The Cure for the Math Curse:
Multiplication Math Club
Tuesdays from January 12 to February 9, 2010 1:00-2:30 pm
This series of four classes will encourage your child to play their
way to a love of multiplication through quality math literature and
a wide variety of games and manipulatives. We will be concentrating
on getting better conceptual knowledge of multiplication and
working on memorization skills. Cost: $25.00
Final day for registration is January 10, 2010.
The Cure for the Math Curse:
Charts & Graphs Math Club
Tuesdays from February 16 to March 9, 2010 1:00-2:30 pm
This series of four classes will concentrate on getting a better
working knowledge and conceptual understanding of how to
structure and organize data. We’ll use quality math literature and
a wide variety of games and manipulatives to encourage your
child to play their way to a love of arithmetic. Cost: $25
Final day for registration is February 14, 2010.
Algebra: Polynomials, Graphing & More!
Tuesdays from January 12 to March 9, 2010 3:00-4:30 pm
This series of eight classes is a continuation of Mrs. Wentz’s
“Introduction of Algebra” classes. We will stress understanding the
concepts of algebra including exponents and roots, solving equations
with multiple variables, adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing
polynomials, and graphing. Homework will be assigned.
Prerequisite: Students must be able to solve equations with one
variable, such as:
-2(-x + 5) + 2x = x - 1 and x - 3(2x + 5) = 20 + 2x
Final day for registration is January 10, 2010. Cost: $50
All classes will be held at the Johnsburg Public Library.
(No classes will be held on February 2 due to elections.)
Parents are encouraged to attend for free.
Please make checks payable to Kathy Wentz.
Johnsburg Public Library 3000 N Johnsburg Rd Johnsburg, IL 60051
815-344-0077 www.johnsburglibrary.org
Dec 16, 2009
Dec 3, 2009
Fremont Public Library!
We know this time of the year is a bit crazy (not to mention expensive!), but what better way to enjoy the holidays than to get a great deal? How about an entire (free!) morning of sharing, support and encouragement? How about loads of ideas designed to save you stress and money?
Please join us on Saturday Dec. 12th for two of my most popular workshops:
From 9:30-10:30 a.m. "Why are we Homeschooling? Developing Your Own Educational Philosophy"
Did you know the average homeschooling family changes styles and curriculum 7 times in the first 2 years? This can be very expensive, confusing, and frustrating! This workshop is designed to help you cut through the confusion and help you find the philosophy that will help you truly enjoy homeschooling as a lifestyle rather than as a challenge to be overcome.
From 11:00 - noon "Homeschooling for Cheapskates"
Homeschooling doesn't need to be expensive. In fact, many of us find that homeschooling is virtually free! Join us for a discussion about how to homeschool by using materials and resources available for free on the Internet, at the library, or in your community. Be sure to bring your impossible dreams!
Yes, of course, handouts aplenty will be provided!
I look forward to seeing you at the Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein, IL
http://www.fremontlibrary.org
Please join us on Saturday Dec. 12th for two of my most popular workshops:
From 9:30-10:30 a.m. "Why are we Homeschooling? Developing Your Own Educational Philosophy"
Did you know the average homeschooling family changes styles and curriculum 7 times in the first 2 years? This can be very expensive, confusing, and frustrating! This workshop is designed to help you cut through the confusion and help you find the philosophy that will help you truly enjoy homeschooling as a lifestyle rather than as a challenge to be overcome.
From 11:00 - noon "Homeschooling for Cheapskates"
Homeschooling doesn't need to be expensive. In fact, many of us find that homeschooling is virtually free! Join us for a discussion about how to homeschool by using materials and resources available for free on the Internet, at the library, or in your community. Be sure to bring your impossible dreams!
Yes, of course, handouts aplenty will be provided!
I look forward to seeing you at the Fremont Public Library, 1170 N. Midlothian Rd., Mundelein, IL
http://www.fremontlibrary.org
Sep 27, 2009
Science Club in Crystal Lake
Do to a significant 'wait list' for a full Science Club class in Cary and with the speedy cooperation of both the Fun School Co-op and the Crystal Lake Park District, there is now a second chance to join us!
We will spend this 4 week session covering Unit 1 of a multidisciplinary spine which includes activities and topics in science, history, math, and language arts: Joy Hakim's The Story of Science: Aristotle Leads the Way. This text covers scientific discoveries, knowledge, and processes from the beginning of the Universe to the mid 1500s and offers our group the chance to blend science with the rest of their history based curriculum.
Each family can decide how much they want to use, or not use, the chosen text. There are 30 chapters in the text and each week we will cover one or two chapters so that those families who wish to join us for the year can complete the entire text by the end of May. Students do not need to read the text in order to participate, but the class projects and discussions will be based on the chapter. It is recommended that each family purchase a copy.
Classes will be Thursdays from 1 - 2:30 on Oct.1, 8th, 15th and 29th. There will be NO CLASS on Oct. 22nd.
Cost: This 4 week session will cost $55 for residents of Crystal Lake Park District and $70 for non-residents.
(Note: all other sessions will be 6 weeks long)
You can find a full description and registration information here:
http://tinyurl.com/y9bvrsl
We will spend this 4 week session covering Unit 1 of a multidisciplinary spine which includes activities and topics in science, history, math, and language arts: Joy Hakim's The Story of Science: Aristotle Leads the Way. This text covers scientific discoveries, knowledge, and processes from the beginning of the Universe to the mid 1500s and offers our group the chance to blend science with the rest of their history based curriculum.
Each family can decide how much they want to use, or not use, the chosen text. There are 30 chapters in the text and each week we will cover one or two chapters so that those families who wish to join us for the year can complete the entire text by the end of May. Students do not need to read the text in order to participate, but the class projects and discussions will be based on the chapter. It is recommended that each family purchase a copy.
Classes will be Thursdays from 1 - 2:30 on Oct.1, 8th, 15th and 29th. There will be NO CLASS on Oct. 22nd.
Cost: This 4 week session will cost $55 for residents of Crystal Lake Park District and $70 for non-residents.
(Note: all other sessions will be 6 weeks long)
You can find a full description and registration information here:
http://tinyurl.com/y9bvrsl
Aug 15, 2009
Science and Math Mondays
Are you interested in joining a small group of other teens on Mondays for semi-private tutoring, small group projects and field trips designed to meet your math and science needs? All activities and instruction will be planned according to individual student needs
The students this is aimed at have already taken most of my science lab classes through the Homeschool Fridays program at McHenry County College or through other, similar, programs and have basic science lab techniques down. This program is a way for them to have time to hone their techniques and skills before college even though they already have the basics down.
Days will usually be from 10:00 to 4:00. On days when the weather is good we will take a few hours and head out to do field work at Volo Bog, Glacial Park, Moraine Hills State Park or any one of the other amazing natural areas in the Chain O'Lakes area. On days when the weather is poor we will stay in and work on individual or small group projects, vocabulary, and math skills (Algebra with fractions and Geometry are currently planned).
We will also have a field trip approximately once a month and it can be assumed that the hours of those days will be longer than on other Mondays. As each trip is planned an announcement of the dates and times will be made and individual students can then decide if that trip is something they want to participate in. Student input into the field trips will be highly encouraged.
Students are asked to commit to an entire season (fall, winter, spring). Students that complete three full seasons (one year) will be given a certificate indicating 1 full credit of high school science and 1 full credit of high school math completed in McHenry County, IL. The exact course names of the credits will be determined by the student because the exact topic and level of study is determined by the student.
Homework will be assigned. Homework will vary from student to student and will be based on their projects and goals.
Cost: $30 a week plus any additional costs for supplies or field trip expenses Supplies will vary from student to student and might include anything from bacteria cultures to advanced dissection specimens and can be split whenever two or more students want to do a group project. Field trip expenses might include train fare downtown or museum admission where I am unable to gain us free entry. (Note: I am very frugal and do promise to keep all additional expenses as low as I can! As many of you know, I already own a lot of science equipment!) All additional project costs will be cleared with the parent first!
If interested, please contact me directly and we will set up a time to get together and discuss your needs and goals.
The students this is aimed at have already taken most of my science lab classes through the Homeschool Fridays program at McHenry County College or through other, similar, programs and have basic science lab techniques down. This program is a way for them to have time to hone their techniques and skills before college even though they already have the basics down.
Days will usually be from 10:00 to 4:00. On days when the weather is good we will take a few hours and head out to do field work at Volo Bog, Glacial Park, Moraine Hills State Park or any one of the other amazing natural areas in the Chain O'Lakes area. On days when the weather is poor we will stay in and work on individual or small group projects, vocabulary, and math skills (Algebra with fractions and Geometry are currently planned).
We will also have a field trip approximately once a month and it can be assumed that the hours of those days will be longer than on other Mondays. As each trip is planned an announcement of the dates and times will be made and individual students can then decide if that trip is something they want to participate in. Student input into the field trips will be highly encouraged.
Students are asked to commit to an entire season (fall, winter, spring). Students that complete three full seasons (one year) will be given a certificate indicating 1 full credit of high school science and 1 full credit of high school math completed in McHenry County, IL. The exact course names of the credits will be determined by the student because the exact topic and level of study is determined by the student.
Homework will be assigned. Homework will vary from student to student and will be based on their projects and goals.
Cost: $30 a week plus any additional costs for supplies or field trip expenses Supplies will vary from student to student and might include anything from bacteria cultures to advanced dissection specimens and can be split whenever two or more students want to do a group project. Field trip expenses might include train fare downtown or museum admission where I am unable to gain us free entry. (Note: I am very frugal and do promise to keep all additional expenses as low as I can! As many of you know, I already own a lot of science equipment!) All additional project costs will be cleared with the parent first!
If interested, please contact me directly and we will set up a time to get together and discuss your needs and goals.
Aug 14, 2009
Science for grades 4-8
We will spend the year using a multidisciplinary spine which includes activities and topics in science, history, math, and language arts: Joy Hakim's The Story of Science: Aristotle Leads the Way. This text covers scientific discoveries, knowledge, and processes from the beginning of the Universe to the mid 1500s and offers our group the chance to blend science with the rest of their history based curriculum. (There are four subsequent texts in the series each covering a specific time frame.)
Each family can decide how much they want to use, or not use, the chosen text. There are 30 chapters in the text and each week we will cover one chapter so that we can complete the entire text by the end of May. Students do not need to read the text in order to participate, but the class projects and discussions will be based on the chapter. It is recommended that each family purchase a copy.
When/Where: Classes will be on Wednesday afternoons in Cary from 1:00-2:15 beginning Sept. 16th, 2009.
Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $300. This averages out to be $10 a week. The cost will be payable in three installments – the first at registration, the second on Nov. 11th, and the third on February 10th, 2010. If you need to make special payment arrangements (such as paying by credit card or making smaller, but more frequent payments) please contact Kathy Wentz directly.
If interested: Email me loriannestanger@comcast.net your child(ren)'s name, age and your contact information.
To register: Mail a check to Lori Anne Stanger at 267 Deerpath Road, Algonquin 60102. Make check payable to Kathy Wentz for the $100 first installment.
Each family can decide how much they want to use, or not use, the chosen text. There are 30 chapters in the text and each week we will cover one chapter so that we can complete the entire text by the end of May. Students do not need to read the text in order to participate, but the class projects and discussions will be based on the chapter. It is recommended that each family purchase a copy.
When/Where: Classes will be on Wednesday afternoons in Cary from 1:00-2:15 beginning Sept. 16th, 2009.
Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $300. This averages out to be $10 a week. The cost will be payable in three installments – the first at registration, the second on Nov. 11th, and the third on February 10th, 2010. If you need to make special payment arrangements (such as paying by credit card or making smaller, but more frequent payments) please contact Kathy Wentz directly.
If interested: Email me loriannestanger@comcast.net your child(ren)'s name, age and your contact information.
To register: Mail a check to Lori Anne Stanger at 267 Deerpath Road, Algonquin 60102. Make check payable to Kathy Wentz for the $100 first installment.
High School Biology in Cary
This High School level Biology course will focus on discussion and related laboratory exercises during our class time. The class will cover cellular forms and functions including cellular reproduction and genetics, the diversity of life including protists, fungi, plants and animals, plant and animal anatomy, human anatomy and physiology, and ecological systems and how they affect life - including population dynamics. Care will be taken throughout to discuss current biological theories and methods from a Christian perspective.
Required Textbook: The spine/text we will use is Biology:Concepts and Connections by Campbell and Reece, 5th edition. (The 6th edition did not significantly update the text, only the available online materials.) As every textbook is at least 10 years behind current science Mrs. Wentz will encourage the reading of certain science magazines articles and other additional materials as needed to supplement.
Equipment: Students are encouraged to provide their own microscope if possible. Mrs. Wentz owns several, but it is far preferable to have only two students on a microscope and we will be doing extensive microscope work. Mrs. Wentz recommends a scope with at least 600X DIN objectives and electrical illumination. (We will not be doing a lot of bacteriological studies so do not need 1000X/oil immersion lenses at this time, however, these can be added later on most quality microscopes.)
Prerequisites: Students must have had both and understood both basic Physics and Chemistry already (as either a junior high or high school student), must be able to read and understand a high school level text, must be willing to commit to several hours of homework each week, and must be able to work cooperatively and safely in a lab situation with other students.
Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $375 plus the cost of dissection specimens in the spring. (Mrs. Wentz is very frugal, she works hard to keep expenses down, but decent specimens simply cost more). This averages out to be $12.50 a week. The cost will be payable in three installments – the first at registration, the second on Nov. 11th, and the third on February 10th, 2010. If you need to make special payment arrangements (such as paying by credit card or making smaller, but more frequent payments) please contact Kathy Wentz directly.
Certificate: Students who successfully complete the entire year will receive a certificate indicating that they have earned one high school credit in a laboratory science at this McHenry County High School program. Grades will be given for those families who want grades. Grades will not be given for families who do not want a grade.
To register: Mail your check, made payable to Kathy Wentz, to Lori Anne Stanger at 267 Deerpath Rd., Algonquin 60102.
Required Textbook: The spine/text we will use is Biology:Concepts and Connections by Campbell and Reece, 5th edition. (The 6th edition did not significantly update the text, only the available online materials.) As every textbook is at least 10 years behind current science Mrs. Wentz will encourage the reading of certain science magazines articles and other additional materials as needed to supplement.
Equipment: Students are encouraged to provide their own microscope if possible. Mrs. Wentz owns several, but it is far preferable to have only two students on a microscope and we will be doing extensive microscope work. Mrs. Wentz recommends a scope with at least 600X DIN objectives and electrical illumination. (We will not be doing a lot of bacteriological studies so do not need 1000X/oil immersion lenses at this time, however, these can be added later on most quality microscopes.)
Prerequisites: Students must have had both and understood both basic Physics and Chemistry already (as either a junior high or high school student), must be able to read and understand a high school level text, must be willing to commit to several hours of homework each week, and must be able to work cooperatively and safely in a lab situation with other students.
Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $375 plus the cost of dissection specimens in the spring. (Mrs. Wentz is very frugal, she works hard to keep expenses down, but decent specimens simply cost more). This averages out to be $12.50 a week. The cost will be payable in three installments – the first at registration, the second on Nov. 11th, and the third on February 10th, 2010. If you need to make special payment arrangements (such as paying by credit card or making smaller, but more frequent payments) please contact Kathy Wentz directly.
Certificate: Students who successfully complete the entire year will receive a certificate indicating that they have earned one high school credit in a laboratory science at this McHenry County High School program. Grades will be given for those families who want grades. Grades will not be given for families who do not want a grade.
To register: Mail your check, made payable to Kathy Wentz, to Lori Anne Stanger at 267 Deerpath Rd., Algonquin 60102.
Jul 15, 2009
Fall Math Classes at the Johnsburg Library
The Cure for the Math Curse: Geometry Math Club
view flier
The Cure for the Math Curse: Intro to Algebra
view flier
view flier
Let's start the school year off right! Geometry Math Club will provide your students with a review of (or real life introduction to) addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as they explore the patterns of our natural world.
Each class begins with a math literature story that helps introduce and support the variety of games and activities in the rest of the class. Students are encouraged to select from each day's activities those that match their ability level. Parents are encouraged to participate, as well as take copies of the activities home so that they can be enjoyed again and again.
Class Sessions: Tuesdays 1:00 - 2:30 from Sept. 22 through Oct. 13 at the Johnsburg Public Library.
The cost for this 6 hour program is $25 per student.
Please register at the Johnsburg Public Library beginning July 18th. Make checks payable to Kathy Wentz.
The Cure for the Math Curse: Intro to Algebra
view flier
This series of eight - 90 minute classes will introduce you to a visual and hands-on teaching system for learning complex algebraic concepts including the distributive property and negative variables.
Students need a foundation in multiplication and division but do not need to have memorized all their math facts. No previous algebraic experience is needed for success!
Class sessions: Tuesdays 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Classes will meet every Tuesday from Sept. 22nd through Nov. 17 at the Johnsburg Public Library. (There will be no class on Nov. 3rd).
The cost for this 12 hour program is $50 per student.
Please register at the Johnsburg Public Library beginning July 18th. Make checks payable to Kathy Wentz.
Parents are encouraged to attend classes for free.
The Johnsburg Public Library is located at: 3000 N Johnsburg Rd., Johnsburg, IL 60051 <815-344-0077
Jul 14, 2009
Be sure to join us!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/RelaxedHomeskool
Kathy Wentz is my guest on July 20th at 10am central time. Kathy is a homeschooling mom who teaches, consults,volunteers, speaks publicly and runs one of the nation's few homeschooling libraries. She is famous for her conference workshops titled "Cure for the Math Curse" and she teaches math and science classes to unschoolers in the Midwest using games and exploration. Call with your questions about how to homeschool or unschool math and science. 347-633-9765 http://kathywentz.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/RelaxedHomeskool
Kathy Wentz is my guest on July 20th at 10am central time. Kathy is a homeschooling mom who teaches, consults,volunteers, speaks publicly and runs one of the nation's few homeschooling libraries. She is famous for her conference workshops titled "Cure for the Math Curse" and she teaches math and science classes to unschoolers in the Midwest using games and exploration. Call with your questions about how to homeschool or unschool math and science. 347-633-9765 http://kathywentz.blogspot.com/
Jun 28, 2009
Great Geology Class!
We had a great two week field geology class despite the crazy weather.
Who would have thought the first week would be cool with the constant threat of rain and the second week would be hot and humid? Luckily we weren't locked into bus schedules and had a wonderful variety of great locations so were able to change our plans quickly and make the best of crazy weather! We ended up visiting Glacial Park, Volo Bog, Moraine Hills State Park and The Grove.
For many though, the highlight of the classes was not the geology in action we saw but the wonderful wildlife. Now who would think watching muskrats play, accidentally scaring a wild turkey, and catching toads would be more fun than hiking kames and bogs????
Who would have thought the first week would be cool with the constant threat of rain and the second week would be hot and humid? Luckily we weren't locked into bus schedules and had a wonderful variety of great locations so were able to change our plans quickly and make the best of crazy weather! We ended up visiting Glacial Park, Volo Bog, Moraine Hills State Park and The Grove.
For many though, the highlight of the classes was not the geology in action we saw but the wonderful wildlife. Now who would think watching muskrats play, accidentally scaring a wild turkey, and catching toads would be more fun than hiking kames and bogs????
Jun 8, 2009
Friends of the Johnsburg Library Book Sale
The set up for the sale is under way! If you want to join us, there will be a set up party at 7pm tonight (Monday). There will be other people to talk to, snacks toeat and plenty of work to do.
I hope to see you then!
I hope to see you then!
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