5a. CHECstra Day for Tweens

Interdisciplinary learning for tweens

CHECstra Day for Tweens offers 9-12 year olds a mixture of academic development, interest-led project work, and life skill building. The program is intended for tweens who are interested in digging deeper into core academics with other tweens. We emphasize interactive problem-solving, research and presentation skill building, and a cooperative and respectful learning environment. This program has been a huge hit amongst our teens and tweens!

MindQuest
This spring session, our academic study will focus on US Geography! Students will deepen their knowledge of our country with hands-on activities involving mapping, scavenger hunts, survival games, and more.

Looking ahead for those planning for future terms, a Health Science Unit is planned for in-depth study for those who enroll in fall term CHECstra Tween Day.

LifeLab
Learning happens best when our needs are met. LifeLab is aimed at giving students the tools they need to feel successful in life. Areas of focus may include: social emotional education, physical fitness, cooking, cleaning, field trips and more!

Passion Project
This portion of the day will cover project-based study where students work collaboratively with support from adult project guides. Project focus is TBD and considers student input. Past projects have included: Commercial Advertisement, Artist Recreations, and Board Game Creation.

General CHEC class dates are listed separately on this page. Please reference the following modifications to that schedule for this class only:CHECstra Tween will meet on the following schedule > TUESDAYS: 3/18, 3/25, 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/13, 5/20. Scheduled breaks on 4/1 and 5/6.

CHECstra Tween runs from 10-2, however, students are invited to come at 9:30 or stay until 2:30 pm for optional extra social time. Note that this is time instructors use to set up and clean up, so students joining for flex time must be independent and not require extensive adult
supervision.

Questions?
For further information, please contact the instructors at [email protected].

Instructor: Erica Shackelton

Erica Shackelton is a passionate educator with a B.S. in Elementary Education from Weber State University in Utah. With experience teaching 4th grade at two public schools in Virginia, Erica transitioned to a full-time Educational Nanny role for a wonderful family, dedicating many years to personalized educational support and enrichment. After starting her own family in Charlottesville, Erica and her husband moved to New York City, where she began homeschooling their children. Her commitment to innovative education led her to co-pilot a cooperative forest school in Prospect Park, fostering a love of nature and learning in young minds. Following six enriching years in the city and an adventurous year of nomadic travel through the western states, Erica and her family returned to Charlottesville in 2022. They have since become active members of the CHEC community, where Erica is excited to bring her diverse experiences and enthusiasm for education. Her journey reflects a deep dedication to nurturing curiosity and growth in children, and she is thrilled to contribute to the vibrant learning environment at CHEC.

Instructor: Coach West

I have been teaching and coaching children and families through Westcity Soccer in the Cville area for the past 10 years. As a former Division 1 College Coach and former 2 Sport College athlete, I provide students with insight and training into what it takes to compete at the highest level. I implement a personalized coaching and training approach with each student. I follow a curriculum for teaching technique, tactics, fitness and mental aspects of team sports with emphasis on American football and soccer. I support each player in the moment, aiding in their complete development over time. I provide a teaching and learning environment where each student can succeed.