Youngsters can learn chess moves, work together to build Lego projects, and take cooking courses, all under the purview of a course offered by the YMCA.
On a rainy Tuesday afternoon last week, some children from the Englewood Cliffs district took part in the cyber robotics class offered by the program. Guided by their teacher, the group of boys and girls paired up and tried to construct a Lego carousel, learning teamwork, patience and the basic skills of matching up pieces according to the instructions.
Regional Childcare Director for the YMCA Amelia Griffiths said the "enrichment program" was founded approximately 10 years ago in reaction to the abolishment of many vocational/technical courses.
The enrichment program is offered by the Meadowlands YMCA at various locations throughout three counties in New Jersey, one being the Upper School in Englewood Cliffs.
Patti Keethe, who teaches the "little chefs" course, said the program for district children in kindergarten through Grade 8 offers kids "a place to go to learn different things."
In addition to the cooking class, the courses include cyber robotics, chess, sewing, golf and sculpting.
One of the program’s teachers, Sotiria Reglas, teaches chess to the youngsters. Despite the fact that they are learning the difficult game at such an early age, she says the children pick up the moves surprisingly quickly. Even if they lack the foresight to predict their opponents’ moves, the children learn other valuable lessons, said Reglas.
"They learn to be patient, take their turn, wait and think about what to do," she said.
In addition, the game provides a basic life lesson.
"[They learn] there are other strategies they can use to get where they want to get to," said Reglas who says she sees improvement in the children who stick with the program, which is offered once a week for eight sessions.
Courses range in price from $110 to $160 for hour-long, eight-week sessions.
Parents interested in learning more about the program may call Enrichment Supervisor Cindy Rottini at 201-955-5300, ext. 12.
E-mail: wilde@northjersey.com or call 201-894-6706
