Mi Clase Mágica


Mi Clase Mágica (MCM) targets 3 to 5 year old children.


Adapted for preschool children this program introduces participants to basic computer usage with the goal of supporting academic and social readiness.


The program adapts the principles and cultural relevance of the La Clase Mágica curriculum to introduce participants to letters, numbers, colors, shapes, and other important skills.


Skills and practices developed in MCM serve as a valuable foundation for participants to advance to higher learning, not only in terms of technological competence (a framework for understanding the computer) and enhanced social development within the context of working with adults and peers, but also in terms of fostering a positive attitude towards learning in general.  By learning to master the mouse and navigate the computer games (and in the process teaching undergraduates a thing or two), MCM participants develop confidence and self-esteem. They realize at a very young age that learning is fun through using both languages and culture, which are vital resources for learning.

La Clase Mágica


La Clase Mágica (LCM) targets 5 to 12 year old children.


Educational software and online activities with the project’s electronic entity serve as the supplement to reinforce school related skills such as literacy, math and science.

Components Introduction


La Clase Mágica takes a holistic life-span approach towards learning with programs that target specific age groups.  In this way, the pedagogical needs and concerns of learners ranging from pre-school (Mi Clase Magica) through elementary and middle school (La Clase Magica), high school (the Wizard Assistant Club), college (the undergraduate course) and adult education (La Gran Dimension), can be systematically linked through an age-specific context. "This intergenerational approach that includes people of all ages fosters and cultivates true community learning to help address educational equality in the public school system.

Los Promotores


Los promotores is a parent involvement program that offers opportunities for parents to become involved in LCM activities ranging from short term visits to the sites to more organized activities.  Along with fostering a community among LCM parents, it encourages and supports their involvement in their children’s educational development.  Part of this effort includes providing information about the educational system and providing educational workshops.

La Gran Dimension


La Gran Dimension (LGD) trains adults to use the computer as a tool for information, communication, and employment, while also encouraging them to use their knowledge to help La Clase Mágica.  LGD focuses on typing and uses software targeting job skills such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet usage.  It provides participants online access to mainstream institutions and mediates those interactions in a helpful manner.  Program goals include helping adults become comfortable and competent using the computer, broadening their job skill set, and training them to play a role in the long-term sustainability of La Clase Mágica.

Wizard Assistants Club


The Wizard Assistants Club targets children ages 12 to 18 who have been long term participants of the program.


As project “experts” Wizard Assistants (WAs) assist with site operations, conduct orientations for undergraduates and serve as ambassadors of the project at conferences, community meetings, and university courses.


Special activities for members of the Wizard Assistants Club are organized such as high end technology activities, fieldtrips, and college admissions workshops which provide something new to stimulate the interest of long-term participants.


WAs are responsible for assisting the younger children in much the same way as do the undergraduate amigo/as.  In addition, WAs assist in site coordination activities and lead training sessions to prepare undergraduate students to work at the site.  As a result these teens have ample opportunities to learn about university life and skills through their relationship with undergraduates from the University of California, San Diego.  Our goal is to instill in the WAs the option of higher education.