neighbors, or Goldilocks was your sister? Each week we will explore oral stories from around the globe, both familiar and new, and act them out. Students will learn the structure of classic folk and fairy tales, discover character perspective, and and improve on their oral storytelling skills. This class will be fun and highly interactive, providing a safe place for even the shyest students to shine.

TEACHER: Karen Golden
SEMESTER FEE: $285

Geography Through Art: US National Parks

Wednesday: 12:45 pm – 1:40 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades K - 3

TEACHER: Soli Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $310

Podcademy 4 Kids - Podcasting & YouTube Intro.

Wednesday: 12:45 pm– 1:40 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades 3 - 5

Explore the growing world of media through a real hands on experience creating, engineering, and developing different styles of podcasts. This class is a crash course on equipment, techniques, and recording real life podcasts. With infused video concepts students will get an introduction to creating visual content . We encourage beginners and returners to join us for a semester of podcasting fun and enrichment.

This class has a maximum of eight students. Register early to get a spot.

TEACHER: Keith Good News McElhannon
SEMESTER FEE: $325

Elementary Math

Wednesday: 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades 3 - 5

Prerequisite: the ability to do 3-digit addition and subtraction and beginning to learn multiplication.

New material for returning students!

This class has a maximum of 5 students. Register early to get a spot.

TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $285

Beginning Recorder - Let's Make Music Together

Wednesday: 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades K - 3

This class is for beginning recorder students and will include note reading and beginning music theory. Students will need the following for this class:

A soprano recorder labeled with your child's name.

You can use a recorder you have already or you can order one here
Please order this music book here
The recorder and book will be under $20.

TEACHER: Karen Golden
SEMESTER FEE: $285

Podcademy 4 Kids - Podcasting & YouTube Intro.

Wednesday: 1:45 pm – 2:40 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades 4 and up

This class has a maximum of eight students. Register early to get a spot.

TEACHER: Keith Good News McElhannon
SEMESTER FEE: $325

Elementary Math

Wednesday: 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

Grades 3 - 5

Prerequisite: the ability to do 3-digit addition and subtraction and beginning to learn multiplication.

New material for returning students!

This class has a maximum of 5 students. Register early to get a spot.

TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $285

Singing For Unity

Wednesday: 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm (10 weeks)

Sept. 3, 10, 17, (no 24), Oct. (no 1, 8, 15), 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, (no 26), Dec. 3, 10

All Ages

Do you love to sing? If the answer is "yes," than this class is for you. Over the course of 10 weeks, students will learn a variety of vocal warm ups and exercises to strengthen, control, open up, and become acquainted with the voice. Students will be introduced to the basics of sight-reading musical scores, different types of notes, and how they are used in music. Students will also learn techniques on how to breathe while performing a song and how to sharpen the skills of controlling volume and vocal strength to enhance the power of a song. The theme this semester is unity and each song will be meaningful and carry a powerful message. The students will join together and discover how to sing as a unit, combining all of their unique voices to create something unified and beautiful. Beginning and experienced singers are welcome.

New songs for this semester.

TEACHER: Leila Balter
SEMESTER FEE: $285

FRIDAY CLASSES (12 WEEKS) Online. Your teacher will send you the Zoom links.

Storytelling - Let's Tell Stories

Friday: 8:00 am– 9:00 am PST (12 weeks)

Sept: 5, 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, (no 10), 17, 31 Nov. 7, 14, 21, (no 28), Dec. 5, 12

Grades 3 - 7

Humans love stories, and a well told story is even more beloved. In this class, we will learn to tell stories from a variety of sources including personal and family stories, folktales, legends and more. Students will learn what makes a good story and how to offer supportive suggestions for helping their classmates tell a better story. This class enhances creativity, public speaking, and the art of listening in a fun, interactive, and safe environment where even the shyest students can shine. Because this class is virtual, we can make friends from near and far and will have the opportunity to hear other professional storytellers from far-away places.

New and returning students welcome!

TEACHER: Karen Golden
SEMESTER FEE: $325

Chess 2: Chess In The Age Of Technology

Friday: 9:15 am – 10:15 am PST (12 weeks)

Sept: 5, 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, (no 10), 17, 31 Nov. 7, 14, 21, (no 28), Dec. 5, 12

Grades 1 and up

Kids love technology; from the iPad to the Xbox to whatever thing is next, they can't stop smudging the screen with their little kid fingers! In this class we will put technology in the hands of good by using it to enhance and further Chess knowledge. Each week we will explore a different kind of technology to help the students understand the game better. From the 1970s Chess Challenger to apps to self moving magnetic pieces to virtual reality and everything in between, this class is sure to be "liked" by all!

*All students should be confident in the basic rules of Chess. This is a perfect follow up class for any children who previously attended Beginners Chess*

TEACHER: Brian Julian
SEMESTER FEE: $335

Chess 1:Chess 4 Everyone

Friday: 10:30 am – 11:30 am PST (12 weeks)

Sept: 5, 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, (no 10), 17, 31 Nov. 7, 14, 21, (no 28), Dec. 5, 12

All ages

This is neither a beginner nor an advanced class; it’s both! In this course Kids To Kings welcomes students of all ages and experience levels. Players that are new to Chess will be introduced to The Game of Kings and learn everything from the names of the Chessmen all the way to special moves like Castling. For more experienced players, we will go beyond the basics to explore Chess strategy, technique and style! The class will be fun and upbeat and will include gameplay, puzzles, and group activities. And there will be something challenging for all involved.

This is truly Chess 4 Everyone!

TEACHER: Brian Julian
SEMESTER FEE: $325

Intro. To Photoshop

Friday: 10:30 am – 11:30 am PST (12 weeks)

Sept: 5, 12, 19, 26, Oct. 3, (no 10), 17, 31 Nov. 7, 14, 21, (no 28), Dec. 5, 12

Grades 5 and up

We will learn the basics of Photoshop, including working with layers, adjusting image quality, making selections, retouching images, using color, adding text and shapes, combining images, applying filters, and more. Each week there will be assignments to complete using your newly learned skills, including seamlessly deleting people from a photo and creating your own Mini Cooper car advertisement.

Adobe offers an “All Apps” plan to students for just $19.99/mo. for the first year.

TEACHER: Steve Rachwal
SEMESTER FEE: $325

Math Circle: A Partnership With 21st Century Math

Registration for this class is a two part process:

1. Email instructor Eric Kogan erickogan@21centurymath.com to request placement for the class, dates and fees.

2. Email Karen@karengolden.com to register for the class.

If you are part of a charter school, the Purchase Order is to be made out to Creative Learning Place. Thank you!

Beginners 1, Grade 3-4

The course is based on the book, Mathematical Adventure with ORMC, Level 1, "UCLA Math Circle"
From Optical Illusions to Fighting Dragons, by Dr. Gleizer and Dr. Radko. Beginners 1 is a two-year-long enrichment course for children in grades two through four.
The course is designed for mathematically inclined children 7 to 10 years of age. There are 33 lessons in the book. Each lesson takes two to three 50-minute-long sessions to cover. Each lesson is followed by homework. The lessons cover topics including advanced problem solving, graph theory, Roman and binary numbers, one-sided surface known as the Mobius strip, and vectors in the plane. We study the latter in the How to Kill a Dragon game.
To succeed in the course, a child needs to have some basic familiarity with long addition and subtraction as well as with multiplication of two-digit numbers. This level of mathematical prowess is usually achieved in the fourth grade of a standard US school. If your child is ahead of their grade level, they can start this course as early as in the second grade.

Beginners 2, Grade 5-6
Beginners 2 is based on the book, Math Adventures with ORMC, Level 2 "UCLA Math Circle" , From Ciphers to Nets of Solids, by Dr. Gleizer and Dr. Radko.
The course is designed for mathematically inclined children 9 to 12 years of age. There are 20 lessons in the book. Each lesson takes two to three 50-minute-long sessions to cover. Each lesson is followed by homework. The lessons cover the topics including ciphers, functions, solids and projections, introduction to logic and microchip design, and more.

For more details about the program, such as our curriculum, grade levels, classes and fees please visit: https://www.21centurymath.com/.
Feel free to download the LESSON EXAMPLES to share with your children.

TEACHER: Eric Kogan
SEMESTER FEE: Will be based on the day of the week your child is placed.

Private Recorder Or Saxophone Lessons

Private Recorder or Saxophone Lessons

Learn to play the recorder or saxophone or brush up on your recorder skills. For beginning through advanced players. Private lessons can be arranged anytime Karen is not teaching a class at CLP, including Tuesdays and Thursdays, and in the afternoon and early evening hours.

TEACHER: Karen Golden
Class Fees: Private lessons will be sold in lesson packages: $160 for four 30 minute lessons.
Please email Karen@karengolden.com to schedule a time.

Tutoring

Are you interested in tutoring sessions in math or reading and writing for your child? A number of our CLP teachers are available to help your kids. Please check the box for tutoring on the registration form, or request tutoring here, and we will let you know about fees and availability.