Wentz Educational Services

Apr 13, 2014

Got Fines? The Johnsburg Library's annual "Food for Fines" starts NOW!

Love the Johnsburg Library's Homeschool Resource Center?

Love the wide variety of curricula, science supplies and hands-on manipulatives?

Loved them just a little too long at least once this year so have a library fine? This is your week!

Here are the rules:

Donate one non-perishable food item for each separate fine. Food cannot be used to pay for lost or damaged items, or for collection agency fees. You can check the status of your account online at johnsburglibrary.org or call the library at 815-344-0077.

All food will be given to the F.I.S.H. Food Pantry which assists McHenry area families in need. (Please make sure your donated items are not past their expiration dates.)

Food will be accepted during National Library Week April 13-19, 2014.

Mar 27, 2014

State of Homeschooling Event!!! Come one, Come all!

STATE OF HOMESCHOOLING

Monday, March 31 | 6:00-8:30PM

Johnsburg Public Library

3000 N. Johnsburg Rd., Johnsburg, IL 60051

Come meet Rep. Hultgren for a discussion and update on the state of homeschooling at the Johnsburg Public Library's Homeschool Resource Center.

The event is open to the public.

For any additional questions,

please contact Susan Russell

in Rep. Hultgren’s Geneva Office at

susan.russell@mail.house.gov or

630-232-7104

Mar 17, 2014

American History Anyone?

We loved studying history using movies and I know many other families that do this as well. For those of you with hands-on / experiential learners or dyslexics movies can make history come alive.

If you are interested in a fantastic list for American history movies take a look at this wonderful blog!

http://heartofwisdom.com/blog/learning-american-history-through-movies-free-timeline/

Feb 17, 2014

Register before the 20th!

Crystal Lake Park District Home School Programs

02/05/14

Home School Classes Next Session

Karate Level I and II

Pen and Mouse Club House Artist

Home School Art

Home School Dance

Home School Sports

Home School Cheerleading

The Cure for the Math Curse: Pre-Algebra

Home School Math & Science Club

Quick Links

Visit our Website

Crystal Lake Park District Special Events

Be sure to pre-register for these special events by the registration deadline. Spots will fill quickly and no onsite registration will be accepted.

Register for the Western Family Hoedown

(Registration Deadline Feb. 21)

Register for the Super Hero Mother/Son Dance

(Registration Deadline Feb. 26)

Enroll Now for the Next Session of
Home School Enrichment Programs

The next session of Crystal Lake Park District Home School Enrichment Programs begin on February 27. All classes require pre-registration. Classes that do not meet minimum registration requirements byFebruary 20 may be cancelled-register now so that your favorite classes take place.

We have 4 convenient registration options:

Register Online

www.crystallakeparks.org

Register In Person

Crystal Lake Park District Administrative Office
One East Crystal Lake Avenue,
Crystal Lake, IL 60014

24 Hour Drop Box

Drop off your completed registration form with payment in a sealed envelope marked "Crystal Lake Park District." The drop box is located on the east side of the Park District Administrative Office, next to the drop off window.

Register by Fax

Submit a completed and signed registration form and waiver to (815) 477-5005

Program Location

Grand Oaks Recreation Center
1401 W. Route 176, Crystal Lake, IL

Home School Enrichment Karate Level I and II
Ages 3 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) Noon-1 pm (ages 3-7), Code #4542-1 1-2 pm (ages 8 and up), Code #4542-5 Grand Oaks Gym Program Fee: $57 Resident Discount Fee: $50 Click here for complete program description and online registration

Pen & Mouse Club House Artist
Ages 6 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) Noon-1 pm, Code #4542-4 Grand Oaks Program Room Program Fee: $60 Resident Discount Fee: $57 New Student Program Fee: $82 New Student Resident Discount Fee: $72 New student fee includes one-time material cost. Click here for complete program description and online registration

Home School Art
Ages 3 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 10-11 am (ages 3-7), Code #4540-2 11 am-Noon (ages 8 and up), Code #4540-3 Grand Oaks Program Room, Program Fee: $41 Resident Discount Fee: $35 Click here for complete program description and online registration

Home School Dance
Ages 4 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 2-3 pm (ages 4-7), Code #4540-5 1-2 pm (ages 8 and up), Code #4540-4 Grand Oaks Program Room Program Fee: $51 Resident Discount Fee: $45 Click here for complete program description and online registration

Home School Sports Class
Ages 3 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 11 am-Noon (ages 3-6), Code #4540-6 10-11 am (ages 7 and up), Code #4540-7 Grand Oaks Gym Program Fee: $51 Resident Discount Fee: $45 Click here for complete program description and online registration

Home School Cheerleading
Ages 8 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 2-3 pm, Code #4540-1 Grand Oaks Gym Program Fee: $36 Resident Discount Fee: $30 Click here for complete program description and online registration

Home School-The Cure for the Math Curse: Pre-Algebra
Grades 4 and Up Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 2-3 pm, Code #4540-8 Grand Oaks Program Room Program Fee: $51 Resident Discount Fee: $45 Click here for complete program description and online registration

Home School Math & Science Club
Ages 8-11 Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program Mar. 27) 3-4 pm, Code #4542-3 Grand Oaks Program Room Program Fee: $51 Resident Discount Fee: $45 Click here for complete program description and online registration

Home School Program Session Dates:

Session #2: Thursday, February 27-April 10 (no program March 27)

Session #3: Thursday, April 24-May 22

Registration deadline: 1 week prior to first program.

Forward this email

Jan 6, 2014

Last Call! CLPD classes start Thursday!

Class registrations are ongoing for the new series of classes that begin Thursday in the new location at Grand Oaks Recreation Center!

Check out the many offerings (including Karate and sports classes, art, dance, and cheer leading classes, math & science club, pre-algebra)
at: http://tinyurl.com/l89szo8

Dec 21, 2013

Early bird Registration for UWG

Early bird registration for the Unschoolers Waterpark Gathering 2014 is only $35 per family until December 31st! We're confirming more speakers and will have that information for you soon! We also have some new teen activities planned including a Sunday night pizza party, Mad Hatter Tea Party, an Interest Fair and a special Teen Fine Arts Show. Plus our usual fun evening events like Henna fun night, movie night, family dance and talent show. And our days are packed with speakers and funshops. You can get more information about registration, events, speakers and funshops on our website.http://www.unschoolerswaterparkgathering.com/

The event will be held May 19 - 22nd in Ohio.

Dec 7, 2013

When Less Is More: The Case For Teaching LESS Math in School

Author Peter Grey has written yet another wonderful article I highly recommend you take the time to read.

In 1929, the superintendent of schools in Ithaca, New York, sent out a challenge to his colleagues in other cities. "What," he asked, "can we drop from the elementary school curriculum?" He complained that over the years new subjects were continuously being added and nothing was being subtracted, with the result that the school day was packed with too many subjects and there was little time to reflect seriously on anything. This was back in the days when people believed that children shouldn't have to spend all of their time at school work--that they needed some time to play, to do chores at home, and to be with their families--so there was reason back then to believe that whenever something new is added to the curriculum something else should be dropped.

Nov 16, 2013

John Holt on TV Footage!

This is a wonderful "flash back" to 1981 and the growing pains of the early modern homeschooling movement, not to mention founding father John Holt. This is not some 4 minute sound bite but is a complete TV show, including vintage TV commercials, so plan accordingly.

Enjoy!

John Holt on Phil Donahue Show

Oct 1, 2013

Cyber schools flunk, but tax money keeps flowing

A graphic shows the new state report cards for the biggest Ohio schools.

By STEPHANIE SIMON | 9/25/13 11:14 PM EDT Updated: 9/26/13 12:44 PM EDT

Taxpayers send nearly $2 billion a year to cyber schools that let students from kindergarten through 12th grade receive a free public education entirely online.

The schools, many managed by for-profit companies, are great at driving up enrollment with catchy advertising. They excel at lobbying. They have a knack for making generous campaign donations.

Sep 14, 2013

Reminder: This expo is this coming weekend!

Will I see you there???

Tutoring Services

I believe that every child has the ability to learn well if they are taught in a way that captures their imagination and provides a lot of positive feedback. To this end I bring a wide variety of games and manipulatives to the student in an effort to engage them more than simple, but boring, worksheets.

I specialize in math and science topics through high school and ACT / SAT test prep, but often help with other topics such as vocabulary, spelling and history. I also frequently work as a "I need my child to be accountable to someone other than me on a regular basis" homeschool helper / teacher.

I am available to tutor at a variety of times and locations throughout the year.

Educational Consultation Services

I offer two options for families seeking help:

1) I am available for FREE, but limited, one-on-one educational consultations via Zoom or at the Johnsburg Public Library's Homeschool Resource Center on most Tuesday evenings from 7 - 9 p.m. An appointment is required.

2) I am also available for full service one-on-one consultations including educational evaluations, testing services and high school transcript development on evenings (other than Tuesdays) and weekends for a fee.

During the free Tuesday evening consultations I

*help make sure you understand the law

*solve any concerns you may have about your unique situation,

*help you figure out which educational philosophy you lean toward and

*what learning styles you and your student have so that you can support how your student learns best and then

*match this information with the available curricula so you can hopefully avoid many of the pitfalls of 'trial and error' curriculum choices.

*My biggest goal is to help you develop and maintain a strong and respectful relationship with your student and don't fall into the traps of burning out or switching curricula constantly (and expensively!) trying to find 'the right one'.

If you need help beyond my abilities I will let you know up front and try to help you find someone who can.

Please contact Kathy at
kwentz899261@gmail.com
to make an appointment for either consultation option.

Workshops for Grown Ups

The Cure for the Math Curse

Math, the subject most of us freak out about the fastest. How can we ensure our children LOVE math and are good at it when we don't like it ourselves? Learn how to break the mold of math anxiety by breaking the bad teaching habits that create it, and learn new ways of approaching math to replace the old fear-inducing habits.

Homeschooling Sciences for the Faint of Heart
How is it possible to teach real sciences at home? Where do I find the best materials and resources? Which sciences does my high school student need to graduate? Here is a guide to help any parent maneuver through all the scientific gobbledy-gook to help their student learn what they need to know.

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.

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!

Embracing Your Inner Expert
In this age of experts for everything we still usually find it necessary to be our own expert. We not only think outside the box but in a way that seems out of step with most of society. Skip down "the road less traveled" with us and see how much better life can be when we can avoid re-creating the same traumas we were raised with and provide our children with a far richer life!

Library Resources for Homeschoolers
Learn about how one homeschooler spearheaded the creation of the first Homeschool Resource Center in a public library and learn how you and you library together can build similar resources with or without a lot of funding. This workshop is designed for both librarians and homeschoolers to take together.