ENRICHMENT

Specials Classes, Field Trips, Guest Speakers & Workshops

Visual Arts Studio

Early Childhood

30 Minutes Weekly

Kindergarten & Elementary

2 Hours Weekly: Instruction & Studio

The focus is on the introduction and practice with a broad range of art media and forms. The children's projects have themes based on classroom studies coordinated among the guides. And while there is an emphasis on the process of creating art and exploration with medium, the children create dynamic projects to take home!

Theater Arts

Early Childhood - Elementary

Talent Show (December)

Bilingual Play Production (April)

Children are invited to develop their talents and to learn new skills in dramatic arts. Guides facilitate stage presence for voluntary performance in the annual talent show, and auditions are held for the annual bilingual English/Spanish children's play. Three months of rehearsals prepare the actors as well as back stage creators to produce a show attended broadly by the community!

Watch our productions carried out virtually and filmed for health safety:

Alice in Wonderland (2020)

Luna (2021)

Sports Movement

(Physical Education)

Early Childhood

30 Minutes Weekly

Kindergarten & Elementary

2 Hours Weekly

The children are guided in the introduction of sports skills while developing their balance, agility, flexibility and hand-eye coordination. They learn game rules, teamwork and working towards their individual achievement.

Castle Island participates in the Fall and Spring running competitions sponsored by the Just Run Capital Region Chapter.

Dance Movement

(Music and Dance)

Early Childhood

30 Minutes Weekly

Kindergarten & Elementary

1 Hour Weekly

The children are guided in dance introduction with an emphasis on movement rooted in Afro-Latin origins, including Flamenco from Spain and traditional dance from West Africa. They strengthen their gross motor muscles while developing rhythmic awareness and skills moving with music.

The children perform at the annual Talent Show (Dec) and in La Feria de Español (May).

Outings

(Field Trips*)

Early Childhood

Three Trips Each School Year

Elementary

Monthly

The children curriculum studies are enhanced with their outings into the world. We have access to many enriching places to visit within walking distance in Downtown Albany! Regular trips include:

Ladder 1 Historic Fire Station
New York State Museum
New York State Capitol Building
Albany Public Library - Main Branch & Howe Branch
Albany Institute of History & Art
Corning Preserve on the Hudson River
Radix Center: Urban Agriculture
Governor's, Cherry Hill and Schuyler Mansions

*We are hopeful to resume Field Trips again for the 2021-2022 School Year.

Guest Speakers

(Including Parents)

Early Childhood

Monthly

Elementary

Monthly

The children benefit from learning about adult work from volunteers who present their expertise from a broad range of knowledge and skills. These presentations provide a model for children as they learn about a variety work that adults love to do! Guides invite professionals from the community, including current and alumni parents to present their professions or hobbies, providing an opportunity to the children to learn and ask questions directly to the expert.

Workshops

Elementary

4-6 Week Sessions

The children in the Elementary Community participate in workshops throughout the year to practice a variety of activities. Here's a sample: