Shopping with an EXTRA Purpose!

If you buy online please don't forget that you can support your favorite charity at no additional cost to you. In case you didn't know, my favorite charity is The Friends of the Johnsburg Public Library!

The Benefits of Natural Math by Laura Grace Weldon

I can't post her blog post here but I can most certainly urge you to go visit it here! 

I have been speaking on this topic for years. Sadly, most of the people who I speak with are so badly damaged by their own 12 years of formal math education - and so convinced of their own inabilities to understand even basic math that they decide they need to double down on their failure with their children! They firmly believe that if they just find the BEST curriculum that it will make their children math geniuses. Sadly, of course, the truth is the exact opposite of that. Children need to be able to learn math through games, literature and other natural methods. 

Natural math worked for my children. Natural math has worked for many other families that I know as well. It is amazing! So, please visit the blog I have linked to here. Read her words. Trust in your children. 

Class Dismissed The Movie

Have a Dyslexic? Try this FREE resource!

Come One, Come All!

Please Stop the ACT Race

According to an article in today's Chicago Tribune this year's ACT scores for Illinois high school students did not improve for the Class of 2015. In fact, the writing scores actually declined. The article states that "Only 26 percent of high school graduates scored high enough on all four of the main subjects to be considered prepared for college, the same as last year."

Only 75 - 80% of high school aged students take the ACT in Illinois. Most who do take it take it during their Junior year.

The public school system in Illinois has to accept every single student. They have to accept those with IQs of 50 and 150 equally. Anyone who knows the standard bell curve concept can clearly understand that only some students would be expected to have abilities that could lead them to college. Other studies I have read have claimed that only about 10% of gifted students are still in the public schools - leading me to the conclusion that the public schools are "bottom heavy" as far as the bell curve is concerned.

Also, only a small number of students need to go to college. If you need a college degree to do the job you want to do then it is worth the cost (in both years spent attending classes and financially). Many high school students have no idea what they want to do though or want a job that they don't need a college degree for.

All this said, how can we be upset that only 26% of public high school students are prepared for college? Shouldn't we be preparing every single student for real life and not only for the next four years of a life many of them shouldn't really be considering anyway?

Only a small number of students need Algebra II. 100% need is far better Consumer Math so they can understand interest only mortgages and how credit cards actually work.

Only a small number of students need to be able to write a 20 page research paper. 100% need to be able to write a clear and concise memo and email.

Only a small number of students need to memorize the Krebs cycle. 100% need to be able to understand human disease (as well as mental illness) well enough to understand what their doctor is telling them about their loved one.

Only a small number of students need to memorize the Declaration of Independence. 100% need to understand our current legal system and laws.

We have failed several generations trying to aim for college at the exclusion of everything else. Please stop the great ACT race.

Fall Homeschooling Workshops - The Johnsburg Library Edition

By Request:  Wed., Sept. 2nd from 6:30-8:30 I will be speaking on two topics

6:30-7:30 -  Homeschooling 101 -
What you need to know NOW about homeschooling. Bring your best questions and get real answers. Legal questions, questions about activities, "what about socialization?", and much, much more.

7:30-8:30 - Homeschooling High School -
You can do this. Honest. Bring the teens and lets make a plan: how to.. when to.. why to..  ACT vs SAT, Community College classes, Transcripts, and Diplomas all will be discussed.  Bring your questions!

Cost: FREE
Location: The Johnsburg Public Library
                 3000 N Johnsburg Rd., McHenry, IL 60051 (one block EAST of the traffic circle)
                 815-344-0077

Looking for Activities and Resources in or near McHenry County, IL?

Another plug for playing board games with your kids

Hey Steve, they are fantastic year round!

Check out Steve's article
Board games a good "summer school" lesson
by Steve Rosen
Kids & Money

Powerful thought!

It's a FREE Double Header!

Please spread the word. 

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Huntley Public Library

Part I is 5:00-6:15 p.m.      

Everything You Wished You Knew About Homeschooling In Northern Illinois, But Were Afraid to Ask.  

Covered topics will include the many options available in education today, current legal information affecting home educators in our local area, getting into college, and much more.  Everyone is Welcome! 

**6:15-6:30 p.m.

Snack break (snack provided)

 Part II - 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Homeschooling for Cheapskates

Homeschooling doesn’t need to be expensive.  In fact, many find that it is virtually free!  Join us for a discussion about how to homeschool using free materials and resources available on the internet, at the library, and in your community.  For adults.  Please share the information with others who would be interested.  Everyone is welcome! 

Registration required.  Call the Children’s Desk at 847-669-5386 ext. 26 to register for Part I, Part II, or both.

Upcoming Events!

In addition to offering my FREE weekly (by appointment only) consultations where I help families one-on-one I am offering several workshops and opportunities for more general support in the next few months. You are invited to attend one or all.  All of the listed workshops are located in McHenry County, are FREE, and are open to anyone with questions at any level.  

NEXT WEDNESDAY, July 29th 

Homeschool Roadmap

Homeschooling is a lot like going on a road trip. Some of us like to just get in the car with a destination in mind and have fun finding loads of cool things to see and places to eat and stay along the way. Other folks plan out every mile and every stop with two weeks of hotel reservations made in advance or they hire a guide to do that for them. It doesn't matter how you travel as long as you have a fun and successful time. We will discuss the law, resources, and lot of the options on the homeschooling road and help you figure out which options will work for your unique situation. 

7 - 9pm at the Johnsburg Public Library (one block east of the traffic circle no matter what your GPS tells you!)

no registration required

Ideal for the new homeschooler or one who is frustrated or confused with the sheer abundance of choices available today. 

(I will offer another of these at the Johnsburg Library in August if there is enough interest.)

Tuesday, Aug. 18

Huntley Public Library

Part I is 5:00-6:15 p.m.      

Everything You Wished You Knew About Homeschooling In Northern Illinois, But Were Afraid to Ask.  

Covered topics will include the many options available in education today, current legal information affecting home educators in our local area, and much more.  

**6:15-6:30 p.m.

Snack break (snack provided)

 Part II - 6:30-7:45 p.m.

Homeschooling for Cheapskates

Homeschooling doesn’t need to be expensive.  In fact, many find that it is virtually free!  Join us for a discussion about how to homeschool using free materials and resources available on the internet, at the library, and in your community.  For adults.  Please share the information with others who would be interested.  Everyone is welcome! 

Registration required.  Call the Children’s Desk at 847-669-5386 ext. 26 to register for Part I, Part II, or both.

Tuesday, September 8th

11 - 2 pm

Homeschool Expo - no presentations but a lot of different resources available to you during that time

Park Place in Crystal Lake (CL Park District) 

Saturday, September 19th

10 am - 4 pm

Used Curriculum Flea Market (10-1:00) and 

Eat, Meet and Greet with Q&A (1:15-3:00)

Illinois HOUSE Fall Meeting (3-4:00) open to all homeschoolers. Loads of information!  

If you want to sell INDOORS at the Flea Market you DO need to register. It is recommended that you register for the outdoor spaces as well - but is not required. 

For full details and to register to sell please visit   https://sites.google.com/site/hrcopenhouse/

The folks at ARC are working to develop a non-common core college placement test as an alternative to private schools who are not teaching CCSS. This would be an alternative to the ACT and SAT.

Already we have over 800 colleges and universities that do not require or use the SAT or ACT. (For a list please visit fairtest.org ).

I am not finding a web page for it this group though. If anyone finds it please let me know!

Google's 4 Week Internet Camp starts Monday!

Google has brought together Khan Academy, National Geographic, National Parks, and NASA to launch Camp Google: a free, four-week online camp for kids 7-10, filled with fun science activities and exploration. Talk about an awesome collaboration! Wow.

Every Monday camp kicks off with a live adventure that you can access right from the Camp Googlesite. The adventures begins July 13th with Ocean Week. Your kids will head deep into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean to explore. Later this summer, they can join a live hike up an active volcano with a Park Ranger and a jam session with a music star. Everyone is welcome and you can jump in anytime.

We came, We shopped...

We had a great turn-out for yesterday's Used Curriculum Flea Market, Open House, and Panel Discussion! I heard that most of our sellers sold quite a bit and that most of the buyers went away happy. We had a terrific discussion about a lot of "hot topics" during the panel discussion as well.

Were you there???



Did you miss the June used curriculum sale? If so, be sure to put the next one, sponsored by Illinois HOUSE, on your calendar today! 

September 19, 2015

and thanks to Michelle H. for permission to use the photo! 

Cream of the Crop Photo Contest

PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED FOR CREAM OF THE CROP PHOTO CONTEST

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announces the 3rd annual Cream of the Crop agriculture photo contest for Illinois photographers ages 8 to 18.

“We hope students take the opportunity to showcase their creativity and learn more about Illinois agriculture,” Frerichs said.

Participants must be Illinois residents and amateur photographers. Contestants will compete in three age categories: 8 to 10, 11 to 14, and 15 to 18. Each contestant is limited to two photo entries. Photo entries must be in JPG format, 300 dpi, and no larger than 5MB.

To find more contest rules and to submit photos, go to the treasurer’s office website atwww.illinoistreasurer.gov. Click on the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest link and follow upload instructions or read the rules. The submission deadline is July 9, 2015.

Winners and runners-up will be notified by telephone call and email. Winning entries will be published online and in print.

The Cream of the Crop photo contest is a part of the Treasurer’s Ag Invest program. For more information, visit www.illinoistreasurer.gov, call (217) 558-6217 or emailaginvest@illinoistreasurer.gov .

Johnsburg Library Homeschool Resource Center Open House and Used Curriculum Flea Market!

Father's Day Weekend!

Homeschooling for Cheapskates - April 7th

Homeschooling doesn't need to be expensive. In fact, many find that homeschooling is virtually free! 

 Join us for a discussion with Kathy Wentz about how to homeschool using materials and resources 

available for free (or cheap) on the Internet, at the library, or in your community.

Be sure to bring your impossible dreams!

Tuesday, April 7^th from 6-8pm

Huntley Area Public Library   11000 Ruth Rd, Huntley, IL 60142

Cost: Free (of course!)

Please register in advance at:

www.huntleylibrary.org or 847-669-5386

PARCC Myths Busted!

Excellent article helping to explain current IL law as it relates to PARCC testing!

Please read!

FAQ: Johnsburg Public Library Homeschool Resource Center

As always, the library’s database is fully searchable for all items in the collection and a full list of the Homeschool Resource Center (HRC) inventory can be had just by downloading it from the library's web site <http://johnsburglibrary.org>.  There are over 2000 items though, so you may think twice before doing this on a smartphone!

Walking in for the first time is often overwhelming because of the sheer number of items. The entire room is organized by Dewey Decimal number - not by grade level.  So, all the economic books are over near the American government books and these are not near either the math or the American history books.  If you don’t know what Dewey number you are looking for, please ask a staff member. Science kits (microscopes, telescopes, chemistry glassware, vacuum pumps, etc.) are in the red and white boxes or on the upper shelves. Games and small items are on the upper shelves or in the hanging bags.

I have been working hard to keep the HRC's collection free of Common Core (CC) materials. Several of the publishers we have do have newer versions that are CC but I am not on updating any of these materials as long as they are CC compliant. I know that having some older versions is frustrating to some of you - but it is also thrilling to many more of you. If you are specifically seeking CC materials please let me know I can help you through online resources.
All materials have a 6 week check out time. Books and magazines can be inter-library loaned (ILL) or returned through ILL if you come and pick them up. Kits (including the microscopes, telescopes and games) can not be inter- library loaned. Please note: if you return items through ILL we recommend you allow two full weeks for them to get to Johnsburg before the item is actually due.

When you only have a 12' by 12' room there is only so much space. The more you check out (including through inter-library loan) the more I can keep in the collection because there simply is more room on the shelves.  Otherwise, for each new item I put in I have to pull an item from the collection.

Yes, we take donations!  Many of the items in the HRC were donated to the library and many others were sold at the annual HRC Open House and Used Curriculum Flea Market in order to raise money for new items. Only 40% of the current collection is from the original grant - so 60% of the current collection is new. Please, oh please, mark any and all donations intended for the HRC with “HRC” or I will not see them.  Lastly, be sure to get your donation receipt when you drop off your donation so that you can write off the full value of your donation. The Friends of the Johnsburg Library is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Holds may be placed on HRC items even if you have an out of district library card. Almost all Illinois library cards are valid at the Johnsburg Library. The exceptions are those of you with rural cards or those few of you who belong to non-public libraries. If none of your property tax money goes to a library district and you have not paid to upgrade your card locally, please call the library in advance to ask if you would be able to check out materials.

And, as always, I am available for free, but limited, educational consultations on Wednesday evenings from 7 -9 pm at the HRC. (I charge $40 an hour for all other times and locations but offer more services during private consultations).

New Session of CLPD Classes Begins 2/19/15!

All Classes are at the Crystal Lake Park District's Veteran Acres Park Rotary Building and will begin 2/19/15 and end 4/2/15. No classes on 3/26/15.




4442-1 Home School Karate 4-7 years 11:30-12:00


4542-5 Home School Karate 8-18 years 12:00-1:00


4442-3 Math and Science Club 7-10 years 3:00-4:00


4640-8 Math and Science Club 8-15 years 2:00-3:00


4540-4 Arts and Crafts 4-7 years 9:30-10:30


4542-4 Pen and Mouse Club 6-18 years 10:30-12:00



4540-6 Computer Illustration 8-18 years 12:00-1:00

Abe Lincoln at the Johnsburg Library

This looks like a terrific (free) opportunity for homeschoolers!

New Bill Would Change CCSS - and NOT for the Better!

I highly encourage you to please read the Common Core: Education Without Representation blog. In particular the link here. This bill will not only change the name of CCSS to CACR in an attempt to hide it but would require all states to comply with it and would require all private schools to comply with it.  Please read. Please call your congressional representatives.

CCSS - Friend or Foe?

I have been asked about the Common Core State Standards by two different people in two days so I am guessing others (once again) are thinking about them. Good! They should definitely have you thinking (and running!). 

For those of you looking into what is aligned and what is not aligned I HIGHLY recommend you look at the amazing research done by Tina Hollenbeck over at the Homeschool Resource Road Map site:  http://www.hsroadmap.org/

More specifically the page you want is:  http://www.hsroadmap.org/common-core-project/

Remember that older materials can be a real friend here. While a publisher may have recently aligned their materials the materials that are 5+ years old will not be. Buying or renting used can not only save you money but help you stay away from CCSS aligned materials. Using these used materials will also no longer financially support the publisher if that is an issue for you. 

In all honesty my bigger concern is not the CCSS materials themselves - it is the testing that is being implemented along with the CCSS. 

The CCSS materials are being widely panned because they truly are horrible. Yet, the invasive, horrible testing will probably never go away once it is established. 

If you are of a mind to fight CCSS - please do so! But please, please, fight the testing far harder than the admittedly bad materials. Fads in education have a 10-12 year life cycle but invasions of our privacy last forever. The testing will, I fear, last forever if we allow it to become established. 

To read more about it please read: 

https://whatiscommoncore.wordpress.com/tag/data-mining/

http://www.occupy.com/article/exposed-how-murdoch-bill-gates-and-big-corporations-are-data-mining-our-schools

Educational Alternatives in Your Backyard

Educational Alternatives in Your Backyard

WHEN Monday, January 26, 2015, 7 – 9pm WHERE Barrington Area Library EVENT DETAILS “Educational Alternatives in Your Backyard,” Monday, January 26 at the Barrington Area Library. Presenters include: • Marla Thoma from Creative Learning Montessori School (Montessori education) • Kathy Matlin from Da Vinci Waldorf School (Waldorf education) • Dawn Kapka from St. Anne’s School (Parochial education) • Kathy Wentz (Homeschooling). Public education has changed drastically since today’s parents were in school--even in the “best” school districts. Class sizes used to be smaller, suicide and mental health diagnoses were much less common, and teachers were able to teach from their own passions, not bound by a test-driven curriculum. There was more time in the school day for recess, and more room in the curriculum for the arts, thereby addressing both the needs (play, movement, and being outdoors) and the interests (music, art, drama) of more children. Children were able to come home and play and still get a healthy amount of sleep, because homework expectations were reasonable. These changes, as well as their children’s lack of enthusiasm, or downright aversion, to school have prompted more and more parents to wonder about alternatives to traditional public school. As part of School Choice Week (January 25-31, 2015), a number of schools in the Barrington area have put together a presentation and panel discussion called “Educational Alternatives in Your Backyard,” Monday, January 26 at 7:00 pm at the Barrington Area Library. Presenters include: • Marla Thoma from Creative Learning Montessori School (Montessori education) • Kathy Matlin from Da Vinci Waldorf School (Waldorf education) • Dawn Kapka from St. Anne’s School (Parochial education) • Kathy Wentz (Homeschooling). This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is appreciated. Please contact Susan Love:slove@davinciwaldorf.org or (847)526-1372.

Chicago Free Museum Days for 2015

The schedule is up! Please visit Christine Trevino's blog to see it.


Image taken from Christine Trevino's web page and
provided to her by mharrison via freeimages.com. 

http://www.christinetrevino.com/2015/01/02/free-chicago-museum-days-2015/