Dec 16, 2009

Winter Math Classes at the Johnsburg Library

The Cure for the Math Curse:
Multiplication Math Club


Tuesdays from January 12 to February 9, 2010 1:00-2:30 pm
This series of four classes will encourage your child to play their
way to a love of multiplication through quality math literature and
a wide variety of games and manipulatives. We will be concentrating
on getting better conceptual knowledge of multiplication and
working on memorization skills. Cost: $25.00
Final day for registration is January 10, 2010.




The Cure for the Math Curse:
Charts & Graphs Math Club


Tuesdays from February 16 to March 9, 2010 1:00-2:30 pm
This series of four classes will concentrate on getting a better
working knowledge and conceptual understanding of how to
structure and organize data. We’ll use quality math literature and
a wide variety of games and manipulatives to encourage your
child to play their way to a love of arithmetic. Cost: $25
Final day for registration is February 14, 2010.





Algebra: Polynomials, Graphing & More!


Tuesdays from January 12 to March 9, 2010 3:00-4:30 pm
This series of eight classes is a continuation of Mrs. Wentz’s
“Introduction of Algebra” classes. We will stress understanding the
concepts of algebra including exponents and roots, solving equations
with multiple variables, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing
polynomials, and graphing. Homework will be assigned.
Prerequisite: Students must be able to solve equations with one
variable, such as:
-2(-x + 5) + 2x = x - 1 and x - 3(2x + 5) = 20 + 2x
Final day for registration is January 10, 2010. Cost: $50




All classes will be held at the Johnsburg Public Library.
(No classes will be held on February 2 due to elections.)
Parents are encouraged to attend for free.
Please make checks payable to Kathy Wentz.
Johnsburg Public Library 3000 N Johnsburg Rd Johnsburg, IL 60051
815-344-0077 www.johnsburglibrary.org

Dec 3, 2009

Fremont Public Library!

We know this time of the year is a bit crazy (not to mention expensive!), but what better way to enjoy the holidays than to get a great deal? How about an entire (free!) morning of sharing, support and encouragement? How about loads of ideas designed to save you stress and money?





Please join us on Saturday Dec. 12th for two of my most popular workshops:





From 9:30-10:30 a.m. "Why are we Homeschooling? Developing Your Own Educational Philosophy"




Did you know the average homeschooling family changes styles and curriculum 7 times in the first 2 years? This can be very expensive, confusing, and frustrating! This workshop is designed to help you cut through the confusion and help you find the philosophy that will help you truly enjoy homeschooling as a lifestyle rather than as a challenge to be overcome.




From 11:00 - noon "Homeschooling for Cheapskates"




Homeschooling doesn't need to be expensive. In fact, many of us find that homeschooling is virtually free! Join us for a discussion about how to homeschool by using materials and resources available for free on the Internet, at the library, or in your community. Be sure to bring your impossible dreams!





Yes, of course, handouts aplenty will be provided!





I look forward to seeing you at the Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein, IL

http://www.fremontlibrary.org

Sep 27, 2009

Science Club in Crystal Lake

Do to a significant 'wait list' for a full Science Club class in Cary and with the speedy cooperation of both the Fun School Co-op and the Crystal Lake Park District, there is now a second chance to join us!




We will spend this 4 week session covering Unit 1 of a multidisciplinary spine which includes activities and topics in science, history, math, and language arts: Joy Hakim's The Story of Science: Aristotle Leads the Way. This text covers scientific discoveries, knowledge, and processes from the beginning of the Universe to the mid 1500s and offers our group the chance to blend science with the rest of their history based curriculum.




Each family can decide how much they want to use, or not use, the chosen text. There are 30 chapters in the text and each week we will cover one or two chapters so that those families who wish to join us for the year can complete the entire text by the end of May. Students do not need to read the text in order to participate, but the class projects and discussions will be based on the chapter. It is recommended that each family purchase a copy.




Classes will be Thursdays from 1 - 2:30 on Oct.1, 8th, 15th and 29th. There will be NO CLASS on Oct. 22nd.




Cost: This 4 week session will cost $55 for residents of Crystal Lake Park District and $70 for non-residents.




(Note: all other sessions will be 6 weeks long)




You can find a full description and registration information here:
http://tinyurl.com/y9bvrsl

Aug 15, 2009

Science and Math Mondays

Are you interested in joining a small group of other teens on Mondays for semi-private tutoring, small group projects and field trips designed to meet your math and science needs? All activities and instruction will be planned according to individual student needs




The students this is aimed at have already taken most of my science lab classes through the Homeschool Fridays program at McHenry County College or through other, similar, programs and have basic science lab techniques down. This program is a way for them to have time to hone their techniques and skills before college even though they already have the basics down.




Days will usually be from 10:00 to 4:00. On days when the weather is good we will take a few hours and head out to do field work at Volo Bog, Glacial Park, Moraine Hills State Park or any one of the other amazing natural areas in the Chain O'Lakes area. On days when the weather is poor we will stay in and work on individual or small group projects, vocabulary, and math skills (Algebra with fractions and Geometry are currently planned).




We will also have a field trip approximately once a month and it can be assumed that the hours of those days will be longer than on other Mondays. As each trip is planned an announcement of the dates and times will be made and individual students can then decide if that trip is something they want to participate in. Student input into the field trips will be highly encouraged.




Students are asked to commit to an entire season (fall, winter, spring). Students that complete three full seasons (one year) will be given a certificate indicating 1 full credit of high school science and 1 full credit of high school math completed in McHenry County, IL. The exact course names of the credits will be determined by the student because the exact topic and level of study is determined by the student.




Homework will be assigned. Homework will vary from student to student and will be based on their projects and goals.




Cost: $30 a week plus any additional costs for supplies or field trip expenses Supplies will vary from student to student and might include anything from bacteria cultures to advanced dissection specimens and can be split whenever two or more students want to do a group project. Field trip expenses might include train fare downtown or museum admission where I am unable to gain us free entry. (Note: I am very frugal and do promise to keep all additional expenses as low as I can! As many of you know, I already own a lot of science equipment!) All additional project costs will be cleared with the parent first!




If interested, please contact me directly and we will set up a time to get together and discuss your needs and goals.

Aug 14, 2009

Science for grades 4-8

We will spend the year using a multidisciplinary spine which includes activities and topics in science, history, math, and language arts: Joy Hakim's The Story of Science: Aristotle Leads the Way. This text covers scientific discoveries, knowledge, and processes from the beginning of the Universe to the mid 1500s and offers our group the chance to blend science with the rest of their history based curriculum. (There are four subsequent texts in the series each covering a specific time frame.)





Each family can decide how much they want to use, or not use, the chosen text. There are 30 chapters in the text and each week we will cover one chapter so that we can complete the entire text by the end of May. Students do not need to read the text in order to participate, but the class projects and discussions will be based on the chapter. It is recommended that each family purchase a copy.





When/Where: Classes will be on Wednesday afternoons in Cary from 1:00-2:15 beginning Sept. 16th, 2009.





Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $300. This averages out to be $10 a week. The cost will be payable in three installments – the first at registration, the second on Nov. 11th, and the third on February 10th, 2010. If you need to make special payment arrangements (such as paying by credit card or making smaller, but more frequent payments) please contact Kathy Wentz directly.




If interested: Email me loriannestanger@comcast.net your child(ren)'s name, age and your contact information.





To register: Mail a check to Lori Anne Stanger at 267 Deerpath Road, Algonquin 60102. Make check payable to Kathy Wentz for the $100 first installment.

High School Biology in Cary

This High School level Biology course will focus on discussion and related laboratory exercises during our class time. The class will cover cellular forms and functions including cellular reproduction and genetics, the diversity of life including protists, fungi, plants and animals, plant and animal anatomy, human anatomy and physiology, and ecological systems and how they affect life - including population dynamics. Care will be taken throughout to discuss current biological theories and methods from a Christian perspective.





Required Textbook: The spine/text we will use is Biology:Concepts and Connections by Campbell and Reece, 5th edition. (The 6th edition did not significantly update the text, only the available online materials.) As every textbook is at least 10 years behind current science Mrs. Wentz will encourage the reading of certain science magazines articles and other additional materials as needed to supplement.





Equipment: Students are encouraged to provide their own microscope if possible. Mrs. Wentz owns several, but it is far preferable to have only two students on a microscope and we will be doing extensive microscope work. Mrs. Wentz recommends a scope with at least 600X DIN objectives and electrical illumination. (We will not be doing a lot of bacteriological studies so do not need 1000X/oil immersion lenses at this time, however, these can be added later on most quality microscopes.)





Prerequisites: Students must have had both and understood both basic Physics and Chemistry already (as either a junior high or high school student), must be able to read and understand a high school level text, must be willing to commit to several hours of homework each week, and must be able to work cooperatively and safely in a lab situation with other students.





Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $375 plus the cost of dissection specimens in the spring. (Mrs. Wentz is very frugal, she works hard to keep expenses down, but decent specimens simply cost more). This averages out to be $12.50 a week. The cost will be payable in three installments – the first at registration, the second on Nov. 11th, and the third on February 10th, 2010. If you need to make special payment arrangements (such as paying by credit card or making smaller, but more frequent payments) please contact Kathy Wentz directly.





Certificate: Students who successfully complete the entire year will receive a certificate indicating that they have earned one high school credit in a laboratory science at this McHenry County High School program. Grades will be given for those families who want grades. Grades will not be given for families who do not want a grade.






To register: Mail your check, made payable to Kathy Wentz, to Lori Anne Stanger at 267 Deerpath Rd., Algonquin 60102.

Jul 15, 2009

Fall Math Classes at the Johnsburg Library

The Cure for the Math Curse: Geometry Math Club
view flier



Let's start the school year off right! Geometry Math Club will provide your students with a review of (or real life introduction to) addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as they explore the patterns of our natural world.



Each class begins with a math literature story that helps introduce and support the variety of games and activities in the rest of the class. Students are encouraged to select from each day's activities those that match their ability level. Parents are encouraged to participate, as well as take copies of the activities home so that they can be enjoyed again and again.



Class Sessions: Tuesdays 1:00 - 2:30 from Sept. 22 through Oct. 13 at the Johnsburg Public Library.


The cost for this 6 hour program is $25 per student.



Please register at the Johnsburg Public Library beginning July 18th. Make checks payable to Kathy Wentz.





The Cure for the Math Curse: Intro to Algebra
view flier



This series of eight - 90 minute classes will introduce you to a visual and hands-on teaching system for learning complex algebraic concepts including the distributive property and negative variables.



Students need a foundation in multiplication and division but do not need to have memorized all their math facts. No previous algebraic experience is needed for success!




Class sessions: Tuesdays 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Classes will meet every Tuesday from Sept. 22nd through Nov. 17 at the Johnsburg Public Library. (There will be no class on Nov. 3rd).


The cost for this 12 hour program is $50 per student.



Please register at the Johnsburg Public Library beginning July 18th. Make checks payable to Kathy Wentz.



Parents are encouraged to attend classes for free.


The Johnsburg Public Library is located at: 3000 N Johnsburg Rd., Johnsburg, IL 60051 <815-344-0077

Jul 14, 2009

Be sure to join us!


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/RelaxedHomeskool

Kathy Wentz is my guest on July 20th at 10am central time. Kathy is a homeschooling mom who teaches, consults,volunteers, speaks publicly and runs one of the nation's few homeschooling libraries. She is famous for her conference workshops titled "Cure for the Math Curse" and she teaches math and science classes to unschoolers in the Midwest using games and exploration. Call with your questions about how to homeschool or unschool math and science. 347-633-9765 http://kathywentz.blogspot.com/

Jun 28, 2009

Great Geology Class!

We had a great two week field geology class despite the crazy weather.



Who would have thought the first week would be cool with the constant threat of rain and the second week would be hot and humid? Luckily we weren't locked into bus schedules and had a wonderful variety of great locations so were able to change our plans quickly and make the best of crazy weather! We ended up visiting Glacial Park, Volo Bog, Moraine Hills State Park and The Grove.



For many though, the highlight of the classes was not the geology in action we saw but the wonderful wildlife. Now who would think watching muskrats play, accidentally scaring a wild turkey, and catching toads would be more fun than hiking kames and bogs????

Jun 8, 2009

Friends of the Johnsburg Library Book Sale

The set up for the sale is under way! If you want to join us, there will be a set up party at 7pm tonight (Monday). There will be other people to talk to, snacks toeat and plenty of work to do.

I hope to see you then!

Jun 1, 2009

Johnsburg Library
Homeschool Resource Center
Open House and Used Curriculum Flea Market

July 18, 2009

This is the perfect opportunity for current homeschoolers to get re energized
and for those thinking about homeschooling to ask questions and get REAL answers!

10:00 - 12:00 Used Curriculum Flea Market
Sell some stuff, buy some stuff, ask lots of questions!
A limited number of tables and half tables and parking spaces are available by advanced reservation only. Those who do not register in advance may bring a blanket and use the lawn to sell. Each seller is responsible for pricing and selling his/her own materials.

To reserve a space (free!) to sell at the used curriculum flea market please contact:
Kathy Wentz or leave a message at 847-497-4407.

12:00 - 1:00 Eat, Meet and Greet
Bring a lunch or purchase a boxed lunch ($8.50 each) and join us. If you wish to purchase a boxed lunch, please let Kathy Wentz know (vegetarian, turkey or beef) no later than July 15th so she can let the caterer know.

1:00 - 4:00 Open Forum Q&A
Ask questions and hear real answers about the different homeschooling styles, curriculum choices, what has worked (and what hasn't!), legal information, where to find resources, and much more!
This year's featured panel members are:

Tami Haroldsen Tami utilizes Thomas Jefferson Education (TJEd) in homeschooling her youngest four children.  She also has two grown children.  She is the founder of Fox Valley Mentors (a TJEd community of youth clubs and courses for teens and adults) and is co-founder of Thomas Jefferson Education Families of Illinois and Midwest Liber Families. She is excited to help others learn about TJEd and establish local TJEd communities.
and

Jean Kulczyk, M.Ed. Jean is a certified teacher in the areas of learning disabilities, emotional disorders, typical children K-8 and high school English, with additional certifications in Reading and Behavior Modification. She has over 30 years experience as a homeschool special needs advocate. Jean also volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, and has homeschooled her 3 daughters.

This event is FREE. Children are, of course, invited to attend but we do not have room for child care and any noise must be kept to a minimum.

Homeschool Resource Center at the Johnsburg Public Library
3000 N Johnsburg Rd, Johnsburg, IL 60051
(located on Johnsburg/Wilmot Rd. - 2 blocks north of Chapel Hill Rd.)
815-344-0077

May 31, 2009

Classes in Deer Park

The Algebra classes in Deer Park are now full!

May 23, 2009

The Book Sale...

I am winding down on most of my school year classes and gearing up for the June Friends of the Johnsburg Library Used Book Sale. As President of the Friends group I always have plenty to do at sale time!

This year we are even planning a Set-Up Party for any and all volunteers on Monday, June 8th from 7-9:00. Come and join us for snacks and books (and books, and books, and books!)

The Friends Members Only opening night sale is Thursday, June 11 from 6:30-8:30. The public sale is Friday, June 12 from 9-5 and Saturday, June 13 from 9-1. We close for a half hour then and then reopen for our famous "Two Bucks a Bag" blowout. Anything left over has to be boxed up - so we always hope it is all gone!

May 19, 2009

the fresh water ecology class is full!

I only have 4 microscopes, so the Limnology class is now full.

May 17, 2009

Fruit Fly Genetics lab class!

Fruit Fly Genetics -

Have you always wanted to actually breed some critters and see for yourself what happens? Now is your chance! Each student will be given fruit flies with unique genetic characteristics and given the tools and information needed to breed them and find out for themselves how the different characteristics are shared with future generations.

Because fruit flies take a good 7-9 days to produce each new generation the schedule for this class is rather odd. We will try to meet every 9 days and it is advised that you plan on coming in the morning to do a count and population survey and then again in the afternoon (no more than 8 hours later) to cross the flies that have hatched since your morning visit.

(Mrs. Wentz can do further population counts for each student 5 days later in order to give you the largest population counts possible. If you want to come and do those yourself, I will be available on starred days of the calendar for that. It would be wonderful if each student could do that additional count at least once.)

If a student can’t make it during one of the scheduled days Mrs. Wentz or one of the other students can make your crosses for you, but it is (obviously) far better to come and do them yourself. Open lab times will be Monday June 15th, Tuesday June 24th, Friday July 3rd, Monday July 13th, Wednesday July 22nd, and (if necessary) July 31st or by appointment. On June 15 from 10 a.m. - noon, I will introduce everyone to the concepts, procedures, and further details. A list of recommended resources will be provided the first day of class.

Who: Junior High and High School level students
When: Monday June 15 from 10 - noon then Tuesday June 24th, Friday
July 3rd, Monday July 13th, Wednesday July 22nd, and (if necessary) July 31st
Where: 5004 N Westwood Dr., McHenry
(2 miles north of the Johnsburg Library)
Cost: $100.00 per student
 
If you are interested in the Fruit Fly Genetics class I must have your payment in order to consider your student registered for the class. Class sizes are limited and I can’t hold a spot for someone who only ‘might’ be interested. If you have paid by check I will not cash the check until the class begins. I promise!
There are two ways to register and pay:
1) Contact me to ensure class availability, get confirmation from me that there is room and then pay within 1 week through paypal.
OR
2) Contact me to ensure class availability, get confirmation from me that there is room and then mail me a check within 1 week.

My business address is Kathy Wentz, P.O. Box 74, Ringwood, IL 60072
I will require permission slips to be signed giving me the medical information I may need in an emergency and, for those classes where it might be necessary, permission to transport your student back to my home for lab work. Those students who might need specialized medication in the field (glucose, inhaler, etc.) are requested to please bring it each and every day.
The June Field Geology class is now full.

 

June Fresh Water Ecology class

Fresh Water Ecology (Limnology) -
Join us as we learn about the geological, biological, chemical and physical features we take for granted here in the ‘lakes’ region of Illinois. Weather permitting we will meet to make field collections at several locations in the lakes region and bring some of these collections back to Mrs. Wentz’s home to analyze the variety of microscopic life and the chemical composition of the water and compare and contrast our findings from location to location. A list of recommended resources will be provided the first day of class.

Please plan on packing a ‘picnic’ lunch and water each day. Good hiking shoes and jeans/long pants are highly recommended each day. Plan on getting dirty!

Families are welcome to join us when appropriate. Most of the sites we will be visiting have areas for children to play. Bowling and playgrounds are a short drive away from the Wentz’s home.

Who: students aged 10 - 16
When: Mon - Thurs June 29 through July 2 from 10 - 2:00
Where: Locations include Volo Bog (Ingleside), Fox River (McHenry), Nippersink Creek (Ringwood), and Lake Defiance (inside Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry)
Afternoon lab work will be completed at 5004 N Westwood Dr., McHenry
(2 miles north of the Johnsburg Library)
Cost: $80.00 per student
 
 
 
 
If you are interested in the Fresh Water Ecology class I must have your payment in order to consider your student registered for the class. Class sizes are limited and I can’t hold a spot for someone who only ‘might’ be interested. If you have paid by check I will not cash the check until the class begins. I promise!
There are two ways to register and pay:
1) Contact me to ensure class availability, get confirmation from me that there is room and then pay within 1 week through paypal.
OR
2) Contact me to ensure class availability, get confirmation from me that there is room and then mail me a check within 1 week.
My business address is Kathy Wentz, P.O. Box 74, Ringwood, IL 60072

I will require permission slips to be signed giving me the medical information I may need in an emergency and, for those classes where it might be necessary, permission to transport your student back to my home for lab work. Those students who might need specialized medication in the field (glucose, inhaler, etc.) are requested to please bring it each and every day.