Fall Classes with Orion

Epic Classes, at Ethical Human

Description

Announcing Fall 2009 Stage Combat and Theater classes with Orion Couling!

All classes and final performance held at the Ethical Humanist Society, 7574 N Lincoln Ave, Skokie IL, at the corner of Lincoln, Howard and Skokie Blvd.

Friday Afternoons October 9th thru Dec 4th, no class October 30
Performance Dec 11, Dress rehearsal Wednesday Dec 9th, time TBA

Battle Chess

Be part of the most epic game of chess that has ever been played! Learn stage combat choreography as you play the parts of battling bishops, roaring rooks, conquering castles, knights, kings and of course the queen. In performance the audience will be able to move our ensemble and literally play the game with the actor’s as pieces! Participants in this class will learn partnering skills, multiple weapon forms, critical thinking and problem solving. Students will be able to keep their prop.

Fridays, 12:00-1:45pm
Ages 8 and up
Price $175.00, Includes props fee.

Dragon Fighting

If you have dreamed of picking up a sword, you have dreamed of fighting dragons; time to make both dreams come true! Learn the essence of stage combat by battling a massive red dragon. This class will focus upon the actor’s ensemble, for there is no way to bring down the mighty beast without your friends. Great class for the beginner in stage combat or the stage. Students will be able to keep their prop. Dragon mythology and story generation will be highlighted too!

2:00-3:00pm
Ages 5 and up
Price $120.00 Includes props fee

Disney’s Jungle Book (the Musical)

The jungle is jumpin’ with jazz is this exciting Disney classic! Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. Specially adapted from the beloved film, this musical includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like “The Bare Necessities,” and “I Wan’na Be Like You.” With colorful characters and that toe-tapping jungle rhythm, The Jungle Book KIDS is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages.

This special version of the show will include mask work, dancing, acting and singing essentials!

10am-11:30am
ages 5-17
Price $175.00

To register please print and mail the attached registration form with a check made out to Orion Couling to:

Lori Upchurch
2724 N Meade
Chicago IL 60639

Registration deadline is September 25th. If you register before September 18th you get a free child’s ticket to the Tall Ship Windy, sailing daily from Navy Pier through September 30th.

Multiple child family discount available. First child pays full price, additional siblings 50% off class price.

Limited volunteer/barter opportunities available. For information about this and with any other questions, please contact Lori Upchurch at lojo@speakeasy.net

For more information about Orion Couling, and all class details, please visit www.northsideunschoolers.org/orioncoulingdrama
www.northsideunschoolers.org

Interested in being part of a once a week homeschool co-op, conveniently located in Oak Park? The Community Co-op for Near West Homeschoolers offers classes in Studio Art, PE, Writer’s Workshop, Science, Tot PE, Tot Art and more!

Families attend together and parents lead classes. The co-op offers educational enrichment, social opportunities, and hey, parents and kids love it!

Fall session starts September 17th! The last day for registration is September 3. Limited spots available in some age groups, don’t delay!

Complete information and registration forms are available online:

http://homeschoolcommunitycoop.org/schedule/registration.htm

High Ridge YMCA
2424 W. Touhy Ave. (entrance off of Western Ave)
Chicago, IL. 60645
773-262-8300
Swim Director : Christina Aguirre
http://www.highridgeymca.org/

Friday Afternoons
Session 1 - September 25 - October 30
Session 2 - November 6 - December 11

Homeschool Free Swim 11:00 am - 1:00pm
YMCA Members - Free
Program Members - $80.00
If you are registered for swim lessons you do not also need to pay for
the open swim period, you only need to pay if you do not want to take
lessons, but would like to join in the open swim.

Parent Tot Lessons 11:05am - 11:30am
Ages : 6 months - 3 years
YMCA Members - $52.00
Program members - $104

Pre School Lessons 11:00am - 11:35am
Ages : 3 years - 5 years
YMCA Members - $62.00
Program members - $124

Youth - Teen Lessons 11:45am - 12:35am
Ages : 6 years - 15 years
YMCA Members - $72.00
Program members - $144

To Register, stop by the front desk.

If anyone is interested but feels that they can not afford swim
lessons, you can apply for a scholarship, just ask at the front desk.

Please forward where it is appropriate to do so:

Science and Math Mondays with Kathy Wentz

I have two openings for teens 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.

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.

P.S. We already have one student coming in at the Fox Lake train station
so picking up two instead of one at that time/location is not a problem
- and they would usually have each other to ride with. <grin>

–
Kathy Wentz <kwentz8992@comcast.net>

Educator, Tutor and Public Speaker
Where will I be teaching/speaking next? http://www.KathyWentz.blogspot.com
Educational Consultant for <http://dynamiclearning411.com>
Homeschool Parent Advisor for <http://www.johnsburglibrary.org>
Web Administrator for <http://www.illinoishouse.org>
Unschooling List owner <http://ulfaq.home.comcast.net/ULfaq.html>

Local legend and math curse curer Kathy Wentz is my guest on Relaxed Homeskool Talk Radio

on Monday 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

Here is a message from Sharon about her art camp in Montana:

“Want a family get-away that includes some art?

Are your children gifted in the Arts and want high caliber training by master professional Christian artists?  VISUAL MANNA STILL HAS OPENINGS.

Visual Manna Art Camp 2009

Visual Manna Art Camp will be held July 20-24 2009 in the town of
Salem, MO at the Oak Grove Baptist Church  (the last day will be at a
Montauk location).  We will be having new guest artists and
introducing new mediums for camp this year.  Time of the camp is 9:00
to 3:00.    Cost is $30.00 per student.  If there are more than one
child in a family, cost is $25.00 for the second family member and
$20.00 for the third.  Children must be at least 9 years of age to
attend. Adults are also welcome to attend, as the master presenters at
the camp do not give lessons.  To see them create their art and
observe their technique is very educational. Students will come away
with at least one finished design every day.  We have strict behavior
guidelines.  Upon registration you will receive a sheet with pertinent
information.

Here is the tentative schedule.
Monday we will have Andrew Layton, professional graphic artist, come
and share his pictures and techniques with the students.  We will
focus on drawing with charcoal and calligraphy.

Tuesday we will have Michael Helm, one of the artists credited with
Tony the Tiger, some of the Budweiser lizards and frogs and a vast
array of artwork including several of the Visual Manna book covers
teaches painting on canvas.

Wednesday we will have David Plank, master bird artist, teaches us
watercolor in the wet brush technique. We will focus on watercolor and
do several pictures using different techniques.

Thursday we will do sculpture and computer art.  The city of St. James
is having a bicycle competition. They give you an old bicycle to paint
similar to the cows in art done in Chicago.  Students will paint a bicycle with a
certain theme.  We will enter them in the competition where you can
win prizes up to $300.00 and they will be displayed.
Cost for this day is $30.00 for all students doing a bicycle.
We also will do alternative sculptures and three dimensional art.

Friday we will go out to Montauk State Park and do a wildlife art day.
We will learn photography from a professional and draw, photograph,
paint and sculpt animals from real life.

Master artist Edie Gabel teaches how to do dry brush watercolor and
gives an inspirational presentation on her many years as a master
artist and how God has led her.  We will have several new
presentations this year too!!!   Visual Manna, P.O. Box 553, Salem, MO
65560, 1-888-275-7309.  A $100 deposit reserves your place.  You can
come to one day or all five.  A light lunch is provided.  Students can
also come and spend the night supervised by Sharon Jeffus for $70.00
per day.  All expenses included.

NESTLED IN THE HEART OF THE BEAUTIFUL HOME OF THE OZARK SCENIC
WATERWAYS, VISUAL MANNA ART CAMP IS HELD IN SALEM, MO.   WE WELCOME
ADULTS TO TAKE PART IN THE EXPERIENCE (MAYBE YOU ARE LIKE A GRANDMA
MOSES WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED), OR YOU CAN EVEN BRING THE FAMILY AND
SPEND TIME FISHING, BOATING,  AND SWIMMING ON  OUR BEAUTIFUL
WATERWAYS.
You can stay at Montauk Lodge at the Montauk State Park at (573)
548-2434. You can also camp there.
Holiday Inn Express   (877) 863-4780
Ranch Motel  (573) 729-3157
River Birch Bed and Breakfast  
Reeds Cabins
We have internet art camp, too.  Ask us about this if you can’t travel here.

Do you want to be a rep for Visual Manna in an exclusive territory?  In the same manner that Math U See is only sold by reps, Visual Manna is going to an all rep market.  Rep will be trained in giving art workshops…..Math and Art, Geography and Art, etc and will get to sell the new program exclusively in her area.
Do you want to have lots of great hands on projects for your students
that meet learning standards and expectations in the core subjects?
Come to a one day workshop at the Bonebrake Center of Nature and
History on August 3, 2009 in Salem, MO.  We will have 6 full hours of
making projects that your visual and kinesthetic learners will love.
You can also schedule your own workshop at your support group.  You will
receive (on CD) our Visual Manna One revised curriculum with unit
studies meeting core GLE standards around every lesson.  You will
receive 6 power point presentations for your class.  You will also
receive projects to go with the new “Celebrate America” Picture
series.  My newest book preview, Teaching Astronomy Through Art will
be in the package along with Teaching Math, Social Studies, American
History and English through Art on CD. We will make sample projects
and share ideas. Cost is  $75.00 for the day.  I can also come to your
school and do six hours of professional development for $300.00 plus
travel expenses.  Contact Visual Manna, 1-888-275-7309 or email us at
visualmanna@gmail.com to register.  I am planning two day long
workshops at Montauk State Park for teachers in October. Contact us
for information.  We accept visa/mastercard.

Check out our wonderful day long art workshops you can schedule where your children learn not only art techniques, vocabulary and appreciation, but core subjects as well.  Email us at visualmanna.com or call us at 1-888-2757309.

Sharon Jeffus has a B.S.S.E. in Art Education from John Brown
University and continued on in her studies to be certified  to teach
English from the University of Arkansas.  She studied painting at
Metropolitan in Denver and sculpting at Southern Illinois University.

She has written over twenty books and has the internationally known
company Visual Manna. Sharon wrote her first book in 1992 and
developed the Visual Manna teaching method where art is integrated
with art appreciation, techniques, vocabulary and core subjects.
Sharon is a regular writer for The Old Schoolhouse magazine and has
written for a number of other educational resources.  She has also
written an Indian Arts and Crafts program that was rated outstanding
by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Sharon taught in the public schools for thirteen years in Arkansas,
Oklahoma, and Missouri.  She then left the public school system to
write books, travel and homeschool her two sons.   Sharon taught
Intensive English as an adjunct lecturer at the University of
Missouri-Rolla and has given presentations on teaching art to college
classes including Azusa Pacific University and Columbia College and
the Audubon Society.
Sharon recently developed and presented workshops in coordination
with Wonders of Wildlife Museum in Springfield, Mo.  She has spoken
and presented workshops at the Missouri State Teacher’s Association
and Associated Christian Schools of America.”

Tune in live this Monday July 29th 10am central time here!

After a nice long hiatus I am at it again with the online radio shows designed to spread vital info to the homeschooling and unschooling community! This time I have got quite the guy. Blake Boles will be my guest. He was on show #13 recently with Abbi Miller to discuss their work together as Not-Back-To-School camp advisers and their collaboration organizing teen travel with Unschool Adventures.

He has written a new book titled “College Without High School” aimed towards the teenager who is considering homeschooling the high school years as well as towards the lifelong unschooler who knows she will have a great adventure unschooling high school but isn’t sure how it will translate in to high school transcripts for college admissions. Blake has done his homework independent study on this one. The book, to be released this September, is chock full of inspiration and encouragement to unschool and follow one’s passions, examples of the many ways actual teenagers have gotten in to the college of their choice while doing so and the concrete steps one can take to achieve their goals. It breaks down the mystery of what the college admissions officers seek while simultaneously illustrating how 4 years of independent exploration and study equates to just that.

If you have a teenager who is considering going to high school because they worry they’ll be bored or aren’t sure if they’ll get enough social interaction or academic rigor than you need to get them Blake’s book and have them tune in to this show. Blake has a way of helping teens understand the immense power, freedom and responsibility for their own lives that they can seize if only they chose to. I am thrilled to have him on the show this time to discuss that concept further and to help teens and parents of teens learn more about unschooling the high school years.  We welcome your live calls and questions on chat mode about the topic.

The details:

*Relaxed Homeskool Talk Radio

*Monday, June 29

*10am central time until 11:30am.

 Teenagers and adults can tune in and call with questions: 347-633-9765 or comment on live chat mode.

Nature Class:        Homeschool Explorers 2009 / 2010

Instructor:             Bartlett Nature Center Instructors

Location:               Bartlett Nature Center

James “Pate” Philip State Park

2054 W. Stearns Rd

Bartlett, IL 60103

Registration:         Class is two semesters. You will be registering for both

                                semesters. Payment may be split into two payments

                                (see “cost” below) or paid in full by 8/12/09.

Cost:                       $22.50 Fall Semester (5 Sessions)

                                $3.00 supply fee

                                $25.50 total Fall Semester (Due by 8/12/09)

                                $18.00 Winter Semester (4 Sessions)

                                $6.50 supply fee

                                $24.50 total for Winter Semester (Due by 1/13/09)

                                $50.00 total for Fall/Winter Semesters

A parent or representative must be present at the Nature Center during the class session.  Parents are encouraged to participate.  There is a seating area in the museum as well. Younger siblings may join you at the Nature Center as long as there is no disruption to the class.

Fall Semester payment in full is due by 8/12/09 to reserve your spot in the class.

Payment by cash or a check made out to Bartlett Nature Center.

Send Payment to:                 Check Made out to: Bartlett Nature Center

c/o Julie Schnepper

                                                406 Freeman Ave

                                                Streamwood, IL 60107

Questions/Contact:             Julie Schnepper

                                                Bartlett Nature Center Instructor

                                                Northern Illinois Homeschool Monthly

                                                N.IL.HomeschoolMonthly@gmail.com

Include: Your name, address, phone, email, name of child/children and age(s).

Time:  1:30 – 3:00 pm (Classes will start promptly at 1:30)

Ages:  5 to 10 (Must be 5 no later than January 1, 2009.) The classes are taught at the 5-8 year old level.

Inclement Weather: If an outdoor class is scheduled and the weather is inclement the class will be rescheduled. Refunds will not be given because of inclement weather.

Class Minimum/Maximum:  15 students/20 students

Class Dates:

Fall Semester:

Wednesday, September 9: Fall Nature Hike

                45 minute hike; 30 minutes picnic shelter (bring snacks);

15 minute hike back to nature center.

Wednesday, October 14: Colors of Fall

(O’Brien Woods –  located behind the Bartlett Public

Library)

                Hike into teaching circle and view the beautiful Fall

                colors; each child needs to bring a plain white t-shirt for

                leaf printing; Smores 30 minutes (there will be an online

                sign up for Smores supplies

Wednesday, November 11: Reptiles vs. Amphibians

                                What are the differences? Animal show of Nature Center’s

                                reptiles and amphibians.

                Wednesday, December 9: Living Green

                                Students will be learning about composting, recycling,

                                energy efficiency. Students will work on a

                                Poster (please bring 1 sheet of poster board per student) to

                                help them remember to put into practice what they have

                                learned.

                Wednesday, January 13: Winter Hike

30 minute hike (dress accordingly); 30 minute hot

chocolate and cookies (there will be an online sign up for

supplies) and 30 minute look at snowflakes.

                Winter Semester:

                Wednesday, February 10: What is a Plant?

                                Students will dissect a flower to identify the different

                                parts; they will complete an identification chart and learn

                                about plants native to Illinois.

                Wednesday, March 10:  Flying Wild

Introduction to the study of birds and their habitats.

                Wednesday, April 14: Weather

                                Learn about the water cycle, clouds, wind and more.

                                Students will assemble a kite.

                Wednesday, May 12: Spring Hike

                45 minute hike; 30 minutes picnic shelter (bring

                snacks); 15 minute hike back to nature center.

I have written about this before briefly but Kelly seems to be so much more eloquent about it…

“http://www.chicagohomeschoolexpo.com

August 7-8, 2009 - Schaumburg Convention Center
Convenient to the Chicago O’Hare Airport

The Homeschool Expo is a “don’t miss” whole family two day event with hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of products where parents can review and purchase the latest curriculum, hear great speakers who give practical encouragement, and receive personalized help and answers to any question. Our workshops especially emphasize the practical aspects of working with children in ways that will promote their educational, social and emotional growth.

From gifted children all the way to the struggling learners - you’ll find great encouragement at the Expo. Helpful parents and other experts are willing to spend the time to demonstrate exactly how to homeschool in a way that fits your family’s lifestyle, (from a wide variety of perspectives of course!) and specifically how to make your family’s homeschool journey enjoyable and satisfying.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOMESCHOOLING?

Attend the Homeschooling for Excellence 101 Conference, Thursday - August 6, 2009, for those who are interested in learning more about or just beginning homeschooling.

Expo Workshop Topics include:

* Helping the Struggling Reader and Speller
* Yes! You Can Homeschool Through High School
* Homeschooling the Gifted Child
* The Struggling Learner
* Hands on Learning - Get Your Child Up Out of Their Chair!
* Overcoming Fear
* Creating a Homeschooling Lifestyle
* Homeschooling on a Dime
* and much more!

Visit ChicagoHomeschoolEx

po.com for more information!

Kelly Ling
ChicagoHomeschoolExpo.com
http://www.chicagohomeschoolexpo.com“

Class:                      H.S. Teen Quest 2009 / 2010

Instructor:               Bartlett Nature Center Instructors

Location:                 Bartlett Nature Center

James “Pate” Philip State Park

2054 W. Stearns Rd

Bartlett, IL 60103

Registration:            Class is three semesters. You will be registering for all

                                semesters. Payment may be split into three payments

                                (see “cost” below) or paid in full by 8/13/09.

Cost:                       $30.00 Fall Semester (5 Sessions and Nature Fair)

                                $5.00 supply fee

                                $35.00 total Fall Semester (Due by 8/13/09)

                                $30.00 Winter Semester (5 Sessions and Art Fair)

                                $5.00 supply fee

                                $35.00 total for Winter Semester (Due by 12/3/09)

$25.00 Winter Semester (4 Sessions and Art Fair)

                                $5.00 supply fee

                                $30.00 total for Winter Semester (Due by 3/18/10)

                                $100.00 total for Fall/Winter/Spring Semesters

A parent or representative must be present at the Nature Center during the class session.  Parents are encouraged to participate.  There is a seating area in the museum as well.

Fall Semester payment in full is due by 8/13/09 to reserve your spot in the class.

Payment by cash or a check made out to Bartlett Nature Center.

Send Payment to:                    Check Made out to: Bartlett Nature Center

c/o Julie Schnepper

                                                406 Freeman Ave

                                                Streamwood, IL 60107

Questions/Contact:                 Julie Schnepper

                                                Bartlett Nature Center Instructor

                                                Northern Illinois Homeschool Monthly

                                                N.IL.HomeschoolMonthly@gmail.com

Include: Your name, address, phone, email, name of child/children and age(s).

Class Time:  9:30 – 11:30 am (Classes will start promptly at 1:30) The last ½ hour of each class will be time for students to work on their projects for the upcoming Fair.

Fair Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Set-up 6:30 – 7:00 pm; Clean-up 9:00 – 9:30 pm) Invite your friends, family, homeschoolers… to enjoy the projects completed by students.

Ages:  10 - 16 (Must be 10 no later than January 1, 2009.) The classes are taught at the 13 - 16 year old level.

Inclement Weather: If an outdoor class is scheduled and the weather is inclement the class will be rescheduled. Refunds will not be given because of inclement weather.

Class Minimum/Maximum:  13 students/20 students

Class Dates:

Fall Semester:

Thursday, September 3:

Grassland/Wetland Biome (We will be hiking. Recommend: insect

repellent, sunscreen, boots or hiking shoes.)

Thursday, September 17:

Desert Biome

Thursday, October 1:

Deciduous Forest Biome (Class will be held at O’Brien Woods – located

behind the Bartlett Public Library) (We will be hiking. Recommend:

insect repellent, boots or hiking shoes)

Thursday, October 15:

Marine Biome

Thursday, November 5:

Tropical Rain Forest Biome

Friday, November 20:

Nature Fair

7 – 9 pm

                Winter Semester:

                Thursday, December 3:

                Assemblage/Collage

                Thursday, December 17:

                One Line Drawings

                Thursday, January 7:

                Pastel Portraits

                Thursday, January 21:

                Relief Painting

                Thursday, February 4:

                Mural

                Friday, February 19:

                Art Fair

                7 – 9 pm

                Spring Semester:

                Thursday, March 18:

                Machines and Rollercoasters

                Thursday, April 1:

                Chemical Reactions

                Thursday, April 15:

                Geology

                Thursday, May 6:

                Plant and Animal Interactions

                Friday, May 21:

                Science Fair

                7 – 9 pm