SWMI ILC co-op classes are available to SWMI ILC members. Class offerings are determined by learner interests and member volunteer availability. Each class is led by a volunteer facilitator and volunteer classroom support. We strive to meet the diverse interests of our learners through our class offerings, and encourage our members to participate in making this happen by volunteering as a class facilitator.
Dates: Fridays, February 7 - May 2. No classes on March 26th.
Times:
AM Session: 10:00-11:35 (2 classes)
PM Session: 12:15-2:00 (2 classes)
Social Lunch break will take place between the AM and PM sessions and is open to all co-op members.
Registered families are welcome to join in one or both sessions as it suits their schedules.
Location: The People's Church
1758 10th St N
Kalamazoo, MI
Exit 38 off US-131, Kalamazoo
Enrollment:
Membership Open Enrollment: ►► Waitlist Available ◄◄
Current/Returning Family Early Access: Oct 7th
Cost: $130. per family (includes all class offerings and class supply fees for the term). Payment plans are available. Payment in full is due by Jan 31st.
Class registration opens in January.
Registrations are selected at a first come-first serve basis. Once we meet our student limit, any incoming registrations will be automatically placed on our waitlist.
Class list and descriptions for SWMI ILC Spring 2025 Co-op Term
Skills listed are intended as a guideline only. In alignment with SWMI ILC’s core values of Equity & Accessibility, the co-op will work diligently with families to provide accommodations in a way that feels most comfortable to them.
Peer Group: Ages 3-5 years
Facilitator: TBD
Young Learners centers are designed for open-ended, self-led engagement for preschool and kindergarten-aged learners.
Peer Group: Ages 3-5 years
Facilitator: Phoebe (she/her)
We will explore early learning songs, multicultural music and nursery rhymes using a variety of musical instruments and encompassing pretend play to enrich the theme. This class will have an end of term performance during the final class or end of term celebration!
Peer Group: Ages 3-5 years
Facilitator: Katie (she/her)
We will do activities and play games that build early reading skills like letter/phonics recognition, rhyming, etc. We will also read books each week.
Peer Group: Elementary (ages 6-7)
Facilitator: Becky K (she/her)
Crafts based on famous works of art throughout history. The ability to use scissors may be helpful, but is not necessary.
Peer Group: Elementary (6-9)
Facilitator: Phoebe (she/her)
We will explore a variety of theatrical games, poetry, music, stories and plays. We will work on memorization, voice & movement skills as well as acting & characterization. This class will have an end of term performance during the final class or end of term celebration!
Peer Group: Elementary (6-9)
Facilitator: TBD
Stretch and get your body moving for the day. We will practice some simple yoga poses and stretches.
Peer Group: Elementary (6-9)
Facilitator: Abby (she/her) & Ariel (she/her)
Each class would start with reading a book then we would follow up with a craft based on the book for the remainder of the time.
Peer Group: Elementary (ages 6-9)
Class descriptions TBD
Peer Group: Elementary (8-9)
Facilitator: Shannon (she/her)
This class will be the most basic introduction to Dungeons and Dragons. Students will be learning the game through playing and it's preferred if they have no experience coming in or they might get bored with the pace. Dungeons and Dragons is an excellent way to learn communication and social skills along with practicing math and basic story telling.
Peer Group: Elementary (6-9)
Facilitator: Kim (she/her)
A variety of art supplies will be available each week for youth to explore and create freely. They can either work on a specific guided project or use the materials provided to bring their own creative ideas to life.
Peer Group: Elementary (6-7)
Facilitator: Sarah (she/her)
Through picture books we will learn about influential people and their contributions to the fields of science, technology, engineering, or math. Each story time will be followed by a guided, but open ended, craft or activity. The ability to use scissors may be helpful, but is not necessary.
Peer Group: Elementary (6-7)
Facilitator: Micah (he/him)
We welcome learners of all ages who can appropriately use Legos (aka keep them out of their mouths). We will have an area designated for free building with Legos, books available with directions on how to create animals or objects with the Legos in the free build box, and perhaps a spot with small kits that are available to use. We will have facilitators available to help as needed.
Peer Group: Elementary (8-9)
Facilitator: Gayle (she/they)
Create a unique affirmation journal while learning various doodle techniques. Learners must be able to write a line of copywork and follow simple commands.
Peer Group: Middle School (10-12)
Facilitator: Andrea (she/her)
A continuation of our previous adventure. Enrollment is restricted to returning players.
Peer Group: Middle School (10-12)
Facilitator: Karen (she/her)
We will explore the origins of rock and roll genre through its history, influences, artists, listening, other activities.
Peer Group: Middle School (10-12)
Facilitator: Abby (she/her)
Class description TBD
Peer Group: Middle School (10-12)
Facilitator: Rachel (she/her)
Class description TBD
Peer Group: Middle School (10-12)
Facilitator: Rowan (she/they)
Come have fun with plants! This class will cover basic botany, plant identification, and teach you how to make your own herbal concoctions in your kitchen!
Peer Group: Middle School (10-12)
Facilitator: Andrea (she/her)
Crochet basics and beyond. Learn the stitches, make a 2-dimensional granny square, and then a 3-dimensional cute crochet critter. Learners must have the ability to read and use both hands independently of each other.
Peer Group: Middle School (ages 10-12)
Facilitator: Phoebe (she/her)
We will explore a variety of theatrical games, poetry, music, stories and plays. We will focus on monolog & scene work, voice & movement skills and building an ensemble of confident supportive youth. This class will have an end of term performance during the final class or end of term celebration!
Peer Group: Middle & High School (ages 12-14)
Facilitator: Karen (she/her)
Money Smart for Young People is a class developed by the FDIC to tackle career opportunities, earning money, saving money, savvy shopping, financial goals, credit, budgeting, investing and personal financial choices. The ability to perform basic math functions is recommended.
Peer Group: High School (13-18)
Facilitator: TBD
Create imaginative art pieces inspired by random hilarious prompts. All skill levels welcome. Sharing artwork with the class is encouraged, but optional.
Peer Group: High School (13-18)
Facilitator: Kristina (she/her)
Class description TBD
Peer Group: High School (13-18)
Facilitator: Robin (he/him)
A continuation of our previous adventure. Enrollment is restricted to returning players.
Peer Group: High School (13-18)
Facilitator: Rowan (she/they) & Dakota (he/him)
Come learn about all things fire! We will cover a wide breadth of topics from wildfire to structural fire, prescribed and ecological burning, and how fire works on a scientific level.
Peer Group: High School (13-18)
Facilitator: Lexi (she/her)
We will take a look at logical fallacies, critical thinking, and problem solving over the course of the term. We will have some fun logic stories/riddles to figure out at the beginning of class as a brain teaser and then will address a logical fallacy or study critical thinking strategies. Learners are expected to share ideas with the facilitator and peers in a respectful manner.
Peer Group: High School (13-18)
Facilitator: Sean (he/him)
Class description TBD
Peer Group: High School (13-18)
Support the Young Learners Facilitator in creating a nurturing and engaging environment for young children. This opportunity is ideal for individuals passionate about early childhood education, with excellent communication and teamwork skills.