Wentz Educational Services: July 2010

Jul 29, 2010

Wednesday Classes in Cary

High School Chemistry
Based on Apologia's Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 2nd edition, this class will cover the topics covered in the text using discussion, problem sets and experimentation. Algebra 1 is a required prerequisite as Algebra is used throughout this course and we will spend a fair amount of time covering and explaining the problems. Homework will be assigned but we will not take up class time administering and correcting tests. If a family wants those given I encourage you to administer them at home. Please note: Some of the experiments listed in the book will differ from those offered through this class. Also, students need to provide their own safety glasses/goggles as I can not properly sterilize them weekly between students. Care will be taken throughout to discuss current scientific theories and methods from a Christian perspective.

Prerequisites: Students must have had Algebra I or be concurrently taking Algebra, be able to understand a high school level text, be willing to commit to several hours of homework each week, and be able to work cooperatively and safely in a lab situation with other students.

Classes will be on Wednesday afternoons from 10:30-12:00 beginning Sept. 15th, 2010.

Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $375 plus $25 for lab supplies. The cost will be payable in three installments. 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 compete 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.

The Cure for the Math Curse: Algebra
Kathy Wentz will introduce her visual and hands-on teaching system for learning beginning algebraic concepts using building blocks and dice and follow these concepts through Algebra I concepts. We will cover Pre-Algebra, graphing linear equations and parabolas, multiplying polynomials and factoring polynomials and algebraic fractions. Students need to be comfortable with both multiplication and division. Homework will be assigned.

Classes will be on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:20 beginning Sept. 15th, 2010.
Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $300. The cost will be payable in three installments. 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.

General Science

Designed for students in grades 6-8, this course will cover Apologia's Exploring Creation with General Science (either 1st or 2nd edition). We will spend 1-3 weeks per chapter and cover concepts covered in the text through discussion and experimentation. Homework will be assigned but we will not take up class time administering and correcting tests. If a family wants those given I encourage you to administer them at home. Please note: Some of the experiments listed in the book will differ from those offered through this class.

Classes will be on Wednesday afternoons from 2:30-4:00 beginning Sept. 15th, 2010.
Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $300 plus $25 for lab supplies. The cost will be payable in three installments. 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.

Please contact Kathy for questions and Lori Anne at loriannestanger @ comcast.net (please remove the spaces - I am trying to protect her from spammers!) to register for one or more of these classes.

Jul 6, 2010

JPL Homeschool Resource Center Open House and Used Curriculum Flea Market

Well, the countdown has begun! The Open House is this Saturday. Is everyone ready???

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

There are a dozen folks on the wait list for sale spaces. Be sure to cancel with me if you find you can't sell after all.

Also, there are loads of us staying for the lunch and wonderful guest speakers. Let us know if you will be joining us!

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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Jul 29, 2010

Wednesday Classes in Cary

Jul 6, 2010

JPL Homeschool Resource Center Open House and Used Curriculum Flea Market