Looking for an Advent Calendar?

Look no further!

Tons of Curriculum So Come on Over!

FRAPER

Looking for "a little something" for a "little someone"?  Well, if you love math games here is one of my favorites. Great simply as practice putting fractions in order from smallest to largest it is also terrific for a quick game of Rummy, Old Maid or Go Fish.  Enjoy!

Last Call for Crystal Lake Park District Classes!

Class ID

Class Description

Open

Enroll

Wait

Dates

Days/Times

Location

Age

Resident

Non-Res

4243-1

Home School Karate

9

6

0

11/06/14

TH

Rotary Building

4-7 years

$ 29.00

$ 32.00

12/18/14

11:30am to 12:00pm

No class on 11/27

4243-2

Home School Arts and Crafts Programs

11

4

0

11/06/14

TH

Rotary Building

4-7 years

$ 35.00

$ 38.00

12/18/14

9:30am to 10:30am

No class on 11/27

4243-3

Home School Math and Science Club

14

1

0

11/06/14

TH

Rotary Building

8-16 years

$ 46.00

$ 49.00

12/18/14

2:00pm to 3:00pm

No class on 11/27

4243-4

Home School Pen and Mouse

8

7

0

11/06/14

TH

Rotary Building

6-18 years

Multiple

Multiple

12/18/14

10:30am to 12:00pm

No class on 11/27

4243-5

Home School Karate

13

2

0

11/06/14

TH

Rotary Building

8-18 Years

$ 58.00

$ 61.00

12/18/14

12:00pm to 1:00pm

No class on 11/27

4245-2

Home School Math and Science Club

12

3

0

11/06/14

TH

Rotary Building

7-10 years

$ 46.00

$ 49.00

12/18/14

3:00pm to 4:00pm

No class on 11/27

4245-3

Home School Computer Illustration

15

0

0

11/06/14

TH

Rotary Building

8-16 years

$ 60.00

$ 63.00

12/18/14

12:00pm to 1:00pm

No class on 11/27

4245-4

Home School Dance

14

1

0

11/06/14

TH

Rotary Building

4-9 years

$ 45.00

$ 48.00

12/18/14

2:00pm to 2:45pm

No class on 11/27

4245-5

Home School Dance

15

0

0

11/06/14

TH

Rotary Building

10-18 Years

$ 45.00

$ 48.00

12/18/14

2:45pm to 3:15pm

No class on 11/27

4245-6

Home School Karate

14

1

0

11/06/14

TH

Rotary Building

8-18 Years

$ 58.00

$ 61.00

12/18/14

1:00pm to 2:00pm

No class on 11/27

I hope you join me!

The Cure for the Math Curse

Math, the subject most of us freak out about the fastest. How can we ensure our children LOVE math and are good at it when we don't like it ourselves? Learn how to break the mold of math anxiety by breaking the bad teaching habits that create it, and learn new ways of approaching math to replace the old fear-inducing habits.

Where: The Huntley Area Public Library

When: Tuesday October 21st from 6 - 8 pm

Who: adults and older teens

How: Please call to register at the Children's Desk: 847-669-5386 extension 26

Cost: Free! 

The Story of One

I have long loved this documentary. Now it can be live streamed along with hundreds of other documentaries. I even found a few others I haven't watched and that look interesting!

Where do you spend your time?

I Hope You Join Me!

Request for Letters of Support for the Johnsburg Library's Homeschool Resource Center

I am so excited! The Johnsburg Public Library's Homeschool Resource Center has been nominated for the 

National Medal for Museum and Library Service. 

"This annual award is presented by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and was created to underscore the significant contributions that museums and libraries make to their communities. The award honors institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and exceed the expected levels of community outreach."

http://www.imls.gov/about/medals.aspx

Part of the packet of paperwork we need to submit (because there is always paperwork!) are letters of recommendation. 

E. Letters of Support

These letters should come from community members who have direct knowledge of the institution’s community service. We recommend that the letters come 

from different segments of the broader community served by the institution and from individuals who have either witnessed or experienced first-hand a particular program or service. Address letters to the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services and include them with this Nomination Form.

For these letters I NEED YOUR HELP. Clearly the HRC has been a labor of love for 14 years now (the 13th anniversary of our grand opening is this week!) but I can't write a letter of recommendation for this. These letters need to come from you - the individuals who have benefited from the HRC's existence. Please, please, please - if the Homeschool Resource Center has helped you please write a letter of support. 

1) Address letters to the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services

2) Mail the letter (or drop it off):   Johnsburg Public Library   3000 N Johnsburg Rd., McHenry, IL 60051

3) We need to have them all "in hand" no later than Oct. 1st. 

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  

Printable Calendar of Chicago's Museum Free Days

Want to know what museum is free when? This is your resource! 

This blogger was thinking smart! Be sure to thank her!

September Calendar of Events!

Sept. 7th - Home School Expo
Park Place in Crystal Lake, IL
FREE - drop on in!
11:00 am - 3:00 pm


Sept. 8th - Homeschooling for Cheapskates
Grayslake Public Library
FREE - please register in advance
6:30-8:30 pm


Sept. 26 - Bringing Families Into the Library
Kankakee Public Library
LACONI workshop (CPDUs available)
1:00-2:30 pm

Crystal Lake Park District classes - Registration is now open!

All classes are on Thursdays at Veteran Acres Park's Rotary Building (Corner of Walkup Rd and Rt 176 - at the other end of the parking lot from the splash pad and playground). Classes begin Sept. 18th! 

http://inet-reg.crystallakeparks.org/wr/wr5234.tbred?page=wrsearch&member=000&householdid=-REVIEWONLY-&action=program&SESSION-ID=735471.90143519BACRZWTVGZWQIXESBAL&pcatno=005300&pclsseq=0068

Home School Karate

Join Our Home Schoolers in a Karate class taught by Patric Murphy of Kon Jo Karate Club. Mr. Murphy is a fourth degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and is a wonderful and warm instructor who encourages each of his students to do their best. Each child progresses at their own pace. Belt tests are offered at the end of the session for an additional $15.00 fee (no fee for stripe tests).

4-7 yrs      11:30 - 12:00

8-18          12:00-1:00

8-18 yrs     1:00-2:00 

Home School Math & Science Club

This year we will be following Joy Hakim's Aristotle Leads the Way. This text uses a historical (classical) approach to teaching both math and science topics and is particularly good at answering the age old question of "when are we ever going to need this (math)" by incorporating it seamlessly into the learning of science and the scientific method. This year's text covers history from Ancient Mesopotamia to the Middle Ages and focuses primarily on chemistry, physics and geometry. Each family should purchase the text and Student's Quest Guide. Both are available on Amazon Smile for a combined price of about $32 new.

5th-8th grades               2:00-3:00

2nd-4th grade               3:00-4:00

Home School Arts & Crafts

Let's make some crafts! From painting to building, kids will create playful pieces of artwork, both functional and fun.

4 - 7 yrs                       9:30-10:30

Home School Pen & Mouse Club

Club House Artists will learn how to draw in 3D as well as learn painting techniques. Students will learn tool box terms such as horizon line, shading, contour, overlapping, color theory, and much more! Projects range from drawing, painting, and sculpting. New students are required to purchase an art kit included in the price.

6-18 yrs                      10:30-noon

Home School Computer Illustration

Students will learn how to create basic illustrations in Adobe Illustrator using vector drawing techniques. This is multiple session class to cover more advance techniques. Windows Laptop and mouse is required. Software will be provided. Please come 20 minutes early to the first class for software installation. Instructor has limited amounts of laptops to borrow. Please contact Julie Kukreja if you are in need to borrow. Class will be held in the lower level of the Rotary Building.

6-18 yrs                       1:00-2:00

Home School Dance

Dancers will study a variety of techniques including ballet, tap and jazz in a nurturing environment.

4-9 yrs                         2:00-2:45

10-18 yrs                     2:45-3:15

What is the Difference Between Traditional Schooling and Unschooling?

This is a terrific explanation!

New Business Cards!

My newly redesigned business cards arrived today! Of course, the day AFTER I spoke to 48 attendees (official final count) at Huntley Library. Oh well.

What are the Long Term Ramifications of Unschooling Our Kids?

I've really been enjoying the "conversations" between Home Education Magazine's editor and publisher. Read and enjoy!

The following is a discussion between HEM’s editor and publisher, Barb Lundgren and Mark Hegener, that was published in the March-April 2013 issue of Home Education Magazine. With well over 60 combined years of experience as unschooling parents, Barb and Mark reflect on some of long term effects of raising children with respect, integrity, trust and nurturing support for the self-directed life.

Barb:

I’ve spent the last 30 years of my life wondering whether unschooling my kids would really make a difference in how they feel about themselves, their connection to others and society, their understanding of the human condition and what makes the world go ’round. My kids are now all grown up and I am still wondering, observing, and thinking about this. I hold a fundamental belief that life should be simple, and yet dissecting such a question is complex indeed. It’s a beautiful truth that their childhoods, our family life, was rich, fun, exciting and spontaneous with many, many steep, fast-paced learning curves.

We lived a magical existence and, for the most part, felt on top of the world: my children were empowered with the knowledge that not only were they never expected to do anything they did not want to do, but that their parents would support their wide and varied forms of emotional, psychological, spiritual, artistic and academic expression. We trusted each of our children’s natural learning processes, engaged in lots of discussion, listened to each other, applied consensual decision-making.

Click here to read the rest of the article. 

Come Visit Me in Huntley on Aug. 19th!

Homeschool Speaker: Kathy Wentz      For parents

Tuesday • August 19, 6-8 p.m.

Join us in welcoming local homeschool expert, Kathy Wentz, as she presents an informational program for veteran, new and prospective homeschool parents.  “Everything You Wished You Knew About Homeschooling In Northern Illinois, But Were Afraid To Ask” will be followed by Q & A and networking time.

Registration required. Please call the Children’s Desk at 847-669-5386 extension 26 to register for this event. Please share the information with others you know who homeschool (or would like to), everyone is welcome!

It's Home School Expo Time!

What area companies work with homeschoolers?
Where can you find sports teams, tutors or resources?
Come to the expo and find out!

Homeschoolers vs Public Schoolers

As usual, homeschoolers rule. Be sure to check out the site for all the infograhics!


Created by: CollegeAtHome.com

How Family Game Night Makes Kids into Better Students

Most of you know I have a real passion for using board games to teach and to reinforce skills in math. There is a tremendous amount of research on the topic. Here is an excellent "main stream" article on it as well. Take the time to read it!

Matching up cards and planning the next chess move can help develop a child’s executive function—a set of skills that may be more important for success than IQ points.

The author’s sons learn the value of strategic thinking and impulse control during a backyard game of Swish. (Jessica Lahey/The Atlantic)

There has been a lot of recent attention focused on the importance of executive function for successful learning. Many researchers and educators believe that this group of skills, which enable a child to formulate and pursue goals, are more important to learning and educational success than IQ or inherent academic talent.

(Please click on the link for the rest of the article.)  

Everything You Ever Wished You Knew About Homeschooling in Northern Illinois But Were Afraid to Ask

Come visit me for: 

Everything You Ever Wished You Knew About Homeschooling in Northern Illinois But Were Afraid to Ask
with Kathy Wentz

As an educational consultant I hear (and give practical answers to) many of the same questions over and over: How do I homeschool within the law? What about socialization? What curriculum is best? What does my child need to learn at each grade level? What about testing? My child has special needs. Can I still homeschool him/her?  How can I get a lot of resources for only a little money? I don't have a college degree, so how can I homeschool high school?  What does my child need to graduate high school?  What about college?  If  you would like answers to these questions (and more!), this is the workshop for you!  

August 19th at 6pm

Huntley Area Public Library

11000 Ruth Road

Huntley, IL 60142

Johnsburg Library HRC Used Curriculum Flea Market and Open House

https://sites.google.com/site/hrcopenhouse/

Got Fines? The Johnsburg Library's annual "Food for Fines" starts NOW!

Love the Johnsburg Library's Homeschool Resource Center?

Love the wide variety of curricula, science supplies and hands-on manipulatives?

Loved them just a little too long at least once this year so have a library fine? This is your week!

Here are the rules:

Donate one non-perishable food item for each separate fine. Food cannot be used to pay for lost or damaged items, or for collection agency fees. You can check the status of your account online at johnsburglibrary.org or call the library at 815-344-0077. 

All food will be given to the F.I.S.H. Food Pantry which assists McHenry area families in need. (Please make sure your donated items are not past their expiration dates.)

Food will be accepted during National Library Week April 13-19, 2014.

State of Homeschooling Event!!! Come one, Come all!

STATE OF HOMESCHOOLING

Monday, March 31 | 6:00-8:30PM

Johnsburg Public Library

3000 N. Johnsburg Rd., Johnsburg, IL 60051

Come meet Rep. Hultgren for a discussion and update on the state of homeschooling at the Johnsburg Public Library's Homeschool Resource Center. 

The event is open to the public.

For any additional questions,

please contact Susan Russell

in Rep. Hultgren’s Geneva Office at

susan.russell@mail.house.gov or

630-232-7104

American History Anyone?

We loved studying history using movies and I know many other families that do this as well. For those of you with hands-on / experiential learners or dyslexics movies can make history come alive.

If you are interested in a fantastic list for American history movies take a look at this wonderful blog!

http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/learning-american-history-through-movies-free-timeline/

Register before the 20th!

Crystal Lake Park District Home School Programs 02/05/14 Home School Classes Next Session Karate Level I and II Pen and Mouse Club House Artist Home School Art Home School Dance Home School Sports Home School Cheerleading The Cure for the Math Curse: Pre-Algebra Home School Math & Science Club Quick Links Register Now Contact Us Visit our Website Register for Western Hoedown Register for Super Hero Mother/Son Dance Crystal Lake Park District Special Events Be sure to pre-register for these special events by the registration deadline. Spots will fill quickly and no onsite registration will be accepted. Register for the Western Family Hoedown   (Registration Deadline Feb. 21)    Register for the Super Hero Mother/Son Dance   (Registration Deadline Feb. 26)   Enroll Now for the Next Session of Home School Enrichment Programs The next session of Crystal Lake Park District Home School Enrichment Programs begin on February 27. All classes require pre-registration. Classes that do not meet minimum registration requirements byFebruary 20 may be cancelled-register now so that your favorite classes take place. We have 4 convenient registration options: Register Online www.crystallakeparks.org Register In Person Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office One East Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake, IL 60014 24 Hour Drop Box Drop off your completed registration form with payment in a sealed envelope marked "Crystal Lake Park District." The drop box is located on the east side of the Park District Administrative Office, next to the drop off window. Register by Fax Submit a completed and signed registration form and waiver to (815) 477-5005 Program Location Grand Oaks Recreation Center 1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, IL     Home School Enrichment Karate Level I and II Ages 3 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) Noon-1 pm (ages 3-7), Code #4542-1 1-2 pm (ages 8 and up), Code #4542-5 Grand Oaks Gym Program Fee: $57 Resident Discount Fee: $50 Click here for complete program description and online registration Pen & Mouse Club House Artist Ages 6 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) Noon-1 pm, Code #4542-4 Grand Oaks Program Room Program Fee: $60 Resident Discount Fee: $57 New Student Program Fee: $82** New Student Resident Discount Fee: $72 **New student fee includes one-time material cost. Click here for complete program description and online registration Home School Art Ages 3 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 10-11 am (ages 3-7), Code #4540-2 11 am-Noon (ages 8 and up), Code #4540-3 Grand Oaks Program Room, Program Fee: $41 Resident Discount Fee: $35 Click here for complete program description and online registration Home School Dance Ages 4 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 2-3 pm (ages 4-7), Code #4540-5 1-2 pm (ages 8 and up), Code #4540-4 Grand Oaks Program Room Program Fee: $51 Resident Discount Fee: $45 Click here for complete program description and online registration Home School Sports Class Ages 3 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 11 am-Noon (ages 3-6), Code #4540-6 10-11 am (ages 7 and up), Code #4540-7 Grand Oaks Gym Program Fee: $51 Resident Discount Fee: $45 Click here for complete program description and online registration Home School Cheerleading Ages 8 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 2-3 pm, Code #4540-1 Grand Oaks Gym Program Fee: $36 Resident Discount Fee: $30 Click here for complete program description and online registration Home School-The Cure for the Math Curse: Pre-Algebra Grades 4 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 2-3 pm, Code #4540-8 Grand Oaks Program Room Program Fee: $51 Resident Discount Fee: $45 Click here for complete program description and online registration Home School Math & Science Club Ages 8-11 Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 3-4 pm, Code #4542-3 Grand Oaks Program Room Program Fee: $51 Resident Discount Fee: $45 Click here for complete program description and online registration Home School Program Session Dates: Session #2: Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program March 27) Session #3: Thursday, April 24-May 22 Registration deadline: 1 week prior to first program.

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