Crystal Lake Park District classes - Registration is now open!

All classes are on Thursdays at Veteran Acres Park's Rotary Building (Corner of Walkup Rd and Rt 176 - at the other end of the parking lot from the splash pad and playground). Classes begin Sept. 18th! 

http://inet-reg.crystallakeparks.org/wr/wr5234.tbred?page=wrsearch&member=000&householdid=-REVIEWONLY-&action=program&SESSION-ID=735471.90143519BACRZWTVGZWQIXESBAL&pcatno=005300&pclsseq=0068

Home School Karate

Join Our Home Schoolers in a Karate class taught by Patric Murphy of Kon Jo Karate Club. Mr. Murphy is a fourth degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and is a wonderful and warm instructor who encourages each of his students to do their best. Each child progresses at their own pace. Belt tests are offered at the end of the session for an additional $15.00 fee (no fee for stripe tests).

4-7 yrs      11:30 - 12:00

8-18          12:00-1:00

8-18 yrs     1:00-2:00 

Home School Math & Science Club

This year we will be following Joy Hakim's Aristotle Leads the Way. This text uses a historical (classical) approach to teaching both math and science topics and is particularly good at answering the age old question of "when are we ever going to need this (math)" by incorporating it seamlessly into the learning of science and the scientific method. This year's text covers history from Ancient Mesopotamia to the Middle Ages and focuses primarily on chemistry, physics and geometry. Each family should purchase the text and Student's Quest Guide. Both are available on Amazon Smile for a combined price of about $32 new.

5th-8th grades               2:00-3:00

2nd-4th grade               3:00-4:00

Home School Arts & Crafts

Let's make some crafts! From painting to building, kids will create playful pieces of artwork, both functional and fun.

4 - 7 yrs                       9:30-10:30

Home School Pen & Mouse Club

Club House Artists will learn how to draw in 3D as well as learn painting techniques. Students will learn tool box terms such as horizon line, shading, contour, overlapping, color theory, and much more! Projects range from drawing, painting, and sculpting. New students are required to purchase an art kit included in the price.

6-18 yrs                      10:30-noon

Home School Computer Illustration

Students will learn how to create basic illustrations in Adobe Illustrator using vector drawing techniques. This is multiple session class to cover more advance techniques. Windows Laptop and mouse is required. Software will be provided. Please come 20 minutes early to the first class for software installation. Instructor has limited amounts of laptops to borrow. Please contact Julie Kukreja if you are in need to borrow. Class will be held in the lower level of the Rotary Building.

6-18 yrs                       1:00-2:00

Home School Dance

Dancers will study a variety of techniques including ballet, tap and jazz in a nurturing environment.

4-9 yrs                         2:00-2:45

10-18 yrs                     2:45-3:15

What is the Difference Between Traditional Schooling and Unschooling?

This is a terrific explanation!

New Business Cards!

My newly redesigned business cards arrived today! Of course, the day AFTER I spoke to 48 attendees (official final count) at Huntley Library. Oh well.

What are the Long Term Ramifications of Unschooling Our Kids?

I've really been enjoying the "conversations" between Home Education Magazine's editor and publisher. Read and enjoy!

The following is a discussion between HEM’s editor and publisher, Barb Lundgren and Mark Hegener, that was published in the March-April 2013 issue of Home Education Magazine. With well over 60 combined years of experience as unschooling parents, Barb and Mark reflect on some of long term effects of raising children with respect, integrity, trust and nurturing support for the self-directed life.

Barb:

I’ve spent the last 30 years of my life wondering whether unschooling my kids would really make a difference in how they feel about themselves, their connection to others and society, their understanding of the human condition and what makes the world go ’round. My kids are now all grown up and I am still wondering, observing, and thinking about this. I hold a fundamental belief that life should be simple, and yet dissecting such a question is complex indeed. It’s a beautiful truth that their childhoods, our family life, was rich, fun, exciting and spontaneous with many, many steep, fast-paced learning curves.

We lived a magical existence and, for the most part, felt on top of the world: my children were empowered with the knowledge that not only were they never expected to do anything they did not want to do, but that their parents would support their wide and varied forms of emotional, psychological, spiritual, artistic and academic expression. We trusted each of our children’s natural learning processes, engaged in lots of discussion, listened to each other, applied consensual decision-making.

Click here to read the rest of the article. 

Come Visit Me in Huntley on Aug. 19th!

Homeschool Speaker: Kathy Wentz      For parents

Tuesday • August 19, 6-8 p.m.

Join us in welcoming local homeschool expert, Kathy Wentz, as she presents an informational program for veteran, new and prospective homeschool parents.  “Everything You Wished You Knew About Homeschooling In Northern Illinois, But Were Afraid To Ask” will be followed by Q & A and networking time.

Registration required. Please call the Children’s Desk at 847-669-5386 extension 26 to register for this event. Please share the information with others you know who homeschool (or would like to), everyone is welcome!

It's Home School Expo Time!

What area companies work with homeschoolers?
Where can you find sports teams, tutors or resources?
Come to the expo and find out!