Tag: chicago area

Gym and Swim

Gym and Swim classes are enrolling around the Chicagoland area in preparation for the upcoming semester.

Please share if you know of one that is not listed here:

Naperville: YMCA

Meets on Fridays from 1-3:15

Age: 6-16
In the pool, children will be split up according to age and ability level which can range from beginner to competitive. We will cover the five components of YMCA swim lessons, which are personal safety, personal growth, water sports & games, and rescue to give your children a well-rounded aquatic lesson.

In the gym, children will be split up according to age. The younger group will be given a more traditional gym class that will teach the fundamentals of basketball, soccer and other group sports. The older group will be more focused on fitness, stationary cycling and group fitness.

Session: 11SEP (Sep 6-Oct 22) 1 day a week for 7 weeks

Session: 11OCT* (Oct 23-Dec 17) 1 day a week for 7 weeks

Elgin: The Centre

These classes are available Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 1-3. They have been known to fill up, so register soon!

If you’re home schooled, come out to The Centre and have some fun!! Our Gym and Swim program features a one hour swim lesson and a one hour physical education class each week. A variety of sports including basketball, soccer, and floor hockey will be played in our gym and kids will get some free time to swim in our awesome Adventure Island at the end of their swim lesson. The program is for all home schooled 5-15 year olds, and there are sessions offered on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Children may be registered for multiple sessions. Each session is ten weeks long, the first beginning on Tuesday, September 13. Come to The Centre to register today!! $54/R $64/NR

The Centre Front Desk is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, please call Brett Lind, Youth and Teen Coordinator, at 847-531-7017.

I know there used to be one in Schaumburg, but could not find any current info on it, but I did come across this about homeschool programs at Spring Valley.

There’s got to be more gym and swim classes, but that’s all I can come up with right now. If you know of one or participate in one, please share!

Martial Arts in Elgin

Last week was birthday week in our house. And, as much as I love planning parties, I don’t mind a break now and then. So, I was thrilled that one of my daughters requested to have her party hosted at a martial arts facility to which she had earned a free party.

Before I share about our wonderful experience let me give you a peak into the behind the scenes activity. I called and set up a time for the party  and a couple days later received a phone call from the gentleman that would lead the class during the party. He asked, “Do you homeschool?” Of course, I told him we did. To which he responded that he had been homeschooled through high school. That got me excited right off the bat. But, that was only the beginning.

Kim’s Black Belt Academy hosted a well organized party. They took care of the RSVPs, followed up with people we had not heard back from and kept me in the loop every step of the way.

They made the cupcakes and lemonade, and filled the pinata. They kept the kids happy and moving for an hour and a half and even gave me the list of gifts and givers.

So, from the party stand point this was a great place to go. All the girls had a great time and they learned some new skills. Most of them had little or no martial arts experience, so this was a first for them. They all did a great job giving it a good effort and the instructors really helped them do their best and feel comfortable.

Oh, and they even video taped the party and sent out the video via email. How great is that?

I wanted to share about this not just so you would know about a great party place, but because they would like to start a martial arts class geared toward homeschoolers. After the quality experience we had with everyone there I was happy to share about this opportunity.

If you are wondering if this could be for you they even have a free trial option. You can set up a time to have a private lesson and get comfortable before you actually join a class.

They make an intentional effort to teach more than physical fitness. Kyuki-do focuses on character development as well. On their website they say this:

At our academy, we use the martial arts as a vehicle to develop the following traits in a child:
– Self-Esteem
– Self Discipline
– Focus and Concentration
– Confidence
– Physical Fitness
– Leadership
– Courtesy and Respect
– Positive Attitude
– Enthusiasm
– Teamwork
– Goal Setting
– Self-Control
– Better Listening

Many of these came up in just the short time that we enjoyed our party there. A series of classes would just deepen the growth in these areas. If you are looking for something fresh to add to your physical education for the upcoming school year I would encourage you to check out Kim’s Black Belt Academy. They have two locations, one in downtown Elgin and the other on the west side of the city, both with the same focus of building confident kids.

Swap Shop coming to Elburn

This is an amazing opportunity that I heard about kind of late in the game last time around. It is coming again in two weeks, so no excuses! You’ve got extra stuff, grown out of stuff, unneeded stuff to pass on to another family. And, you need bigger stuff, new stuff, different stuff for the new season, growing kids, and yourself. This is the event for you!

It’s the Back to
School Moms’ Swap Shop!

Open to the public August 19th and 20th

What is a Swap Shop you may be wondering? It is an opportunity for
moms to swap out their clothing as well as their children’s gently used
clothing, shoes, books, and toys for other sizes and items. Children’s
and adult accessories as well as furniture will be accepted. The event
is hosted by Authentic Moms, a local Christian mom’s group. Whose
desire is to follow 1 John 3:16-18 and to love with actions and truth,
not just words and speech. The Elburn Community Center will host
this year’s event in their gym. This event is free. The Swap Shop begins
Friday, August 19th with drop-offs taken from 10am till 7pm. The
swapping starts Saturday August 20th, 9am till 2pm.

All items remaining will be donated to Wayside Cross Ministries.
More Swap Shop events to follow, with a Christmas Swap
December 9th and 10th.

For more information feel free to email authenticmoms@gmail.com

In case you are wondering — yes, this is the real deal. This is a great volunteer run quarterly event to help us manage our homes and our finances better. You donate what you don’t need on Friday. They organize it and Saturday everyone is welcome to come pick out new stuff. I walked out with a few bags of new-to-us clothes for my whole family last time. I cannot tell you what a blessing this was. So, take advantage of this easy way to bless others and be blessed yourself!

Taste of Tall Ships

A fun family event coming once again to Chicago. If you haven’t heard . . . the tall ships are returning.

At Navy Pier you can enjoy these spectacular boats at the Taste of Tall Ships, August 11-14, from 10 am to 9 pm most days. That page will take you to info on each of the ships and some of the scheduled events. Some are just for looking at and some you can get on, and some you can enjoy a ride on.

You can board the Pride of Baltimore II & Flagship Niagara.

Adult Boarding $9

Child Boarding $6

Group rates available as well if you get a group of 20 or more. That will knock a buck of each pass.

While on the subject of tall ships . . .

Today Groupon has a special deal as well for a ride on Chicago’s own tall ship, Windy. THE GROUPON IS NOT VALID DURING TASTE OF TALL SHIPS. But, you can enjoy this ride some other day and avoid the crowds of the tall ships. Or, you can do a unit on tall ships and start and end it with two different tall ship events.

50% off at Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago
50% off at Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago
Before the invention of sails, armadas relied on outmoded ship designs such as the Vikings’ 30-man paddleboat and the languorous, elegant war gondola. Sail on a ship as swift as the wind with today’s Groupon: for $15, you get a…
view deal

SciTech events next week

Received by email —

SciTech Science Camp of the Week for Aug 1-5 : 

For Ages 8-10 and For Ages 11-14 CSI Crime Scene Investigator: You'll be able to say "Book 'em"
once you are done with this Summer Camp! Today's police work is part leg work, part hunch and a lot 
of Science! Spend the week learning how to find and analyze clues, examine evidence and draw 
conclusions. See what it means to get "booked" when you tour the Aurora Police Station.  Oh yeah, 
we'll see how ya look...with your own mug shot!

Two other great camps are available 8/1-8/5 each one with slots open for eager Science Campers: 

Ages 11-14 Kitchen Chemistry: Crystals can be fascinating-and delicious, yes you can eat them!
What else?  Make your own S-L-I-M-E! (You will get to keep the recipe!)
Amaze your friends with "Kitchen Science" magic tricks!
Ages 8-10: Totally Ballistic: Launch Rockets! Cannons! Tennis ball Mortars!Sling a catapult 
from SciTech's own back yard.  Design your own Rocket and prepare for blast off!
These week long Summer Science Camps are Outrageously Fun! Camps are open from 9 am through 3 pm. 
Lunches available for $4, just call the number below to arrange lunch for your hungry camper.
Register now at www.scitechmuseum.org or call 630-859-3434 ext. 218


We look forward to seeing you at one of SciTech Museum's Summer Camps!

Best Regards, 
the SciTech Museum Team

SciTech Hands On Museum
18 West Benton St
Aurora, IL 60506

Teacher appreciation events

This time of year finds lots of stores hosting teacher appreciation events, and of course homeschool teachers will want to enjoy these as well.


My favorite of those I have attended in previous years — Office Depot. Here’s the scoop from their site:

5 percent
Office Depot’s Annual Teacher Appreciation Breakfast events are held at Office Depot retail stores across North America and are designed to provide a venue for teachers to network and prepare for the upcoming school year.

More than 100,000 teachers are expected to attend.

Office Depot is celebrating our Star Teachers with a spectacular day of savings and special treatment! As our guest, you will enjoy breakfast, 10% off purchases (exceptions  provided if asked), and a tote bag filled with gifts.

Take advantage of this exciting event to stock up on all the classroom materials you’ll need in the fall. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be on hand to make sure you find the best supplies you need to succeed.

The Office Depot Star Teacher Program is open to Pre-K through 12th Grade classroom teachers.

Staples

Staples says thank you to teachers with :

  • FREE thank you gift bag*
  • Great coupon savings
  • Get a sneak peek at must-have new items for your classroom

*FREE gift bag available for first 100 teachers. While supplies last. Information on location — Click here

Office Max

Office Max will be thanking teachers starting this coming weekend on July 31 and August 1. MaxPerks members receive free reuseable bag with a 20% discount for everything you can fit in it. More giveaways and gifts as well while they last. More information on their site, just click here.

Big Lots

Saturday, August 13, 2011is Big Lots’ Teacher Appreciation Day. They want to thank America’s teachers and educators for their  hard work and devotion.That’s why they have designated August 13, 2011 as Big Lots Teacher Appreciation Day. Check out special discounts just for educators on that day.

Don’t forget to call ahead to confirm dates and offers at your local store. And, don’t forget your homeschool ID card to verify your status as a homeschooler.

Thanks to Frugal Penny for the heads up.

Great America — homeschool days and more

Found out about these events from the Six Flags’ website:

Six Flags Autism Awareness Day

HOMESCHOOL DAY — AUGUST 18th

Six Flags hosts the 16th annual Home School Day event on August 18. Enjoy a fun filled day at the park with your family and friends. A special all-you-can-eat Home School Day picnic is also available in our private picnic grove. Contact SFGAMspecialevents@sixflags.com for additional information.

CATHOLIC FAMILY DAY — August 14th

Six Flags Great America is excited to announce Catholic Family Day on Sunday, August 14th. Enjoy a fun filled day with your family and friends at Six Great America and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. In the evening join us for Mass in our Southwest Amphitheatre sponsored by the Young Adult Ministry Office – Archdiocese of Chicago. Please contact SFGAMspecialevents@sixflags.com for more information.

AUTISM AWARENESS DAY — July 30th

Six Flags Great America and the Autism Society of Illinois are proud to announce the Second Annual Autism Awareness Day.


Including the Chicago Children’s Theaters Red Kite Project. Join us in our Wilderness Theater for interactive, multi-sensory
performances courtesy of the Chicago Children’s Theaters Red Kite Project. There will also be a designated Quiet Area near the Wilderness
Theater that will provide sensory exercises for guests throughout the day from 10:00AM–5:00PM

More details on this event and special discounted tickets on the AutismIllinois site.

And, for more educational benefit from Six Flags:

Make Six Flags Great America your outdoor learning lab

Six Flags Great America is not only the entertainment capital of the world but also a unique outdoor learning lab.  We have designed specific learning materials for both students and teachers that gives experiential learning a new meaning.  Let Six Flags be your outdoor learning lab and use the free materials below to plan lessons and make learning fun.  Whether it’s calculating (or experiencing) the velocity of the America Eagle or learning how an entertainment giant like Six Flags markets themselves.

Educational Resources:

Illinois Curriculum Standards correlations to Six Flags Rides
Wisconsin Curriculum Standards correlations to Six Flags Rides

Physics Day Teacher Manual
Physics Day Student Manual

Math and Science Day Teacher Manual
Math and Science Day Student Manual

Marketing Day Commercial Guidelines

Six Flags Great America recommended amusement park physics websites for further learning:

The Physics Classroom

Amusement Park Physics

Funderstanding

Thinkquest

The Physics of Amusement Parks

Physics Education

CPS Webinar Presented by Nathan Unterman for Preparation for Physics Day Field Trips
Office of Science / Physics Day Webinar – April 14, 2011

Physics Day Vest Data

Don’t forget to use your Reading Reward free tickets before they expire.

We just enjoyed the day there yesterday and it was once again a great incentive for my kids. They look forward to it every year.

Homeschooling rock climb

Info from Vertical Endeavors:

Vertical Endeavors offers Homeschool Days to homeschool students and families! Indoor rock climbing is a great way to introduce your students to a unique experience in a controlled, professional environment. Vertical Endeavors offers a variety of experiential education opportunities where students can broaden their horizons, try a new activity, and step out of their comfort zones. The benefits of indoor rock climbing include promoting mental and physical health, improving self-esteem and self-confidence, encouraging teamwork and leadership, and developing problem-solving and goal-setting skills.

2011 Homeschool Schedule

  • July 13
  • August 17
  • September 21
  • October 19
  • November 16
  • December 21

Rates/Times

  • $10/person
  • 1-3 p.m.
  • Includes harness

Download button

NOTE: Registration is on a first come first service basis. Sessions often fill fast, so sign up early. 100 maximum participants. Ages 4 and up. Contact us to sign up: 630-836-0122.

Both students and parents are encouraged to sign up for a Basic Safety Lesson but it is not required to participate in Homeschool Days. This introductory lesson covers knot tying, belaying, rope management skills, the use of technical equipment, and climbing commands. An emphasis is placed on the skills needed to climb and belay in a controlled environment. Although belay skills can be learned by any individual who is ready to learn them, please keep in mind that you must be 14 or older to test out to belay at Vertical Endeavors.

Every participant, including climbers, chaperones, and spectators must complete a Vertical Endeavors Liability Waiver. Please double check each waiver to make sure it is complete. Anyone without a fully completed waiver will not be allowed to participate.
Location: 28141 Diehl Road, Warrenville, IL Telephone 630.836.0122 Fax 630.836.0132

IEW Seminars coming to Chicago

Institute for Excellence in Writing
Institute for Excellence in Writing Presents
Two Days of Writing Seminars with Andrew Pudewa
Chicago, IL area – August 3-4, 2011

Please forward this message to friends and colleagues!

Location:
Judson University
1151 North State Street
Elgin, IL 60123

Wednesday, August 3 – Student Workshops
Thursday, August 4 – High School Essay Intensive
Friday-Saturday, August 5-6 – Chicago Homeschool Expo (CHE), Andrew Pudewa, Featured Speaker
(Descriptions Follow)

To register or for more information about these events, go to www.excellenceinwriting.com/IL2011 or call 800-856-5815.

Contact us:
Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)
8799 N. 387 Rd.
Locust Grove, OK 74352
800.856.5815
info@excellenceinwriting.com
A day of workshops for students Grades 3–10, new to the IEW writing program.
  • Introductory Workshop*: Grades 3–5: 8:30 AM–10:15 AM
  • Introductory Workshop*: Grades 6–8: 10:30 AM–12:15 PM
  • Advanced Workshop: Story Writing – Grades 3–8: 12:30 PM–2:45 PM (Full)
  • Advanced Workshop: Research Papers – Grades 5–10: 3:00 PM–5:15 PM (Full)
Cost: $20.00 per student per workshop. Teachers & Parents may observe at no cost.

The Introductory Student Workshops are enjoyable, informative and motivating for the children who attend, but they are also meant to serve as demonstration classes. Parents are encouraged to remain in the room, observing and participating with their child. Please make arrangements for the care of non-enrolled siblings. Please register early as theseworkshops fill fast. Sorry, no enrollment accepted at the door for Student Workshops.

August 4: High School Essay Intensive

8:30 AM-3:30 PM
Get immediate experience and inside tips on how to do your best on the SAT or ACT essay. Also includes strategies for composing the college application personal essay.

Cost: $50.00/participant (accompanying adult, $25.00)

August 5-6: Chicago Homeschool Expo (CHE)

Andrew Pudewa will be a speaker!
His sessions include:

  • Teaching Boys & Other Children Who Would Rather Make Forts All Day (August 5)
  • Teaching and Evaluating Writing (August 5)
  • The Profound Influence of Music on Life (August 5)
  • Reaching the Reluctant Writer (August 6)
  • The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing (August 6)
We will also have a booth, so please stop by.
More information here: www.excellenceinwriting.com/CHE-2011

Sign Language classes

Information on some upcoming sign camps and classes starting at the end of June!

Website: http://www.alwaysfeelconnected.com/

Hurry to sign up as spaces are filling fast!

Please feel free to pass this on!

Summer Classes:

Early Bird Registration is $25.00

**If you sign up for 2 weeks you will receive $5 off your total price,  or for all 4

weeks then you will receive $10 off your total price!**

A)  June 20th – June 24th   6:00pm – 7:00pm

B)   June 20th – June 24th   7:10pm – 8:10pm

C)   June 27th – July 1st       6:00pm – 7:00pm

D)   June 27th – July 1st        7:10pm – 8:10pm

Summer Camps!!!

Join us this summer for some exciting and fun summer camps at Always Feel Connected!  At these camps you will be enriched in deaf culture and history while learning vocabulary, games and at least one song in sign language!  At the end of the week the kids will perform the song for their parents.  There are many to chose from so chose one or as many as you want!  I hope to see you there!

Time:  9:00am – 12:00pm

Early Bird Registration is $75.00

**If you sign up for all 4 weeks you will receive $20 off your total price**

A)  June 20th – June 24th

B)   June 27th – July 1st

C)   July 11th – July 15th

D)   July 18th – July 22nd

E)   To Be Announced – Deaf Theater

**This will be a week where the kids will learn a play/musical and perform it ALL IN

SIGN LANGUAGE at the end of the week**

Contact:

Stacey Borrego

Always Feel Connected

630-479-9094

www.alwaysfeelconnected.com

alwaysfeelconnected11@comcast.net