Which Classes for Kids?

3 parent questions ▼

Parent Q&A

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  • Which classes for a 9y.o. beginner?

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    Jan 25, 2024

    Hello wise parents,

    My fourth grader has a few interests I'd like to support in constructive ways and would love some ideas from the hive.  

    1-Chinese: my child has been learning Chinese with the DuoLingo app for four years (not heritage speakers, started in person class in 2020 and got stymied by&since Covid). I have been hard pressed to find a class that can support a fourth-grade beginner. Most are more advanced by this age. Suggestions?

    2-Minecraft - super into Minecraft and moderately interested in coding. Are there any clubs or classes that turn this into a social and educational adventure? Or recommended resources for total newbie parents to get involved?

    3-Film making/story telling - anything out there to develop this interest?

    Thanks for your ideas!

    Jan 25, 2024

    For Chinese, you might want to reach out to Hanwen school in Berkeley. Office [at] hanwenschool.org. They have Chinese as a Second Language classes for elementary age kids and might be able to assist. Please also feel free to contact me if you would more info. 

    Jan 31, 2024
    Recommended:
    Hanwen School

  • Evening Activities for an 8 year old Berk/Oak

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    Jul 13, 2023

    Hello,

    I am looking for a class or ongoing activities for my 8 year old son after dinnertime, in the range of 6:30-9. It would be great if he can be in a class or a sports group that meets couple of times a week in the evenings on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

    I'm also open to a private coach or someone willing to teach him a skill on a regular schedule a couple of times a week.

    Thanks in advance for the referrals.

    Jul 13, 2023

    Check out the City of Berkeley activities catalog. There have many classes that meet weekday evenings. 

     Catalog - City of Berkeley Recreation Division (berkeleyca.gov)

    Jul 27, 2023

  • 6YO wants guitar, martial arts, or tap dancing lessons

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    May 10, 2022

    Hello,

    They don't seem entirely related, but my 6 yo has expressed interest in learning how to play the guitar as well as in martial arts or tap dancing lessons.  Does anyone have recommendations?  Also, is guitar an OK starting instrument?  I suggested piano since I know 6 year olds who have started with that, but while he is somewhat interested in piano, he is definitely more interested in guitar.

    Thanks!

    May 10, 2022

    We love our guitar/ukulele teacher Ian Rowe. My daughter started on ukulele at 6 and is switching to guitar now at almost 9. He is fun and funny and also pushes her to do her best. https://www.irguitarlessons.com/

    May 11, 2022
    Recommended:
    Guitar Lessons for Kids
    Ukulele Lessons

    My six year old attends the School of Rock (there are several Bay Area locations). He's in the Rookies program which they get experience with guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, drums, and vocals. They don't have to pick an instrument, and get to play around with all of them and learn simple songs. Once he completes this program he will move into a single instrument (Rock 101 program). He's leaning towards guitar too.

    My other kid is already in the Rock 101 program and on keyboard.

    May 11, 2022
    Recommended:
    School of Rock Berkeley

    I'm not sure about the tap dancing and the guitar, but my family does do martial arts with Studio Naga at the border of Oakland/Berkeley and Emeryville.  https://www.studionaga.com/ Right now the kids classes are outdoors at Hollis Doyle Park, not indoors at the regular studio.  All 3 of my kids (ages 7,12 and 14) go to classes and have been attending since they were small.  Full disclosure, I train too.  So fun.  The community is great, the self defense is great and the people there really care.  Best of luck with your activities! 

    May 12, 2022
    Recommended:
    Studio Naga Martial Arts

    Guitar or uke is a fine instrument to start for 6 year olds. Our kid started piano at age 5 and guitar at age 7. Our kid also does tap dancing at east bay dance center in Glenview. The space is big and has windows and doors open with a heaps filter. Kids are masked. 

    May 20, 2022
    Recommended:
    East Bay Dance Center