Homebase
Our unique after school program at our Oakland Facility
At Homebase we strike a balance between a nurturing relaxed experience kids may have at home, an academic learning community like at school, and camp-like fun found during the summer.The three hours between school letting out and family time can either revitalize and stimulate children or drain and frustrate them. Our program, created and run by a veteran teacher, is designed to make the most out of these afternoon hours.
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Take a peek at how we spend our time!
Down tim
e –
Literally, kids have a chance to lie down and relax in our living room on the couch, rug, or bean bags. It is a comfortable place to hang out with legos, read, or play games with staff and friends.
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Community time –
This is built into everything we do. Whether in the van onthe way to the studio, over snack, while doing crafts, playing air hockey & Wii or in our gym room, everybody has a chance to check in about challenges and triumphs of their day. These are times when team-building and bonding is encouraged through guided activities and shared celebrations. Everything from mastering the monkey bars to acing a test gets “air-time.”
Academic time –
When you enroll in our program we check in with you about your child’s specific academic strengths and weaknesses so we know how best to support them with homework completion. We partner with you to arrange how much time should be spent on work and which assignments have priority. The program director, Marielle Cammarata, veteran elementary teacher of 11 years, or Jade Rivera, Montessori certified teacher with expertise in teaching gifted and special needs learners, help with homework completion. Sometimes students sit down to work at the same time, sometimes work is individualized. We respond to the needs of those in our program.
Craft time –
Weekly projects are a highlight of our program. Students have less and less time at school to be creative and our projects are varied enough to capture most everyone’s interests. Japanese paper marbling, needle felting, tie-dying, candy making, sewing hats with our sewing machine are just a few favorites. Students have free access to crafting supplies to follow their own inspiration as well.
Gym Room / Outside Time-
Our kids have access to our amazing gym room at least one hour a day and many days it is available all afternoon. Aerial silks, rope swings, elastic hammocks and more are available to burn energy and have fun with friends. When the gym room isn’t available, we often go outside to play on our play structure.
Pretend Time –
We have a pretend play area that ALL ages enjoy. It is not uncommon to find a 5th grader playing store with a kindergardener. We have a play store and kitchen, doll house, American Girl Dolls, pet shops, horses and doll houses.
Dance, Gymnastics, Circus Arts & Theater Class Time –
Those in our program have the option to participate in Kids ‘N Dance and Theater Arts’ award winning classes at 50% off. Staff walks them to their class and afterwards they return to pick up where they left off with friends. We invite you too look at the variety of classes posted on our on-line schedule.
