The Kid Connection University Electives

Language Lab is a small group class designed to help young readers strengthen their reading skills using the proven Orton-Gillingham method. In this supportive environment, students will build phonemic awareness and reading readiness through fun, hands-on activities that make learning to read easier and more enjoyable.

This class is perfect for children with dyslexia or anyone who needs extra support to boost their reading fluency and comprehension. Each lesson is personalized to meet the unique needs of every student, with pacing that ensures progress at the right speed for them. Whether you join once a week or three times a week, this class is here to help you succeed!

Study Labs are a wonderful and supportive way for students to learn and grow in all areas of academics.  Sometimes students need a little extra support in a specific unit of study or class, and the study lab at TKCU is the perfect place! Whether prepping for a big project, working on organization skills, writing a paper, or just getting a little extra support in a specific class subject area, we have you covered!

Study Labs are a wonderful and supportive way for students to learn and grow in all areas of academics.  Sometimes students need a little extra support in a specific unit of study or class, and the study lab at TKCU is the perfect place! Whether prepping for a big project, working on organization skills, writing a paper, or just getting a little extra support in a specific class subject area, we have you covered!

Our student leadership elective is an opportunity for students to develop leadership skills by organizing and carrying out school activities and service projects. The student leadership is the voice of the student body and they'll have a hand in planning events that contribute to school spirit and community welfare. This elective will help students create service projects and present ideas to each other and their student body.

Need a little more time to get things done on Mondays and Fridays? Why not extend your time with a power hour! Children who are enrolled in both study lab and power hour will attend from 9am- 12pm. From 11-12pm we will have enrichment activities, board games, art and more! Come join the fun!

Get ready for a fun, hands-on adventure in the Messy Lab! This class is all about getting creative and making a mess while learning. We’ll mix, squish, and experiment with all sorts of fun projects—like making ooey-gooey slime, fizzy volcanoes, colorful paint splatters, and stretchy dough! Each week brings a new exciting activity where you’ll get to explore, create, and get your hands dirty. If you love science, art, and don’t mind a little mess, Messy Lab is the place to let your imagination run wild and have a blast!

This science elective is a mandatory Group 9 Biology requirement. This science elective is also only open to Group 9 Biology students.
We will utilize our Monday elective time to work on the experiments in Berean Builders and experiments that Ms. Jen finds helpful to enrich your student’s biology experience.
The experiments include extracting DNA from fruit, examining the effects of temperature and pH on enzymes, exploring osmosis and diffusion, exploring which macromolecules are in samples of food or beverages, culturing bacteria, microscope experience with analysis of prepared slides, analyzing the structure of plants and animals, and dissections.

Step into a world of imagination and creativity with Dramatic Play Adventures! Through fun, hands-on play, your child will get to explore exciting roles like a chef whipping up gourmet meals, a veterinarian caring for furry friends, or a firefighter bravely putting out fires.

Each week, your child will dive into a new themed dramatic scene, bringing their stories to life while developing essential motor skills and expanding their vocabulary. Along with the imaginative play, kids will enjoy themed sensory bin activities to further enhance their learning through touch and exploration. Dramatic play is not just fun—it's the foundation for building future learning and social skills!

Step into the exciting world of technology with Coding for Kids! Designed for curious minds aged 8-11, this elective introduces students to the fundamentals of coding through interactive lessons, fun challenges, and creative projects. Using beginner-friendly platforms like Scratch, Tynker, and Blockly, students will learn how to create their own games, animations, and stories while developing key problem-solving and logical thinking skills.

Beginning Traxxas is designed for students who did not build a Traxxas car in the Fall, or who loved it so much they want to build another one similar with a different body design. The car build will take most of the elective semester, but those who finish early will be able to tweak and learn how to best navigate through obstacle courses and controlling the speed. This elective will result in a RC car to take home and a full understanding on how they are built and how to repair and maintain them.

Calling all future rockstars and orchestra maestros—Melody Makers is your ticket to an unforgettable musical adventure! In this fun-filled class, you’ll dive into the world of music, exploring the different instrument families that make up an orchestra. You’ll learn the difference between tuned and untuned instruments (spoiler: they’re both awesome!), and get a crash course in the basics of reading music.
You’ll be learning to play the recorder! Get ready to blow some tunes and maybe even master your first song. Whether you’re a total beginner or just brushing up on your skills, this class is all about having fun while making music.
And the best part? We’ll be celebrating the gift of music that God has given us! Alongside our instrument learning, we’ll spend time worshiping and singing praise songs, lifting our voices and hearts in joy. Music is such an amazing way to connect with God, and we’re going to have a blast doing it together!

Get ready to unleash your imagination and become a LEGO Master Builder! In this exciting class, you'll tackle fun challenges, design creative builds, and work together to bring your ideas to life using LEGO bricks. Whether you're constructing towering skyscrapers, designing intricate vehicles, or inventing your own unique creations, each week will sharpen your problem-solving skills and encourage teamwork.

LEGO Master Builders is all about inspiring innovation, fostering creativity, and having a blast while doing it. Discover the designer, engineer, and inventor within you as you explore endless possibilities with LEGO!

"Oh the thinks you can think" when you enter the work of Dr Seuss and all of your favorite stories collide, Seussical is found. We are excited to continue to partner with Anderlin Arts as our students take Anderlin Arts' drama and speech courses to guide students from the beginning and develop their abilities so that they can share their God-given talents with their family, their neighbors, their community, and the world. Let's make Seussical come to life! *This elective requires both days for attendance. The musical is subject to change based on enrollment.

"Puzzle Mania" caters to puzzle enthusiasts aged 11 and up, offering diverse challenges. From word searches, word scrambles, word code breakers and riddles, to a variety of hands-on puzzles, participants engage in mental exercises to enhance their skills. Participants will be able to work independently or with a friend. With its mix of traditional and interactive puzzles, "Puzzle Mania" ignites a passion for problem-solving beyond the classroom.

Get ready to unleash your creativity in this hands-on Photo Editing & Graphic Design elective using Procreate! Whether you're into creating stunning graphics, editing photos, or designing your own digital masterpieces, this class has everything you need to level up your design game. You’ll learn the ins and outs of Procreate, the go-to app for digital artists, and discover how to turn your imagination into eye-catching designs.
We’ll cover the basics of photo editing, including color correction, retouching, and enhancing images. Then, we’ll dive into graphic design principles like composition, typography, and layering, helping you create everything from digital posters and logos to social media content and artwork. By the end of the course, you’ll have a digital portfolio filled with original designs that showcase your unique style!

Imagine a class where you learn to be a life-hacking ninja—welcome to Home Economics of the Future! Here, we’ll explore the ultimate life skills you need to thrive in a world where creativity meets practicality. From cooking delicious meals that would make a top chef jealous to turning old clothes into trendy, one-of-a-kind outfits, this class is all about empowering you to be self-sufficient and resourceful.
DIY isn’t just for Pinterest! You’ll master how to make eco-friendly cleaning products, build your own furniture, and even grow your own mini-garden at home. Want to learn how to sew a button or hem a pair of jeans? No problem!
Get ready to learn the art of smart budgeting, create cozy living spaces with DIY décor, and whip up delicious meals that are both healthy and Instagram-worthy! Plus, you’ll even dabble in tech-savvy solutions for managing a household. It’s life skills, but make it fun, creative, and totally you!

Reading Lord of the Rings as a "gateway" to reading and understanding great literature. Students will learn to look for hidden meaning, themes, and subtext while reading books that are somewhat easier to digest and (at least in the teacher's opinion) so enjoyable you can barely put them down. We will also learn new vocabulary (Tolkien was a linguist, and helped write the Oxford English Dictionary!), discuss some common terms from literature study, learn a little bit about Professor Tolkien, and trace the footprints of Frodo and Sam, trying to get a true sense of just how far their journey was.

Math is awesome when you’re having fun! In this playful and interactive class, we’ll explore numbers, shapes, patterns, and problem-solving in exciting new ways. From fun games and hands-on activities to creative challenges and puzzles, your child will discover that math is everywhere! Whether we’re counting with colorful objects, solving mysteries, or playing math-based games, this class will help kids build confidence in their math skills while having a blast. Making Math Fun is the perfect way to spark a love for numbers and learning!

There are so many amazing stories in the Bible that are important for even our youngest students to hear so they know the foundation of who our great God is. In this elective, we will introduce students to both Old Testament and New Testament stories that laid the foundation of who we are in Christ and how great God is.

Welcome to Mini Maestros, where little musicians get to explore the exciting world of music! In this fun-filled class, you’ll learn awesome worship songs, discover how God gave us the amazing gift of music, and find out how we can use it to bring joy to Him and ourselves.

We’ll dive into cool musical topics like how sound is made, the different instrument families, and even take a peek into the instruments of the orchestra! You’ll also learn some basic singing skills and explore all kinds of music, from classical to modern tunes. Plus, we’ll play games and do fun activities every class to keep the good times rolling!

If you enjoyed Crafty Creations in the fall, just wait for what part 2 of this class has for you! Whether it’s creating purple scenes with Harold and his purple crayon, making paper pizzas with Tony and Big Nino or creating googled eyed monsters with Max on his boat to Where the wild Things are — art, crafts, and creations go hand in hand with a good story. Each week we will enjoy a read aloud or two and then create something inspired from the pages. It’s always a fun time with different art mediums.

Who doesn’t love space? The NASA STEM Club appeals to kids who are fascinated by the final frontier. In this series of fun interactive classes, kids learn a wide range of topics related to space science, NASA, and other STEM skills. In each session, kids learn new concepts related to space and science, then apply them to small projects and games to reinforce those concepts.

Come join the fun in Stitch It Up, where you’ll learn the awesome skills of knitting, crocheting, and sewing! In this class, we’ll teach you how to create your own cozy scarves, colorful hats, cute stuffed animals, and even fun little accessories. Whether you’re looping yarn with your crochet hook or stitching fabric with a needle, you’ll learn step-by-step how to make amazing handmade projects.

No experience needed—just bring your creativity and excitement to learn! Stitch It Up is the perfect place to have fun, relax, and discover the joy of making things with your own hands!

Do you love a good argument or enjoy speaking in front of others? Speech and Debate is the perfect class for sharpening your communication skills and boosting your confidence! In this elective, you'll learn how to craft persuasive speeches, present compelling arguments, and engage in lively debates on a variety of topics.

Through fun and interactive activities, you'll develop critical thinking, research, and public speaking techniques that will help you excel both in and out of the classroom. Whether you’re passionate about current events or enjoy the art of persuasion, Speech and Debate is a great way to strengthen your voice and sharpen your mind!

Advanced Traxxas is designed for students who completed the Beginning Traxxas elective prior and who are ready to take on a bigger challenge. The build is more in depth and students will be taught connections with real life car systems while building the ultimate rock climber 4WD transmission RC car.

Students will learn how these cars work, the design and making of sturdy tires, shocks that will allow these cars to handle obstacles and more will create a great learning environment. This elective will result in a RC Crawler car to take home and a full understanding on how they are built and how to repair and maintain them.

Ready to become a health hero? In this fun and interactive elective, you'll learn how to fuel your body like a pro! Discover the secrets of creating delicious, nutritious meals and snacks that give you energy to take on the world. Get hands-on with cooking challenges, smoothie-making contests, and even taste-test your creations!
But it's not just about food! You'll explore how to stay active and energized with fun fitness routines, relaxation techniques, and tips for mental wellness. We’ll dive into food science, discover the truth behind food labels, and learn how to make smart choices that keep your body and mind in top shape.

In this exciting and creative elective, students will explore the world of mixed media art by using a variety of materials such as paint, glue, photos, and more to recreate and reimagine famous works of art. This course encourages students to think beyond traditional materials and techniques, pushing them to develop unique interpretations of well-known masterpieces.

With an emphasis on creativity and experimentation, this class will inspire students to blend textures, colors, and materials in innovative ways, fostering a fresh perspective on art and self-expression.

Get ready to strengthen those fingers and hands in the Grip and Go Fine Motor Lab! In this fun and interactive elective, students will participate in activities designed to enhance their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. From crafting and building to games and puzzles, each session offers new challenges that make learning exciting.

Perfect for students who want to improve their handwriting, master the art of precision, or just enjoy hands-on projects. Join us to grip, grasp, and go to the next level of fine motor mastery!

Technology plays an essential role in our daily lives, shaping how we learn, communicate, and solve problems. In this hands-on and creative elective, students will embark on an exciting journey through various forms of technology designed to foster critical and creative thinking. Throughout the course, they will explore coding using diverse robotics platforms, experiment with stop-motion animation techniques, and bring their imaginations to life with green screen technology. Each lesson is thoughtfully designed to engage students in practical, project-based learning, ensuring they not only gain valuable technical skills but also develop problem-solving abilities—all while having fun and expressing their creativity!
This elective is perfect for sparking curiosity, building confidence in technology, and preparing students for the digital world.

Seamless" is a study that allows us to learn about God's love and grace and how they're woven together using Scripture.  This weekly elective will provide preteen / teenage girls with a Bible overview and allows us time to explore overarching themes in Scripture, specifically for girls wanting to deepen their knowledge of Scripture or for new believers who are wanting to see how the themes from the Old and New Testaments are connected. 

This study will give the girls an opportunity to answer the questions “Who is God?” and “Is the Bible a resource of truth?”  The beauty of this study is that it covers major events from the Bible, tying them together into the greater story of Scripture. The goal is to lead girls to a complete understanding of God’s story as seen from Genesis to Revelation.  

This is semester 2 of our boys Bible study. In this class, guys will be guided through Kingdom Men Rising by Tony Evans. They will dive deeply into the heart of a man and challenges he may face, they will learn how to stand in the face of temptation, embrace the role God has made him for, live with integrity, love with ferocity, and to be the man God has made him to be. And it all begins when we stop making excuses. Students will receive a study book and a Bible to keep.

Welcome to career day Thursdays!
Every Thursday during elective time, one or two individuals from the community will come in and speak about their careers.
Why is this important?
Expose students to a variety of careers and jobs by connecting them with business partners.
Provide a realistic picture of the workplace.
Help students make the connection between school and the workplace
Help students make a more informed decision about which career they want to pursue.
Allow a question and answer session after each presentation.
The list is subject to change, however here is a projected career highlighted list:
-Nursing
-Engineer (Software)
-Engineer (Mechanical)
-Army/Marines/Airforce/etc.
-Police Officer/Firefighter
-Collin Community College Programs
-Cosmetologist
-Plumbing
-Auto Mechanic

This elective will be for Ages 12 and up (or with instructor approval)

Sonic Fusion literally means a merging together of sounds - and that’s what we intend to do! In the Sonic Fusion class, students aged 11-16 will be learning about different styles of music, how to sing in a choir as well as how to create digital music. We will be using technology to create percussion and piano sounds while learning about rhythm and beats. If you love to sing, want to learn how to play an instrument and the role technology plays today, then Sonic Fusion could be your perfect fit!

Come experience the world of digital art. Each month students will explore a different free digital art platform, such as Kleki.com, sketchbook, sketchbook pro, and many more. We will be using chrome books and Wacom digital drawing pads supplied by The Kid Connection University. If your child desires, they can bring their own laptop/iPad, tablet, or drawing pad. Digital art is fun, fast and user friendly. This class is designed for ages 9-14 years old. No prior experience is required.

Young students will embark on a colorful journey across the globe, exploring different cultures through art! Each week, we will visit a new country and create fun, hands-on projects inspired by traditional art forms from that region. From African masks and Mexican papel picado to Japanese origami and Aboriginal dot paintings, kids will get a chance to learn about the world while expressing their creativity. This class encourages curiosity, artistic exploration, and an appreciation for the diversity of cultures around the world.

Pack your bags, grab your passport (don’t worry, no real plane ticket needed!), and get ready to travel the world in this exciting adventure called Cultural Explorers! Each week, we’ll “visit” a new country, exploring its music, food, traditions, and fun facts. Ever wonder what kids in Japan eat for lunch, or how people in Brazil celebrate Carnival? Now’s your chance to find out!
From learning how to dance like a pro in Mexico to creating colorful art inspired by Australia’s indigenous peoples, this elective will take you on a journey across continents—without ever leaving the classroom! You’ll even collect stamps in your Cultural Explorer passport along the way. Each class is packed with hands-on activities, crafts, games, and maybe even a few tasty treats!

Get ready to move your hands and raise your voice in this exciting elective! In Sing & Sign, you’ll learn to sing your favorite songs and bring them to life using American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you love to sing in the shower or sign secret messages to your friends, this class is all about making music in a whole new way!
We’ll jam out to fun tunes, explore different vocal techniques, and learn how to sign the lyrics, so everyone can join in the fun. Plus, you’ll get to perform both singing and signing in a special showcase for family and friends at the end of the semester!
No need to be a pro singer or know any sign language—just come with a big smile and a love for music!

Typing is such an important tool to know. In this class, we will focus on teaching students the art of proper typing and work on keyboard location, proper hand placement, and begining to create confidence in typing. Our goal is to have students, but the end of the class able to locate keys without looking and begin their typing confidence to build on with practice to increase speed.

Get ready to get up and move in this high-energy, fun-filled class! Let’s Move! is all about helping kids stay active and healthy while having a blast. From learning new dances and cool moves to discovering fun ways to keep your body strong and fit, this class will keep your little ones on their feet. Whether we’re jumping, stretching, or grooving to music, kids will enjoy brain breaks that help them stay focused and reach their full learning potential. Let’s Move! is the perfect way to combine fitness and fun while building healthy habits for the future!

Yearbook is an exciting class that teaches the basic principles of yearbook production and developing skills in areas such as writing, publishing, interview techniques, digital photography, design, and media. The TKCU yearbook will be published in April and students will use the remainder of the year to develop their own personal yearbook and create an end of year slideshow for our end of year event. To register for yearbook students MUST RECEIVE the prior approval from Ms. Pickles and Ms. Courtney.