Morningside Presbyterian Preschool
Extra Curriculum Classes
Creative Movement Program
The Three-year-old and PreK classes will participate in Creative Movement activities on a regular schedule each Friday throughout the school year. Deena Riley, long-time PreK teacher at MPP leads these classes. Creative Movement classes encourage fine and gross motor skill developments, song and rhythm, and cooperation among students in a fun-filled, free-flowing environment. Introduced are basic pre-gymnastics skills, such as hopping, jumping, and balancing, with use of balls, scarves, and streamers; drama and dance interpretation fostering an appreciation for classical and upbeat music; seasonal songs; and parachute play. Deena’s goal is to plant a seed for a love of movement in your children by exposing them to a variety of activities throughout the year.
MusiCanopy
MusiCanopy is a division of The Music Class Inc., an international music education company developed by Rob Sayer, renowned music. Suzanne Aloisio, a Music Class teacher, instructs the two year olds at Morningside and their teachers. Suzanne is a professional educator with over twenty-five years experience teaching young children. She earned Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Child Development and Special Education from the University of Georgia. She served as head teacher at the Glenn School for Young Children. In addition to teaching music, Suzanne has played the oboe, glockenspiel, and piano and has sung in church and community choirs.
Science Discovery
Children in the Threes classes have weekly exposure to science experiments which are taught by Ms. Meredith Smith. Her experiments with the children will explore topics related to the class themes and they will get plenty of time with gardening and learning about our beautiful creation.
Spanish
Belkis Sykes, a native of Panama, teaches Spanish to Three-year olds and PreK every week. Using interactive and artistic activities, Belkis engages the children in Spanish basics and moves toward more comprehension and speaking skills as the year goes forward. Belkis has taught young children for over 10 years, first in Cincinnati then here in Atlanta.
In addition to our own enrichment classes conducted during the school day, the following independent organizations offer after school classes:
Art
Ms. Denise Varnadoe (former MPP twos teacher) and Ms. Anna Benefield from 2 Crafty Chicks are offering an Art class for threes and PreK This class will focus on the creative side of your children. They will learn about famous children’s illustrators and create works of art inspired by these illustrators. They will read stories and participate in other activities around the theme of the day. This class is offered on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. For more information contact http://www.twocraftychicks.com for more information.
Ballet
This year Creative Movement and Dance is offering a Tap-Ballet class to children ages three and up and who are potty-trained. The class is divided with 20 minutes of tap and 25 minutes of ballet. Since ballet is the basis for all dance technique, the combination works hand in hand. Tap-Ballet is scheduled for Mondays from 1:05 to 1:50 p.m. Register online at http://www.creativemovementanddance.com .
KidzTennis
Yes, tennis is alive and well at MPP! KidzTennis introduces children to the sport of tennis in a fun, safe, challenging and rewarding manner. Tennis fundamentals, social skills, sportsmanship and more are taught in this fun class. KidzTennis utilizes a USPTA certified curriculum. This class will be for children 2.5 through 5 and is offered on Fridays from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. Email coach@kidztennis.com or call 404/569-8048 for more information.
MusiCanopy
In addition to instructing the Two-year old classes, Ms. Suzanne Aloisio will offer MusiCanopy as an after school option for Threes and PreK on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. Register online at http://www.TheMusicClass.com/Atlanta, or by calling 770/645-5578.
Playball
This program is offered for Pre-K and Threes. Playball engages the children in learning basic fundamental sports skills progressing to mini games of tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, and volleyball. Offered by coaches who are trained by educational and sports experts, their philosophy is to teach positively, creatively, patiently and with a lot of fun. Playball is scheduled for Tuesdays (Threes) from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and Thursdays (Fours) from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. To get more information and to register, email Connie at frankel220@bellsouth.net.
Yoga
Kim Williams offers yoga to Pre-K and Threes every week on Monday mornings from 8:15 to 8:45. Yoga encourages children to focus on their breath, relaxation techniques, and provides a new way of channeling their energy. Ms. Kim, a long-time MPP teacher, is a certified Hatha yoga instructor with 3 years experience teaching both children and adults. Ms. Kim can be reached at twos1@morningsidepc.org.
