Activities and Workshops

While homework completion is our focus, students also take part in our special classes and activities, conducted by highly qualified instructors, which improve academic performance and thinking abilities.

Mathematics
We at Rutherford AfterSchool pay special attention to disciplining the mind and promoting logical thinking through the study of mathematics. We use numerical and word problem challenges to stimulate the mind, to advance critical thinking and to consolidate a child’s understanding of mathematical principles. As a result, children master their math programs at school, gain confidence in their thinking skills, and become flexible, independent problem solvers.

Chess
A game of chess from the arrangement of pieces on a chessboard to the actual game against an opponent is an invaluable tool in the enhancement of memory, strategic thinking, and understanding of motion geometry. The competitive aspect of chess aids in the child’s emotional development, in that children gain positive social skills by learning the rules of fair play while also learning how to handle their wins and losses appropriately. The art, science, and sport of chess are powerful sculptors of children’s minds.

English Language Arts and Literacy
We understand that the development of solid communication abilities is of paramount importance for future success. ELIGOR AfterSchool helps children become keen readers who read with interest and enjoyment. To this end we provide guided reading and comprehension exercises, foster an analytical approach to ideas presented in writing and encourage students to use those ideas creatively, either in class discussions or in their own writing. In the Language Arts and Literacy program children learn to express their own ideas in various forms of poetry and prose, and to exercise better usage, more variety, and greater creativity in their written and oral communication.
We train students with more advanced reading skills (grades 3 and up) in speed reading. Speed reading does more than just teach children to read faster; it accelerates the rate at which the mind processes information, and improves learning abilities through increased focus, improved memory, and a more organized thought process.

Youth in Engineering and Science (SciTech workshop)
Children explore science and technology with enthusiasm when they have the unique opportunity to build working models of engineered devices themselves. ELIGOR Afterschool offers a high-tech, hands-on program where children learn about light, sound, electricity, physical science, engineering, and chemistry. Kids learn the practical reality behind the seemingly easy cyber world where results are obtained at the push of a button. The YES program incites the curiosity of children by engaging them in educational and enjoyable activities that teach them to work with useful tools, such as the soldering iron, screw driver, smoothing file and the like. Additionally, the Youth Engineering and Science program allows children to practice their hand to eye co-ordination and precision of measurement and movement, while teaching them the value of orderliness and exactness.

Visual and Cyber Arts
In our Visual Art program children learn to communicate creatively through shapes and colours and to interpret the messages conveyed by the visual images they encounter. Visual Art provides an outlet for imagination and self-expression and gives children more confidence in their abilities. Drawing and painting also help children improve their coordination and precision abilities.
Cyber Art teaches children to use computer graphics tools to produce innovative images, create effective presentations, and make their own programs and games. The ability to operate and express ideas through cyber art technologies is extremely valuable in our world of increasing technological sophistication. As they develop a familiarity with Macromedia tools, children will use computer graphics applications to complete their school projects. In addition to giving children technical skills, the visual and cyber art program encourages creative thinking and innovation.

Smart Fun

Brain Quest
At Rutherford School we let kids apply their knowledge as they play fun quizzing games, competing against one another or team against team. Kids flex their brains while playing Brain Quest which contains random questions in the subjects of mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, and culture at each grade level. This challenging and competitive game stimulates the mind and promotes an appreciation of knowledge and learning.

Encyclopedic Knowledge for Kids
Children have a far vaster capacity to absorb and retain bits of information than most adults. Encyclopedic Knowledge for Kids is an activity where children are presented with bits of information in numerous encyclopedic subjects, including history, geography, art, and science. By remembering the information bits, which are categorized by subject, children develop their knowledge in particular fields of study. Encyclopedic Knowledge for Kids is an excellent way to acquire knowledge; but, most importantly it is an exceptional means of training the memory and utilizing kids’ immense capacities to memorize.

Robotics
In the Robotics program at ELIGOR students design and build their own robots, and also learn programming and presentation software. Robotics effectively demonstrates the application of math and science in engineering. Through curiosity and experimentation children overcome obstacles and find innovative solutions to challenging technology problems. Children gain valuable skills in project and time management, problem solving, resource allocation, systems understanding, and team work.
Furthermore, students of Robotics at ELIGOR have the exciting opportunity to participate in international tournaments with the First Lego League International.

French Literacy Program
Children who are proficient in two or more languages generally perform better on measures of verbal and non-verbal intelligence. Studying a second language in elementary school is instrumental in generating more diversified cognitive abilities. In the French Literacy program at ELIGOR reading skills are transferred from one language to the other. Children gain knowledge of French through listening and speaking, which also forms a good foundation for reading and writing.