Wentz Educational Services: GIFT Registration for 2010-2011 has begun

Jun 1, 2010

GIFT Registration for 2010-2011 has begun

GIFT registration is now open!

I will be teaching the following classes:

Math & Science Club (for ages 6-11):

Each week we will explore a math or science topic with a hands-on game or activity deigned to help students explore a wide variety of topics in a fun way while improving vocabulary and memorization skills. Math topics will include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percents, charts and graphs, and geometry. Science topics will include a wide variety of physical science topics including the properties of matter, Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, the physics of fluids and air, the periodic table, chromatography, and more. There will be weekly hand outs offering suggestions of activities, books to read, documentaries to watch, or games to play at home provided.

The Cure for the Math Curse: Intro to Algebra (for ages 11 and up):

This series of classes introduces a visual and hands-on system for learning beginning algebraic concepts using building blocks and dice and follows these concepts through Algebra I concepts. We will cover pre-algebra, linear equations including both positive and negative integers and variables, continue on through graphing linear equations, graphing parabolas and multiplying polynomials. Homework is both assigned and is required and should be expected to take 15 minutes a day.

Prerequisite: Students need to be comfortable with both multiplication and division, but do not need to have memorized all their math facts. If they are not comfortable with both multiplication and division a calculator will be required.

Biology (for ages 12 and up):

We will explore the beauty and complexities of life through a variety of laboratory and hands-on activities as well as related discussions stressing vocabulary and comprehension of higher concepts. Four units will be covered: microscopic life, genetics, organ systems, and the diversity of life. Students who have access to a microscope with at least 100X are encouraged to bring their microscopes in throughout the fall months. Homework (in the form of vocabulary words and questions to research and discuss) will be assigned.

Please Note: Dissections will be included only if all the students agree that they want to do them. If dissections are to be included there will be an additional supplies fee.

Physical Sciences (for ages 12 and up):

Physics and Chemistry are the foundation of all other sciences and are vital to understanding all others. This course consists of introductory lab work that will include lessons in metric measurements, properties of matter, density, Newtonian motion, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, periodic table, elements and compounds, acids and bases, precipitates, chromatography, balancing equations and more. Many labs during the fall and spring will be done outside so topics will vary somewhat depending on the weather. Homework (in the form of vocabulary words and questions to research and discuss) will be assigned.

Please visit www.gifthomeschool.org and download both registration and enrollment forms.

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Tutoring Services

I believe that every child has the ability to learn well if they are taught in a way that captures their imagination and provides a lot of positive feedback. To this end I bring a wide variety of games and manipulatives to the student in an effort to engage them more than simple, but boring, worksheets.

I specialize in math and science topics through high school and ACT / SAT test prep, but often help with other topics such as vocabulary, spelling and history. I also frequently work as a "I need my child to be accountable to someone other than me on a regular basis" homeschool helper / teacher.

I am available to tutor at a variety of times and locations throughout the year.

Educational Consultation Services

I offer two options for families seeking help:

1) I am available for FREE, but limited, one-on-one educational consultations via Zoom or at the Johnsburg Public Library's Homeschool Resource Center on most Tuesday evenings from 7 - 9 p.m. An appointment is required.

2) I am also available for full service one-on-one consultations including educational evaluations, testing services and high school transcript development on evenings (other than Tuesdays) and weekends for a fee.

During the free Tuesday evening consultations I

*help make sure you understand the law

*solve any concerns you may have about your unique situation,

*help you figure out which educational philosophy you lean toward and

*what learning styles you and your student have so that you can support how your student learns best and then

*match this information with the available curricula so you can hopefully avoid many of the pitfalls of 'trial and error' curriculum choices.

*My biggest goal is to help you develop and maintain a strong and respectful relationship with your student and don't fall into the traps of burning out or switching curricula constantly (and expensively!) trying to find 'the right one'.

If you need help beyond my abilities I will let you know up front and try to help you find someone who can.

Please contact Kathy at
kwentz899261@gmail.com
to make an appointment for either consultation option.

Workshops for Grown Ups

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.

Homeschooling Sciences for the Faint of Heart
How is it possible to teach real sciences at home? Where do I find the best materials and resources? Which sciences does my high school student need to graduate? Here is a guide to help any parent maneuver through all the scientific gobbledy-gook to help their student learn what they need to know.

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.

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!

Embracing Your Inner Expert
In this age of experts for everything we still usually find it necessary to be our own expert. We not only think outside the box but in a way that seems out of step with most of society. Skip down "the road less traveled" with us and see how much better life can be when we can avoid re-creating the same traumas we were raised with and provide our children with a far richer life!

Library Resources for Homeschoolers
Learn about how one homeschooler spearheaded the creation of the first Homeschool Resource Center in a public library and learn how you and you library together can build similar resources with or without a lot of funding. This workshop is designed for both librarians and homeschoolers to take together.

Wentz Educational Services

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Jun 1, 2010

GIFT Registration for 2010-2011 has begun

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