Explore the wide world of stop-motion animation with CinemaKidz! Children utilize a variety of materials to build props, characters, and fantastical mini-movie sets to feature in original stop-motion animation films. Experiment with combining live action with animation, as well as effects like drawing on each frame, and utilizing green screens and stock footage. Children learn to create their own sounds and special effects to add to their shorts as they work in post-production finishing their animated shorts. Kids will explore various stop-motion and digital animation techniques, and create a variety of both 2D as well as 3D projects to be shared with families. INSTRUCTOR: CinemaKidz is a Brooklyn-based youth arts STEAM program, offering children ages 5 -15 the opportunity to explore the world of film, animation, and media arts in an engaging and interdisciplinary manner.
We use art to learn about nature, and nature to learn about art! Drawing, sculpting, painting, arts and crafts, and activities of all sorts foster the students' relationship with the natural world and their inner artist.
INSTRUCTOR: This class is taught by Mr. Dan, a visual artist and educator based in New York. He is enthusiastic about all things art and nature, and he encourages the same in his students.
Children will have a blast exploring various materials and modalities while exploring their creative side in this mixed media arts class.
PREREQUISITES: Understand that your children may come home messy after using paint, markers, and clay. INSTRUCTOR: Abby Roberts spent over a decade teaching art and working with children and families as a Program Coordinator at the local YMCA. She is a child enthusiast and enjoys teaching and promoting growth, learning and creativity, which she has loved bringing to the children at Park Slope Afterschool Center for years. An extremely caring and compassionate teacher, Ms. Roberts is also a mom of four.
An amazing theatrical, musical experience where kids design and create a personality for their very own puppets. Kids then bring puppets to life by recording their voices on songs while preparing for a one of a kind, end of program musical performance! It's like a real life Pinocchio story!
INSTRUCTOR: Marc Herstein, aka Mr. Marc, Park Slope Brooklynite, educator, and highly sought out family entertainer has a gift in fully engaging children and retaining their ongoing participation. Marc brings over 20 years of live performance, songwriting, beat production, video production, event production, and audio engineering experience to a wide array of programming for pre-k through middle school-aged children. To date Marc has taught at over 15 Brooklyn elementary schools including Park Slope's PS 321, PS 118, PS 372, PS 10.
Join our exciting afterschool basketball class, where elementary students will have fun while learning the fundamentals of the game. Through engaging drills and friendly scrimmages, kids will develop essential skills like dribbling, shooting, and teamwork in a supportive and energetic environment. Perfect for young athletes of all skill levels!
Capoeira (pronounced ka-po-ay-ra) is an Afro-Brazilian art form that fuses dance, music, self-defense and acrobatics. Capoeira class creates a space where kids can be playful, animated, graceful and unique in a safe, fun and disciplined environment.
WHAT TO BRING OR PREPARE: Activewear and water bottle
INSTRUCTOR: Romulo Leite of the Brazilian Association for the Support and Development of the Art of Capoeira will lead this class. Romulo, originally from Rio de Janeiro, is a former professional soccer player with over 10 years of experience in teaching soccer and martial arts for kids and adults.
In this class, students will learn basics of cheerleading and how to work together. They will learn and practice dances and simple routines, jumps, basic stunts and beginner gymnastics.
INSTRUCTOR: Taught by Afterschool's beloved Coaches Ms Diane and Ms Katie!
Grouped by skill level and age, children will grow through sections beginning with Head Start™ for absolute beginnings, Advancing (planning a game), and GM Inspired tactics™ (diabolical). All levels will emphasize the fun and sport of the game. Promotions within sections will automatically occur during the semester.
Dance Advance: Educational Dance Party • Grades 1 - 5
A high energy educational dance party with a twist of French language, music history, cultural infusions, academics, and exciting challenges. This exciting program ends with a grand finale dance party, prizes, and Dance Advance certifications.
INSTRUCTOR: Marc Herstein, aka Mr. Marc, Park Slope Brooklynite, educator, and highly sought out family entertainer has a gift in fully engaging children and retaining their ongoing participation. Marc brings over 20 years of live performance, songwriting, beat production, video production, event production, and audio engineering experience to a wide array of programming for pre-k through middle school-aged children. To date Marc has taught at over 15 Brooklyn elementary schools including Park Slope's PS 321, PS 118, PS 372, PS 10.
Dive into our dynamic dance class where you'll explore a variety of styles inspired by popular school votes! From the latest hip hop moves and groove-worthy rhythms to the elegance of theater jazz, this class offers something for everyone. Whether you're eager to dance to energetic beats, master new techniques, or refine your performance skills, our versatile curriculum ensures fun and growth. Join Miss Ashley's dance class to discover your favorite style, improve your coordination, and build confidence through movement.
INSTRUCTOR: Miss Ashley has been teaching dance for the last 10 years in Puerto Rico, Florida and NYC. She is excited to continue her journey to teach young students how to appreciate dance in all its forms.
The classes are designed as a full linguistic immersion experience, led by experienced native French speaking teachers. Students will explore their environment throughout the session, incorporating visual and physical activities that make learning a new language fun and engaging.
INSTRUCTOR: Brooklyn Beanstalk is an arts-driven educational organization offering specialized Spanish and French language immersion classes and creative enrichment programs through arts and performances, to children aged 16 months throughout elementary grades, childcare centers, playgroups and private settings all across NYC. Brooklyn Beanstalk is committed to fostering the critical thinking of students by creating a fun, interactive learning environment that promotes development and a long lasting love of languages and the arts.
Futsal is a mini version of soccer that originated in Brazil. It was developed in Brazil due to the lack of soccer fields. Futsal consists of 10 players (5 players in each team) and uses a smaller, but heavier ball with less bounce. Since Futsal is held in a smaller space indoors, it requires the players to develop great teamwork, fast reactions, and accuracy. Students will learn futsal rules and tactics. Join us for a dynamic and engaging futsal experience that will help your child grow as an athlete and a team player. Whether they are new to soccer or looking to refine their skills, our Futsal kids class is the perfect place to kickstart their passion for the game!
INSTRUCTOR: Romulo Leite is a former physical education teacher and professional soccer player from Brazil, with a strong background in martial arts and fitness. He has been teaching at P.S 107 after school since 2013.
In our 5th Grade Garden Buddies program, older students take the lead in planting, tending, and harvesting while mentoring younger gardeners. Together, they grow skills, confidence, and a love for nature—one seed at a time.
INSTRUCTOR: Jonathan Blumberg is a former PS 107 parent and experienced gardener.
In this hands-in-the-dirt workshop, children learn about growing healthy plants, indoors and out. The seasons shape activities as fall brings cool-season crops and bulb planting; winter involves indoor growing; and spring, a celebration of germinating seeds, beautiful salad greens... and bugs! Participants will learn about an urban vegetable garden: how soil, water, light, temperature, plant and animal communities’ work and about creating a healthy environment for crops in the city. This workshop will include garden maintenance and planting in accordance with the seasons; and sustainable, organic gardening practices.
INSTRUCTOR: Jonathan Blumberg is a former PS 107 parent and experienced gardener.
Get ready to sing, dance, and shine in Glee Club! In this high-energy afterschool class, students will explore the joy of music through group singing and choreography inspired by both today’s popular hits and timeless musical theater favorites. From Taylor Swift to Hamilton, students will learn vocal techniques, rhythm, movement, and how to perform as an ensemble, all while building confidence and having fun. No prior experience is needed, just a love of music and a willingness to express yourself! Glee Club will culminate in an informal performance to celebrate all we've learned. Perfect for students who love to move, groove, and make music with friends! Lindsay Hinojosa is an actor, singer, improviser who has taught in NYC schools for nearly 20 years. As a performer she has toured the US and Canada, worked in Regional theaters, Off Broadway and was a fixture in the downtown theatre scene. Performing mostly in Musicals and Improv Comedy, she has also written and produced numerous shows and puppet performances. She has taught and performed/directed with the award winning Story Pirates since 2012 (including here at 107 back in the day!) she can be heard doing crazy characters on their very popular podcast. Lindsay has also taught with ArtsConnection, the Creative Arts Studio, Brooklyn Children’s Theatre, and Queens Theatre. She is currently the Performing Arts teacher at an elementary school in Lower Manhattan. In addition she has taught private vocal performance, and coached drama and vocal students in MS/HS audition prep here in Park Slope since 2006. She holds a BFA in Acting from Syracuse University. She loves nothing more than helping kids to find their voice while providing a safe space to be their own wonderful, creative, unique selves. Her favorite role however is that of Mom to an awesome PS 107 kiddo (and a future Bald Eagle too)
Students will learn to create and edit images using Adobe Photoshop. We’ll learn how colors, shapes, and type combine to make captivating designs that express ideas. We’ll share them with each other in print and on screen and talk about what makes them work. As a final project at the end of the year, each student will design and print their own unique t-shirt.
INSTRUCTOR: Zak Greene is a web developer and teacher who has been with PSACC since 2015. His company, Shed, provides interactive design and development services for media companies, architecture firms, cultural institutions, and nonprofits. Through Shed Foundation, Zak works with a small network of teachers to provide tutoring, training, and classes for kids and adults. Learn more at https://shed.nyc
For students who are interested in reading age-appropriate graphic novels and manga and who want to further explore the genre. This class aims to foster literacy by reinforcing the idea of reading for enjoyment. The PSACC's extensive graphic novel library includes many classic series as well as current, popular titles to help young readers branch out and discover new books and authors. Books can be checked out on a weekly basis. There are also materials provided if students wish to create their own graphic book, although this is not the primary focus of the class. Please enroll your child only if you know they will be able to participate in the class as described.
INSTRUCTOR: The class is led by Kristin Earhart, a graphic novel enthusiast and PS 107 parent herself.
Improv Troupe is a fun and creative workshop teaching the building blocks of improv. Students will be introduced to the fundamental aspects of improvisation through theater games and exercises. They will learn how to work moment to moment by being grounded in their bodies and activating their impulses. In a safe and supportive environment, they will work together as an ensemble, building trust, and focusing on the concept of “Yes, and . . ."
INSTRUCTOR: Brooklyn Acting Lab has been a PSACC partner since 2007 and we are thrilled to be back this fall. At BAL, our creative work is rooted in play and imagination. Our after-school theater classes are designed to encourage creativity, inspire and empower.
Into The Future provides young people who have a passion for imagining, creating, and building objects and ideas from their imagination to life. Each week we journey together into a future filled with endless possibilities, created by the very hands of our aspiring world builders- young people.
Into the Future uses an age-integrated model that works with 1st through 5th graders. Each “FutureTime” lesson incorporates a relevant theme or topic from today, delves into the history, and shares visions for the future. Themes like The Future of Transportation, The Future of Housing, and the Future of Cupcakes provide a range of fun and informative topics with an invitation to young people to build their own objects and solutions for the future. Through hands-on, interactive projects, we help young people turn their ideas into reality, preparing them for a future using key mindsets of imagination, creativity and innovation.
The kids Jiu Jitsu program is specially designed for children. Kids classes integrate fitness, self-defense, and basic Jiu-jitsu techniques. Our program emphasizes motor and social skill development through basic movements, coordination drills, and enjoyable skill-oriented games. Program objectives and curriculum highlights: - Instill self-discipline and confidence - Enhance coordination and agility - Introduction to beginner Jiu-Jitsu techniques - Engaging in coordination drills and movements - Explanation of core values - Comprehensive training for children in martial arts, focusing on physical and mental development. - Great focus on fun
INSTRUCTOR: Romulo Leite is a former physical education teacher and professional soccer player from Brazil, with a strong background in martial arts and fitness. He has been teaching at P.S 107 after school since 2013.
This workshop is a creative space for children to practice the first steps in the craft of acting. Through a collective theater-making process, they will uncover and explore a world of their own making onstage. This class will navigate basic acting techniques for the voice and the body while working to craft a new piece of theater inspired by the ensemble.
INSTRUCTOR: Brooklyn Acting Lab has been a PSACC partner since 2007 and we are thrilled to be back this fall. At BAL, our creative work is rooted in play and imagination. Our after-school theater classes are designed to encourage creativity, inspire and empower.
Do you have a big imagination or love to tell stories? Are you curious about the world around you and like to ask questions? Then this class is for you!
In the Jr. Journalism Club, students will explore different kinds of writing—from fun stories and poems to exciting news articles. We’ll learn how to write with detail, ask great questions, and share information in a way that others will enjoy reading. Students will:
Create their own short stories, poems, and comics
Learn how to write simple news articles and interview classmates
Practice revising and sharing their work with others
Work together to publish a mini class magazine or newsletter
This class is perfect for young writers who want to express themselves and learn how writers help people stay informed. Let your creativity shine!
Journaling is the practice of writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a journal. It's a form of self-expression and self-reflection that can help with feeling identification, emotional regulation/emotional processing, and personal growth. Junk Journaling is a creative and therapeutic form of art journaling that involves making a unique book using repurposed and recycled materials like old books, magazines, momentos, keepsakes and other ephemera. In this course, we will work on creating our own personal Junk Journals while having FUN. We will combine writing, arts/crafts, drawing, poetry and more to create our own junk journals. Students will work on their journals weekly, adding a page or two each week. We will reflect on their week, their feelings or anything else that comes up in each journal "entry". At the end of the group, they will keep their journals and hopefully continue this practice at home.
The group will be led by Ms. Loreta, P.S.107's School Social Worker. Ms. Loreta holds a MSW from Columbia University and has been a licensed LMSW for the past 15 years. She has worked as a school social worker in the DOE for the last 11 years. She has experience working with early childhood through adolescence, supporting social emotional learning, behavior management, and understanding the intersections of multiple identities and how they impact students educational experiences. She also has been journaling since a child and understands the importance of using this type of practice for emotional and personal growth.
In this program, children will explore various needle arts, including, but not limited to, knitting crochet, loom knitting, finger knitting and weaving and needlepoint. Through exploration, we can determine the craft/crafts that are best suited for each child. Needle arts use both sides of the brain and help develop logic, creativity, fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and focus. Due to the repetitive motion of needle arts they are calming and meditative. Like any new repetitive motor skill (writing, playing the piano) mastery of the needle arts is achieved by practice. Daily practice of at least 20 minutes per day is ideal; however, mastery and other benefits can be achieved with as little as 20 minutes, three times per week. During the semester the children will work on individual projects and a least on group project.
First + Second Grade: First graders will learn finger knitting, arm knitting and finger crochet with each skill culminating in a finished project. The children will also complete seasonal projects for Christmas, Hanukkah and Valentine’s Day, etc. while learning weaving, needle point and basic embroidery.
Third, Fourth and Fifth Grades: Returning students and those with previous experience with needle arts will advance to more complex needle knitting, crochet and needlepoint projects. New students will start with finger knitting and arm knitting and progress to basic needle knitting. All students will complete individual projects and one group project.
A fun and upbeat experience where kids learn how to practice and play yoga! Children will engage in interactive games, specialty kids yoga poses, and storytelling classes that will awaken their imagination, self-expression, and creativity. They will learn not only the benefits of yoga, but also enjoy creating community with fellow classmates, through an uplifting and co-creative environment.
INSTRUCTOR: Llamaste Family Yoga is a locally owned studio and brand based in Brooklyn, New York, servicing the Gowanus, Park Slope and other surrounding neighborhoods. Founded 10 years ago by Bill Ades, himself a father, grandfather and husband, he brings with him a highly experienced and personable team of certified children’s and family instructors to provide a playful and positive experience onto the yoga mat for kids of all ages.
"The only thing I love more than performing for an amazed audience, is sharing the art of Magic" - Liam Malanaphy
In Magic and Performance, the emphasis will be on cultivating a performance that is grounded in the wonder one feels when first seeing an amazing trick performed. The trick itself should eventually become a vehicle for sharing that feeling. In sharing magic performance with young people, one of the most fundamental things for them to understand is the enormous difference between knowing how a trick is done, and knowing how to do a trick. More than any specific tricks or talents, this class will seek to teach performance. We will be constantly performing for one another. This is often uncomfortable, even for otherwise technically accomplished students. Having performed my highly interactive show for many years, I am quite familiar with reluctant participants. I never push a student who is resistant, but through encouragement and incremental participation, every child shares the joy of participation. Even if a student just wants to learn to perform for her family, she'll leaving feeling confident in her skills.
INSTRUCTOR: Liam Malanaphy has been performing since grammar school, and working professionally since junior high. When he saw other students singing, acting, and playing music at his school’s 7th grade talent show, he knew he wanted to be up there performing his magic tricks. His goal is to bring that enthusiasm to the students at PS 107.
Mindful Sports multi-sports classes can include traditional team sports and creative physical education games. Engaging creative play, athletics, and mindfulness training help children have fun, stay safe, and learn the foundation of valuable social and emotional skills.
Students will create animations and games with MIT Scratch. Scratch is a platform and online community developed by MIT that is designed to teach kids to write code. We’ll learn basic programming concepts like loops and conditionals, and how to break complex ideas down into small steps. When projects are finished, students will have the opportunity to share them with the class and the online Scratch community, and receive constructive feedback from their peers. Scratch allows for boundless creative potential, so there’s always something new to learn even for experienced Scratchers.
INSTRUCTOR: Zak Greene is a web developer and teacher who has been with PSACC since 2015. His company, Shed, provides interactive design and development services for media companies, architecture firms, cultural institutions, and nonprofits. Through Shed Foundation, Zak works with a small network of teachers to provide tutoring, training, and classes for kids and adults. Learn more at https://shed.nyc
Students will create animations and games with MIT Scratch. Scratch is a platform and online community developed by MIT that is designed to teach kids to write code. We’ll learn basic programming concepts like loops and conditionals, and how to break complex ideas down into small steps. When projects are finished, students will have the opportunity to share them with the class and the online Scratch community, and receive constructive feedback from their peers. This class is for students who have at least one year of experience with Scratch, ideally in a class setting. Occasionally small groups will be allowed to deviate from Scratch if they choose and use other platforms such as Neocities.
INSTRUCTOR: Zak Greene is a web developer and teacher who has been with PSACC since 2015. His company, Shed, provides interactive design and development services for media companies, architecture firms, cultural institutions, and nonprofits. Through Shed Foundation, Zak works with a small network of teachers to provide tutoring, training, and classes for kids and adults. Learn more at https://shed.nyc
Embark on a captivating journey through Greek and Roman mythology with CinemaKidz! Gods, heroes, and mythical creatures come alive through stop motion and live action films. Kids will dive into a classic myth of their choice to remake: building props, ruins, characters, costumes, and monsters. Once we've learned and practiced the FUNdamentals of Art Direction and Filmmaking from start to finish, participants then make their own Odyssey, as they write, plan, direct, and act in a short mythological film project to be shared with families.
Get ready to be inspired and imaginative with a variety of exciting art projects! In this class your child will learn new techniques while having the freedom to explore and cultivate creativity and their inner artist.
INSTRUCTOR: Taught by beloved Kindergarten teacher Ms Sheri, who has a true passion for art and is teaching this class for the 6th year!
A two hour outdoor adventure in Prospect Park! Children will explore the Park observing the natural world around them closely. We will use field guides to name our discoveries and draw and write about them. We will then share this new information with our classmates and magnifying glasses will be used to see close up.
PREREQUISITES: This class is a full 2 hours. Families MUST COMMIT to the full two hours their children will be at the park. Children in this program WILL NOT receive homework help on the afternoon they attend Naturalist club. Families must be committed to assisting their child to complete homework on Naturalist Club attendance days.
WHAT TO BRING OR PREPARE: Activewear and water bottle. Children must dress appropriately for hiking outside in all kinds of weather.
INSTRUCTOR: Nat Club is taught by Becky Hutcheson. Ms Becky has been with PS 107 for two years and has taught Naturalist Club for us and teaches classes at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.
This class invites kindergarteners to explore and learn from the natural world. We venture out from the urban landscape and into that of the beautiful Prospect Park, where they are free to play, imagine, and create. It combines the magic of nature with the magic of being a kid!
WHAT TO BRING OR PREPARE: Activewear and water bottle. Children must dress appropriately for hiking outside in all kinds of weather. INSTRUCTOR: This class is taught by Mr. Dan, a visual artist and educator based in New York. He is enthusiastic about all things art and nature, and he encourages the same in his students.
Where young imaginations can soar in the enchanting world of Pokémon & storytelling! In this creative movie making workshop, kids will delve into the art of storytelling, drawing inspiration from their favorite Pokémon characters and class gameplay. Participants will explore how to craft their own Pokémon tales, from epic journeys to heartwarming friendships, as we start each class with a Pokemon card game that inspires the story we build. They'll brainstorm creative plots, develop original characters, and even build their very own Pokémon teams! The young filmmakers will bring their favorite Pokémon to life, as they immerse themselves in the captivating world of film production and special effects. Kids will design costumes and film a short narrative that blends hand drawn and animated settings and backgrounds with live-action performances and exhilarating special effect power-ups added in post-production! The course will culminate in an extraordinary mixed-media video project to share with family.
Students will build, and take home, a new robot project each class! But not some boring metal thing - we’re talking whimsical robots that light up, drive, wiggle, float, spin, or do something else that kids love! STEAM learning is the core of this amazing hands-on class, but it’s the emphasis on fun and creativity that make this such a popular program.
INSTRUCTOR: Brooklyn Robot Foundry has been offering creative STEAM programs for children and adults at their locations throughout New York City since 2011. Their signature Robot Builders classes take all of the best aspects of art, engineering, and design, and combine them into a super fun, hands-on building experience.
Kids move, dance, shake, and use their imaginations to the songs of Rolie Polie Guacamole, as well as many well-known classics.
INSTRUCTOR: Rolie Polie Guacamole frontman Frank Gallo has amassed a vast catalogue of songs over the last 18 years which he uses to curate a top notch music and movement class that encourages kids to sing, dance and shake (shakers & themselves!) along to the music.
School Newspaper Club - "The Five Day Week" • Grades 4 + 5
Calling all writers, photographers, and creative thinkers! Join our School Newspaper Club and become part of the team that keeps our school community informed and inspired.
In this after-school class, students in Grades 4 and 5 will work together to create a digital and print edition of our school newspaper. From reporting on school events and interviewing teachers and classmates, to writing opinion pieces, drawing comics, and snapping photos—there’s a role for every voice and talent.
Students will:
Learn the basics of journalism and storytelling
Develop writing, editing, and collaboration skills
Use digital tools to design and publish each edition
Take pride in creating something that informs and unites the school
Whether you dream of being a journalist, love taking photos, or just have something to say—this is your chance to be heard! Let’s get publishing!
Girls Soccer has a mission to provide more representation for girls in soccer and inspire them to get involved in the world's most popular sport. Your child will go off site for this program. For safety, all pickups must be done at PS 107 and cannot be done from the park. Romulo Leite, originally from Rio de Janeiro, is a former professional soccer player with over 10 years of experience in teaching soccer and martial arts for kids and adults.
Co-ed soccer warmly welcomes all children into our program regardless of developmental progress or skill level. This program is outrageously fun for children. The focus will be on individual training and drills and the children will have fun in a friendly manner, without competition or pressure to win. Your child will go off site for this program and cannot be picked up early. For safety, all pickups must be done at PS 107 and cannot be done from the park.
INSTRUCTOR: Romulo Leite, originally from Rio de Janeiro, is a former professional soccer player with over 10 years of experience in teaching soccer and martial arts for kids and adults.
In this group, we will focus on strengthening our social emotional skills. This will be a safe place to have children express themselves with fun games and activities focusing on promoting self-regulation skills, developing skills to identify and express their feelings, building meaningful connections with their peers, problem solving skills, conversational skills, emotional recognition, building resilience, and improving coping strategies. This program is a 10-week cycle.
INSTRUCTOR: The group will be led by Ms. Toni, P.S.107’s School Psychologist. Ms. Toni. holds a Master Degree in School Psychology from Long Island University and has been working as a School Psychologist for the past 4 years. She has experience working with children and adolescents, including those with learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, and neurodivergent students. Her work has included close partnerships with families, school personnel, and other service providers to ensure that interventions are consistent, integrative, and manageable across settings. Ms. Toni looks forward to bringing fun activities and games to help strengthen social skills.
Discover a new language while traveling around the world! Learn about music, food, cultural festivals and iconic places from Spanish speaking countries. Keep your notes updated and your world map in sight, you are about to become a Spanish speaking globetrotter without leaving home. Our classes are led by experienced native teachers. Children will explore different themes throughout the session, incorporating visuals that make learning a new language fun and engaging. These classes are appropriate for children of all levels.
INSTRUCTOR: Brooklyn Beanstalk is an arts-driven educational organization offering performing arts and language immersion programs for children. Since 2009 Brooklyn Beanstalk has been serving thousands of children and their families in NYC through schools as well as cultural and community institutions. Founded by performing and teaching artists, Beanstalk developed an articulate and creative program to offer children the opportunity to integrate another language as a natural extension of their understanding of others and the world by engaging children by connecting with their sense of wonder and delight and innate love of play.
Star Factory: Hit Song and Music Video Production • Grades 3 - 5
Guided by a Rolling Stone Magazine and Billboard Chart featured musician known to us as Mr. Marc, singers and songwriters form a group, record a song and make a music video! There will also be a screening and/or live performance at the end of each semester.
Story Play is an immersive dramatic play class where children will engage in storytelling by using their bodies, voices, and imaginations. This is an active class where children will move, dance, sing, and act.
INSTRUCTOR: Brooklyn Acting Lab has been a PSACC partner since 2007 and we are thrilled to be back this fall. At BAL, our creative work is rooted in play and imagination. Our after-school theater classes are designed to encourage creativity, inspire and empower.
Stories come to life in this interactive dramatic play workshop! Physical theater, movement exercises and games create an environment for the rich kinesthetic play that this workshop offers. With an emphasis on the basic structures of a story, this workshop will leave your kids excited to continue reading, playing and imagining for years to come. We will be exploring stories that spark magic and wonder while creating our own original stories as well!
INSTRUCTOR: Brooklyn Acting Lab has been a PSACC partner since 2007 and we are thrilled to be back this fall. At BAL, our creative work is rooted in play and imagination. Our after-school theater classes are designed to encourage creativity, inspire and empower.
In this unique after-school opportunity, students in Grades 4 and 5 will take on the role of Tech Buddies—mentors and leaders who support younger students (Grades 1 & 2) in their early coding and digital learning experiences.
Using iPads, Code.org, and CodeMonkey Jr., Tech Buddies will guide their younger peers through the basics of block-based coding, helping them problem-solve, stay engaged, and build confidence. They will also assist during our creative Minecraft for Education sessions, modeling collaboration and safe digital citizenship. As Tech Buddies, students will:
Build leadership, patience, and communication skills
Deepen their own understanding of coding and digital tools
Serve as positive role models within our school community
This program is perfect for responsible, tech-savvy 4th and 5th graders who enjoy working with others and are ready to step into a mentorship role while continuing to grow their own digital skills.
INSTRUCTOR: The class will be led by Marybeth LoPorto, who brings her 20 years of teaching experience at NYCPS and 12 years at PS 107, including running her afterschool Technology class for most of her time at PS 107 and serving as the former Technology teacher at our school for three years.
In this after-school technology class, students in Grades 3–5 will dive into the exciting world of computer science and digital creativity using iPads and a variety of engaging platforms. We’ll begin with block-based coding using Code.org and CodeMonkey Jr., where students will develop problem-solving skills and learn core programming concepts in a fun, visual way.
As students build confidence, they’ll transition into early text-based coding with CodeMonkey, exploring the basics of Python—one of the most widely used programming languages in the world today. Through playful challenges and hands-on activities, students will learn sequencing, loops, variables, and more.
Each session will end with 10 minutes of exploration in Minecraft for Education, where students can apply what they've learned in a collaborative digital environment—whether by coding in-game challenges, building virtual structures, or engaging in creative problem-solving tasks. This class encourages curiosity, teamwork, and a love of learning through technology, preparing students with foundational coding skills and digital literacy for the future.
INSTRUCTOR: Marybeth LoPorto, with her 20 years of teaching experience at NYCPS and 12 years at PS 107, including running her afterschool Technology class for most of her time at PS 107 and serving as the former Technology teacher at our school for three years, will be leading these classes. Her dedication and expertise, proven by her extensive experience, will ensure that your child receives the best possible education in these subjects.
In this after-school technology class, our youngest learners in Grades 1 and 2 will begin their journey into the world of coding and digital exploration using iPads and fun, age-appropriate tools. Students will start with block-based coding through Code.org and CodeMonkey Jr., where they’ll solve puzzles, build sequences, and learn the basics of logic and programming in an engaging and playful way.
We’ll focus on building foundational skills like pattern recognition, problem-solving, and collaboration—all essential for future success in technology and beyond.
Each session will end with 10 minutes in Minecraft for Education, where students can explore creative thinking, teamwork, and digital design in a safe, educational environment. This class is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and plant the seeds of a lifelong love for technology and learning.
INSTRUCTOR: The class will be led by Marybeth LoPorto, who brings her 20 years of teaching experience at NYCPS and 12 years at PS 107, including running her afterschool Technology class for most of her time at PS 107 and serving as the former Technology teacher at our school for three years.
This class promotes healthy eating, running and walking. Designed for children who want to develop their running skills. ITINERARY: Class runs weather permitting in Prospect Park and moves to the Armory for Jan-March. All children must be transitioned through Afterschool at PS 107 to this class and be picked up from PS 107. Due to safety concerns, no children can be dropped off or picked up from the park. NOTES:
The number of children able to participate is limited, and is dependent on parent volunteers running each week to maintain safe adult-to-child ratios while off-site.
Alumni should meet Coach Katie and Coach Mary in Prospect Park.
WHAT TO BRING OR PREPARE: Activewear and water bottle.
INSTRUCTOR: PSACC Athletic Director Diane DiTonno-Gilhuley will lead this class in Prospect Park along with Coaches Mary Vines, Katie Coombe, Jennifer Tirado, Sharon Rauceo and Leslie McCleary.
Put on your lab coats and secure your goggles- it's time for some wacky science with CinemaKidz! From mixing magic potions and making a slime monster come to life with stop motion, to cave diving for georocks, dissecting frogs, or building bottle rockets - anything is possible in Weird Science Television! Working together in lab teams, kids will learn, then demonstrate and show others how to make mind-blowing experiments and more for their kid-run science show. Using their science skills, these creative kids will create their own Bill Nye-inspired TV show to be shared with families.
This class focuses on video production elements to make polished short videos that kids are passionate about. Content may include creating how-to videos, product reviews, TV shows, gamer videos, blogging, skits, animations, and more. Participants learn the skills and techniques necessary to create professional and polished videos that engage and educate their audience and friends. Skills covered include: performance, lighting, camera shots, editing, marketing and promoting a brand, finding unique content, and other relevant skills. A great class for beginners as well as the more advanced video makers. The class will also highlight privacy, and staying safe on the internet. Additional Notes: Final videos are shared with families, CinemaKidz does not upload any content to Youtube, etc.
INSTRUCTOR: CinemaKidz is a Brooklyn-based youth arts STEAM program, offering children ages 5 -15 the opportunity to explore the world of film, animation, and media arts in an engaging and interdisciplinary manner. We offer afterschool classes, in-school workshops, summer and vacation camps, weekend workshops and more.
