The Extra Mile: Project Learn Offers Free Classes

Every parent of a school-age child has run into the problem of what to do on the weekend.  Organized sports involve a level of commitment that isn't always practical.  Classes cost money.  Playdates require someone to host.  And there's only so much time that one can spend at the park and the library.

For several years now, the Project Learn School in Mt. Airy has been offering local families another option: cooking and art classes on the first and second Saturdays of each month from October through May. Children between the ages of 5 and 14 may participate as often and in as many classes as they wish at no charge. That's right, for free.

Project Learn fosters a collaborative learning environment with mixed-ages classes and parent participation in every aspect of the school. That community approach is carried over into the free Saturday classes offered to the public. Children of varying skill levels work together, older children assist younger children, and adults are present to facilitate. Children learn how to plan projects, work in groups, and try new things in a safe envinronment that encourages experimentation. It's a noisy, messy, exciting sight.

A child may leave with a painting or sculpture created that very morning or a cookbook detailing recipes from the day's menu. But the kids also leave with so much more.

Grace Gonglewski, whose daughter Silvia has attended several of the classes, feels that the program builds confidence. "My daughter feels so grown up and confident when trusted to prepare food," she said. Gonglewski believes that her daughter's palate has become more diverse since she's more willling to try things that she's made herself.

The classes are also an opportunity to make new friends, as well as hang out with old ones. Eight year old Grace Tannen attended one of the art classes for the first time this year and was impressed. "I really like going there to make art with my friends," said Tannen.

At one of the cooking classes held during the winter, there were children from several area schools, including Green Woods Charter, CW Henry, Norwood, Germantown Friends, and Wissahickon Charter, all learning about the many traditional foods served during Chinese New Year. The kids cooked the food, set the table, and sat down to enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh spring rolls, sesame noodles, and several other dishes that they'd prepared with their own hands earlier that morning. The only quiet moments were when their mouths were full.

The fun isn't limited to children. Parents may drop off their children or--as many choose to do--stay and join in. Adults are welcome and encouraged to help.

All classes are held from 10:00am until noon at the Project Learn School, located at 6525 Germantown Avenue. With a few exceptions, art classes are held on the first Saturday of each month, while cooking classes are on the second Saturday of each month, beginning in October and concluding in May. Space is limited and there is no pre-registration. Parents of first-time attendees are required to complete an information form.

For more information about the free Saturday classes or about the Project Learn School, please call (215) 438-3623.