About us
What is “Learning center Znayka”?
Above all, it is a place where your child can feel at home. Cozy classrooms, kind teachers and entertaining lessons will never leave him or her bored or exhausted. The children that attend the learning center, regardless of their ages, always enjoy themselves, and their parent can see the results from the very beginning. Our students know that learning can be fun and exciting and are confident in their abilities to succeed.
In February of 2002, we first opened the doors to our young and very talented students. Parents and teachers were united by their desire to help the children in Russian-speaking families preserve the language.
We were able to create a warm and cozy, home-like atmosphere where every student can open up and show his or her individuality and uniqueness. The playful form of our lessons makes them not only educational but also entertaining. This helps our teachers bring knowledge to even those with shorter attention spans. Throughout the years we were able to gain the reputation of reliable assistants in language learning and the overall creative development.
We attribute our success to the principles at the core of our work:
- Offering high quality services in the area of education and creative development of every student. At “Znayka” there are no teachers “off the street”. All of our teachers are highly qualified professionals with many years of experience in their fields. They develop their programs by blending the latest methodology with their own experiences, keeping in mind the psychological peculiarities of a child’s personal development.
- Knowing that every child is a genius. We consider these words to be our motto. We know that every student has immense creative and intellectual potential that needs to be developed from the early childhood.
- Creative way of teaching. Every rule, even the most boring one, can be made fun and exciting to learn. The most important thing is to make the student want to learn and be able to see the results of applying the knowledge. Various exercises, supplementary materials and live communication help tackle any science.
- Positive emotions – first step on the road to success. It has been scientifically proven that while experiencing positive emotions a person can learn twice as much information. We decided to use that discovery and were not wrong. The playful nature of our classes stimulates the intellectual and creative activity of students and as a result gives them knowledge that stays with them for life.
- Aim at the result. Of course, nobody is perfect and one could study a language indefinitely. However it is very important to set a concrete goal – “I want to study this, and I want to learn this.” We like to see our students apply their knowledge and not just accumulate it.
At the Learning Center we offer group lessons for:
- preschoolers (3 year olds, 4 year olds, 4-5 year olds)
- school prep ( 5-6 year olds)
- school grades (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 grades)
- early development groups for our youngest students (2-3 year olds)
We offer complex study-and-play lessons in
- Russian language
- mathematics
- music
- piano
- music theory
- music history
- voice lessons
- performing art (music theater)
- art
We use Russian text-books and programs specifically adapted for bilingual children.
Russian Language
One of the main goals of out center is to teach Russian language and literature. Depending on the age and the language level of our students the lessons focus on the alphabet, reading, writing or grammar. We pay special attention to Russian speaking and speech culture, increasing one’s vocabulary, correcting the pronunciation. We use Russian language and literature textbooks, writing workbooks and other supplementary materials.
Mathematics
We offer mathematics lessons for children of all age groups. The lessons are conducted in Russian and are oriented at the development of logic and creativity. Preschoolers study counting, basic arithmetic and geometric shapes, learn to compare, analyze and solve elementary word problems. School graders, in addition to word problems and equations, are exposed to extra-challenging problems, geometry material and puzzles.
Music Lessons
The main goal of our music lessons is introducing children to the wonderful world of sounds and harmony. We try to make each lesson into a little celebration where students can become acquainted with the language of music.
The lessons include:
- rhythmic movements
- games aimed at the development of rhythm and musicianship
- learning the basis of music theory
- musicianship
- musically educational games
- listening to music
- warm-ups and singing
- dances, games
Participating in the preparations of the musical shows and performances, which we organize several times a year, becomes an unforgettable special event for our students.
Piano Lessons
We accept piano students starting at the age of 5. The lessons are individual. Recommended number of lessons – 2 times a week. The lessons are conducted by an experienced highly-qualified teacher, a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Themed recitals are held twice a year.
Music Theory
Students that are learning to play a music instrument and anyone who wants to learn about the wonders of music theory are invited to our music theory groups. During the lessons the students develop their hearing, rhythm, learn new musicianship skills and become acquainted with the fundamentals of music theory. The lessons are held once a week and last 45 minutes.
Music History
The lessons are held in the form of discussions about music and musicians. The students are introduced to basic musical genres, study the biographies and works of composers of different eras, listen to classical music. The lessons are held once a week.
Singing Lessons
Our students are introduced to both Russian and world music repertoire, learning the skills needed for effortless and expressive singing. Students learn skills needed for both solo and group singing. Introduction to different music genres helps the students perfect their vocal skills and widens their overall musical knowledge. The lessons are divided into two parts – popular music and classical voice.
Art
Art lessons will help your children develop their creativity. Our students express their emotions and ideas using drawing, painting and other crafts. During the lessons the students work on different tasks that let them strengthen their skills and improve their 3-dimensional vision, skills with pencils, watercolors, acrylic paints and other materials.
The main goals of art lessons are:
- forming and developing one’s taste in art
- improving one’s creative thinking
- learning to understand the language of art
- learning essential skills and techniques
Music Theater
Most children see the world around them as a whole picture, rarely paying attention to minute details. A theatrical performance is a great way to deepen the knowledge of a developing personality about the surrounding world. Theatrical performances entertain and expand one’s creativity, teach to sympathize, create opportunities for appropriate emotional responses, and improve the child’s self-confidence. All of our plays and performances are in Russian. Working on a role is first and foremost working with the text, and that means expanding one’s vocabulary, being introduced to idiomatic expressions, and improving pronunciation and language culture. A lot of attention is always paid to the musical aspects of the performances. Throughout the course of the school year we are able to create several performances in which all of our students can take parts, but of course the key cast members are the students in the music theater class.
Q and A
How can I sign up?
To sign up your child you need to first call (925) 363-3414 and set up and in-person meeting at the Learning Center. There you will need to fill out a "New Student" form after which your child will be assigned to the appropriate classes. We take into account both the student’s age and skill level.
The school year at Znayka starts on September 1, but if for whatever reason you were unable to sign up in August, you can sign up any time during the year. We will find a way to accommodate your child based on his or her age and skill level.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the age group and the types of lessons that you choose. The lessons are paid-for in advance on the first lesson of each month. In the event of late payments a late fee of 10% will be applied. You can also use family discounts:
- 1st child enrolled - full tuition
- 2nd child enrolled - 10% off the second child’s tuition
- 3d child enrolled - 15% off the third child’s tuition
The program is developed taking into account absences due to illness. We guarantee the result regardless of attendance, which in turn allows us to ask for 100% tuition.
How many students are in the groups?
In the 2-4 year olds groups - no more than 6 students.
All other groups - no more than 12 students.
All piano lessons are individual.
When are you open?
We are open 6 days a week (except Sundays) from 9 am to 8 pm. The lesson times are chosen taking into account the necessity of afternoon naps for preschoolers. Although it is rare that everyone leaves right after the end of the lessons. Often children continue to play and parents continue to discuss the never-ending topics of child-rearing.
What level of education do the teachers have?
All of our teachers are not just professional teachers, musicians and artists, but are also grown-ups who did not forget how great it is to be a child. You can often see them dancing, jumping, playing or crawling. But most importantly all of the teachers at the learning center love, respect and understand your children.
All of out teachers have college educations and years of experience working with children. The main criteria we use while picking our teachers are the subject knowledge, professional experience, the attitude towards children and the children’s attitude towards the candidates.
What to bring to the center?
All of the necessary school supplies are given to each student at the lesson. The students should bring the folder with the finished homework to class.
Do you give food to the students?
We give the children simple snacks like juice and cookies in order to not have the grumbling tummies distract them.
Do the students get very tired?
One of the main features of the program is that all lessons are composed of many different types of activities that quickly change and are conducted in play form. Moreover, the structure of the lessons takes into account "rest" in the form of different exercises. Even after the lessons the children don’t rush home to "rest," but continue to have fun with their classmates.
May be it’s better to go to a private tutor?
It has been shown that learning a language is more effective when done in groups of people of similar age and skill level. Since a language is not just grammar and writing the students need a place to communicate with their friends using the language, only then will their speech improve. Unfortunately even the best tutor cannot substitute for a group of peers.
We not only professionally teach Russian, but also provide an environment for its use. Using Russian during lessons, games, recitals and special events helps the students understand that they are learning a beautiful live language. Our students can easily switch between Russian and English, feel comfortable at both English and Russian speaking schools and are proud of their knowledge.
Can parents come to the lessons?
If necessary, parents can watch the lessons after having obtained the teachers permission.
What can the parents do during the classes?
We provide a comfortable setting for both the students and their parents. The parents can socialize with each other in the waiting area or read books and magazines.
Do you have a library?
We have a small library of several dozens of Russian and English books and a collection of Russian movies and cartoons. We will be extremely grateful if anyone would like to help us expand our library.
What are the benefits of taking music lessons?
Scientific research has shown that children that take music lessons can concentrate better. Moreover, their mathematical abilities, memory and the ability to work in groups improve; aggression is lowered. Some parts of the brains of musicians are 130% more developed than those of non-musicians.
It has been shown that the best time for a child to start learning about music is a year before going to school, and in order for the lessons to bring significant results, one should study music for at least 5 years.
When should one start learning a language?
Infants can differentiate sounds of all languages in the world, but this amazing skill starts getting lost at the ages of about 10 months. It is very important that the child hears fluent language speakers who have perfect pronunciation and the language "melody". Children who until the age of 5 are constantly exposed to two languages not only can learn those two languages but also can much easier learn other languages in the future.
