"My two sons work with Janel Moses (search her name in the Palo Alto Menlo Park Parents [PAMP] forum and you will see all the outstanding reviews of her teaching abilities) and she is one of the best teachers in the universe. Even my temperamental child looks forward to class with her and she has a wonderful ability to teach to the child's interest, understand their quirks of personality, and fill the hour they spend with her full of love."
- Suzanne, Belmont
- Suzanne, Belmont
Fall 2023 Class Schedule
Virtual and in-person group and private classes.
Enrollment in all classes is per calendar month.
Registration is open now.
Classes are small by design. Spots are very limited.
Course descriptions and scheduling information below.
Please respond to this email for class placement.
I offer private classes for preschool through college.
Please reach out to be placed on a waiting list.
Wishing you a happy, healthy new school year!
Janel
D3: Discern, Debate, Decide
Risk-taking, problem-solving & Spanish conversation
Please note: This class is an intermediate-to-advanced competency Spanish class and is only appropriate for children who can thrive in an immersion environment or have attained a high level of receptive proficiency (comprehension.)
Tuesdays, 5:20-6:00 p.m. on Zoom (Ages 9-13)
Enrollment is monthly and classes begin on September 5, 2023.
D3 is an experiential learning game. Conducted entirely in Spanish, students must use their conversational skills to solve riddles, puzzles and problems, ask questions to assess risks, devise solutions, debate the best course of action, and make collective, democratic decisions that have real (game) consequences.
Through built-in repetition, the game builds both vocabulary and verbal fluency. The gamification of the learning process fosters high levels of motivation and focus while simultaneously building discernment, resilience, grit, collaboration, communication, decision-making, problem-solving and strategy-formulation skills.
For maximum investment in the experience, the students democratically choose the overarching game theme and world-building context.
Risk-taking, problem-solving & Spanish conversation
Please note: This class is an intermediate-to-advanced competency Spanish class and is only appropriate for children who can thrive in an immersion environment or have attained a high level of receptive proficiency (comprehension.)
Tuesdays, 5:20-6:00 p.m. on Zoom (Ages 9-13)
Enrollment is monthly and classes begin on September 5, 2023.
D3 is an experiential learning game. Conducted entirely in Spanish, students must use their conversational skills to solve riddles, puzzles and problems, ask questions to assess risks, devise solutions, debate the best course of action, and make collective, democratic decisions that have real (game) consequences.
Through built-in repetition, the game builds both vocabulary and verbal fluency. The gamification of the learning process fosters high levels of motivation and focus while simultaneously building discernment, resilience, grit, collaboration, communication, decision-making, problem-solving and strategy-formulation skills.
For maximum investment in the experience, the students democratically choose the overarching game theme and world-building context.
Spanish, Music & Motor Skills
Caregiver & Me
Note: For the in-person class, a vaccinated adult must be present with your child.
Please provide proof of vaccination at time of enrollment.
Tuesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m., in person, Palo Alto, CA (Ages 0-6)
Enrollment is monthly and classes begin on August 8.
Contextualizing new vocabulary with a wide range of highly engaging, age-appropriate songs, finger plays, and movement, we work thematically through word groups (i.e. the body, African animals, farm animals, pets, weather), simultaneously emphasizing colors, counting, etc., with the intention of building a broad Spanish vocabulary base.
This class uses humor, puppets, visual aids, movement and a theatrical approach to language transmission. Music is a constant presence in the class and as we intentionally repeat lyrics and melodies, children as young as 18 months begin to sing along.
Caregiver & Me
Note: For the in-person class, a vaccinated adult must be present with your child.
Please provide proof of vaccination at time of enrollment.
Tuesdays, 9:30-10:15 a.m., in person, Palo Alto, CA (Ages 0-6)
Enrollment is monthly and classes begin on August 8.
Contextualizing new vocabulary with a wide range of highly engaging, age-appropriate songs, finger plays, and movement, we work thematically through word groups (i.e. the body, African animals, farm animals, pets, weather), simultaneously emphasizing colors, counting, etc., with the intention of building a broad Spanish vocabulary base.
This class uses humor, puppets, visual aids, movement and a theatrical approach to language transmission. Music is a constant presence in the class and as we intentionally repeat lyrics and melodies, children as young as 18 months begin to sing along.
Mundo de Maravillas
World of Wonders
Spanish, beauty, and the natural world.
Tuesdays, 3:30-4:00 p.m. on Zoom (7-12 years)
Thursdays, 4:05-4:50 p.m., in person, Palo Alto, CA (Ages 5-10)
Enrollment is monthly and classes begin on September 5 and 7 respectively.
We will explore the world's most record-breaking, breathtaking wonders: the hottest volcanoes, the tallest and widest waterfalls, driest deserts, darkest caves, or densest forests. While working thematically and traveling the globe each week, students will acquire both practical vocabulary and a sense of wonder at the profound beauty of our planet. We will ask ourselves the questions, how can we enjoy these places? How can we protect them?
This class works to expand both functional and descriptive vocabulary using auditory, visual and kinesthetic (movement) methods. The class is conducted in Spanish and also includes weekly exposure to Spanish grammar and phonics.
ART AND GAMES IN SPANISH
During each in-person class we engage in both a topic-relevant art project and a game, both of which are designed to foster language acquisition. Each game requires the repetition of the week's target vocabulary as part of the play. The relaxed and focused time provides us with an ideal opening for natural vocabulary acquisition.
World of Wonders
Spanish, beauty, and the natural world.
Tuesdays, 3:30-4:00 p.m. on Zoom (7-12 years)
Thursdays, 4:05-4:50 p.m., in person, Palo Alto, CA (Ages 5-10)
Enrollment is monthly and classes begin on September 5 and 7 respectively.
We will explore the world's most record-breaking, breathtaking wonders: the hottest volcanoes, the tallest and widest waterfalls, driest deserts, darkest caves, or densest forests. While working thematically and traveling the globe each week, students will acquire both practical vocabulary and a sense of wonder at the profound beauty of our planet. We will ask ourselves the questions, how can we enjoy these places? How can we protect them?
This class works to expand both functional and descriptive vocabulary using auditory, visual and kinesthetic (movement) methods. The class is conducted in Spanish and also includes weekly exposure to Spanish grammar and phonics.
ART AND GAMES IN SPANISH
During each in-person class we engage in both a topic-relevant art project and a game, both of which are designed to foster language acquisition. Each game requires the repetition of the week's target vocabulary as part of the play. The relaxed and focused time provides us with an ideal opening for natural vocabulary acquisition.
Archipiélago
Spanish, strategy and resilience.
Thursdays, 5:00 - 5:45 p.m., in person, Palo Alto, CA (Ages 8-12)
Enrollment is monthly and classes begin on September 7.
Archipiélago is an experiential learning game of strategy and survival.
To build a vibrant and sustainable archipelago of islands, students must bounce back from bad luck, capitalize on good luck, manage jewels (money), collect "tesoros del mar" (sea treasures) and building materials, employ immigrants with critical expertise, and build wind-powered gardens, hospitals, libraries, schools, etc.
Collaboration: Everyone Wins or No One Wins
While each player manages their own survival and goals, in order to win the game the entire archipelago must also meet its benchmark goals by May. Communication, cooperation, and collaboration with the other players ensures that the group's mission develops and thrives.
Resilience and Flexible Thinking: Buena Suerte, Mala Suerte - Good Luck, Bad Luck
As they weather bad luck, good luck, and inclement weather, the students will need to adapt to sudden changes in wealth or health, re-configure strategies to address new obstacles, seize helpful opportunities, and develop resilience in the face of unexpected adversity.
Vocabulary Acquisition
Playing the game requires reading and speaking new Spanish vocabulary words constantly. Each set of game cards represents a vocabulary group. The repetition (and excitement) built into this game facilitates solid and lasting acquisition.
Spanish, strategy and resilience.
Thursdays, 5:00 - 5:45 p.m., in person, Palo Alto, CA (Ages 8-12)
Enrollment is monthly and classes begin on September 7.
Archipiélago is an experiential learning game of strategy and survival.
To build a vibrant and sustainable archipelago of islands, students must bounce back from bad luck, capitalize on good luck, manage jewels (money), collect "tesoros del mar" (sea treasures) and building materials, employ immigrants with critical expertise, and build wind-powered gardens, hospitals, libraries, schools, etc.
Collaboration: Everyone Wins or No One Wins
While each player manages their own survival and goals, in order to win the game the entire archipelago must also meet its benchmark goals by May. Communication, cooperation, and collaboration with the other players ensures that the group's mission develops and thrives.
Resilience and Flexible Thinking: Buena Suerte, Mala Suerte - Good Luck, Bad Luck
As they weather bad luck, good luck, and inclement weather, the students will need to adapt to sudden changes in wealth or health, re-configure strategies to address new obstacles, seize helpful opportunities, and develop resilience in the face of unexpected adversity.
Vocabulary Acquisition
Playing the game requires reading and speaking new Spanish vocabulary words constantly. Each set of game cards represents a vocabulary group. The repetition (and excitement) built into this game facilitates solid and lasting acquisition.
Literacy & Pajamas Class (ENGLISH)
Thursdays, 2-2:45 p.m. OR 5:55-6:40 p.m., in person, Palo Alto, CA (Ages 4-6)
Enrollment is monthly. Fall classes begin on September 7.
With funny puppets, engaging imagery for visual learners, rhyming, and word games, we will play with word groups and learn about their functions. This class also helps build hand strength, fine motor skills - each week we work on the hand-eye coordination needed for writing and effective pencil grasp.
The primary goal of the class is to inspire a love of reading and excitement about letters and literacy.
This class is appropriate for all children who have shown an interest in letters and their sounds. It is also designed for children in non-English language immersion programs, and children for whom English is not a first language.
Thursdays, 2-2:45 p.m. OR 5:55-6:40 p.m., in person, Palo Alto, CA (Ages 4-6)
Enrollment is monthly. Fall classes begin on September 7.
With funny puppets, engaging imagery for visual learners, rhyming, and word games, we will play with word groups and learn about their functions. This class also helps build hand strength, fine motor skills - each week we work on the hand-eye coordination needed for writing and effective pencil grasp.
The primary goal of the class is to inspire a love of reading and excitement about letters and literacy.
This class is appropriate for all children who have shown an interest in letters and their sounds. It is also designed for children in non-English language immersion programs, and children for whom English is not a first language.
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