Abot Tala Self-Directed Learning Center has another fun summer block lined up for teens ages 12-18 from March 22 to May 21, 2021.
Please note that we won’t have mentor-led classes from March 29-April 2 in observance of Holy Week. However, we will have our Teen-Led Week available for those who’d like to have teen-led activities and classes for the week.
Our mentor-led classes will resume on April 5. The block will culminate with a block presentation on May 22.
WHO IS THIS PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR?
This program is ideal for teens who are looking for a community that encourages Interest-Led Learning. We welcome teen homeschoolers, unschoolers, and those who are taking a break or gap year, especially during this global pandemic.
WHAT ONLINE PLATFORM WILL THE TEENS USE?
We’ve set up a virtual Abot Tala teen center on Slack. Think of it as a teen hub where teens get to hang out to chat, share music, art, book and video finds, and more through the different non-class channels where they can talk to the teens and mentors in our community anytime they want to.
On Slack, they’ll have the channels (think of it as rooms) of their different classes and they’ll have access to it anytime throughout the program. When it’s time for their class, their mentor will meet them on Zoom for an hour-long session each 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.
WHAT ARE THE CLASSES THIS BLOCK?
FEES
What the fee includes: Access to all classes that are available on the day(s) they’ve signed up for including our Community Huddle/Brain Workout every Monday at 9 am and all of our activities/sessions during our Daily Community Hour from 3-4 pm and all of our Friday sessions. Teens also have access to different teen-led clubs. (Please note that the Debate Club & Chess Club have mentors leading their training sessions).
Those who sign-up for full-time membership (4 days, 3 days, and 2 days a week) are matched with a mentor whom they have one-on-one advisory sessions once a week. During these sessions, 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. Full-time members may also join the live online classes of our partner Liberated Learners centers across the USA.
Meanwhile, for those who’d like to join us but would only want to choose per class basis, the fee is 3,200 per class for the whole block (8 sessions x PHP400 per session). They will only have access to the channel/room of the class they signed up for.
For those who would rather pay in terms, our regular rates will apply even if registration was made from March 8-19. Preferred due dates per payment within the block may be arranged according to the family’s request.
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
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, even if they didn’t sign up to attend on Mondays.
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!
Scripted with Owie dela Cruz
Deliver your lines in a more conversational & natural way! Scripted is a public speaking class that focuses on learning how to read aloud speeches, scripts, and more.
*Please note that Scripted & Unscripted are simultaneous classes. Teens will have to choose which class they’d like to attend.
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.
Learning Historians: Speeches & History with Nat Sundiang
This class tackles notable speeches by historical figures and discusses what makes them so significant. As history is more than just words, we shall delve into discussing the context and events surrounding these influential speeches.
TUESDAYS
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.
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.
Self-Compassion with Daniela Gonzalez
Being a teen comes with so many changes that it is easy to feel lonely, disoriented, and slightly weird at least some of the time. For many teens, a response to these “low” points is self-criticism and judgment. Self-compassion is a way to treat ourselves with kindness no matter how well (or poorly) we’re doing. In this class, we’ll turn to self-compassion and explore ways to treat ourselves with care through the highs and lows of the teen years and beyond.
Word Play: A poetry writing class with Mich Alagao
Learn about different poetry writing techniques, poetic devices, and tips on writing poetry. There will be a workshop at the end of the class where teens can share their work with each other and ask/receive feedback.
WEDNESDAYS
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.
Cook-Along S3: Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat with Joyce Buen
Inspired by the Netflix special of the same name, this class will take a closer look at the four elements of cooking. Every week, we’ll discuss what makes good food and what makes great food. But the best part? Every other week, we’ll be testing the theories out by ourselves!
Siklab: Hikayat sa Pagbasa ng Noli Me Tangere with Icia Encinas
Madalas iniisip ng mga tao na mahirap basahin ang nobelang Noli me Tangere dahil napakahaba nito. Ano nga ba ang kahalagahan ng pagbasa sa nobelang naisulat mahigit isang daang taon na ang nakaraan? Sa maikling kurso na ito sismulan ang pagsuri at pagbasa ng unang bahagi ng nobela. Sino si Crisostomo Ibarra? Bakit ganoon Ang ugali no Maria Clara? Ano Ang nagyari Kay Elias at Sisa? At bakit ba mahalagang balikan at suriin ang ganitong mga nobela? Kung gusto niyo masagot ang inyong mga katanungan, samahan ninyo ako at ating hihimayin at paguusapan ang nobelang umantig sa puso ng mga mamamayan. Alamin natin kung bakit hanggang ngayon napapanahon pa rin pagusapan Ang mga akda ni Dr. Jose Rizal. (Kailangan para sa klase na ito ang librong Noli Me Tangere na isinalin ni Virgilio S. Almario. Mabibili ito sa Adarna House gamit ang link na ito: Noli Me Tangere)
Annyeonghaseyo: A Korean Language & Culture Class with Jenny Kim
This class aims to give students a basic understanding of the Korean language and culture. The class will alternate between grammar and culture classes every week. The grammar classes will focus on introducing the Korean alphabet mainly its vowels and consonants along with the rules of pronunciation. Moreover, basic grammar rules and simple dialogues will also be covered. Meanwhile, the culture classes will delve into a variety of topics about Korea which can range from daily life, food, entertainment, societal issues, and many more. We will also attempt to analyze the differences between Philippine and Korean culture as well.
THURSDAYS
Fact, Fiction or Both: A Survey of Science Fiction Media and Literature with Ericho Fuentes
Film showing of selected clips from SciFi movies and shows followed by a moderated discussion. One central theme/topic will be set for each session (e.g. energy, nature, climate change, vaccination, food science, etc.)
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.
Personal Branding with Carla Noelle
Learn about personal branding, beliefs, values, and aligning our behaviors. Map out your personal vision, mission, and goals plus explore the concept of Ikigai.
Creative Nonfiction (CNF) with Mich Alagao
A short introduction to CNF and how to write personal essays. Helpful for those entering the HUMSS track for senior high who want to learn more about CNF.
CNF alternates weekly with Stories Retold
Stories Retold with Mich Alagao
Have you ever thought that the plot of a story seemed familiar? Or wondered what the most common stories are? In this class we’ll look at stories throughout ages and cultures, and how we can retell these stories with our own voices.
COMMUNITY 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.
Magkwentuhan Tayo! with Owie dela Cruz
Isang oras ng kwentuhan tungkol sa kung ano man ang gustong pag-usapan ng mga kabataan sa klaseng ito. Layunin nitong masanay at maging komportable ang mga kabataan na makipagkwentuhan gamit ang Filipino at Taglish.
(It’s a full hour of conversation about whatever the teens want to talk about. The goal is to get the teens comfortable and confident in conversing in Filipino and Taglish)
Magkwentuhan Tayo alternates weekly with Free Flow Fridays
Free Flow Fridays with Owie dela Cruz
Expect free-flowing, spontaneous discussions about anything under the sun. Through these sessions, teens get to practice the art of conversing within a group setting (similar to real-life scenarios we experience at parties and other social functions.)
Ready, Set, Draw! with Diane Gabriel
One hour of just letting our creativity flow freely through sketching and drawing.
Safe and Sound Hour with Paul and Julie Rohrer
This is our mental health support group for teens. It’s a full hour dedicated to creating a safe and sound space by supporting each other. Our facilitators aim to give our teens hope and they help them make brave and healthy steps forward as they navigate through overwhelming situations. For more info please visit www.facebook.com/safeandsoundformentalhealth
Social-Emotional Learning with Jana Tupas of Parent-Led Academy
A 10-month huddle aimed to equip teens with the social-emotional skills they need to respond to life challenges in a healthy way. Please note that SEL sessions are just once a month. Teen members who sign-up for this may continue with the SEL program, free of charge, even if they are no longer Abot Tala members. For more information please click here.
Daily Community Hour Sessions from 3-4 pm.
These sessions are available to all of our current members, no matter what day they’ve signed up for.
Club Hour/Teen-Led Activities (Mondays)
This is when teens can meet up with their clubs. Two of our clubs have mentors during training sessions: Debate Club and Chess Club. Teens who don’t have clubs can also spearhead activities for the community.
TITAym with Owie dela Cruz (Tuesdays)
Every other week our teens get to spend time with everyone’s tita (aunt), Tita Owie. Conversations can be about anything the teens want to talk about — life, relationships, teen-life, dreams, community-related topics, and more.
TITAym alternates weekly with Pop-up Classes
Pop-Up Classes (Tuesdays)
The Abot Tala team will be inviting different resource speakers to talk about topics that would possibly interest our teens. These sessions will be open to teens who are not part of the community for a minimal fee.
Teen-led Classes (Wednesdays)
We love empowering our teens by encouraging them to teach classes about their different interests and passion. This is their hour. They’re in charge and we’re excited to see what they’ll come up with.
Teen-Led Classes alternate weekly with Animal Welfare (Wednesdays)
Animal Welfare with Jean Alfonso-Decena (Wednesdays)
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.
Game Show Hour with Ericho Fuentes (Thursdays)
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!
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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