Wentz Educational Services

Passion comes from feeling needed,
from approaching mastery,
from doing work that matters.

What makes your child passionate?

Shouldn't you do more of that?

Jan 5, 2017

FREE Kindle Minecraft Books!

Did you know there are slightly over 100 FREE Minecraft books for the kids?
If they are looking for even more minecraft after the holidays - you totally have this!

Enjoy!

Dec 5, 2016

Mar 3, 2016

Pi Day Activities and Homeschool Leadership in one!

When: March 9^th from 7-9 pm at the Johnsburg Public Library

What: Two part special!

Part 1: Pi Day Math Activities

Pi Day is just around the corner!!! Pi is a mathematical constant (3.14) and March 14^th is celebrated every year as a terrific way to encourage some math FUN (and eat pies of all kinds, of course!). Kathy Wentz will share several hands-on activities you can take home to your kids that will help you teach math AND make it fun. (Yes, this is for parents.)

Part 2: Homeschool Leadership

Burning out? Planning for next year? Just getting started in homeschooling? This discussion is for you. Let's take some time to make sure your family isn't just “getting the job done”. Let's make sure your family is reaching for the right goals in the first place by taking some time to reevaluate what educational philosophy you are drawn to today,, what is going well (and what isn't), how the kids are really learning best at this point in their growth, and what the goals of each child is. Homeschooling should be a joy, not a daily trial.

No need to register, but if you can send me a quick note and let me know you are coming it will help me plan enough supplies for the Pi Day Activities. Thanks!

Cost: FREE

Johnsburg Public Library

3000 N Johnsburg Rd, McHenry, IL 60051

815-344-0077

Nov 23, 2015

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!

Nov 8, 2015

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.

Nov 7, 2015

Class Dismissed The Movie

Oct 21, 2015

Have a Dyslexic? Try this FREE resource!

Sep 5, 2015

Come One, Come All!

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.

Wentz Educational Services

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Passion is necessary for success!