ixl.com is on sale!

One of my favorite math practice sites is on sale!

ixl.com isn't a game and doesn't have cute critters running around or aliens to shoot.  It is a no nonsense math practice site.  You can check it out for free (and get up to 20 problems a day for free year-round).  Better yet,  subscribe for a wonderfully low price and get certificates of accomplishment for students and regular status reports for mom and dad!

https://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/index.php?option=com_hsbc_epp_order&Itemid=1029&c=1

There's an App for That

Looking for some awesome new apps?
Check out the wonderful Apps for Homeschooling web site!

http://appsforhomeschooling.com/free-on-sale-homeschooling-apps/

Enhanced Education

What is enhanced education, other than a current buzzword in edu-speak?  It is a push to try to get classroom teachers to read to their students more, to play more math games and to allow their students more time to read materials that interest them.  Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Curriculum Freebies in the HRC!

The Friends of the Johnsburg Public Library book sale is over.  There was a lot of wonderful homeschool curriculum left over though, so I placed some of it in the two 'freebie' boxes in the Homeschool Resource Center.  Be sure to check it out the next time you drop in!

Kids Maps | Best Kids Apps

Kids Maps | Best Kids Apps

Fun and educational apps abound! Wondering how to use them in your homeschooling? Join us on Monday! (see below)

The Internet and Beyond: Homeschooling for the 21st Century

What are you doing next Monday?

Join me Oct. 10th at 7pm at the Des Plaines Public Library for:

The Internet and Beyond: Homeschooling for the 21st Century


Children learn amazingly well from the world around them. Learn about how movies, audio books, classic literature, magazines, computer resources and cell phone apps, field trips and, yes, even TV shows, to create a custom curriculum. Tips on how to teach a child with learning differences, how to find the right resources for your family, and where to find resources inexpensively are included.  


Please register at:
http://calendar.dppl.org/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=14059&rts=&disptype=&ret=eventcalendar.asp&pointer=&returnToSearch=&SignupType=&num=0&ad=&dt=mo&mo=10/1/2011&df=calendar&EventType=ALL&Lib=&AgeGroup=ALL&LangType=0&WindowMode=&noheader=&lad=&pub=1&nopub=&page=&pgdisp=

Classics on a budget

(copied from an article)

If you are homeschooling on a budget, here are 25 literature classics
from the 1800s that you can download saving the expense of purchasing
them or worrying about library due dates. Over 9,000 pages of work from
authors such as Lousia May Alcott, Herman Melville, Charles Dickens,
Mark Twain, Washington Irving, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Rudyard Kipling,
and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Preview each classic now
<http://www.examiner.com/homeschooling-in-denver/preview-the-downloadabl\
e-literature-selections-picture> !

The collection of downloads includes stories like Little Women, Oliver
Twist, Jungle Book, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Treasure
Island, Moby Dick and the Great Expectations. Click here to go to the
download page
<http://www.christianhomeschoolhub.spruz.com/available-downloads.htm> .
(Each will be under the category: Literature from the 1800's)

Once you've previewed the classics
<http://www.examiner.com/homeschooling-in-denver/preview-the-downloadabl\
e-literature-selections-picture> and you've downloaded each title that
you want to incorporate into your lesson plans, you can go to A-to-Z
Titles <http://classiclit.about.com/od/atoztitles2/AtoZ_Titles.htm> to
find lesson plans, quotes and links for additional learning about the
individual authors and more.

The Microscopic Biology class starts one week from today! Register now!

I need to know how many students I will have so I can order our specimens!
You won't want to miss seeing fresh (not preserved slides of) Volvox and Spirogyra.  They are simply amazing!

http://inet-reg.crystallakeparks.org/wr/wr5234.tbred?page=wrsearch&householdid=-REVIEWONLY-&SESSION-ID=734384.71819444BDJTLVAJVZBIUBXJGFSZ&action=desc&member=000&classid=%20%204242-6&pgmsno=53032606531

BIG Changes!

I accepted a new job today!  It is a part-time teaching job at St. Mary's Catholic School in Woodstock. I will be teaching their Jr. High math classes.

Sadly, I am having to resign from both Heritage and GIFT completely. I have really loved the many wonderful families I have met through these groups and hope that I have a chance to work with them again in the future.

My day at St. Mary's will be ending in the early afternoon and I am working to try to reschedule my local classes and all of my private students to these afternoons.

The classes I am hoping to reschedule include the Conceptual Physics class in Cary on either Mondays or Wednesdays, the Math & Science Club in Crystal Lake on Thursdays, and the High School Biology and Environmental Science classes in Crystal Lake on Fridays.

I will be contacting my private students after I have a better idea when the rescheduled afternoon classes are. That way we can, hopefully, make firm plans and not bounce people around from day to day, time to time.

I realize this is chaotic right before the school year - and I very much appreciate everyone's blessings on the new job and willingness to juggle what we all thought was a fine schedule.

High School Sciences

Interested in a science class for your teen?  I am offering quite a few options:

Physics classes offered on Wednesday mornings in Cary using Paul Hewit's Conceptual Physics textbook. The start date is September 14th.  

Chemistry classes offered on Monday mornings in Elgin through the HERITAGE Home School Workshops using Apologia's Exploring Creation through Chemistry.  http://www.heritagehomeschoolworkshops.com/ 

-OR- Environmental Chemistry classes offered on Friday afternoons through the Crystal Lake Park District (one 6 week session in the fall and one 6 week session in the spring).  

Biology lab classes offered on Friday afternoons through the Crystal Lake Park District (replacing the now defunct MCC program's offerings) with Microscopic Life in the fall, Genetics during the winter and Anatomical Survey with dissections in the Spring (each class will be 6 sessions long).  

As of today, the Crystal Lake Park District has not opened registrations, nor have they announced specific dates, but I hope to hear from them soon!  

HRC Open House and Used Curriculum Flea Market

Johnsburg Library Homeschool Resource Center

Please join us for our TENTH ANNIVERSARY!

HRC Open House and Used Curriculum Flea Market

July 30, 2011

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 visit:

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

12:00 - 1:00 Eat, Meet and Greet

Bring a lunch and join us for a relaxing 'picnic' lunch with friends, both old and new!

1:00 - 4:00 Open Forum Panel Discussion and 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, getting them into college or a great career, and much more! This is the perfect opportunity for those thinking about homeschooling to ask questions and for current homeschoolers to get re-energized!

This year's featured panel members are:

Barbara Frank is the author of several books, including the curriculum Life Prep for Homeschooled Teenagers and The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling. Her newsletter is also called "The Imperfect Homeschooler" because, as she puts it 的've learned that we don't have to be perfect moms and teachers to homeschool our children successfully; God uses us despite our imperfections.”

Stacy Farrell has a passion for empowering teens to recover territory lost by 杜ushy thinkingand low expectations. After a decade of homeschooling her children--and more than three decades as a freelance writer--she created Philosophy Adventure, a curriculum designed to help students cultivate and defend a biblical worldview by teaching them how to write skillfully, think critically, and speak articulately as they explore the Influence of Philosophy and the Impact of Ideas.

Jean Kulczyk, M.Ed. 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.

Dorothy Werner is best known for her work with IL HOUSE, Clonlara, the Ad Hoc Committee for Illinois Home Education Legal and Legislative Matters and the lone homeschool rep for the Illinois Coalition of Non-Public Schools. Most recently she was the only homeschooling mom allowed to speak at the hearing regarding the possible registration of homeschoolers!

This entire event is FREE, including tables for the sale.

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

Homeschool Resource Center at the Johnsburg Public Library

3000 N Johnsburg Rd, Johnsburg, IL 60051 815-344-0077

High School Conceptual Physics class in Cary

Looking for a High School Physics class beginning in September? I will be teaching a course at a home in Cary on Wednesday mornings (near W. Main & Cary Rds.). Class will be 90 minutes each week for 30 weeks.
To register, contact LoriAnneStanger@comcast.net  For questions on the class, contact me, Kathy, kwentz899261@gmail.com
Conceptual Physics is both a terrific first high school science class or one later in the sequence. This class will be based on Conceptual Physics: The High School Physics Program by Paul Hewitt (the 2002 edition is still pretty current and much more affordable!). This class will cover the topics covered in the text using discussion, problem sets and experimentation. Homework will be assigned, including lab reports. Care will be taken throughout the course to discuss related current events and new scientific theories and discoveries.
Please note the following:
We will not take up our limited class time administering and correcting quizzes and tests. I will provide them and I encourage families to administer them at home using an 'open book' format.

Experiments listed in the book will occasionally differ from those offered through thisclass as the equipment I have may differ.
Prerequisites: Students should be taking or have passed Algebra I, be able to read and 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.

Students are required to have a good scientific or graphing calculator. I recommend one that they can also use on the ACT and/or SAT ? the guidelines for which can be found on collegeboard.org

Cost for 30 weeks of 1 1/2 hr. classes is $300.

Free NAS Books to Download!

The National Academies—National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council—are committed to distributing their reports to as wide an audience as possible. Since 1994 we have offered "Read for Free" options for almost all our titles. In addition, we have been offering free downloads of most of our titles to everyone and of all titles to readers in the developing world. We are now going one step further. Effective June 2nd, PDFs of reports that are currently for sale on the National Academies Press (NAP) Website and PDFs associated with future reports* will be offered free of charge to all Web visitors.

http://www.nap.edu/

 

Geology Camp Rocks!

Geology Camp Rocks!

We had a great first day of Geology Camp today despite the HOT weather.  We learned about glaciers, moraines, kettles, mesic woods and prairies, the different types of wetlands and more.  We also were able to spot several painted turtles, herons, chipmunks and loads of wonderful blooming plants.  Now if only it would cool off a bit! 

Nature By Numbers

Nature By Numbers: A Short Film

http://www.etereaestudios.com/movies/nbyn_movies/nbyn_mov_youtube.htm

For those of you interested in showing your nature lover why math matters!
(Beautiful CG too!)

Cursive or No Cursive?

An interesting article!

The Case for Cursive
By KATIE ZEZIMA
Published: April 27, 2011

For centuries, cursive handwriting has been an art. To a growing number of young people, it is a mystery.
"The majority of students cannot write in cursive, nor can they read it. At the same time, their printing skills are awful. Not only is it difficult for me to read, they themselves often cannot read back their own notes."

The sinuous letters of the cursive alphabet, swirled on countless love letters, credit card slips and banners above elementary school chalk boards are going the way of the quill and inkwell. With computer keyboards and smartphones increasingly occupying young fingers, the gradual death of the fancier ABC’s is revealing some unforeseen challenges.

Might people who write only by printing — in block letters, or perhaps with a sloppy, squiggly signature — be more at risk for forgery? Is the development of a fine motor skill thwarted by an aversion to cursive handwriting? And what happens when young people who are not familiar with cursive have to read historical documents like the Constitution?

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/28/us/28cursive.html?_r=2

Free: Great Minds Think: A Kid's Guide to Money

Great Minds Think: A Kid's Guide to Money

is a free, self-directed book that makes learning aout finances fun. It is
filled with engaging activities designed to help middle-school-aged kids
make thoughtful choices about earning, spending, budgeting, and saving
money.

Call 216-579-3188 or email
learningcenter@clev.frb.org to order copies.

OR download your free copy at www.clevelandfed.org/learningcenter

Summer Science Camp Offerings!

Environmental Science       June 13 - 17th OR August 8 - 12th, 2011

Learn about the biomes and environmental health of the Chicago area by hiking and exploring 2 unique locations in our area as well as conducting a variety of hands-on lab projects designed to help students understand how our environment effects us and how we effect our environment.

Please plan on packing a ‘picnic’ lunch and plenty of 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.

Who: students aged 10-18
When: 10-3:00 each day

Where: the primary location will be 5004 N Westwood Dr., Johnsburg, IL but we will also visit Volo Bog, State Natural Area and Glacial Park in Ringwood. Exactly where we will meet each day will depend on the weather (if it is over 90o or pouring we will obviously not be hiking that day!) so be sure to leave an email address or phone number where we can keep in touch daily during the class.

Cost: $80.00 per student

Attention Boy Scouts - Yes, this is an Eagle required merit badge. You will NOT finish this in one week because your observations should be further apart. The reports can be done during the week or afterward. We need to get blue cards filled out and signed before the first day of class.

Environmental Science for Junior Scientists    July 11 - 15th, 2011

Learn about the biomes and environmental health of the Chicago area by hiking and exploring 2 unique locations in our area as well as conducting a variety of hands-on lab projects designed to help students understand how our environment effects us and how we effect our environment.

Please plan on packing a ‘picnic’ lunch and plenty of 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.

Who: students aged 5 - 9

When: 10-3:00 each day

Where: the primary location will be 5004 N Westwood Dr., Johnsburg, IL but we will also visit Volo Bog, State Natural Area Ingelside), Glacial Park (Ringwood), Moraine Hills State Park (McHenry) and The Hollows Conservation Area (Crystal Lake). Exactly where we will meet each day will depend on the weather (if it is over 90o or pouring we will obviously not be hiking that day!) so be sure to leave an email address or phone number where we can keep in touch daily during the class.
Cost: $80.00 per student



Field Geology    June 6 - 11th OR July 11 - 15, 2011

Learn about the geologic past, present and future of the Chicago area by actually hiking 3 unique geological locations in our area and seeing the wonderful moraines, kettles, bogs and unique drainage systems (lakes and streams) of our area. We will meet at a variety of sites so that we can hike and experience a whole new terrain, as well as learn to appreciate how the local geologic features directly influence the biologic health and diversity of the area.

Please plan on packing a ‘picnic’ lunch and plenty of 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 have nature centers and areas for younger children to play.

Who: students aged 8-14 who can hike at least a mile

When: 10-3:00 each day

Where: locations will including Volo Bog (Ingleside), Moraine Hills State Park (McHenry), and Glacial Park (Ringwood). and my home at 5004 N Westwood Dr., Johnsburg IL Exactly where we will meet each day will depend on the weather (if it is over 90o or pouring we will obviously not be hiking that day!) so be sure to leave an email address or phone number where we can keep in touch daily during the class.

Cost: $80.00 per student

Attention Boy Scouts - You will finish this in one week. We will create your collection during the week if you do not have one already. We need to get blue cards filled out and signed before the first day of class.

Fresh Water Ecology (Limnology) June 20 - 24th OR Aug. 1 - 5th, 2011

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: from 10 - 3:00 each day

Where: Locations include Volo Bog (Ingleside), McHenry Dam (McHenry), Nippersink Creek (Ringwood), Lake Defiance (inside Moraine Hills State Park (McHenry) and Three Oaks Recreation Area (ie: Vulcan Lakes in Crystal Lake). Exactly where we will meet each day will depend on the weather (if it is over 90o or pouring we will obviously not be hiking that day!) so be sure to leave an email address or phone number where we can keep in touch daily during the class.

Afternoon lab work will be completed at 5004 N Westwood Dr., Johnsburg (2 miles north of the Johnsburg Library)

Cost: $80.00 per student

Drosophila (Fruit Fly) Genetics –
June 27, 28, 29th (and the following are flexible* lab dates: July 7, 8, 18, 19, 27, 28), 2011

We will spend the first few classes covering the basics of genetics and then, using that information, breed fruit flies with a variety of genetic differences. We will breed them through two generations. Each generation takes approximately 9-12 days to hatch as adults, hence the 'crazy' scheduling of the class sessions. This is a terrific opportunity for students who are ready for and enjoy detailed hands-on work.

Who: Students aged 14 - 18 (or with permission of the instructor)

When: The first three classes, June 27, 28, 29 will be 10 - 3:00 each day

All times and dates after that are flexible. *They are flexible because on some days two visits may be desired in order to secure only newly hatched adult females to breed. Female Drosophila can store sperm from their first mating throughout the lives, if you want to know who the father is you have to separate her within the first 8 hours of hatching (or you can contact Mrs. Wentz in advance and have her clear the vial of all adults and you can count and breed during one afteronoon visit).

Where: 5004 N Westwood Dr., Johnsburg (two miles north of the Johnsburg Library)

Cost: $120 per student (includes lab fees)



To register for classes:

All classes that require travel have a three student minimum and a 6 student maximum (unless a parent volunteer can help provide transportation – my van only has 6 passenger seat belts)

Contact Mrs. Wentz at 847-404-6418 or kwentz899261@gmail.com with your interest, name and ages of child(ren) and your contact information. Payment is required to reserve a place in class.

Payment can be made via PayPal (credit card), personal check mailed to 5004 N Westwood Dr., McHenry, IL 60051 or cash. Checks will not be cashed until the class begins.

Surveys Confirm Enormous Value of Science Museums, 'Free Choice' Learning

ScienceDaily (Apr. 8, 2011) — One of the first studies of its type has confirmed that a science museum can strongly influence the public's knowledge and attitudes about science and technology, and to a surprising degree can cut across racial, ethnic, educational and economic barriers.


The study focused on the California Science Center in Los Angeles, and offers profound support for the value of such institutions. It also reinforces the emerging concept of "free choice" learning, which holds that people get most of their knowledge about science from someplace other than school or formal education.


Click the title to read the rest of the article!

Spring Homeschool Enrichment Classes at Crystal Lake Park District!

all classes are offered:

Start Date:04/14/2011   End Date: 05/19/2011
Days of Week:TH
Location:Rotary Building-Lowe

Register on-line at http://www.crystallakeparks.org/ or by calling 815.459.0680

Pen and Mouse Club Artist

This class will give your home-schooled child a chance to socialize with other kids and will also give mom or dad some time to run some errands. We will draw, paint, use clay, and other media to create art! A variety of projects and media will be used so it is ok to repeat this class. Lorie Gillespie has lots of experience teaching home-schooled children!

Class ID: 4456-0
Time of Day:10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Age: 6-16 yrs
Resident Fees:75.00
Non-Resident Fees:90.00

Homeschool Algebra

This series of classes introduces a visual and kinesthetic teaching system for learning beginning algebraic concepts using building blocks and dice and follows these concepts through Algebra I concepts. Students need to be comfortable with both multiplication and division, but do not need to have memorized all their math facts.

Class ID: 4495-3
Time of Day:11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Age: over 9 yrs
Resident Fees:51.00
Non-Resident Fees:66.00



Karate!

Homeschoolers are invited to join us in the Rotary Building for karate lessons. This program is part of our home school enrichment course offered for the first time in the Crystal Lake Park District. Come join the fun and excitement with other area homeschoolers!

Class ID number: 4676-0
Time of Day:NOON - 1:00 PM
Age: 5-16 yrs
Resident Fees:50.00
Non-Resident Fees:65.00



Math and Science Club!

Each week we will explore a math or science topic with a hands-on game or activity designed 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.

Class ID: 4797-0
Time of Day:1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Age: 6-11 yrs
Resident Fees:51.00
Non-Resident Fees:66.00

Food For Fines @ Johnsburg Library

Pay your overdue fines with food!

Donate one non-perishable food item for each separate fine.  (Food can not be used to pay for lost or damaged items, or for collection agency fees.)

All food will be given to the F.I.S.H. Food Pantry which assists McHenry-area families in need.

Food will be accepted April 10 - 17, 2011 in honor of National Library Week! 

McHenry County College has "put on hold" future Homeschool Friday classes.

McHenry County College has, for now, decided to put the Homechool Friday program on hold.

The school has experienced huge growth in both the number of students and the number of credit classes it needs to offer to keep up with this growth. The coordinator of the classes is moving departments in the near future, the support staff situation is complicated, and they barely have a free classroom anywhere.

I do hope that they choose to offer these wonderful 'transition to college' classes again in the near future.  In the meantime, I understand that both Rockford and College of Lake County offer classes for homeschoolers looking for that 'on campus' experience and I will continue to offer similar classes throughout the area.  I hope you find what you are looking for! 

See Mercury at Sunset!? Cool!

NASA Science News for March 14, 2011


This week, sky watchers have a rare opportunity to see Mercury at its best as NASA's MESSENGER probe prepares to enter orbit around the innermost plant. 

Spring Science Classes at MCC start April 1st!

Environmental Chemistry Lab - part 2


This course, a third in the series of Physical Science classes, continues covering high school level Chemistry laboratory exercises and related discussions that will cover nutritional testing, distillations, solubility curves, and more - with an emphasis on biological and environmental testing when the weather permits. Students are expected to have had prior Chemistry laboratory experience and have already covered titrations and chromatography, possibly by having taken Environmental Chemistry I with Ms. Wentz. Students should be currently studying high school level Chemistry. 
NKC S05003, 10:00-11:50, Fridays April 1-May 20st, $99
Register with credit card by calling 815-455-8588. Questions? Marie 815-479-7559.



Biology Lab - Anatomical Survey
This course continues our year long high school level Biology laboratory series with additional exercises and related discussions. This session's work will include lessons in lab safety and dissections designed to encourage a study of the structures, organization, and function of various organisms and how they relate to the human body.  We will be dissecting the earthworm, crayfish, grasshopper, frog, and fetal pig with special attention to the brain and heart. Students should be currently studying high school Biology or Health.
 
NKC S05004, 1:00-2:50, Fridays April 1-May 20, $99
Register with credit card by calling 815-455-8588. Questions? Marie 815-479-7559.

NWU Center for Talent Development spring class registation is ongoing

Open to students with proven academic giftedness, these classes offer enrichment opportunities that are often hard to find elsewhere.  Check them out! 

CLP Annual Homeschool Used Books Sale

Date: Saturday May 7, 2011
Time: 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Christian Liberty Academy, 502 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights, IL

Buy, Sell, Trade!
There are a limited number of free tables available or bring your own table.

Set-up begins at 7:30 a.m.

For information call (847) 259-4444

Dogs + Basic Chemistry = Cute!

Okay, so if you are over 8 this isn't very informative, but it is adorable! 

SAT / ACT Prep Software at an amazing discount!

What do you get?  A one-year license for their DVD-based SAT and/or ACT Prep course,
for only $13.84, plus about $7 postage (normally $199.00!). You can also buy
Premium packages, which include more DVD content and books, for a heavily
discounted price. The license is renewable, but it didn't say for how much.

The coupon codes are FEBC79119 and FHKL51344

LAST CALL! Crystal Lake Park District Home School Classes start Thursday!

All classes are on Thursdays from March 3 - April 14

at the Crystal Lake Park District Rotary Building located at
Veteran's Acre Park, 431 N. Walkup, Crystal Lake


PRE-ALGEBRA

This series of classes introduces a visual and kinesthetic
teaching system for learning beginning algebraic concepts
using building blocks and dice and follows these concepts
through Algebra I concepts. Students need to be comfortable
with both multiplication and division, but do not need to
have memorized all their math facts.

Time: 11:00 - 12:30
Cost: $51.00 / $66.00
Class ID#: 4495-2


HOMESCHOOL ART: PEN AND MOUSE CLUB

Come blast off using your imagination and learn how to draw
in 3D! Club House Artists will learn the basic fundamentals
of drawing using "tool box" word such as: horizon
line,shading, shadows, and much more. These 3D drawing
techniques will help pop theirdrawings off the page. By the
end of each session, Club House Artists will have the
enthusiasm to draw anything and will be able to see their
artwork displayed on our virtualart showroom at
http://www.penandmousedesign/. com/clubhouse.htm. Each session
covers new material, so be sure to sign up for multiple
sessions and increase your drawing skills. A one time $12
material fee is due to the instructor at the beginning of
class.

Time: 10:00 - 11:00
Cost: $75.00 / $90.00
Class ID#: 4495-8


HOME SCHOOL ENRICHMENT KARATE

Homeschoolers are invited to join us in the Rotary Building
for karate lessons. This program is part of our home school
enrichment course offered for the first time in the Crystal
Lake Park District. Come join the fun and excitement with
other area homeschoolers!

Time: 12:00 - 1:00
Cost: $50.00 / $65.00
Class ID#: 4538-0


HOME SCHOOL MATH & SCIENCE CLUB

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.

Time: 1:00 - :00
Cost: $51.00 / $66.00
Class ID#: 4539-0

Research Facts on Homeschooling

Brian Ray and the National Home Education Reseach Institute (NHERI) has spent decades studying homeschooling.  For those looking for research and statistics, this is a treasure trove.

Looking for a good book for a young one?

Do you look at the thousands of books in the library and wonder if they are 'safe' for your younger or more sensitive reader?  There are hundreds of books reviewed here for profanity and anti-Christian content among other things.  What a great resource for those of us who can't keep up with eager readers!

Yes, this is basically the book version of the wonderful movie review sites http://www.screenit.com/ (subscribers only) or http://www.commonsensemedia.org/

The Great Backyard Bird Count starts tomorrow!

The 2011 GBBC will take place Friday, February 18, through Monday, February 21.  Are you signed up to be a citizen scientist? 
"The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds."

Home School Registration Bill Hearing

World Maths Day is March 1st!

'World Maths Days' is an online mental arithmetic game. The official day is 1 March 2011, but the site is open to registration and practise games now. To quote them, "World Maths Day has been created for all students aged 4 to 18 years. This year, due to popular demand, there is also an adult's age category, ages 19 to 119. Only students in the 4 to 18 age categories are eligible for prizes. Adults just get to
join in the fun!".

http://www.worldmathsday.com/

Rest in Peace Brian Jacques

For those of us who love proper children's adventure stories, Brain Jacques' Redwall series has been wonderful.  Mr. Jacques came to the U.S. several times on book signing tours to meet his adoring fans fom across the pond, and I even have a wonderful photo of my son with his arm draped around his shoulder.  My library's Young Adult Advisory Board even once held a Redwall Picnic based on his recipes! 

Mr. Jacques, I know many parents have told you this already, but one last time from me, thank you.  The world you created and the books you wrote are wonderful and we thank you for sharing it with us. 

What would happen if you microwaved a ?????

The answer to many of these questions may just be here!  My favorite is the christmas lights. 

Don't try this in your mom's microwave or you may end up replacing it! 

Join in a Guinness World Record effort in Simultaneous Reading!

Please pass this on to your homeschool group. Thanks!


People of all ages are invited to help set a Guinness World Record in Simultaneous Reading on Friday, February 11, 2011 as part of the national kickoff of the Civil War Sesquicentennial. The 150th anniversary observance of the Civil War will begin that day, exactly 150 years after Abraham Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois on his Inaugural journey to Washington D.C. as President-elect. Lincoln made an impromptu speech that day from the Great Western Depot before departing Springfield for the last time.

The speech, known as Lincoln's Farewell Address, will be re-enacted at that same depot at 11:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on February 11, 2011. Thousands of people all over the world will join the re-anactor in simultaneously reading that speech. The current record of 223,363 people simultaneously reading something was set in December 2006 and is expected to be broken with this reading. All who would like to take part in the reading are invited to go to one of the registered places listed below or you can organize your own site according to the guidelines on this website: http://extras.sj-r.com/lincolndepot/ The website also has more detailed info along with the Farewell Address. Reliving our nation’s history and possibly being part of a Guinness World Record are excellent educational opportunities and hopefully many of our students will be able to take advantage of this.

Be Alert, but Please Remain Calm

A bill was introduced in the Illinois Senate asking for a manatory registration of all private school students. If this were actually passed into law, this would mean that a student attending a local brick and mortar Catholic or Jewish or Christian or Montessori or Waldorf or Sudbury..... school, as well as a homeschooled student, who did not submit the form would be found to not be in compliance (possibly even truant, although no punishment is mentioned that I have seen). No private school is going to want this.

In addition - consider:
How is IL going to pay for staff to file and organze the millions of pieces of paper this would generate?
How is IL going to pay for people to follow through on pieces of paper not sent?

I am very opposed to this.  Yet, I am asking for calm and that folks NOT contact their state Congressional Reps yet - contrary to much of the list chatter going on.  Right now this proposal hasn't even been handed over to the Education Committee. It is way too soon folks.

There are a lot of steps in between something being proposed and something actually being voted on by all the Reps. The vast majority of these proposals are never even seen by our Reps because they are withdrawn or don't make it out of committee. Many of those still don't make it to a vote on the floor because the sponsor doesn't have the votes.

We need to work to NOT be overly reactionary. It makes us seem like a bunch of ill-informed people. If we are smart enough to homeschool we certainly are smart enough to undersand the Illinois Constitution and how our government works.

On the other hand, it is WONDERFUL knowing that if this ever did make it to a third reading in committee we could raise an alarm and get such quick action! 

A link to the proposed changes:
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=84&GA=97&DocTypeId=SB&DocNum=136&GAID=11&LegID=54913&SpecSess=&Session=

Cell Division in a Frog Embryo video

After beginning this concept with several classes and realizing that the old VHS version of this I have is impossible to show to one of my classes because the facility doesn't have a VHS player (not that I can blame them for not having antiques around!), I went on a hunt and finally found it! 

I am hoping that promoting this time lapsed video a bit helps a few more students better understand that every one of us started out as one single cell - and that the single cell simply made millions of copies of itself, and those cells were 'assigned' a wide variety of jobs to form the adult being.   

Spread the miracle of embryology! 

The Socratic Method

A brief refresher:

A dozen questions to help you decide for yourself how to best evaluate claims about

everything from the 'perfect' class or curriculum or parenting style to the 'perfect' new diet:

1) Why is the person/claimant telling you what they are? Are they making a profit?

2) What group is being targeted?  Why?

3) What about the claim leads you to a conclusion?

4) Is there a subtext that matches or is different than the text?

5) What kind of culture(s) does the text create?

6) What value(s) is reinforced?

7) What techniques of persuasion are used?

8) What is not told? What stories are missing?

9) How does the example try to move emotions? Is it logical?

10) Is it closer to fantasy or reality?

11) Does it use stereotypes?

12) In what ways does it promote a lifestyle that is healthy or unhealthy?

Designer RNA at your command!

Another Fold-It like game!

"Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University and Stanford University are attempting
to harness the wisdom of crowds with the creation of an online video game that
challenges players to design new ways to fold RNA molecules.... The game,
EteRNA, is accessible at eterna.cmu.edu/content/EteRNA. It allows non-biologists
to design complex new ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules, as well as to receive
quick feedback on the biological function of their designs. "
Full text article can be found here
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/11/science/11rna.html?_r=1&ref=science

West Point Bridge Design Contest

Design a Virtual Bridge...     Learn About Engineering!

Who: U.S. students age 13 through grade 12 are eligible for prizes. Anyone else may enter our Open Competition. More about eligibility...
 
When: The 2011 contest began on January 10, 2011, and the Qualifying Round will end on February 25. More about the contest schedule...

Prizes: Each member of the first-place team earns a $10,000 scholarship. Each finalist wins a notebook computer.

12 Dozen Places To Educate Yourself Online For Free

Too good not to share! 

Check out this blogger's post for sites to visit to help you educate yourself! 

Free Access to 900 Animated Books for a Year!

All homeschoolers have been granted One Year Free Access to an online library of 900 interactive children's books for ages 2-13!

Houston, Texas - January 10, 2011 - "We saw a story about a company called Tom's Shoes where for every pair of shoes purchased they give away a pair to a child in need. We thought that was a pretty great idea so we decided to give away free subscriptions to our entire catalog of books to home schoolers
across the country with the hope that they will see why thousands of teachers subscribe to our theory that learning to read should be fun," says president Cliff Dew.

All home schoolers are being given a one year free subscription to their catalog of 900 animated books, lesson plans, quizzes, story songs, games and puzzles that inspire early childhood literacy for ages 2-13 free of charge now through 12/31/2011.

It¹s an award winning safe and secure “Kid's Friendly” website that helps kids discover the joys of learning to read. MightyBookjr.com is ideal for English as a Second Language and English Immersion. There's even a whole library of books for kids with special needs.

Simply log on to their home page http://www.mightybookjr.com/ 
and click on, ³SUBSCRIBE NOW² and use this as your COUPON CODE:
FREE COUPON CODE: learntoread (lower case letters)

Civics Games for Kids!

What a fantastic set of games about the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Legislative, Judicial and Executive branches of government - and (most importantly) our role as citizens in it. 

Teacher's Discounts Aplenty!

Who knew there were this many????

Some apply to homeschoolers and some do not.  Either way, be sure to bring your ID card! 

Last Call! Classes start tomorrow!

Conceptual Physics Lab


9th-12th grade The perfect first high school lab course! This course consists of 8 introductory high school level Physics labroratory exercises and related discussions. Lab work will include lesssons in lab safety, properties of matter, Newtonian motion, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and even some quantum theory. Students will need a working knowledge of linear algebra and should be currentl studying Physics or be prepared to do some reading in between classes.
Register with credit card and class ID by calling 815-455-8588.
Problems or Questions? Please call Marie at 815-479-7559
Time: 10:00 - 11:50
Dates: Jan. 14th - March 4
Cost: $99
Course ID# - NKC SO5-001


Genetics Lab

9th-12th grades This course consists of 8 introductory high school level Genetics laboratory exercises and related discussions. Lab work will include lessons in classical (Mendelian) genetics beginning with meiosis, punnett squares, DNA extraction, DNA fingerprinting, bacterial mutation, and modern discoveries of molecular biology and epigenetics and their application in today's world. Students should be currently studying Biology or be prepared to do some reading in between classes.
Register with credit card and class ID by calling 815-455-8588.
Problems or Questions? Please call Marie at 815-479-7559
Time: 1:00 - 2:50
Dates: Jan. 14th - March 4
Cost: $99
Course ID# - NKC SO5-002

Another Adventure, Another Schedule Change

A few days ago I accepted a job teaching Chemistry for Heritage Homeschool Workshops in Elgin on Monday mornings!  This means that my volunteer hours at the Johnsburg Library's Homeschool Resource Center are being changed.  I am now going to be there on Wednesday nights from 7-9 p.m.. 

I am hoping that after almost ten years of offering a limited but free consultation services on weekday mornings that this will, at the very least, allow more dads to come in (or folks to find a babysitter so they can visit without the, um, help, of their curious twin 2 year olds!). 

A Mathematician’s Lament

Why do I want students to really understand what they are doing and not just memorizing a series of steps? 

Why do I think that arithmetic should take a back seat to real mathematics and completely reject the idea that you have to memorize your multiplication tables before looking at real math? 

Paul Lockhart has explained it brilliantly here! 

Read it.  Yes, it will take 15 minutes.  Print it out and take it with you.  It will make a difference in how you see those piles worksheets. 

Chicago Museum Free Days for 2011

Want to go on a lot of field trips!  Good! 
Here is how to plan many of them for free! 

Crystal Lake Park District Winter Classes Start Jan. 20th!

Crystal Lake Park District winter classes start Jan. 20th!

All classes are on Thursdays at the Crystal Lake Park District's Rotary Building and run for 6 weeks starting January 20th. Registration is happening now at http://www.crystallakeparks.org/
The third session of Crystal Lake Park District homeschool classes is open for registration. 

Open registration will close Jan. 17th!

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. Come blast off using your imagination and learn how to draw in 3D! Club House Artists will learn the basic fundamentals of drawing using "tool box" word such as: horizon line,shading, shadows, and much more. These 3D drawing techniques will help pop theirdrawings off the page. By the end of each session, Club House Artists will have the enthusiasm to draw anything and will be able to see their artwork displayed on our virtualart showroom at www.penandmousedesign. com/clubhouse.htm. Each session covers new material, so be sure to sign up for multiple sessions and increase your drawing skills. A one time $12 material fee is due to the instructor at the beginning of class. Ages 6 and up.Cost:$75 in district / $90 out of district. Class code: 4495-7

11:00 - 12:30 Algebra - Cure for the Algebra Curse
taught by the always popular Kathy Wentz. This series of classes uses a visual and hands-on system for learning Algebraic concepts. This winter session will cover graphing linear equations and introduce polynomials. Ages 12 and up. Cost: $51 in district / $66 out of district. Class code: 4495-1 *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: 4494-0

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: 4495-0