Chess- Beginner 1 (Wed)  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 4

Two armies. One battlefield. Infinite possibilities. Across a checkered board, two mighty monarchies prepare for battle. In this legendary clash of kings and queens, which side will triumph in a test of wit, patience, perseverance, and strategy? Students will explore the logic and thrill of the timeless game of chess under the expert guidance of an International Chess Master. Whether you're a budding tactician or a curious beginner, prepare to sharpen your mind and rise to the challenge. In Beginning Chess, students will use the Foundation Level curriculum developed by Grandmaster Babaev for his GMChessPrep program. During Quarter 1, the goal is to build curiosity and understand basic orientation and historical context. The class will touch on the history of chess including origins in the ancient east, its spread through Europe, and a case study of chess player Paul Morphy. Students will learn chess board basics such as set-up, files, ranks, corners, white vs. black camp, the demarcation line, and king side versus queen side. Highlighted pieces will include the King and its importance and movement and the Pawns' structure, movement, and basic promotion. Learning and playing chess promote problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self-esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent part on instruction and part on playing time in practice matches with classmates while the instructor gives tips and reminders. Compass chess students will be given access to GMChessPrep's online portal for virtual chess practice opportunities between classes. Also, students who are absent can request a make-up session during a regularly scheduled GMC online evening group class.

Chess- Advanced Beginner 1 (Wed)  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 4

Two armies. One battlefield. Infinite possibilities. Across a checkered board, two mighty monarchies prepare for battle. In this legendary clash of kings and queens, which side will triumph in a test of wit, patience, perseverance, and strategy? Students will explore the logic and thrill of the timeless game of chess under the expert guidance of an International Chess Master. Whether you're a budding tactician or a curious beginner, prepare to sharpen your mind and rise to the challenge. In Advanced Beginning Chess, students will use the Explorers Level curriculum developed by Grandmaster Babaev for his GMChessPrep program. During Quarter 1, the focus is on history, basic strategy, and endgame fundamentals. The class will explore deeper historical facts and the evolution of the game of chess including chess cultures (India, Persia, Arab world, and Europe) along with the featured players Steinitz and Lasker. Students will learn about the three phases of the game- opening, middle game, and endgame along with endgame scenarios of King v. King + Knight (draw), King vs. King + Bishop (draw), King + Queen vs. King (basic checkmate), and King + Rook vs. King. Learning and playing chess promote problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent part on instruction and part on playing time in practice matches with classmates while the instructor gives tips and reminders. Compass chess students will be given access to GMChessPrep's online portal for virtual chess practice opportunities between classes. Also, students who are absent can request a make-up session during a regularly scheduled GMC online evening group class.

Chess- Intermediate 1  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 3

Two armies. One battlefield. Infinite possibilities. Across a checkered board, two mighty monarchies prepare for battle. In this legendary clash of kings and queens, which side will triumph in a test of wit, patience, perseverance, and strategy? Students will explore the logic and thrill of the timeless game of chess under the expert guidance of an International Chess Master. Whether you're a budding tactician or a curious beginner, prepare to sharpen your mind and rise to the challenge. In Intermediate Chess, students will use the Strategists Level curriculum developed by Grandmaster Babaev for his GMChessPrep program. During Quarter 1, the focus will be on history, classical champions, and endgame strategy. The group will examine the history of chess since the 20th century , styles from classical to hypermodern, and chess as a global, intellectual sport. The will examine the approaches of three champions: Jose Raul Capablanca, Alexander Alekhine, and Vera Menchik. The class will learn about endgame strategies including a checkmate with two bishops, vertical, horizontal, and diagonal opposition, and king + pawn vs. king, king on 6th rank, and winning and drawing zones. Students will practice drills with increasing complexity. Learning and playing chess promote problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent part on instruction and part on playing time in practice matches with classmates while the instructor gives tips and reminders. Compass chess students will be given access to GMChessPrep's online portal for virtual chess practice opportunities between classes. Also, students who are absent can request a make-up session during a regularly scheduled GMC online evening group class.

Little Learners Preschool (WED, SEM 1)  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 1,2

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 3

Can your little one settle for story time? Share, smile, and socialize during play? Follow fun, familiar directions? This one-morning, 2-hour program is a "taste" of preschool for homeschooled youngsters. Young children will learn and play in a small group with an experienced child developmental specialist/preschool educator for this dynamic program that offers regular interaction and socialization. Your little one will enjoy being with same-aged peers, building independence, and tackling new skills for a few hours each week. Little Learners Lab will introduce foundational concepts needed for future learning such as pre-reading skills (such as letter recognition); pre-writing skills (such as tracing or highlighting); and pre-math skills (such as colors, patterns). This play-based and language-based program will feature circle time, seasonal themes, songs, and stories. Games and free play time will allow young children to practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Activities that incorporate multi-modalities and strengthen fine motor skills will be introduced. A mid-morning break consisting of a small snack (such as goldfish crackers, teddy grahams, or animal crackers) and water will be furnished at each session. The teacher will also provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week. Little Learners Lab Preschool is offered in three weekly sessions: Tuesday morning, Wednesday afternoon, and Thursday morning. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for 1,2,or 3 sessions. As a learning lab, Compass may invite 1-3 high school students, ages 13+, to serve as classroom aides and learn about early childhood education/development. Readiness: Students must be age 3-1/2 (42 months) by the start of the session (no exceptions). To be successful in this program, entering preschoolers must be able to do the following: (1) separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to voice needs or requests; and (5) be completely potty trained and able to use a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.) with minimal oversight of a classroom aide. Other Notes: -There is a $40.00 material fee for class consumables due payable to the teacher on the first day of class. -Parents must remain at Compass while their children are in preschool. -Registration for this program is by 14- or 16-week semester with priority registration for continuing students. -Parents who are shopping around or applying to alternate preschool programs should review the Compass withdrawal and refund policy.

Ultimate Magic Academy: Radical Red Wand  Add to Cart

Quarter(s): 1

Day(s): Wed

Open Spots: 3

Curious coins, baffling balls, confounding cards, and puzzling papers! Students will learn tricks of the trade from a professional magician using a custom, magical Compass curriculum! Each week, kids will learn how to perform a unique magic trick! Students will practice and perfect the illusion in class so they can come home and mystify their friends and family. Students will unlock the secrets to clever magic tricks like:

• Cut & Restored Rope - a classic with a surprise ending
• Multiplying Bunnies - the cutest magic trick in the world
• Ribbon Fantasy - a colorful ribbon jumps around like magic
• Gremlin Vase - Is there a ghost holding a piece of rope captive?
• The Magicians Insurance Policy - this trick guarantees the magician will know what card you selected
• The Mystery Cup - a small ball vanishes and reappears inside an empty cup

For each trick, students will receive a professional quality magic prop to take home to build their magician's toolbox. Along with the actual magic, students will discuss a life skill each week that is essential to a good magician (and student) such as public speaking, presentation skills, practicing, being prepared, and reading their audience. Magicians who complete the class will receive a certificate and a red magic wand. Collect all 8 wand colors! There is a $45.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day of class. Topics in this series: Radical Red Wands (Quarter 1); Orange Wand Wonders (Quarter 2); Yellow Wand Illusions (Quarter 3); and Glittering Gold Wand (Quarter 4).