Wentz Educational Services: October 2010

Oct 31, 2010

My 2010 Halloween Costume

A friend asked me to work at her church's annual Road Rally at their Pi Day booth. As Pi Day (March 14th) is also Einstein's birthday... this is the result!

Oct 25, 2010

National Library of Virtual Manipulatives out of Utah State University
I have been telling folks about this site for years now, but the address is hard enough to find I think the resource is difficult to find again a month later. Be sure to bookmark it!

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html

There are so many excellent manipulatives here - have fun exploring!

Crystal Lake Park District late fall classes start this week!

The second session of Crystal Lake Park District homeschool classes are now open for registration.

* 10:00 - 11:30 Nature Study taught by Jess Day at the Nature Center. In this totally interactive class, the children will be exploring plant and animal life at the park, seasonal changes and much more. Ages 6-10, cost $36. Contact: leah.mikkelson@gmail.com to register.

* 10:00 - 11:00 Pen and Mouse Drawing with Julie Kukreja. Children will learn 3D drawing techniques to pop their drawings off of the page. Each session covers new ideas and concepts and artists of all abilities will be challenged and inspired! Ages 6 and up.Cost:$75 in district / $90 out of district. Class code: 4243-4

11:30 - 12:30 Pre-Algebra - Cure for the Math Curse taught by the always popular Kathy Wentz. This series of classes uses a visual and hands-on system for learning basic Algebraic concepts. This fall session will introduce variables, positive and negative integers and the basic steps needed to solve linear equations. Ages 8 and up. Cost: $51 in district / $66 out of district. Class code: 4243-5 *I am aware that this description does not match the one in the catalog that was published last summer. I was asked to offer this class instead. The description here is the correct description.

12:00 - 1:00 Karate taught by Patric Murphy of Kon Jo Karate Club in Fox River Grove. Mr. Murphy is a third degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and is a wonderful, warm instructor who encourages each of his students to do their best. Ages 3-16yrs. Cost: $50 in district / $65 out of district. Class code: 4243-1 *The time listed here is new and has been moved forward one hour from the one in the catalog to accomodate the wishes of the attendees. The time listed here will be the one followed.

1:00 - 2:00 Math and Science Club with Kathy Wentz. This is the same class which filled up with a filled wait list at the GIFT co-op! Each week students will explore a math or science topic with hands-on games and activities designed to spark interest, improve memorization skills, and increase vocabulary. Class will also include hand outs offering ways to further explore the topics at home. Ages 6-11. Cost: $51 in district / $66 out of district. Class code: 4243-3

2:00 - 3:00 Independent Homeschool Girl Scouts Group This group will be an opportunity for girls ages 6 and up who are registered as a "Juliette" or independent scout to get together for projects, outings and other activities. We are still in the planning phase of this group so please contact me if you would like to get involved. Contact: leah.mikkelson@gmail.com for more information.

All classes are on Thursdays at the park and run for 6 weeks starting October 28th. Registration is happening now at http://www.crystallakeparks.org/

Registration for the Nature Study class will be done privately by contacting: leah.mikkelson@gmail.com

Oct 8, 2010

Next Tuesday! "Homeschooling 101" at the Lake Villa Library!

Lake Villa District Library is offering an event for new and existing homeschool families on the evening of October 12, 2010. The program is at 7pm and will end at 8:30pm. If you know of families that are considering homeschooling, please pass this information along to them. This will be a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and get real answers!
Date: 10/12/2010

Start Time: 7:00 PM

End Time: 8:30 PM

Location: Lake Villa District Library
1001 East Grand Avenue, Lake Villa, Illinois 60046
847-356-7711

Do you have questions such as: How do we homeschool within the law? How does my child learn best?

What about college? What curriculum is the best? What about testing? How can I find a lot of resources for only a little money? What does my child need to learn at each grade level? My child has special needs; can I still homeschool him/her?
If these questions are familiar, this is the workshop for you!

Here is the link for direct registration:
http://tinyurl.com/2cgk3uu

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

Pages

Search This Blog