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My kids have done the writing courses for years, and the creative writing class in third grade is especially rewarding and valuable. Heather MacLeod is teaching it again, I believe, and she is a wonderful, warm, encouraging, and thoughtful teacher. Both kids have learned so much and love to write!
Good luck - the application process is a bit complicated, and the deadline is in March, so best get started as soon as possible. You won't be sorry, it's been great for our kids. Parent of writers
For my daughter the class really put her on the road to considering herself a writer. She is now 10 and is an editor for a kid's magazine called Our Words Magazine ourwordsmagazine.com Maybe your son would like to submit a piece to the next issue, deadline March 1st )
Heather also teaches small writing groups, here is her website http://giftedyoungwriters.wordpress.com Good luck! Kristine
I was wondering if someone has used the UC Berkeley Summer ATDP Program. I will have 3rd and 6th graders/girls next summer and I am interested in sending them to this program. The younger one works above grade level and exceeds in math and loves sciences. The older one struggles a little academically. She works very hard to achieve average grades, but she is a hard worker. (1) I am wondering if this program is for top tier academic students or can any child attend it? (2) If your child attended it, did he or she enjoy it and would you send him/her again? (3) Did it help with the academics the following year? (4) How was the social environment for the child during the hours that he/she was there? Thank you. Lisa
I think, academically, it is a great program. I like the intensive study on a particular subject for an extended period. Other science camps in the area tend to do one project a day, then move on to another. I also like how they study the topic in different ways: through books, hands-on 'labs,' with art and songs (esp. for younger kids), etc. My kids have done oviparous animals & tidal pools (K) and the anatomy/ dissection class (gr 3). It was amazing what they learned! My youngest became a true tidal pool expert and was thrilled when he could teach his parents things when we visited the coast, and the older child was doing more dissections & anatomy than I ever got at high school (and never in elementary school).
The two main drawbacks to the program: the times are horrible for working parents, and my eldest did not enjoy the Cal sports camp option, so I only did that once. The oldest was also not thrilled with the idea of doing homework during summer. In fact, the homework wasn't much and not hard, but cajoling your child to do it is annoying.
In terms of getting in, ATDP staff could answer better. It *is* a competitive process (indeed, a bit over the top - it feels like college application in some ways!). For younger kids, I believe the teacher's letter is very important so it depends on whether the teacher sees your child as bright or not. From my (brief!) view, the kids in the classes were good, but they weren't all geniuses. ATDP parent
(1) I am wondering if this program is for top tier academic students or can any child attend it? *Our child is A/B student generally, but the application process required an essay also, as I recall. Also, during orientation, above all, what I remember, was the director saying specifically that ATDP is NOT camp. I took that to mean that the children are expected to work, and do homework if required.
(2) If your child attended it, did he or she enjoy it and would you send him/her again? *Our child did enjoy it, and I believe the class ultimately helped him in his next grade level. We plan on sending him again.
(3) Did it help with the academics the following year? *Absolutely!
(4) How was the social environment for the child during the hours that he/she was there? *Not sure how to answer this, as we really weren't there for the social aspect. It's like any class, sometimes everyone gets along famously, and other times, there's a chance for conflict resolution.
At no time did I have concern over bullying, or the program tolerating inappropriate behavior, if that's what you mean.
Great program, glad we found it, it's NOT camp, it's academic, but delivered in a fun, engaging way. Hope that helps. happy parent w/atdp
Re: Academic summer program for 9 year old
UC Berkeley has a great program- Academic Talent Development Program (ATDP).
It's an excellent, three week, accelerated academic program. Definitely
worth checking out. Kids can pick from a variety of classes, (one class for
the entire session) organized by grade/age. Classes are 1/2 day and you can
supplement with a UC sports camp on site, for a full day. Last year my 9
year old son took an anatomy class. They dissected fresh eyeballs and other
animal organs provided by a local butcher.
Melissa
Re: Summer Camp with academic focus for 8 year old?
The Academic Talent Development Program at UC is great. The application
deadline just passed, but it's possible that not all the classes for his
age are full. It's the last 3 weeks of July.
atdp.berkeley.edu
Re: Summer camp w/academics for incoming 6th grader
not sure if this meets your exact criteria but check out
ATDP (academic talent development) a UC Berkeley summer
program with academic topic choices for each grade level...
held in Pt. Richmond. Our daughter is younger but loved the
class she took last year. They have to apply, get recs., and
do homework but it is also felt fun and low stress.
chris
Re: Physics & engineering for 8 y.o
Check out Cal's Academic Talent and Development Program [ATDP],
run by their school of ed. My 2 kids had a great time last year.
Can anyone tell me what their experience has been with these classes for 9th graders. My daughter is thinking of taking Marine Biology, which meets 2 days a week with 4-6 hours of homework per class. My question is.... is this really a hard pushing academic class? When she was in 6th grade she took a math class which was really fun. I'm wondering if she really needs to be taking a tough class during summer vacation. thanks much.
Does anyone know about the gifted summer camp program at UC Berkeley ? We are thinking about signing up our son. He's 9 (4th grade) and very advanced in math. Does anyone here have experiences with that program ? Kim
My son's kindergarten teacher has recommended that we send him to one of the summer classes offered through the UC Academic Talent Development Program. Can anyone who has send a kindergartner/first grader to the program tell me what the program for that age group is like? The only review on the web site is regarding a high school student's experience. Would you recommend it? Did your kids like it? What is it like? How is it structured? The concept of an "academic" summer program for a six year old gives me pause. Thanks!
Re: summer programs for 15-year-old
I would recommend the Summer Academic Development Program here on
campus. Their web site is: http://www-atdp.berkeley.edu/
My daughter took classes two summers in a row. She adored it. Her
taking a class in mythology totally turned her around and gave her
the direction she needed. She's now a college freshman classics
major.
If you have a child who is very bright but is turned off to the
social aspects of high school this program gives them an opportunity
to really study something of their own choosing and be around kids
who are there for the sake of learning.
Re: Math enrichment classes for 6-year-old
Check out UC Berkeley's Academic Talent Development (ATDP) program.
It's a summer program, and although the deadline for applications has passed,
they still will accept applications for classes that have not yet filled.
For course descriptions of "Fun with Math" (for those who have just finished
Kindergarten) and "The Joy of Math" (for those who have finished 1st grade),
To inquire about course availability, you should call the ATDP office.
The staff is wonderful and will be happy to help.
Ilana
My daughter, who is now a junior, attended this program last summer. She got into her second choice class, mythology. She adored her class and really got along great with the instructor. She also enjoyed meeting kids from other high schools. As a result of the class, she had a real advantage over her current classmates in English Lit and European History, because both courses covered certain aspects of mythology. And, she can answer all the Jeopardy mythology questions! She is reapplying for this coming summer. We both highly recommend the program. Olga
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