What: Block 1 of Abot Tala’s Self-Directed and Interest-Led Learning Program
When: June 7-July 31, 2021
Where: Abot Tala’s Slack Workspace & Zoom Rooms
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 May 31-June 4. This also serves as our free trial week.
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, Brain Workout, Game Show Hour)
- 3 mentor-led clubs (Debate Club, Chess Club, Abot Tala Radio)
- Freedom Fridays (teen-led classes & activities + 1 parent-led class or activity per week)
- Online learning resources
MEMBERSHIP PROCESS
- If you have any questions or clarifications about the program, you may email us at abottala.ph@gmail.com or call/text 09152864494.
- 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 & Brain Workout 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. This block we’re alternating our huddles with brain workout sessions where we solve puzzles, codes, and more as a community. The huddle is open to all members of Abot Tala.
Unscripted with Joyce Buen
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!
Yokoso ようこそ (Welcome): Japanese Culture
with John Robert Lim (June) and Reena Suzuki (July)
This class is all about Japanese culture from two different perspectives. Learn about it as depicted in media, especially anime, with John this June. Then in July, Reena Suzuki can you tell you all about what life is actually like in Japan (since she grew up there and she’s there in Japan right now!). She’ll also be sharing essential Nihonggo lines that would come in handy if you ever visit Japan one day!
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 Yokoso ようこそ (Welcome): Japanese Culture & Math Gym B are simultaneous classes. Teens will have to choose which class they’d like to attend.
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.
Take 1: Introduction to Animation, Scriptwriting, and Editing Films at Home with Alexia Sumilang
A hands-on overview of basic animation, scriptwriting, and film editing as a one-person production, this class focuses on the practice and the application of theories in film. Learn how to make simple animations, write scripts, and edit your own videos at home!
*Preferred free software on PC: Krita
*Recommended equipment for PC: drawing tablet
TUESDAYS
Graphic Design with Chep Melchor
This class focuses on digital arts. From understanding concepts used in the design industry to executing them in practice, students and participants of this block will come out more versed in graphic design. The module will be broken down into theoretical discussions and workshop sessions. The recommended program for this class is Adobe Photoshop.
Filipino Sign Language with Pauline & Cristina Guanzon
Learn the basics of FSL. If you’ve never taken a sign language class, this is a good starting point. FSL is English-based (not Tagalog), and is largely based on ASL just with some localization to Filipino culture.
Relationships 101 with Owie dela Cruz
Learn more about how to navigate through personal relationships. This class will talk about teens’ questions about relationships. We believe that it’s better to talk about it openly so that they can get the guidance they want and need. Throughout the class, they’ll also meet different guests who will share their stories and nuggets of wisdom about relationships.
Relationships 101 alternates weekly with 1000 Places to See
1000 Places to See with Owie dela Cruz
This class is based on the New York Times Best Seller book “1,000 Places to See Before You Die.” Expect to travel virtually, visiting different spots every week via photos and videos, with lessons on culture, geography, and travel. Join the class and craft your ultimate traveler’s list for when we can all finally roam the world again!
*Please note that Filipino Sign Language and Relationships 101/1000 Places to See are simultaneous classes. Teens will have to choose which class they’d like to attend.
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 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.
What the Health? with Diane Gabriel
Weekly discussions on how to take care of our bodies inside and out and having a good health mindset. Sessions will cover topics such as exercise and diet trends (and myths!), health challenges such as allergies and food intolerances, the 7 senses of the body, and how our lifestyle affects our physical and mental health.
WEDNESDAYS
Strings & Strokes: A Music & Visual Arts class with Nino Hernandez
Learn about the close relationship between music and visual arts and discover how similar their language is spoken through lines, shapes, colors, textures, and space.
Cook-Along: Perfect Combinations with Joyce Buen
Cook-along as Joyce cooks in her own kitchen! Food is always great, but it also can always be better! Learn how to make complete meals in under an hour! Improve your everyday dishes, impress your family, friends, or Instagram followers!
Cook-Along alternates weekly with Lookbook: Fashion & Style
Lookbook: Fashion & Style with Joyce Buen
Being a teenager means having a lot of opportunities to explore and invent your identity. One of the fun ways to do it is through fashion and style! In this class, we will explore the different elements we must keep in mind in building our own personal style and brand. Every other week, we’ll be discussing how to best compliment our unique body types, skin colors, and personalities!
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.
Animal Welfare with Jean Alfonso-Decena
This class unravels the state of animals and the quality of their life in various industries such as entertainment, zoos, food, medicine, fashion and others. A kind, truthful, experience-based presentation of their current situation, this class brings light to practical actions that teens can take in their day-to-day to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of animals.
Comedy 101 with various comedians
Knock, knock! Who’s there? Comedy 101! Comedy 101 who?! Ermmm…. So, if you’re stuck after that and probably every single time you attempt to crack a joke and no one gets your punchline, this class could be for you! Learn different tips and tricks plsu strories from different comedians who’ve made a career out of making people laugh!
THURSDAYS
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.
Music Production at Home with Mikey Amistoso
Learn the basics of home music production. In this class, teens will be able to learn the equipment they need to create and produce their own music, and will be walked through the process of recording and mixing.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? with Gia Santos
Money is only a tool, never the goal – and this is what this class is all about. Most of us dream of being millionaires, without knowing our why and the how. In this class, we will cover a little bit of everything you have to know to get started on your money management journey. Expect real-life examples and hands-on activities to help you practice the step-by-step process of traversing the road to financial freedom.
On-Air: A Class on Podcast, Radio & Voice Over Production with Gabe Gabriel
A class all about broadcast media, such as tv, radio, podcasts, online streaming, and others. Topics will range from audio production and editing to voice acting. The teens’ final output will be aired on Abot Tala Radio via Zeno.FM.
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.
*Please note that On-Air and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly are simultaneous classes. Teens will have to choose which class they’d like to attend.
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 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, but one hour every week, a parent from our community offers a pop-up class too!
To read about our mentors, click here.
For more photos of our past activities, visit our Instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/abottala/
For more information or to set an appointment for an online family meeting with us, call or text 0915-2864494 .
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