Educational Programs

Driver Education:

Fully accredited ten-week Driver Education course (classroom only), conducted in partnership with the Defensive Driving School in Broomall, will be held at the Community Center on Monday evenings beginning October 11, 2010. Minimum age for the classroom work is 15.

Elementary Sign Language:

Come join us and learn to talk with your hands! This fun, interactive class will have you learning American Sign Language in no time. Each class session will teach basic ASL in themes which include food, family, animals, and other topics you may be interested in. This popular class taught by Heather Schwerdtfeger will fill up quickly, so please register early! Ages 6 to 12 are welcome. Class will meet in the Gauntlett Community Center.

SAT Prep Course
(New SAT):

This course will give High School students an introduction to perhaps the most important test they will ever take, the SAT. Students will find the course entertaining, educational, and interesting. The format of the verbal section of the SAT will be uniquely presented through science, social studies, entertainment and sports information. Strategies for successfully taking the SAT will also be taught. In addition, vocabulary will be developed using clever tips to learn over 200 words that commonly appear on the test. Some SAT math preparation will also be covered. The instructor, Dr. Joseph Lafferty, is an experienced teacher who has taught several SAT courses and has written books on SAT preparation. Copies of SAT books will be given to each student. The course will be held at the Community Center. 

Gift of Language - Spanish:

Gift of Language offers Spanish instruction in a child-centered, game-driven all immersive camp environment. The goal of the teachers is to present the language in a dynamic way. We believe that children (Ages 6-9 welcome) learn when they are engaged and their attention is focused on activities that are appealing to them. We use certain curriculum based on tangible results and our teachers are trained to follow a "living curriculum" to lead the class. The curriculum comes alive constantly and adapts itself to the instruction level of the participants as well as the interaction between students and the teacher. Our system uses board games, flash cards, and activities that ensure mastery of the core vocabulary and language structure through practiced exercises that progress in difficulty. Camp will meet at the Gauntlett Community Center. Instruction provided by Gift of Language (www.giftoflanguage.org).

Babysitter Training:

This course offered in conjunction with the American Red Cross will teach teenagers (ages 11-16) the responsibilities and qualities needed to be a good babysitter and what to expect from the person who hires you. Participants will be taught how to best respond to an emergency situation, how to prevent accidents before they occur, how to play with and supervise children of different ages, how to select safe toys and games, how to diaper and dress infants, and much more. Each student completing the program will receive a babysitter handbook and certificate. Training will be conducted at the Gauntlett Community Center. Please bring a brown bag lunch to class.

Digital Photography:
How to Take Great Digital Pictures, On Purpose!

Many of us have digital cameras these days, but don't really use them to their full potential. Every now and then we end up with some great shots, but aren't sure why. This course will give you the knowledge and experience to know what you're doing, as you preserve those valuable memories! You will become more familiar with the many features of your digital camera, as well as pick up some simple tricks professional  photographers use to compost the perfect picture. Participants will also learn how to take great portrait, landscape and interior flash photos, and some easy computer editing tricks to make your photos even better. Class will be held at he Gauntlett Community Center. Participants must provide their own digital camera and memory card. Ages 14 and above are welcome.

Dates:	Oct. 14 - Nov. 11
Day:	Thursday
Time:	6:30pm - 8:00pm
Price:	$65

computer Explorers:
Preparing Children for the Future

Marple Newtown Recreation has partnered with Computer Explorers to offer a NEW after school computer program. The program will take place at the Gauntlett Community Center.

NEW!!!    Music Producer (Ages 9-13): Come join us and become a songwriter or producer as you explore the world of digital music.  You will create your own songs from start to finish using instruments, vocals, and the software's vast library of sounds!  You can even change the pitch, volume and beats per minute, layering loops to give texture.  Participants can also record their very own digital vocals.  You'll be amazed by your creativity!