Fall Classes will Start on Wednesday, September 10 

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CLASS TITLE:  Music Leaders (K-2) 

Ages: K-2 (4-9)

Class Length:45 minutes

Min/Max Class Size: 4-12

Teacher Contact: Timyra Starkman, timyra@gmail.com

Cost: $160  Payable in 4 monthly payments of $40 Material fee: $0

Payment: Zelle preferred; cash and check also accepted

Course Description:  This elementary music class will facilitate students experiencing movement and music together.  The aspiration of this class is for students to experience music as a way to connect with friends and family and as something they embody through movement.  

• Students will participate in singing, culminating with an opportunity to go caroling at a local nursing home in December. We will enjoy movement songs and silly camp songs as well as more serious music and songs that are part of our Christian heritage. We will also do some Bible memorization through song.

• We will touch on many of the same interdisciplinary threads in the Music For All class, allowing discussions to go where student enthusiasm and interest leads. Other topics will include jobs in music and an introduction to the symphony. 

• The aspiration for this class is for students to build confidence, experience joy, and develop rich left/right brain connections. 

 

CLASS TITLE:  Music for All 

Ages: 3rd grade and up

Class Length:45 minutes

Min/Max Class Size: 4-12

Teacher Contact: Timyra Starkman, timyra@gmail.com

Cost: $160  Payable in 4 monthly payments of $40 Material fee: $0

Payment: Zelle preferred; cash and check also accepted

Course Description:  This elementary music class will expose students to interdisciplinary ways of experiencing sound and music. The aspiration of this class is for students to experience music as a way to both make powerful contributions to their communities, and as something they can participate in to enrich their own personal emotional, social, and intellectual development. 

• Students will participate in singing, culminating with an opportunity to go caroling at a local nursing home in December. We will enjoy movement songs and silly camp songs as well as more serious music and songs that are part of our Christian heritage. We will also do some Bible memorization through song.

• In addition to basic vocal technique, the elements of music, and classical music appreciation, students will be introduced to chord theory and the four chords which will allow them to suddenly play hundreds of folk, pop, and worship songs! (Students with previous musical training can be supported with alternate learning opportunities regarding chords upon request.) 

• Interdisciplinary threads will include: 

  • -Marshal Rosenberg’s theory of Nonviolent (Compassionate) Communication and music as emotional expression 

  • -Classical music as abstract expression of landscapes, conversation, weather, politics, stories, animals, and even traffic

  • -The math and science of soundwaves

  • -Biblical instruments, music in the Bible

  • -Elements of music found in poetry and language

  • -The neuroscience of music 

• Special emphasis will be placed on growth mindset, with the underlying philosophy that music is a universal human endeavor which we ALL have a right to enjoy if we choose!  

 

CLASS TITLE:  Exploring Entrepreneurs: A Creative Journey into Business for Young Minds 

Ages: K-2 (4-9)

Class Length:45 minutes

Min/Max Class Size: 4-12

Teacher Contact: Chery Peterson, drcherylpeterson@gmail.com

Cost: $160  Fee Payable in 4 monthly payments of $40 

Payment: Zelle preferred; cash and check also accepted

Course Description:  Exploring Entrepreneurs is an engaging course designed for children ages 4-9 to introduce them to the exciting world of entrepreneurship through literature, critical thinking, and creativity. Throughout the course, students will learn about the basics of business, innovation, and problem-solving by exploring stories of real-life entrepreneurs and fictional characters who take creative risks.

• This course will spark curiosity by using fun, age-appropriate books that feature entrepreneurial themes, such as taking initiative, thinking outside the box, and overcoming challenges. Students will dive into stories where characters start businesses, invent new products, and navigate both successes and setbacks. Each reading will be followed by discussions that encourage students to think critically about the characters’ decisions and how they relate to their own ideas.

• Through hands-on projects and creative activities, children will use their imagination to design their own mini-businesses, come up with new inventions, and practice skills such as budgeting, marketing, and teamwork in a way that’s fun and accessible. They will be encouraged to think like entrepreneurs by asking questions, solving problems, and experimenting with creative solutions. 
   

CLASS TITLE:  Entrepreneurs:  From Idea to Market 

Ages: 3rd grade and up (9+)

Class Length:55 minutes

Min/Max Class Size: 4-12

Teacher Contact: Chery Peterson, drcherylpeterson@gmail.com

Cost: $160 Payable in 4 monthly payments of $40.  

Material Fee:  $20 due in September

Payment: Zelle preferred; cash and check also accepted

Course Description: Entrepreneurs: From Idea to Market is an interactive, hands-on course designed for students ages 9-13, where young minds explore the exciting world of entrepreneurship. In this course, students will work together to identify a product to sell, develop a business plan, and implement a real market to showcase and sell their product.

• Throughout the course, students will engage in critical thinking and creativity while learning key entrepreneurial concepts such as product development, pricing, marketing, and teamwork. They will read engaging children’s literature about successful entrepreneurs, which will spark discussions on leadership, decision-making, and overcoming challenges. 

• Students will be given opportunities to apply math skills in real-world contexts, such as calculating costs, setting prices, and managing a budget. Writing opportunities will also be incorporated as students create business plans, marketing materials, and promotional content for their product.

• The course emphasizes leadership, with students taking on different roles within their teams, from product development to marketing and sales. By the end of the course, students will have not only gained a practical understanding of entrepreneurship but also developed valuable skills in collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. 

• The culminating activity will be a Market Day event where students will pitch, display, and sell their products to classmates, teachers, and families, showcasing their entrepreneurial journey from concept to execution.

 

CLASS TITLE:  Little Stars Drama 

Ages: K-2 (4-9)

Class Length:45 minutes

Min/Max Class Size: 4-12

Teacher Contact: Chery Peterson, drcherylpeterson@gmail.com

Cost: $160  Fee Payable in 4 monthly payments of $40 

Payment: Zelle preferred; cash and check also accepted

Course Description:  Lights, puppets, action! In this joyful and imaginative course, young performers will explore the magical world of drama through storytelling, games, character creation, and hands-on puppet making. Each week, students will build confidence, communication skills, and teamwork through fun, age-appropriate drama activities designed to spark creativity and self-expression.

• Children will learn how to bring characters to life using voice, movement, and imagination—then take it a step further by crafting their own puppets to star in original mini-scenes and skits. The class will explore a variety of puppet styles such as stick, sock, and shadow puppets, allowing students to express their unique personalities through art and performance.

• The course culminates in a heartwarming final performance for friends and family, where every child gets a chance to shine on stage—either in person or with their puppet pals!

 

CLASS TITLE: Improv Comedy 

Ages: 9+

Class Length: 55 minutes

Min/Max Class size:  Min/Max Class Size: 7-12

Teacher Contact: Caleb Sjogren, caleb.sjogren@gmail.com

Cost: $160  Payable in 4 monthly payments of $40 

Payment: Zelle preferred; cash and check also accepted 

Course Description:  Scenes, relationships, dialogue - all made up on the spot! In this extremely entertaining and interactive course, students will not only experience the fun and laughter of improvisation, but they will learn confidence, spontaneity, teamwork, and the unique ways that improv can develop Christlike attitudes of service, humility, and generosity.

 

CLASS TITLE: Art & Nature 9+

Ages: Elementary 9-13

Class Length: 55 minutes

Min/Max Class Size: 4-12

Teacher Contact: Amy Beeman abeeman217@gmail.com or 773-934-1890

Cost:  $160 Payable in 4 monthly payments of $40

Material fee:  $40 due in September

Payment: Cash, Check, or Zelle (registered as abeeman217@gmail.com)

Course Description: This class will focus on the act of Creation as inspired by

God’s Creation in Nature. As children of God, we are called upon to be creators as

well. Students will immerse themselves in the creative process each week and will

explore the use of various mediums such as graphite, charcoal, oil pastels, soft

pastels, clay, watercolors, acrylic paints, resin, etc. Each lesson will highlight a

certain “element of art” and/or “principle of design” throughout the semester, so

parents will feel confident that Illinois State Standards are being met. In-class artwork

will be kept in student portfolios and will be showcased in December, after which,

families are welcome to take all artwork home.

Required Course Material: Sketchbook

Expectations:

• In Class – We will be doing instructor-led projects, broken down into steps we all work on together. Students are expected to:

  • pay attention

  • follow instructions

  • sit patiently, if needed, while waiting for others to finish before moving to the next step

  • take care of the art supplies, and only use them on the project at hand (i.e., not on the tables, etc.)

  • respect the feelings of other students in class.

  • respect the working space of other students in class.

  • follow all safety rules

• Homework – Students will keep a sketchbook and do at least one sketch a

week throughout the year to document their growth and experiences. I will

also help students create a portfolio of their in-class work. Photographic

portfolios can be created as well if parents need digital records of their child’s

work throughout the year.

 

CLASS TITLE: Art & Nature 4-9

Ages: Elementary 4-9

Class Length: 45 minutes

Min/Max Class Size: 4-12

Teacher Contact: Amy Beeman abeeman217@gmail.com or 773-934-1890

Cost:  $160 Payable in 4 monthly payments of $40

Material fee:  $40 due in September

Payment: Cash, Check, or Zelle (registered as abeeman217@gmail.com)

Course Description: Course Description: This class will focus on the act of Creation as inspired byGod’s Creation in Nature. As children of God, we are called upon to be creators as well! Students will immerse themselves in the creative process each week and will explore the use of various mediums such as graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, oil pastels, soft pastels, clay, watercolors, acrylic paints, resin, etc. Each lesson will highlight a certain “element of art” and/or “principle of design” throughout the semester, so parents will feel confident that Illinois State Standards for art are being met. In-class artwork will be kept in student portfolios and will be showcased in December, after which, families are welcome to take all artwork home.

Required Course Material: Sketchbook

Expectations:

• In Class – We will be doing instructor-led projects, broken down into steps we all work on together. Students are expected to:

  • pay attention

  • follow instructions

  • sit patiently, if needed, while waiting for others to finish before moving to the next step

  • take care of the art supplies, and only use them on the project at hand (i.e., not on the tables, etc.)

  • respect the feelings of other students in class.

  • respect the working space of other students in class.

  • follow all safety rules

• Homework – Students will keep a sketchbook and do at least one sketch a

week throughout the year to document their growth and experiences. I will

also help students create a portfolio of their in-class work. Photographic

portfolios can be created as well if parents need digital records of their child’s

work throughout the year

 

CLASS TITLE:  Super Habits 

Ages: All

Class Length:45 minutes

Teacher Contact: Chery Peterson, drcherylpeterson@gmail.com

Cost: Free for Members, $10 per family for non-members

Payment:  Cash or check

Course Description:  Start your day with purpose, play, and powerful habits! Super Habits is a dynamic, movement-based class designed to energize students of all ages while building a strong sense of community and boosting executive function skills. Each session begins with a warm greeting and a shared habit focus, drawing from the 16 Habits of Mind by Bena Kallick and Art Costa. 

• Through cooperative games, large-body movement, art activities and reflective practice, students will explore habits like persistence, managing impulsivity, and thinking flexibly—all while connecting with peers in a fun and supportive environment. This course promotes self-awareness, leadership, and teamwork through engaging activities in the gym and classroom. 

• Older students have the opportunity to lead and mentor younger learners, modeling strong habits and helping to grow a positive, inclusive co-op culture. Whether you’re new to Super Habits or returning for more, this version adds an exciting twist with more movement and community-building challenges!

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