We believe that it is essential to expose your child to the Arts, therefore we offer a full suite of supplemental classes that are specific to each Gardner School location. Some of the classes that we offer consist of Gymnastics, Dance, Karate, Spanish, Music, Sports Skills and Be Smart Kids Computer Classes. Our faculty members are specially trained in these different disciplines and you will be amazed by how much your child will learn and how much fun they will have doing so. These supplemental classes are available to children 2 to 5 years old.
Be Smart Kids™Be Smart Kids™ Computer Learning System... a revolutionary way to educate children. More than a decade of research and design has gone into the development of the Be Smart Kids Learning System, an unequaled computer-aided learning process that stimulates every area of the brain during the life stage when children learn best. The system mixes proven learning techniques with contemporary computer technology and adult/child interaction to produce smart kids.
Who benefits: Be Smart Kids maximizes learning for children ages 2 to 5. It is also appropriate for those requiring remedial support or the English Language Learner.
How it works: Our methods develop patterns of learning in young children by systematically leading the teacher and child through a series of structured, challenging yet fun exercises.
What it teaches: The Be Smart Kids Learning System features four progressive curriculum levels to meet a child's evolving capabilities and learning needs. The Be Smart Kids program helps young children excel in reading, vocabulary, music, math, logic, and basic Spanish. They also learn values, visual/spatial skills, and become confident users of the computer.
How it's taught: The child begins with 30-minute lessons that are taught weekly. The lessons progress in frequency as the child advances toward school age. Be Smart Kids Levels 1-4 includes 700 teaching modules taught over a two to three year period.
Results: Children who successfully complete all four levels of the program historically test at the 4th grade level upon entrance to the 1st grade. *
* Based on national average scores of 1st grade students taking the TerraNova test during November. National average is 1.3. Be Smart Kids' students average 4.2.
Our Gymnastics program will teach your child a well balanced mix of discipline and gymnastic skills. The students learn vault jumps, tumbling, bar positions, how to walk the beam and a multitude of stretches. Your child's listening and comprehension skills will improve as they add more challenging gymnastic skills in the fun atmosphere of the weekly class as well as the annual exhibition performance that will enhance his/her self-esteem.
Music & DramaOur Music & Drama program encourages creative expression through living stories inspired by the children, puppetry, storytelling, theater games, exercises and ensemble building. Students experience the joy of sharing a collaborative creative piece with their peers and will also participate inan annual performances for parents and friends. Productions we have had in the past include Annie, The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music.Our Music program will introduce your child to the musical world of instruments through our trained instructor who will foster their artistic growth. From playing the piano to learning Rhythm on different instruments carefully chosen by their instructor, your child will find this learning experience to be fun and entertaining.
Dance / BalletOur Dance / Ballet program is conducted in a positive and encouraging atmosphere where the dancers are free to learn at their own pace. Dance is a great tool that we use to teach body awareness, spatial awareness and self esteem. Our dancers learn ballet positions, technique, stretches and vocabulary while building strength. At the age of three your child will also begin to learn basic tap and hip hop dance steps. In addition they will have the opportunity to show off their dance skills in our annual dance recital that will give them invaluable experience performing on stage.
Our Spanish and Mandarin foreign language classes include lessons appropriate for preschoolers that are organized by topics familiar to the child, such as colors, clothing, food, family, and animals. Lessons will include games, puzzles, songs, chants, and writing activities. Your child will be thrilled to begin learning the foundation of a second language.
Our Sports Fundamentals program introduces children to the basic skills and fundamentals necessary for a variety of sports. The program builds on athletic skills and sports knowledge in an atmosphere which enhances self confidence and social interaction. The noncompetitive environment allows each student to develop fundamental movement skills as well as stimulate the desire to participate in sports and fitness. Your child will love the numerous sports covered in a team building atmosphere!