Arlington Community Education

Celebrate the extraordinary in the ordinary with the most popular poetry form in the world. Haiku connect us more deeply to the natural world and can provide solace in difficult times. We will learn about the history and key elements of haiku, including concision, a seasonal setting, and the juxtaposition of concrete experiences. Using writing prompts, we will also try our hand at writing some haiku poems. Everyone is welcome to this fun and supportive workshop, beginners and those who have written haiku before.

Delve into the wonderful world of acrylics and explore myriad ways to use acrylic gels, mediums, and paints to create luscious, colorful surfaces. Gain new understanding of color through a series of fun warm-up projects before creating richly textured paintings on a variety of surfaces. Classes include guided exercises and demos as well as ample time for experimentation. Spark your creativity with exciting ideas for taking your work in new directions. All levels are welcome. Please note: A materials list will be provided once the class reaches minimum enrollment.

Originating in the 6th century, the Arabic language has become one of the most widely spoken and recognizable languages in the world today. This version of Arabic is the formal language of news, media, and books. These classes are taught by a native speaker. Level 1: This beginning level class introduces the 28 Arabic letters and focuses on basic reading and writing skills through an interactive and practical instructional method. Some basic everyday vocabulary and conversations such as greetings and courtesy expressions are also part of the course. Please note: Correct dates for level 1 are 10 Tuesdays, 9/27-12/6. Level 2: For those who are able to read and write simple words. Use your Arabic skills to learn basic conversations that include nationalities, family members, describing neighborhoods and residences, food and drink, clothing and colors, weather, and more. Level 3: Expand your Arabic proficiency. This course will put your conjugation and other grammar skills to use as you learn to write more elaborate paragraphs. Please note: Correct dates for level 3 are 10 Tuesdays, 9/27-12/6.

We will whip up a few popular Armenian brunch dishes while discussing the fascinating history of the Middle Eastern region, including immigration to and from the countries that have influenced the food and culture. Our brunch menu will include lightly fried parsley omelets (ejjeh), a refreshing minty cucumber yogurt (jujukh), and a cheese-filled pastry called kunafeh, which can be savory or sweet depending on if you choose to top it with a simple sugar syrup. We’ll end the meal with a shot of Armenian coffee (Haygagan sourj).

Pick up your paintbrush (pincel) and explore the world of colors (los colores). Use your colored pencils (lapices de color) and draw portraits (retratos) of your favorite people (gente) and animals (animales). As we combine art projects and the Spanish language, we will challenge ourselves to become a little better at both. Children with all levels of Spanish experience are welcome.

Artists’ books, which are publications that are conceived as artwork, can take many forms. Explore the basic techniques of bookmaking—folding, cutting, and stitching—as you create unique artist books using two binding methods. Make a dos-à-dos pamphlet (“back-to-back” in French), which combines two separate stacks of paper together in opposite directions to form a single volume. Then create a tunnel book or “peep show,” engineered like an accordion and made from a series of cut-paper panels that create the illusion of depth and perspective when placed behind each other. All levels are welcome on this artful journey that explores the intersection between two- and three-dimensions. Please note: Student supply list will be approximately $50.

Come ponder the universe’s vast wonderland. Begin by putting everything into perspective with a grand tour of the universe from Earth to the Big Bang, then examine the lives of stars and the key role they play in the creation of the elements that comprise our world. We will also discuss the simplest yet scariest objects of all, black holes. Then we’ll look at the variable sky, especially new “movies” of the sky being made and the crazy celestial menagerie they reveal. In the final session, meet at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics near Harvard Square, home of the Chandra Science Center. View the historic Great Refractor telescope dating to the 1840s, and learn about the much more recent discoveries Chandra has made during its two decades in orbit.

Join us for this information-packed lecture/demonstration and build confidence in your ability to diagnose car problems and communicate with auto repair professionals. Get a general overview of major systems of an automobile from an experienced mechanic and instructor who can make all things automotive both fun and clear. We will cover basic maintenance, discuss common problems, and troubleshoot ignition, charging, cooling, fluids, electrical, brakes, and exhaust systems.

Clustered along a half-mile stretch of Boston’s Huntington Avenue stands a dense concentration of cultural institutions, on what is now designated as the “Avenue of the Arts” and the adjoining Fenway Cultural District. From McKim, Mead & White's Symphony Hall to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, this tour tells the stories of the institutions, architects, and benefactors behind this remarkable concentration of establishments dedicated to the fine and performing arts, culture, education, religion, and sports. Please note: Meeting location will be included in the Course Reminder email. All walks meet rain or shine.

This program is designed to better prepare you to become a capable, caring, and responsible babysitter. Understand the responsibilities and skills—including basic first aid and what to do in an emergency—and develop confidence in handling situations you may encounter when caring for young children. Upon completion, your services will be in high demand in the neighborhood!

Stretch your body and imagination in a playful yoga class. Traditional yoga poses will be interwoven with stories, challenges, crafts, and moments of being still. You will learn breathing exercises and team up with friends for partner/group poses as you balance, bend, and live in the fun moment.

Join us for an introduction to some of ballroom’s most popular social dances. Two left feet? No rhythm? No problem! We will break down the basics of footwork, musicality, and partnering in swing, salsa, rumba, and more. Once you learn the basic steps, you’ll be able to spice up any dance floor you step on. Open to couples and singles and no experience is required. Please note: If attending as a couple, both dancers must register individually.

Learn to play the banjo in the old time clawhammer style. Beginning: This course is for beginners and those with a bit of experience. We’ll start with right hand technique and chords. The goal will be to learn a handful of melodies that people actually play in open G and, hopefully, in double C and G modal tuning. Learning by ear will be stressed but handouts of banjo tab will also be available. Continuing:For clawhammer banjo players who can already play at least a handful of tunes and who are looking to learn more in G, G modal, and in double C tuning. We will focus on the right hand technique as well so that you can get the best sound that you can. Take out your banjo and polish up your playing. Please note: Students must bring their own banjo.

No leaves? No problem! We’ll learn to identify woody plants in winter through a combination of branching patterns, bark, buds, persistent fruits, and galls. We’ll also learn to identify some particularly hardy non-woody weeds which remain standing through winter. We’ll use Arlington’s beautiful Great Meadows as our study site. Our walk will focus on plant identification as well as interesting natural history about the plants we see. Children ages 10 and up are welcome to register if accompanied by a registered adult. Please note: Meeting location will be emailed as part of the Registration Confirmation email. All walks meet rain or shine.

We all love dumplings! Dumplings are versatile and easy to prepare. Spend a late afternoon learning how to make chicken and/or vegetable dumplings with delicious homemade sauce from scratch. First, we will make the wrappers. Then, we’ll prepare the filling. Finally, we will turn our dumplings into potstickers or gyoza. There will be options for vegan or other meats if you prefer.

You can change the way your brain reacts to fear and difficult life situations. It’s true. If you’ve ever been disappointed in yourself because you didn’t complete a challenging task or didn’t bounce back from adversity, it’s not because you are lazy or lack willpower. More likely you never learned the skills necessary to be more resilient. These skills can be taught and acquired at any age. In this participatory one-night workshop, learn four techniques rooted in neuroscience that will help you be mentally tougher and face adversity with confidence.

Willkommen! While German has the reputation of being a difficult language this course is meant to show you otherwise. From simple greetings to real life situations like shopping or eating out you will learn useful phrases to get around and express yourself. Expect to listen to recordings, watch video clips, and engage in dialogues with your fellow students. Basic grammar will be introduced through reading and writing exercises.

Adults with no prior knowledge of the Chinese language will have the opportunity to work toward proficiency in both spoken and written Mandarin at a basic, everyday level. We will focus on building a working vocabulary and developing the conversational language skills of speaking and listening, while also becoming familiar with the tools to read and write the language. This course will be taught in a mix of English and Mandarin, utilizing the pinyin phonetic system as well as Chinese characters.

Join in entertaining and educational science experiments to gain an understanding of physics including Newton’s first, second, and third laws of motion, Newton’s law of gravity, and more. We'll make boats and rockets, make and play with marble runs and catapults, and experiment with many other fun physics projects.

Holiday card season is around the corner, and this is the perfect time to improve your family portraiture skills. We will go over everything you need to create stunning holiday cards, including lighting, posing, where to get your cards printed, and even some tips for wrangling pets. We will cover indoor and outdoor lighting scenarios with time for practical experience in the classroom, as well as some flash photography tips.

In just two hours, you can learn the essentials of bike repair and maintenance from the head mechanic at Arlington’s hometown bike shop. This hands-on class will teach you how to fix a flat, adjust gears and brakes, and other topics dictated by the interest of the group. Please bring your own bike to class.

In just two hours, you can learn the essentials of bike repair and maintenance from the head mechanic at Arlington’s hometown bike shop. This hands-on class will teach you how to fix a flat, adjust gears and brakes, and other topics dictated by the interest of the group. Please note: Bring your bike to class.

In just two hours, you can learn the essentials of bike repair and maintenance from the head mechanic at Arlington’s hometown bike shop. This hands-on class will teach you how to fix a flat, adjust gears and brakes, and other topics dictated by the interest of the group. Please note: Bring your bike to class.