NIHM Mileage Club

Northern Illinois Homeschool Monthly’s
Mileage Club 2010/2011

Walking helps develop fitness while building muscles, burning calories, reducing stress and creating good lifelong habits. Come join the Mileage Club as we get fit and make new friends along the way.

When: Second Wednesday of each month
September 8, October 13, November 10, December 8, January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11
Where:
Woodfield Mall, upper level in front of Sears (Upper level: 1.007 miles; Lower level: 1.015 miles)
Time: 9 am – 10 am
Who: Homeschooling families with children in K – 12th grade. Parents must be present and must participate with their children.
Cost: $5 registration fee per participating student/parent/grandparent
Registration fee due at September 8th walk (Please bring exact amount in cash)
RSVP to: N.IL.HomeschoolMonthly@gmail.com by August 20th if you plan to participate. Please include your name, name/age of students and a phone number to reach you in case of emergency.



Each participant in the Mileage Club will receive:
2 Mileage Marker Cards
1 Toe Token for each monthly walk in which they participate
1 Chain to display tokens
1 Mileage Marker Token for every 5 miles: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 (additional markers: 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 75, 100, 125 available at additional cost)
1 Certificate of Mileage Achieved to be presented at May 2011 picnic



T-shirts: An order will be placed for Mileage Club T-shirts in September. The T-shirts will be delivered at the October walk. Sizes Youth M – Adult XL: If we order 12+ t-shirts, $10 each; if we order under 12 t-shirts, $11.50 each (Size XXL: $12.50/14.00). Note: The smallest size is a Youth Medium.



2010/2011 Closing Awards will be given out on May 11th following our walk.

Please bring a water bottle to each walk.

Any questions?

Julie Reder
N.IL.HomeschoolMonthly@gmail.com

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs - Movie Night Under the Stars

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Hope Community Church's 2nd Family Movie Night Under the Stars of 2010 will be held this Saturday night (July 17th) at the Sheffield Towne Park, 1000 N. Walnut Lane, Schaumburg. We will be showing the movie “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”.

The movie will begin around dusk – but come early and enjoy getting to know people in the area.

Midsummer Theatre Troupe - "As You Like It"

What: Shakespeare in the Park presents a comedy for all ages, "As You Like It"

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, July 17; seating opens at 5 p.m.

Where: Island Park, just south of Route 38/State Street, east side of the Fox River, in Geneva

Cost: Free, but a $5 donation is suggested

Parking: Free behind the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave./Route 31

All ages are invited to experience a unique take on the Shakespeare comedy classic, "As You Like It," when Geneva's annual Shakespeare in the Park brings the Midsummer Theatre Troupe back to Island Park Saturday.

Sit back on your blanket, enjoy your picnic dinner, and watch Rosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, fall in love with Orlando, the disinherited son of one of the duke's friends.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Midsummer-Theatre-Troupe/211238500573

Bug Fest - Red Oak Nature Center

Bring the family for a morning with the wonderful world of bugs at Bug Fest!
Travel the Fox River bike trail from Red Oak to Lippold Park to meet these amazing creatures who live in the pond, prairie and forest at Bug Fest! Meet live bugs, compete against insects in our first-ever Bug Olympics, buzz on over to the Predator Pavilion, partake in bug crafts and games and win prizes and giveaways! This is a stroller-friendly, family-friendly event!

http://foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/?q=node/1078

Ice Skating - Riverview Ice House

Rockford Park District's Riverview Ice House has added two new evening public ice skating sessions for the summer, where families can enjoy fun and exercise together while cooling off indoors, all for a low cost. A family of four can skate for just $16.00per session, including skate rental!

The new sessions are held Mondays and Wednesdays on the studio rink from 6:00 p.m. until 7:20 p.m. through August 25. Per session admission is $2.00 per person; skate rental available for $2.00.

Riverview Ice House is located just east of downtown Rockford on the river at 324 N. Madison St.

For information on support and adapted equipment for skaters with disabilities, call 815-987-8800.

For more information on events, programs, and lessons at Rockford Park District ice facilities, visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/iceskate, or call 815-969-4069.

Free Art Exhibit - St. Charles

Free award-winning art exhibit on display now!

Take a leisurely walk through Mt. St. Mary Park to enjoy some unique sculpture from artists all over the country! This free award-winning exhibit is open through mid-October.

Mt. St. Mary Park is located along Rt. 31 at Prairie Street along the beautiful Fox River downtown St. Charles.

For more information, visit http://www.st-charlesparks.org/special-events/sculpture-in-the-park.asp

Picture Sculpture: Family Dynamics • Rusted Metal, Paul Bobrowitz, Jr. from Colgate, Wisconsin

Ladybug Release party

The Elgin Community Garden Network and the Elgin Public Museum will host a Ladybug Release Party on Friday, July 16, in Lords Park.

Discover how these beautiful insects munch away at pests in your garden without any chemical sprays from ECGN's Lead Gardener Donna Askins. Bring a picnic to enjoy with your family before the festivities officially start and chat with new friends.

After celebrating the insects with a story and a song, they will release hundreds of ladybugs to help control the park's insect pests. Remember that while releasing the ladybugs, a few may land on you. Light refreshments provided and children will receive free ladybug hats while supplies last.

Meet at 7 p.m. outside the museum, located at 225 Grand Blvd., Elgin. The program is free to the public. To register, call the museum at (847) 741-6655 or e-mail elginladybugs@gmail.com.

Chicago Homeschool Expo

Chicago Homeschool Expo
August 5-7, 2010
Schaumburg Convention Center (Chicago), IL

http://www.chicagohomeschoolexpo.com/

Friday, August 6, 2010 – 10 AM to 7 PM
Saturday, August 7, 2010 – 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost

Individual registration – $20 ($30 at the door)
Husband/wife registration – $25 ($35 at the door)
Homeschooling for Excellence 101
Date/Time

Thursday,August 5, 2010 – 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost

Individual registration – $60 ($75 at the door)
Husband/wife registration – $75 ($90 at the door)
Homeschool KidsZone – (Ages 4 to 12)
Date/Time

Thursday, August 5, 2010 – 10 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday, August 6, 2010 – 10 AM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 7, 2010 – 10 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost

$35 per child per day
OR $80 per child for all three days
Meals NOT included

Farmers Markets - Illinois

Algonquin Farmers Market
Washington St & S Harrison St
Algonquin, IL 60102
Municipal Parking Lot
Days Open:
May 20 to October 7, 2010
Thursday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Arlington Heights Farmers Market
N ARLINGTON HEIGHTS RD AT E EASTMAN ST
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL 60004
Arlington Heights Road & Eastman (next to North School Park)
Days Open:
June 19 to October 16, 2010
Saturday
7:30 am - 1:30 pm
Fresh produce, flowers and cheeses. Bakery goods and breads, jams, jellies. Food and food-related products only.

Aurora Farmers Market ATC
233 N BROADWAY
AURORA, IL 60505
Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway
Days Open:
June 12 to October 23, 2010
Saturdays
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
98th year of Fresh farm produce, cheese, wine, and imported coffees as well as Great Harvest Bread, homemade pastries, fresh donuts, popcorn, salsas, oils, vinegars, jams and jellies, along with a wide selection of fresh cut flowers, perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, flats of flowers, lawn decorations, custom yard games, handcrafted jewelry, natural soaps, soy candles, Pampered Chef cookware, Tastefully Simple gourmet mixes, dog treats, knife sharpening, and more!

Aurora Farmers Market ATC
233 N BROADWAY
AURORA, IL 60505
Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway
Days Open:
June 12 to October 23, 2010
Saturdays
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
98th year of Fresh farm produce, cheese, wine, and imported coffees as well as Great Harvest Bread, homemade pastries, fresh donuts, popcorn, salsas, oils, vinegars, jams and jellies, along with a wide selection of fresh cut flowers, perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, flats of flowers, lawn decorations, custom yard games, handcrafted jewelry, natural soaps, soy candles, Pampered Chef cookware, Tastefully Simple gourmet mixes, dog treats, knife sharpening, and more!

Bartlett Farmers' Market
Across from 228 S. Main St.
BARTLETT, IL 60103
Main St. and Railroad Ave. in Town Center
Days Open:
June 4 to September 10, 2010
Friday
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The market features produce, bread, cheese, meats, nuts, fresh lemonade, dog treats, juried crafts and much more. Each week features a children's activity.

Batavia Farmers' Market
28 S Water St
Batavia, IL 60510
S. Waters Street (between Wilson & First Streets)
Days Open:
June 26 to October 16, 2010
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Produce, flowers, fruits, breads, angus beef, chicken, pork, eggs, gourmet mushrooms, sauces, herbs and weekly themes on south end of Market. First Saturdays: Gourmet Market; Second Saturdays: Community Groups; Third Saturdays: Artists and Crafters; Fourth Saturdays: Businesses.

Belvidere Farmers Market and Crafts
1940 N STATE ST
BELVIDERE, IL 61008
Dodge Lane Bowling Alley parking lot
Days Open:
June 5 to October 23, 2010
Saturday
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
We have vegetables, fruit, herbs, garden plants, landscape plants, and even trees. We have a large number of craft venders with a wide assortment of items.

Buffalo Grove Farmers Market
951 MCHENRY RD
BUFFALO GROVE, IL 60089
In front of the Spray N Play Park
Days Open:
June 27 to October 24, 2010
Sunday
7:30 am - 12:30 pm
Except
09/05/2010
The Buffalo Grove Farmers Market is thrilled to have local vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and other homegrown farm raised food products. The market will be Sundays from 7:30-12:30, starting June 27 through October 24, except Sunday, September 5.

Crystal Lake Farmers Market
70 E. Woodstock Street
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014
Depot Park
Days Open:
June 5 to October 16, 2010
Saturdays
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Most farmers are local. Market features fresh fruit and vegetables (many from organic farms). Select vendors also offer meat, fresh eggs, baked goods, fresh flowers, and plants. Market and select vendors participate in WIC & Seniors Food Nutrition Program.
Sponsored by: Downtown Crystal Lake/Main Street

Discover Sycamore Farmers Market
300 W ELM ST
SYCAMORE, IL 60178
Sycamore Center Parking Lot. Corner of Elm Street and Somonauk St.
Days Open:
June 6 to September 26, 2010
Sunday
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Local farmers and artisans gather together in the heart of Downtown Sycamore to give consumers the opportunity to buy fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, and locally made products. At noon each Market Day, there are free cooking classes. Live music.

Downtown Elgin Harvest Market
120 E. Highland Avenue
ELGIN, IL 60120
Civic Center Parking Lot - Corner of East Highland Avenue & Douglas Avenue
Days Open:
May 27 to October 7, 2010
Thursdays
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Come peruse this weekly, outdoor market where area growers bring fresh, quality vegetables, fruits, flowers, bread, meat, eggs, olive oil and more in this neighborhood setting in Downtown Elgin. Be prepared to experience new vendors, weekly educational opportunities and demonstrations with wellness and the environment, monthly mini - festivals with art, music, Downtown walking tours, heightened activities, and of course the atmosphere to enjoy shopping, learning, and running into old and new neighbors and friends. For more information and for vendor applications go to www.downtownelgin.com or call 847.488.1456.

East Dundee Farmers Market
319 N River St
East Dundee, IL 60118
319 N. River St.
Days Open:
May 8 to May 29, 2010
Saturday
8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Elk Grove Villiage Farmers Market
1000 WELLINGTON AVE
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL 60007
1000 Wellington Ave. (Biesterfield Rd. & Wellington Ave.)
Days Open:
June 2 to September 29, 2010
Wednesday
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
In its 10th year providing farm fresh products to the community, those working in Elk Grove Village and surrounding area.

Fox Valley Farmers Market
840 N STATE ST
ELGIN, IL 60123
Days Open:
June 4 to September 24, 2010
Fridays
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Fox Valley Flea Market is Proud to host the Open Air Fox Valley Farmers Market, great location about 1/4 mile south of I-90 on Route 31 and next door to The Restore, a Habitat for Humanity store. Here you will always find the freshest produce, fruit , and vegetables you need, easy to access, open every Friday. Also step into the Fox Valley Flea Market if you are looking for other bargains, arts n crafts, clothing and many more products. Vendor space still available, great location and high traffic every weekend. To download application or get full flyer go to www.foxvalleyfleamarket.com.

Huntley Farmers Market
11704 E CORAL ST
HUNTLEY, IL 60142
On Coral Street and around the Town Square
Days Open:
May 8 to October 2, 2010
Saturdays
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Locally grown plants, farm produce, flowers and products that were grown, prepared, or made on the premises. Be sure to visit the farmers market often as products change weekly as new items come into season!

Marengo Friday Farmers Market
W WASHINGTON ST AT S ANN ST
MARENGO, IL 60152
Washington and Ann Streets
Days Open:
June 4 to October 15, 2010
Friday
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Local produce, flowers, & meats Occatriona music

Midtown Farmers Market
1132 2ND AVE
ROCKFORD, IL 61104
Across from Nicholson Hardware
Days Open:
May 21 to October 22, 2010
Friday
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Rockford’s Original “Local Only” Market located across from Nicholson Hardware at 1132 2nd Ave. Specializing in “locally grown and produced” items from within 50 miles of the market, such as freshly picked vegetables, fruits, free range eggs, honey, baked goods, artisan cheeses, flowers, bedding plants, soap, local crafts and much more. Sponsored by the Natural Food Cooperative of Rockford Inc. www.rockfordcoop.org. Meet your friends, grab a bite to eat from one of our hot food vendors, and listen to live music. A great way to start the weekend!
Mt. Prospect Farmers Market
NW Hwy. & Rt. 83 (southwest corner)

MOUNT PROSPECT, IL 60056
Metra Station parking lot
Days Open:
June 6 to October 17, 2010
Sundays
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Held every Sunday (second Sunday of June - second Sunday of October). For a wonderful array of fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and other goodies, stop by and check it out!
Sponsored by: Mt. Prospect Lions Club

Naperville Farmers' Market
200 E 5TH AVE
NAPERVILLE, IL 60563
Fifth Avenue Station parking lot
Days Open:
June 5 to October 30, 2010
Saturday
7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, plants, herbs, eggs, cheese, meats and seafood

Olde Schaumburg Centre Farmers Market
190 S ROSELLE RD
SCHAUMBURG, IL 60193
Trickster Gallery
Days Open:
June 11 to October 29, 2010
Fridays
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Farm fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers, baked goods, meat, and cheese. Entertainment is offered during the season.
Sponsored by: Village of Schaumburg

Palatine Farmers Market
W WOOD ST AT N SMITH ST
PALATINE, IL 60067
Train Station - Southeast corner of Wood & Smith Street
Days Open:
May 1 to October 30, 2010
Saturday
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Fruits, vegetables, honey, flowers, cider, natural breads, mushrooms, berries, baked goods, french pasteries, usable & artistic pottery, buffalo, cheese, special events, live music.

Roselle Farmers Market
Main St & S Prospect St
Roselle, IL 60172
Main and Prospect
Days Open:
September 4 to September 25, 2010
Saturday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Welcome to our fiftheseason! We have grown to be a regular stop on Saturday mornings for Roselle residents, as well as for those from many surrounding communities. This event has the heart of a farmer’s market with fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and baked breads. There is also a broad array of unique gourmet and gift items that entice shoppers to come back week after week. Come do your shopping, feast on a hearty homemade breakfast platter and enjoy the live entertainment each Saturday.

St. Charles Farmers Market
307 CEDAR AVE
ST CHARLES, IL 60174
Baker Memorial United Methodist Church 4th Avenue and Main Street (Rt. 64)
Days Open:
June 4 to October 29, 2010
Fridays
7:00 am - 1:00 pm
Open air market, rain or shine. Many local fresh from Kane County farm produce, meat, dairy, cheese, eggs, poultry as well as orchard fruits, gourmet food, artisan crafts, fresh flowers and garden plants. Breakfast and lunch served. Food demos most weeks.

Wheaton Farmers Market
271 TOWN SQ
WHEATON, IL 60189
Town Square
Days Open:
June 10 to October 28, 2010
Thursday
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Farm fresh produce and fresh breads

Wheaton French Market
200 S MAIN ST
WHEATON, IL 60187
Municipal Parking Lot #3 Main & Liberty
Days Open:
April 3 to November 6, 2010
Saturday
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
French Market Fresh produce, flowers, plants, cut flowers, local crafts, cheese, meat, jewelry...

Woodstock Farmers' Market
100 Johnson Street
WOODSTOCK, IL 60098
Woodstock Town Square
Days Open:
May 1 to October 30, 2010
Tuesdays & Saturdays
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Wide variety of organic vegetables, natural beef, wines, herbs, nursery stock, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, honey, gourmet cheese, baked goods, soaps, woolen products, yarns, perrenials, bedding plants, annual plants, apples, small fruits and trees. The market is held two days a week on the historic Woodstock square. Live music from 9 to 12 each market.

TEACH Homeschooling Families

TEACH Homeschooling Families

T.E.A.C.H., Tri-county Eclectic And Creative Homeschoolers is an all inclusive, Yahoo based homeschooling group whose families reside in Chicago's Northwest Suburban area including: Northwest Cook County, Northwest DuPage County and Northern Kane County.

We are excited to make available the following activities:
Fall Party, Holiday Party, Valentine’s Party, End of Year Picnic/Graduation Party.

Please feel free to post: questions, ideas, field trips, conferences, used curriculum, events and anything you feel may be of interest to fellow homeschoolers.

There is no fee and any homeschooling family can join. We are hoping to have lots of members who post lots of ideas, trips and get togethers.

See our blog as you can click on the link to join.

TEACHHomeschoolingFamilies.blogspot.com

Tell your Homeschooling friends. The more people on TEACH Homeschooling Families, the more opportunities there will be.

Going to the park? Scheduling a field trip? Just post the details such as when,
where, RSVP info. Its that simple.

7-Eleven FREE Slurpee Day - this Sunday

7-Eleven FREE SLURPEE DAY!
http://corp.7-eleven.com/NewsRoom/2010NewsReleases/OhThankHeavenIts7ElevenDay/tabid/428/Default.aspx
Come get your free 7.11 oz cup of Slurpee from 7am to 11pm on July 11th, 2010!

Fall Driver's Ed in Streamwood

We currently have interest from 5 homeschool teens for this fall, and we need to have 3 more students to establish a class.

After reviewing the information, please let me know if you would like to commit to the class. There is no money due until 9/7, however I do need to submit each student's name, address, phone # and birthdate. So if you are intertesed in joining the class, please send me that info for your child.

Homeschool Driver's Ed Class in Streamwood this Fall.

Hands On Driving School
www.handsondrivingschool.com

30 hours classtime will be held at the Streamwood Location on Schaumburg Road from 10:10AM-12:10PM, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9/7-10/26.

(If you have to miss a class, you can make it up on alternate dates.)

Included behind-the-wheel hours scheduled at the convenience of each family and the instructor.

Cost is $350 per student, which is $50 off their current rates.

($100 down the first day of class, $100 by mid term and balance due by 10/26.)

Students should turn 15 by October.


E-mail Karen Gronowski if you are interested in having your student participate.

Creative4Him@comcast.net

Please include student's name, address, phone # & Birthdate.

Phyllis Horst to perform at Sycamore History Museum

Phyllis Horst to perform at Sycamore History Museum

Once upon a time . . . . Phyllis Horst tells stories and sings songs to audiences of all ages. With the help of her guitar, her humor, and her bag of strange things she will take children and adults to wonderful places in their imagnation. From frogs, to princes, to the moon and back again! Sit back, relax, have fun and . . . live happily ever after.

“We are looking forward to having Phyllis Horst perform at the museum. She is a great story teller who really engages her audience,” explained Michelle Donahoe, Executive Director of the Sycamore History Museum. “Bring dinner, dessert, a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy a free family event right here in town,” she continued.

The concert will be held at the Sycamore History Museum, 1730 N. Main Street, on Thursday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. The program is free and open to the public, donations are welcome. The Mary E. Stevens Concert & Lecture Fund is generously funding this event.

For more information contact the Sycamore History Museum at 815-895-5762 or visit sycamorehistory.org.

Bartlett Park District - Wizard of Oz Auditions

Just a reminder that we will be holding auditions for Wizard of Oz July 22, 23 & 24. Auditions are by appointment for ages 8 through adult. Please call 630-540-4834 to arrange audition after reading the audition information below.

Wizard of Oz Auditions:

To audition for Wizard of Oz you must have reached your 8th birthday by the audition date (July 22, 23, or 24), sorry no exceptions. July 22 & 23 are in the pm and July 24 begins in the morning and will continue as needed.

The production goes up October 14-17.

Rehearsals will be Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday evenings and some Saturdays beginning in late August/early September.

You may either call 630-540-4834 or email sfitzsimons@bartlettparks.org for an appointment. You need to leave the following information:

*Name, age, phone number, email address, date you would like to audition. A call or email will be returned to you with a confirmation of your appointment. No friends or family are allowed in the audition room with you.

*You must bring your audition form with you filled out, attach a photo to the form, and be prepared for your audition.

If cast in Wizard of Oz: there is a program fee of $53 for resident and $63 nonresident. You will receive 2 comp tickets for a performance, the use of the libretto, and a production T-shirt. You will need to provide your own make-up, shoes as needed, undergarments including but not limited to tights, leggings, and leotards. Costumes will be provided.

Bats in Your Belfry? Volo Bog

Bats in Your Belfry? An Adventure at Volo Bog State Natural Area

Friday, July 30 One Day Only LNCI! 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Advanced Reservations REQUIRED at 815-344-1294

Come get to know these fascinating mammals! Program begins with an indoor slide show and discussion, then moves to visit Illinois' largest known nursery colony of little brown bats. The second half of the program is outside - lawn chairs or blankets, binoculars & insect repellent (please don't pre-apply repellent!) are needed. LNCI! Open to adults and kids age 7 and older. Reservations required - phone 815-344-1294 - sorry, no walk-ins.

International Bog Day - Sunday, July 25th

International Bog Day Celebrated at Volo Bog State Natural Area

Sunday, July 25 Open House
LNCI! (Leave No Child Inside)
Noon - 4 p.m.

International Bog Day is celebrated in Europe and Canada...Volo Bog State Natural Area was the first (in ‘08) to bring IBD to the United States!

12 Noon - 1 pm Summer Bog Art Show Artists' Reception & Silent Auction celebrating Bogs Around the World through Art... Meet the Artists!

1- 4 pm Music with Melanie Spector and Tony Nuccio inside - 1st Floor

1- 4 pm Bog Crafts for Kids Upstairs &/or Picnic Shelter (location determined by weather)

Guided Bog Tours

11 am 11:45 am 1 pm 1:45 pm 2:45 pm

12:30 - 2 p.m. Meet live "Bog Dogs" in the Picnic Area - Norwegian Elkhound remains have been preserved for over 5,000yrs in European Bogs!

2010 HSLDA Photo Contest

2010 HSLDA Photo Contest

Submission Dates: July 1 through August 1 2010

For details and specs:

http://www.hslda.org/Contests/Photo/2010/2010rules.asp

Fox Valley Homeschool Teen Literature Group

Hi, fellow homeschoolers.

My name is Leo Heska; I'm a homeschooling dad (I do half the teaching of our 14-year-old son). We've been homeschooling now for 4 years.

Besides homeschooling, I also lead the Fox Valley Homeschool Teen Literature Group ("Lit Group" for short). We meet in Batavia weekly during the school year. We invite all homeschoolers regardless of creed or curriculum.

I am about to start actively recruiting for the 2010/2011 homeschool year, but before I do, I want to send a quick e-mail to some of the folks I've corresponded to, and to homeschool support groups. I warmly invite homeschooled teens, to join us in our literature discussion and study, and also in the fun activities we do. At present, the Lit Group is nearly full (a size of about 11 teens is ideal; currently we have ten signed up, but can accommodate more). I want people I've already contacted to get "first crack" at the remaining slots.

We study both "classic" literature, and also easier "teen reads." Teens stay in our group for several years, and I find that a diet of pure classics for 5 or 6 years running can be offputing.

But literature is only half the purpose of our group - the other purpose, equally if not more important, is to give homeschooled teens a chance and a place to meet and have fun with other smart homeschoolers in a safe, positive, friendly, fun environment.

If you and your teen(s) are interested in a very high-quality, fun time studying literature and enjoying the company of other smart teens, please contact me, and/or visit our website for more information:

http://www.hlitgroup.org

Our Lit Group is free, by the way, other than a nominal (and voluntary) fee of about $10 per school year to cover minor expenses.

Cheers

Leo Heska
happy homeschooling dad of 14-year-old