Homeschooling 101!

 

Homeschooling 101

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 7PM via Zoom

Did you recently start homeschooling or are you interested in homeschooling but don't know where to start? This is a terrific opportunity to get answers to the most common questions people have about homeschooling including:

* How do I homeschool within the law?

* Where do I find other homeschoolers?

* Which curriculum is right for us?

* What does my child need to graduate high school?

* What is this "deschooling" people keep telling me about?

* How do I transfer out of another school?

* What does my child need to learn at each grade level?

No sales, no gimmicks, no pressure!

This workshop is being offer by Kathy Wentz, a volunteer with the Homeschool Resource Center at the Johnsburg Public Library and on their behalf.

This program will not be recorded so that attendees can ask questions and still be able to maintain their privacy.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85254876295?pwd=RZbyawGGsBSj0QyuKjPmNLPTOaWahm.1

Starting with the test in math!

 

My favorite trick for math curriculum users who have bored children - at the start of a new chapter/section give them 24 hours to review the material and then give them the "test".

If they do 90% or better they know the material and they don't need to do that section. If they don't get a 90% or better - they have to cover the material in that section as you normally would have assigned it.

This method gives them a ton of motivation to do their very best work on the test, prevents them from having to repeat a bunch of stuff they already know, and helps them quickly move up to a level of math where they are actually able to learn something without you worrying they are missing something.

Computerized All-in-One Curriculum?

 

Did You Know?

Many new homeschooling families today first ask for an all-in-one computerized program that their student can work on independently. They want an education just like the public school they are leaving.

When asked if their student learns best on the computer, they almost all say "YES! My student loves being on the computer." (Ah, but being on the computer for hours on end is very different from doing schoolwork on one.)

When asked what grades their student is getting in school, they often admit their student is behind. (After all, 50-70% of public-school students aren't at grade level. Why, if their computerized program is so good is it failing our students?)

When asked why they are leaving the public-school they often say stress. (Why, if their computerized program is so good is it not meeting their social-emotional needs?)

When asked if they are a hands-on learner, an auditory learner, or a visual learner they often say hands-on or tell me the student has ADHD. (Why are we expecting a computer to get them up and moving?)

Many students use the educational software for a few minutes and then wander off to play computer games and watch YouTube videos - or use the software to give them the answers to all the problems and never actually learn much. Months after starting to homeschool the parent feels like a failure and they can’t understand what went wrong. Trying to reproduce public school at home with a resource designed for a public school is where.

Please do not try to reproduce public school at home! Very few students learn best from all-in-one computerized programs.

Most students NEED interaction.

They NEED you to guide them.

They NEED you to be an active participant in their daily learning with real books from the library, discussions in the car, hands-on experiments and math manipulatives, jokes about silly audiobooks you listened to together while cooking dinner, and historical fiction movies ending at bedtime. They need YOU!

(Yes, I worked full time and homeschooled. I get it – it isn’t easy. Ah, but your kids are SO worth the hour or two a day year round it takes!)

Does your bedroom have an office?

Imagine your ideal bedroom. I bet it is a lot like mine: a super comfy bed, dust free furniture, only a very few decorations, subdued lighting, and very little that would distract from a calm and peaceful sleep. 

No loud noises, no TV, no computers. 

I have never understood how some folks have home offices and school computers in their bedrooms. If I did that, I would roll over at 3 am, see the pile of work,  and think about everything I still have to do and never be able to fall back to sleep. It would make my anxiety and the number of sleepless nights I already suffer with skyrocket. 

Does your student have trouble sleeping? 

Does your student deal with anxiety? 

What is in their bedroom? Can you find any other space in the house to create a separate office? 

The Power of Volunteering

For many years my sons and I delivered Meals on Wheels. We received a list of folks, picked up the meals, and I drove. I always went with my children when they were little and I loved seeing the smiles as they saw children coming in their door with their meals. 

Along the way we met some absolutely lovely folks. They simply beamed because they not only got to see other people - but actual children. 

We had one person yell and swear at us when we wished him a good day. It offered us good conversations about why that person might have acted that way. My children didn't go back to that door for some time. 

One visit was memorable. We were instructed to ring the bell after leaving the meal in the cooler outside the door. As the children were a bit older now they did this on their own. One day my oldest came back to the car and said the meal from the previous day was still in the cooler so we made calls and, sure enough, the lady had fallen. My son's concern saved her life and he was featured in a newspaper article. 

We also took various seniors grocery shopping once a week. They always treated it as high adventure! 

My children learned a lot about the circle of life volunteering. I wish more families would find the time to volunteer in some way in their community. It would teach compassion and understanding to old and young alike - and maybe even save a life or two! 

Illinois Homeschools are Private Schools!

 Did You Know? 

Did you Know? The IL Supreme court case The People v Levison is over 70 years old. That is the case that declared homeschools in Illinois to be private schools. Our private school status is not a law - it is based on legal precedent.

This is vital. If it were a law, law makers would be trying to define what homeschooling is and what it looks like. Of course, legal precedent can also be over turned. We must remain vigilant and staunchly defend out private school status!

You are a private school. You have all of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities as any other private school. When someone asks where your children go to school give them your school's name. Do not make it easier for the government schools and systems to track you, count you, or name you as something you are not. They want your children back in the system and will lie to you to make that happen. Do not make it easier for them to take away your freedom!

2023 HRC Used Curriculum Flea Market

 Are you planning on attending the June 24th Homeschool Resource Center Used Curriculum Flea Market?

Please be sure to note that Johnsburg Rd will be undergoing bridge repairs a mile west of the library. If you are coming from Rt 31 you will need to take one of several alternate routes. Use your online navigation or contact the library for directions!

https://johnsburglibrary.org/.../hrc-used-curriculum.../

How Many Homeschoolers are There Today?

 Homeschooling spiked during the pandemic and has certainly declined but is holding steady at significantly higher percentage than we saw prior to the pandemic. Be sure to check out NHERI's breakdown of the data! 

https://www.nheri.org/how-many-homeschool-students-are-there-in-the-united-states-during-the-2021-2022-school-year/

The Homeschool Resource Center is 21 years old!

 

Can you believe it? The Homeschool Resource Center at the Johnsburg Public Library is,

as of today,

21 YEARS OLD!

About 2000 items in the collection and only a small percentage of the original items first purchased for the collection (the microscopes, a telescope, chemistry glassware kits all have survived VERY WELL despite our worries!). The curriculum has certainly changed a lot in 21 years but the library continues to update the collection.

It is moving to a different section of the library and getting another reinvention. Please come and check things out or borrow them through interlibrary loan so they don't have to move them. lol!

Do you have Power of Attorney for your 18 year old?

 My family had a paperwork signing ceremony on a child's 18th birthday - and thank goodness! We experienced something similar when my oldest ended up in the hospital while in college - but we had the piece of paper we needed! POAs can be FREE. No excuses!

WGN News Story

Illinois Homeschool Association

 Congratulations to Illinois HOUSE! They have changed their name to.... drumroll please.... 

Homeschooling Students with Special Needs

 

Tue, August 17, 2021

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM CDT

Approximately 25 percent of homeschooling families have at least one student with special needs. These special needs can be physical, emotional, or educational. Dealing with these unique needs means creating a unique, supportive learning environment. A panel of experts in various fields will help you better understand how best to meet your child’s unique situation and succeed beyond your wildest dreams.

We are thrilled to announce the return of the amazing Jean Kulczyk, M.Ed., Edu. Consultant, and Special Education Advocate. Joining her on the panel will be local service providers from Pediatric Interactions and Therapeutic Links, PC.

Please join us for this FREE virtual event. Click the link (in the title) for a free ticket and link. 

Used Curriculum Flea Market + Workshops!

 

The 20th Annual event sponsored by the Homeschool Resource Center at the Johnsburg Public Library

June 12, 2021

About this Event

This free event is the perfect opportunity for current homeschoolers to get re-energized and for those thinking about homeschooling to ask questions and get real answers.

* Buy, sell, and ask lots of questions!

* tables of free materials

* food available for purchase

Please note the LOCATION!

Due to the pandemic we are unable to use the Johnsburg Public Library so we are once again being hosted to (homeschooler owned and operated) Dreiske Moving & Storage! This is an outdoor / tailgating event.

TO BUY OR ATTEND WORKSHOPS:

* Click the button that says "GOING" or just show up. You do NOT need to register in advance unless you are selling.

* you are welcome from 9:30 am - 1 pm.

* bring CASH as most sellers can't accept checks/credit cards

* children are welcome and encouraged to attend.

TO SELL:

* get a free "ticket" by clicking the link

* must be present by 9:00 am

* bring your own tables or blankets and chairs

* water, and umbrellas (even canopies) highly recommended

* bring a cash box and bags for your customers

VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED!!!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/used-curriculum-flea-market-workshops-tickets-151590853323

Homeschooling 102!

 

WED., NOV 11TH AT 7 PM CST – 9 PM CST

Homeschooling 102

Online Event

Hosted by Homeschool Resource Center at the Johnsburg Public Library and Wentz Educational Services

If you are thinking about starting homeschooling or began recently and are looking for some additional information or "tweaks" this is a great workshop for you. Join us with your questions!

This program will not be recorded in order to preserve privacy of attendees.

Zoom link will be posted in the comments section. 

The Cure for the Math Curse Workshop

 

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020 AT 6:30 PM CST

The Cure for the Math Curse

Online Event Sponsored by the Lake Villa District Library
Most of us worry about math more than any other topic and that is often because we feel we don't know it well ourselves because we were taught using a failed math education policy. So why reproduce your failed math education policy on your children? In this workshop you will learn tips, tricks, and activities to help revitalize your love of math and encourage you to explore new ways of teaching this amazingly fun topic. If possible, please have a notebook and a deck of cards with you when you join us!
To obtain the Zoom link for this event please visit https://lvdl.libnet.info/event/4649680?fbclid=IwAR1QqZEzlkdCKi-8PTGK-hydVC_a_OHuXwodCGICEiJX_TKECpc1xk3Xy-s

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2020 AT 7 PM CDT

Homeschooling Students with Special Needs

Approximately 25 percent of homeschooling families have at least one student with special needs. These special needs can be physical, emotional, or educational. Dealing with these unique needs means creating a unique, supportive learning environment. A panel of experts in various fields will help you better understand how best to meet your child’s unique situation and succeed beyond your wildest dreams.

We are thrilled to announce the return of the amazing Jean Kulczyk, M.Ed., Edu. Consultant, and Special Education Advocate. Joining her on the panel will be local service providers Jamie Fox, M.A., CCC-SRP/L with Pediatric Interactions; Tracy Lyndon, OTR/L with Therapeutic Links, PC; and Christine Schramm M.S. CCC-SLP/L of Mobile Therapy Centers of America, LLC.

To register and request the Zoom link please contact Kathy at kwentz899261@gmail.com

Homeschool workshops for the end of September:

 Mark your calendars! 

7 Habits of Highly Successful Homeschoolers

Wed Sep 23, 7:00pm

Homeschooling Ages Birth to 7

Tue Sep 29, 3:00pm

Workshops are Free, on Zoom with links posted 24 hours in advance, and NOT recorded so that attendees can ask questions.  

COVID-19 and the Public School Response

I have seen that a number of school districts are sending out surveys asking, among other things, if you will be homeschooling next year. I've also seen concern from the homeschool community about this as it could possibly be a back-door registration of your homeschool.

While I think that is a very valid concern if the information was being submitted to the Superintendent of Schools office or the State of Illinois - in this case it is not. Instead, in this case, letting the public schools know early that you aren't coming back is a kindness. It lets them better manage their budget.

Families and schools both find themselves in an unprecedented situation.The schools aren't sure what is happening next fall and, as a result, neither do the families.

The schools are spending money hand over fist trying to create an environment that will be safe for both the students and their staff. At the same time they realize they may be losing a significant percentage of their students. This means they also would be losing a large percentage of their funding!

Families, on the other hand are dealing with a variety of situations:
* Some have had horrible experiences with last spring's e-learning and know they need to find something that will work for the children if the schools end up going into lock down again.

* Others are almost desperate for more social / emotional interactions for their children and they know they can get that by homeschooling.

* Still others know that their children will not be successful in a mask all day or if they have to sit at a desk all day.

* In other cases they know what the schools are going to do but because both parents need to work have to find a consistent weekday schedule - and that is something the school can't offer them this year.

So, in my opinion, let the school know as soon as possible when you have made your final plans. It is a kindness. If you can simply mark private school as an option absolutely do that since your homeschool IS legally a private school - but please don't deprive the public school of the information they need.

Homeschooling 101 Virtual Event!

JUL8

Homeschooling 101 !

Public

 · 

• clock

  Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at 7 PM – 9 PM

Online Event

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83534685558

Information:

https://www.facebook.com/events/3505462892817214/

July 8, 2020 - FREE Homeschooling 101 Virtual Workshop

Did you recently start homeschooling or are you interested in homeschooling but don't know where to start? This is a terrific opportunity to get answers to the most common questions people have about homeschooling including:

* How do I homeschool within the law?

* Where do I find other homeschoolers?

* Which curriculum is right for us?

* What does my child need to graduate high school?

* What is this "deschooling" people keep telling me about?

* How do I transfer out of another school?

* What does my child need to learn at each grade level?

Summer and Fall 2020 workshop schedule

VISIT THIS LINK FOR EVENT DETAILS: 

https://www.facebook.com/johnsburglibrary.org/?ref=bookmarks

Summer & Fall 2020 HRC Workshop Schedule

June 10, 2020 – Virtual workshop – Homeschooling 101
Did you recently start homeschooling or are you interested in homeschooling but don't know where to start? This is a terrific opportunity to get answers to the most common questions people have about homeschooling including:

* How do I homeschool within the law? *Where do I find other homeschoolers?
* Which curriculum is right for us? *What does my child need to graduate high school?
* What is this "deschooling" people keep telling me about? * How do I transfer out of another school?
* What does my child need to learn at each grade level?

June 24, 2020 – Virtual workshop – Homeschooling for Everyone
Homeschooling doesn't need to be difficult or expensive. In fact, many of us find that homeschooling is virtually free! Join us for a discussion about educational philosophies, learning styles, deschooling, and 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 and terrific inexpensive finds!

July 8, 2020 – Virtual Workshop – Homeschooling 101
See description above

July 29, 2020 – Virtual Workshop – Creating Official High School Transcripts
Creating credible official transcripts for your student's college applications can seem intimidating but, with a little planning, is quite easy. This workshop will provide:

*recommended titles for high school classes that will make your student stand out
*ideas for organizing what you did into documented credits - and when not to use something as a credit
*sample transcripts that have been used successfully by countless families
*hints and tips galore

This is a terrific workshop for those homeschooling grades 8-12 and their interested teens.

August 12, 2020 – TBD - Homeschooling 101
See description above

August 19, 2020 – TBD – Homeschooling for Everyone!
See description above

September 9, 2020 – TBD – Homeschooling 101
See description above

September 16, 2020 – TBD – Creating Official High School Transcripts
See description above

October 14, 2020 – TBD - Special Needs
Approximately 25 percent of homeschooling families have at least one student with special needs. These special needs can be physical, emotional, or educational. Dealing with these unique needs means creating a unique supportive learning environment. A panel of experts in various fields will help you better understand how best to meet your child’s unique situation and succeed beyond your wildest dreams.

November 11, 2020 – TBD – Homeschooling 102
As we retreat indoors for winter we also should reevaluate our educational choices. Are you looking for changes? What is working and what is not? Are you needing to add something or, perhaps, eliminate something? Do you need a non-judgmental sounding board for your worries or ideas? Do you need a reminder of homeschooling laws or educational philosophies? Join us as we cover these topics and more!