Arlington Community Education

Travel to different ecosystems, learn about some of the animals that live there, and create art inspired by their unique characteristics. Dive into the depths of the oceans and create creatures that swim among the fish. Trek to the savannah, learn about lions, and recreate their majestic manes. Experiment with materials such as model magic, tissue paper, oil pastel, and more to make your awesome animal art.

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!

Interested in backpacking but unsure about what you need or how to plan for getting yourself out on a trail for a few days? Learn more about the what, how, and why of backpacking from a pair of experienced long-distance thru-hikers. These indoor, hands-on sessions are suited for beginners as well as more experienced trail enthusiasts who want a refresher or an infusion of trail mojo. Learn how to plan a safe excursion, choose proper gear and clothing, and pack food and filter water.In addition, we will share simple mindfulness concepts that can result in a greater experience of awe in nature. This program is inclusive of individuals identifying as transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming.

Have you ever wondered if that “tweet” is from a cardinal or a chickadee? Learn what our feathered friends are saying to you! Start with a few basic bird songs as a reference, then add to your repertoire with repetition and practice. You’ll learn the types of sound birds make and why they make them and explore common bird songs heard here in Massachusetts. We’ll focus on 10–15 different birds each class. Time spent outdoors will become even more enjoyable with your new understanding and appreciation of birdsong. Note: Have handy a notebook, pen, and a bird book if you have one.

Come outside and play! Get moving and have fun playing tons of different backyard games. Aim flying discs into cans during Kan Jam, try to get bolas to catch onto the rungs of our Ladder Bowl, toss bean bags into a classic Cornhole board, and more.

Discover the satisfaction of baking your own Italian cookies and bring home a box of sweet treats that will rival what you can buy in the North End. Together, we’ll make a variety of classic Italian cookies: crispy, dunkable twice-baked biscotti; soft and pillowy ricotta cookies; crunchy and fragrant sesame cookies; amaretti cookies bursting with almond flavor; and rustic, buttery Venetian currant and cornmeal cookies.

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

Jeté your way through this week that’s all about dance. The primary focus will be on ballet, but we will also try modern, contemporary, and jazz, and do yoga stretches. We’ll also get inspired by famous dancers through listening to stories and doing crafts such as wire dancer sculptures and paper dolls with layered tutus. Learn short routines and collaborate with your classmates to choreograph your own.

Enjoy some of ballroom’s most popular social dances. Whether you want to float like Fred and Ginger or put a little sexy hip action into those Latin dances, come join in the dancing fun. Couples and singles welcome. Beginning: We will break down the basics of footwork, musicality, and partnering in swing, salsa, rumba, and more. Two left feet? No rhythm? No problem! Once you learn the basic steps, you’ll be able to spice up any dance floor you step on. Continuing: Ready to move past the basics? We will cover a variety of moves like crossovers, turns, and combinations to up your dance game. We will also dive into more styling and technique, to give you a more polished look. Please note: If attending as a couple, both dancers must register individually.

Learn to play the banjo in the old time clawhammer style. Beginning: 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. Note: Students must bring their own banjo.

Shoot some hoops! Beginning and recreational basketball players will practice dribbling, shooting, passing, and ball handling, while also focusing on teamwork and supporting each other. We will review game rules, practice essential skills, learn the art of offense and defense, and get a great workout. Each day will include drills and a friendly game.

Carving fresh, found wood into useful objects is a fun, relaxing, satisfying hobby. We will cover an overview of “green” woodworking, including tools, materials, process, technique, and safety. We will talk through the early part of the process of turning a log into a rough carving blank with an axe. Then you will learn safe, effective knife grips so you can carve your project. We’ll wrap up with a discussion on finishing touches, decoration possibilities, and how to continue in the craft. Class fees include all materials needed, as well as use of loaner tools. Butter spreader/cheese knife: Wooden spreaders, present in nearly every Swedish kitchen, were traditionally hand-carved. Yours will be great for spreading butter, but also for soft, medium, and crumbly cheeses. This single-session class is perfect for complete beginners. Wooden spoon: The serving spoons we’ll make have an extra large bowl for generous helpings and a stout handle for ease of use. Some experience woodworking, carving, or in other hand crafts would be beneficial for this two-night class.

Learn to make a set of textured bangle bracelets, one in sterling silver, one in bronze, and three in copper. Develop fabrication skills, including measuring, texturing, filing, forming, soldering, and tumbler finishing. All materials will be provided, including sterling silver, bronze, copper, solder, and sandpaper.

Create a beautiful sterling silver pendant with a bezel-set cabochon stone as you learn basic metal working techniques. Develop fabrication skills including: drilling, sawing/piercing, filing and multiple soldering techniques; satin finishing; and setting the stone. All materials will be provided, including sterling silver, fine silver bezel, many different 16mm round stones to choose from, copper, and more. Please note: In the event that a makeup class is needed, it will be held Tuesday, June 18.

Take one or both of these classes to deepen your knowledge of birdsong beyond your backyard. Who’s Singing in the Forest?: Become familiar with 15 species of birds common in our forests. Learn to differentiate between three types of thrushes. Find out which owl hoots, “Who’s awake, me too!” Warblers, vireos, and many other species will also be discussed. Who’s Singing in the Wetlands & Meadows?: Get to know 15 species of birds common in our wetlands and field habitats. Ever wonder who’s warbling behind the cattails? Learn about several species of warblers, sparrows, blackbirds, and more. Note: This will be an interactive Zoom class. Have a notebook, pen, and a bird book (optional) handy.

Join Officer Bryan White and other members of the Arlington Police Department for a fun and informative course on bike (or scooter) safety. Learn proper hand signals, how to travel on bike lanes and the bike path, and general tips on how to ride safely to school and around town. Please note: While this program is free, pre-registration is required for each child attending as space is limited. All participants must bring their bike (or scooter) and a bike helmet! Please consider making a donation to our scholarship fund.