Lake County middle school students who are identified by their school districts as scoring in or above the 95th percentile on an acceptable achievement test will be invited to participate in math, language arts, STEM, and technology classes offered at CLC's Grayslake and Vernon Hills campuses. Fast-Paced courses such as writing, literature, speech, math, art, photography, and more are designed to engage and equip bright young minds for academic success. Homeschool, private and parochial school parents may email CPEInfo@clcillinois.edu for information about submitting their children's scores.
All Monday and Wednesday classes meet at the Grayslake Campus. All Tuesday and Thursday classes meet at the Southlake Campus in Vernon Hills. Class times are 5-6:30 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. Each class meets one evening per week for eight weeks.
Fall class dates: Monday, Sept. 16 to Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024.
About CLC's Fast-Paced Program
Fall 2024 Registration Open Now
Welcome to Class
Contact Info
Kim Christesen
Adjunct Instructor
Fast-Paced Program
Personal Enrichment
College of Lake County
19351 W. Washington St.
Grayslake, IL 60030
847-543-2000
Mrs. Christesen holds a Bachelor's Degree from Illinois State University and a Master's Degree in Reading from National Louis University. She is a certified Reading Specialist and has been educating students in all grades and subjects for over 20 years. She currently teaches verbal classes with CLC's Fast-Paced Program, is the lead costume designer for Grant Community High School's theatre program, and tutors students in English, Biology, Chemistry, Algebra, and Geometry.
Meet Mrs. Christesen
Rev up your study skills for academic success in middle school and beyond. Learn how to study and still have time for fun. Identify your learning style and maximize its impact on your study approach with brain based lessons in note-taking, retention techniques, time management, test-taking strategies and more. This class has two sections: one at each campus location.
Grades: 6
Supplies: Highlighters, pencil, paper, smart phone or tablet device with Wi-Fi capabilities to access online assessment tools
Schedule: Not offered by Mrs. C for Fall 2024
CFSP38
Plan, Study, Excel
Come tell your stories in this narrative writing course. Hone your skills as we delve into personal narratives, fictional short stories, point of view, story structure, drafting, editing and revising. Enjoy mini lessons centering on the writer's craft, figurative language, incorporating dialogue and more.
Grades: 6. 7. 8
Supplies: Paper and pencil or tablet device with Word/Doc program and Wi-Fi capabilities for extended writing purposes
Schedule: Not offered by Mrs. C for Fall 2024
CFSP73
Narrative Writing
Step into the world of literary analysis through reading, discussing, interpreting, and writing about classical literature. Explore different forms of fiction, suspense, and poetry while being introduced to several types of literary criticisms. Strengthen your ability to read, think and write critically and learn to defend your discoveries properly.
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Supplies: Highlighters, pencil, paper or tablet device with Word/Doc program and Wi-Fi capabilities
Schedule: Not offered by Mrs. C for Fall 2024
CFSP9
Literary Analysis
Develop a strong stage presence and overcome fears and anxiety in public speaking settings with this Fast-Paced Verbal class. Students will dive further into the mechanics of stage presence and direction, improv acting, vocal techniques, and the ethos, pathos, and logos of the message they wish to communicate to a larger audience. Learn how to connect with your audience and feel comfortable making eye contact, become more concise in your speech, and show passion and enthusiasm with your words, voice and physicality. Highlighting IESA and IHSA Speech categories, students will research, write, cut, edit, and prepare a 1-2 minute speech to share with the class.
Note: This class is recommended following Speech & Acting 1 and as a prerequisite for Speech & Acting 3 as it builds on prior class knowledge and provides experience for the following class. However, it is not a requirement.
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Supplies: Pencil, paper or tablet device with Word/Doc program and Wi-Fi capabilities for collaborative writing
Location: Southlake
Times: Thursdays 5:00 pm
Dates: Sept. 19 thru Nov. 7
CFSP25
Speech & Acting 2: Improv, Drama, & Vocal Technique
Engage your mind and voice in this Fast-Paced Verbal class! Using famous speeches, monologues and comedy skits, students will develop a framework from which to examine the elements of speaking, reading, writing and listening while they discover how these elements interact to communicate a message to an audience. Using research skills and your own creativity, carefully construct a written piece and practice public speaking techniques as you present your creation. Gain practice in listening carefully and offering thoughtful feedback. Build on creative writing skills with powerful, effective vocabulary. Learn vocal and oral techniques for effective communication in high school and the academic world beyond.
Note: This class is recommended as a prerequisite for Speech & Acting 2 and 3 and while it builds a foundation and comfort level, it is not required.
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Supplies: Paper and pencil or tablet device with Word/Doc program and Wi-Fi capabilities for research and extended writing purposes
Location: Grayslake (Mon) and Southlake (Tues)
Times: Mondays (Grayslake) 7:00 pm, Tuesdays (Southlake) 7:00 pm
Dates: Sept. 16 thru Nov. 4 (Grayslake), Sept. 17 thru Nov. 5 (Southlake)
CFSP75
Speech & Acting 1: Oral Presentations
Take your speaking and writing abilities to the next level with this Verbal course offering. Students will write, produce, and perform their own One Act play as a collective group. Using vocal techniques and speech writing processes from previous classes, students will be expected to perform a solo or group piece on the final day of class during a live showcase for parents, families, and friends. Speech & Acting 3 is the only speech class in which the curriculum is different each semester based on the direction of students enrolled in the class. One semester, students may participate in a Game Show themed event while another semester may find students being transported inside their TV set, covering the Olympics, or off on a space adventure. Students take the lead in choosing a theme and writing and producing solo, duet, or group pieces within the showcase. The students then perform on the final day of class for parents, siblings, friends, and family.
Note: While Speech & Acting 1 and 2 are listed as a prerequisites, it is not required. This class is intended for students to take again and again, growing in their performance abilities each time. Many area middle schools do not offer competitive speech teams, especially as a lead in to high school. This class aims to fill that gap.
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Supplies: Pencil, paper or tablet device with Word/Doc program and Wi-Fi capabilities
Schedule: Not offered by Mrs. C for Fall 2024
CFSP17
Speech & Acting 3: Student Showcase Performance
Currently, The Gallery features Speech 1 and Speech 3 students from Fall 2023 as they present and perform original pieces.
This gallery is meant to capture snapshots of our learning.
All media is published with student permission and a release signed by a parent/guardian.
The work product may be unfinished as our time together is focused on development, exploration, discussion, and growth.
Photos, Videos, & Blog Featuring Fast-Paced Students
The Gallery
Resource Page Available for All of Mrs. Christesen's Classes
Looking for More?
Are you a student already enrolled in a class right now?
Are you a former student looking to recall something we did in class?
Did you miss a class and want to see what you missed?
Do you need another copy of a story, speech, or notes?
Whatever the reason, click the Resources button for more links to
documents, websites, and videos for each of Mrs. C's classes.
Within The Gallery you'll find original monologues, short stories, writing warm ups, literary analysis samples, and a host of other written work authored by Mrs. Christesen and students both past and present. Writing is published with student permission and a release signed by a parent/guardian.
Featuring Student Writers: Past and Present
The Blog
