What: Block Three of Abot Tala’s Self-Directed and Interest-Led Learning Program
When: October 25-December 17, 2021
Where: Abot Tala’s Slack Workspace, Zoom Rooms, and Gather
Who: Teens ages 12-18 who would like to be part of an interest-led learning community. We welcome teen homeschoolers, unschoolers, and those who are taking a break or gap year, especially during this global pandemic.
Note: Before classes officially start, we’ve got a Teen-Led Week from October 18-22. This also serves as our free trial week. Please note that the trial week is for your teen to get to know the teens in our community. All of the classes & activities that week are teen-led (not the classes for the third block just yet.)
HOW DOES THIS SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING PROGRAM WORK?
Our teens get to choose and join the classes they’d like to be part of based on their interests and curiosity. They have the freedom to design their personal schedule around the classes they’ve chosen, so they’d also have time to collaborate with other teens and work on their passion projects and homeschool requirements (if they have a homeschool provider). When they join our classes they won’t be graded. The motivation to be part of a class is purely to learn and not to earn grades.
Each teen is also paired up with a staff mentor for one-on-one sessions where they get to talk about how their classes and activities are going, what keeps them busy, what projects they’re working on, whatever direction they wish to take, and more.
WHAT ARE THE CLASSES THIS BLOCK?
FEES
Please note that all of the programs include the following as well:
- 3 weekly mentor-led community events (Community Huddle, Puzzles, Mysteries, and Riddles, Game Show Hour)
- Mentor-led clubs (Debate Club, Chess Club, Abot Tala Radio, Musician’s Circle)
- Freedom Fridays (teen-led classes & activities)
- Online learning resources
MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
- If you have any questions or clarifications about the program, you may email us at abottalahigh@gmail.com
- Once you’re ready to sign-up, click here and fill up our sign-up form.
- Expect an email to confirm your registration.
- Family meeting (for new members only)
- An invitation to our Slack workspace will be sent to your teen so they can start to get to know the community through the non-class channels.
- Expect your invoice and our bank details via email.
- Once payment has been made (via online transfer or Paypal), please email us a copy of your proof payment.
- After we’ve received a copy of your proof of payment, we will add your teen to his/her class channels on Slack.
HERE’S MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CLASSES:
MONDAYS
Community Huddle with Abot Tala Staff Mentors
The only hour in the week where all of our teens are in one place! During huddles we have activities, both mentor and teen-led, to help us get to know each other better. We also get to talk about community updates, as well as questions and issues they may have about the program. This is also when we consult the teens about certain decisions we make for the community. The huddle is open to all block 3 members of Abot Tala.
Community Huddle alternates weekly with Puzzles, Mysteries, and Riddles.
Puzzles, Mysteries, and Riddles with Abot Tala Staff Mentors
Whether by decoding ciphers, visualizing locations, or calculating your next move, let’s get those neurons working by solving puzzles, mysteries, and riddles! This is open to all block 3 members of Abot Tala.
Public Speaking & Presentation with Owie dela Cruz
Do you find talking in front of a crowd, whether in a formal or casual setting, uncomfortable or scary? Does public speaking scare you? If it does, then this is the class for you. Let’s face that fear together and get better at speaking in public week after week.
*Please note that because of the nature of this class, it will be held on Abot Tala’s virtual space on Gather.
Math Gym B (Arithmetic, Pre-Algebra) with Ericho Fuentes
This math class covers pre-algebra topics such as integers, fractions, percentages, and basic geometry. The objective of this course is to equip the learners with basic, practical mathematics knowledge that will prepare them for real-life applications and higher mathematics. This course will be administered asynchronously while utilizing online resources from Khan Academy and Tutorials in Taglish to address the varied learning paces and levels of the members of the class.
*Please note that Math Gym B and Public Speaking & Presentation happen simultaneously. If the learner is interested in both classes, they’ll have to choose between the two.
Learning Historians with Nat Sundiang
History isn’t just being aware of events from the past. Perhaps even more significant is how we choose to reflect upon past narratives. In this crash course, students will learn how to better interpret world history not only as a social science, but also as part of the humanities; as it can aid us to better make sense of the world, and in turn, our part in shaping it.
The Natural Sciences with Ericho Fuentes
This is an interdisciplinary course that aims to explore natural phenomena from the point of view of the different natural sciences, namely physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and astronomy. The course will be tailored to the interests and needs of the learners and may require independent learning from the learners once in a while in the form of written homework, readings, and very easy experiments.
Unscripted with Joyce Buen and Nat Sundiang
Most of our experiences in life are completely unscripted. This class is full of activities and lessons that will help prepare you for those moments! Every week, we will explore different lessons from the art of improv mixed with public speaking and personality development to make unscripted moments a lot more fun! Yes? Yes, and!
TUESDAYS
Filipino Sign Language (FSL) with Pauline & Cristina Guanzon
Learn basic or advanced FSL in 8 sessions. This class is English-based (not Tagalog), and is largely based on ASL just with some localization to Filipino culture.
I Will Survive: A class on survival in the wilderness & on the streets with Nino Hernandez
First I was afraid.. I was petrified… Know what to do and what KNOT to do.. whether it’s a remote part of the jungle or busiest city limits. Survive the wild or be street smart.
*Please note that FSL & I Will Survive happen simultaneously. If the learner is interested in both classes, they’ll have to choose between the two.
The Theory of Everything (Psychology): A Crashcourse on the Theories of Personality, Developmental, Cognitive, and Social Psychology with Mar Beatrize
They always say that you can’t have everything, but with this class, you can. We’re not just going to learn about 1 or 2 or 3, but we’ll tackle 4 branches of psychology! We’ll start first with figuring out how our personalities came to be, then we’ll move on to how our childhood and upbringing affect how we develop as people, then we’ll nitpick our brain and take a look at our internal processes like memory, learning, and problem-solving, and finally, we’ll discuss how our feelings and behaviors are influenced by the people around us. In the span of 8 weeks, you’ll not only become mini psych experts, but you’ll also know yourselves a lot better too
Game Coding with Jolo Simeon
This class aims to teach basic game development and programming concepts by creating simple games. The students will be learning how to use Scratch, a block-based visual programming language developed by the MIT Media Lab.
Balarila 101: Pagbasa at Pagsulat sa Wikang Filipino kasama si Icia Encinas
Gusto mo bang matutong magsulat sa Filipino pero hindi ka sigurado kung paano ginagamit ang NG at NANG? Gusto mo bang matutong magsulat gamit ang mas malawak na kaalaman sa bokabularyong Filipino? Ito na ang hinihintay mo! Isang kursong nakalaan sa pagsanay sa pagbasa, pagsulat, at pagsalita ng wikang Filipino. Ang kursong ito ay para sa mga kabataang nais hasain ang kanilang kaalaman at pagyamanin lalo ang kanilang kaalaman sa wikang Filipino. Layunin ng kurso ang pagpapalaganap ng pagmamahal at pagpapaunlad ng sariling wika.
Indie Living and Home Hacks with Diane Gabriel
When we have conversations around what it likes to “adult”, we often learn that this certainly doesn’t always come with age! Based on real-life past experiences, ups and downs, successes and mistakes, let’s take a peek into what adulting might mean — what’s it like to live alone? How does one handle small (or big!) emergencies? Any advice on solo eating and budgeting? What about social interactions and personal growth? Join Indie Living & Home Hacks and let’s share and learn together!
WEDNESDAYS
Computer Programming: Build Your Own Website & More! with Karen Matala
Have you always wanted to learn how to build your own website from scratch? Learn about HTML, CSS, and more!
Music Appreciation and Creation with Mikey Amistoso and Jazz Nicolas
Join Mikey Amistoso and Jazz Nicolas on a musical appreciation journey! Learn the history and evolution of modern music, and the several musical eras and genres of the last 100 years! Let Mikey and Jazz join you as well on your musical creation journey through fun songwriting activities and exercises! Let’s appreciate music, and then create music!
Math Gym A and A+ (Algebra, Geometry, Pre-calculus) with Ericho Fuentes
This class covers algebra, geometry, and precalculus. This course will be administered asynchronously while utilizing online resources from Khan Academy and Tutorials in Taglish to address the varied learning paces and levels of the members of the class. This course is recommended for teens who are considering a career in science, engineering, and finance.
Me, But Better: Productivity Edition with Joyce Buen
The teenage years can be confusing. Some teens feel like they have all the time in the world while some may feel like they don’t have enough. In this class, we’ll be working on designing our routines to make the most of our days. The goal is to recognize priorities, understand the value of balance and rest, and discover healthy ways of being productive!
*Please note that this class will only run for the first 4 weeks of the block.
Kinder Joyce with Joyce Buen
Have you ever had a piece of candy with a surprise center? Well, this class is exactly that! Join me for an hour of conversation, lessons, and all-around fun. No use asking what the class is about because the only way to find out is to show up! But don’t worry because some of the best things in life are those you don’t expect. I mean, life is full of surprises, so you might as well get used to it!
healthy ways of being productive!
*Please note that this class will only run for the last 4 weeks of the block.
Painting with Nino Hernandez
From watercolor to acrylic, Amorsolo to Basquiat, paint your heart out and explore your creative mind and you’ll see what you can find.
THURSDAYS
Hangeul, Hangugeo, Hallyu: An Introduction to the Korean Language and Culture with Megan Perez
This course covers the basics of the Korean language – from the alphabet, reading and pronunciation rules, daily-life phrases, to basic sentence construction. This class also aims to give the learners a deeper look into Korean culture. By the end of the course, teens will not only be able to read/write/count and introduce themselves in Korean, but will also have a better understanding of the culture (especially the Korean Wave!).
The Plot Thickens: Fiction Writing Class with Icia Encinas
This is a creative writing workshop course for young writers. Teens have the option to choose whether to write their output in Filipino, English, or both! They will learn how to write different types of fiction and are encouraged to develop their own style of storytelling. Lessons will also include reading various works from classic short stories to more modern-day works of fiction.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly with Mich Alagao
Teens explore ideas from criminology, philosophy, and ethics and try to see how these ideas relate to our everyday lives. Critical thinking and reflection on complex issues will be encouraged. Class is recommended for older teens.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly alternates weekly with What Would You Do?
What Would You Do? A class on Leadership & Relationships with Owie dela Cruz
Every other week we’ll challenge each other to come up with the best possible decision for different leadership & relationship scenarios. It’s problem-solving time! What would you do? Let’s discuss your thoughts and learn from each other.
Mic Test…..1,2,3 with Gabe Gabriel
An introduction to the world of radio announcing, dubbing, and voice acting.
Game Show Hour with Ericho Fuentes
History, Science, Art, Movies, and anything under the sun, really. Lead your team to victory in the weekly Game Show Hour — our version of your typical Quiz Night! Game Show Hour is open to all block 2 members of Abot Tala.
FREEDOM FRIDAYS
These are classes and sessions that are free of charge for any teen who is part of our current block. It’s our way of making sure that there’s one day a week that’s fully available to all of our members so we can build a stronger community of self-directed learners. These classes and activities are mostly teen-led. It’s their day, their rules.
To read about our mentors, click here.
For more photos of our past activities, visit our Instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/abottalahigh/
For more information or to set an appointment for an online family meeting with us, send an email to abottalahigh@gmail.com, or call/send a message to 0915-2864494.
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