So much to do…
An incredible variety of events and opportunities are available to the homeschooling community. Do you know of one? Post it below, with new posts on top.
Another way to stay informed about homeschooling events is MHA’s E&O Elist. Find out more.
Please date your entry. Out of date events will be removed.
10/28/08
Kids Garage Sale
Calling all kids and parents! Here’s your chance to find great items at great bargains! Don’t forget to stop in to the Shoreview Community Center for the Kids Garage Sale on November 1 from 9:00am-12:00pm. All proceeds go to the individual sellers, which are elementary school age youth. This is one sale you don’t want to miss!!!
Shoreview Community Center 4580 Victoria Street N Shoreview, MN 55126
10/16/08
The Amazing Human Body, November 11th, 2008, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Have you ever wondered why you don’t have to think about breathing? Ever wonder how a cut heals? Have you ever been curious about how you grow? Without a doubt the human body puts even the most sophisticated of computers to shame. If you have a mind that’s just gotta know, then this is the class for you! All inquiring minds welcome! Come and explore the miracle of The Amazing Human Body! Cost: FREE! Age level: 7th - 12th grade, must be accompanied by a parent.
Class will be held at Watkins Family Chiropractic at 15815 Franklin Trail SE, Suite 500 in Prior Lake, Mn 55372. Dr. Josh Watkins presenting. Please call 952-440-4553 to register for class by November 5th, 2008. A minimum of fifteen students is required for class.
10/14/08
Meet Senator Coburn! This Friday, October 17 at 10:30 a.m., we will be fortunate enough to have Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn address homeschoolers on school choice issues and conservative issues in general. Come hear his views on subjects that concern and affect us all!
Light refreshments will be provided.
The event will be held at 668 Transfer Road in St. Paul 55114. To RSVP for the event, email Joanna at jmieling@mccain08hq.com
10/9/08
Minnesota Youth Symphonies with Peter Ostroushko
6:30 pm, Sunday, November 16, 2008 Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis
Minnesota Youth Symphonies 2008-09 season opens at Orchestra Hall with a concert featuring special guest artist Peter Ostroushko performing “Orange Blossom Special” with the MYS Symphony, Copland’s “Rodeo,” Wagner’s “Die Meistersinger,” and much more.
For tickets and more information, go to www.mnyouthsymphonies.org or call 651-699-5811. Discounted tickets are available to students, children and groups of 20 or more.
10-05-08
Job Listing For Homeschool Students
Teach and learn responsibility and commitment while making $$ money $$. We are looking for teenagers and young adults to work after school in their neighborhoods shoveling – snow blowing sidewalks we have route in a City near your home.
Dayton, Anoka, Coon Rapids, Andover, Blaine, Ham Lake, Blaine, Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Mounds View, Shoreview, New Brighton, St. Anthony, Arden Hills, Fridley, Spring Lake Park, Columbia Heights, Hill Top, Osseo, Medina, Orono, Wayzata, Long Lake, Mound, Corcoran, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Medicine Lake, New Hope, Crystal, Robbinsdale, Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Minneapolis, North Minneapolis, North East Minneapolis, South West Minneapolis, South East Minneapolis, U of M Campus, St. Paul, Edina, Richfield, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Chanhassen, Victoria, Minnetrista, Shorewood, Tonka Bay, Excelsior, Greenwood, Deephaven, Hopkins, and were it all began, in the parents little one car garage in Minnetonka ,MN 55343
You would be given a list of addresses that you would be responsible for this list for the snow season. Each snow you would do the same list of houses.
This is a part time job when it snows over 2” the pay is on a per house shoveled commotion. Pay per snow ranges from $70.00 to $200.00 depending on the route and how many houses you shovel. routes take 5 to 10 hours.
For more information about this job from Peter Doran Lawn and Landscaping email :info@peterdoranlawn.com or call 763-315-0052 More information about Peter Doran Lawn and Landscaping go to our web site @ http://www.peterdoranlawn.com
10/01/08
Children’s Animation Workshop @ MMAA
Saturday, October 18, 2008 10am – 3pm Ages 8-12 $25 Minnesota Museum of American Art
Workshop description:
The children’s animation workshop at MMAA is an opportunity for young artists to express their creativity through motion design and sound while learning the basics of animation production. Each participant will create their own animated scene, record their own sound effects, learn to operate an animation camera, and work in small teams to bring their artwork to life one frame at a time.
In the weeks following the workshop, the individual scenes and the recorded audio will be assembled into one short film which will be shown at the beginning of MMAA’s animated short film festival, Art Here: Animated! on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 7pm. Additionally, each participant will receive their own copy of the film.
Space for this workshop is limited. Advance registration is required. Please note: Participants will need to bring a packed lunch on the day of the workshop. $25 participation fee is due by the day of the workshop.
To register for the workshop:
Please email Emily Hietpas, Curatorial and Education Assistant, with the name and age of the participant: ehietpas@mmaa.org
After the participant has been registered, the parent/guardian will be sent a participation consent form and additional information regarding the animation workshop. Participants will be registered on a first come, first serve basis. MMAA will accept participants until the workshop is full.
Please visit: http://www.mmaa.org/animationworkshop.html for more information
9/26/08
HARMONY Theatre Co. & School
invites you to join our program for homeschoolers:
- Acting classes: Acting Skills for the Stage and Everyday Life
- Dance lessons
- Private music lessons: piano, guitar
All students will have multiple opportunities to participate in public theatre productions and other performances.
- We offer an individual approach to each student and
- a unique supportive atmosphere,
- which will help your child discover in-depth his or her creative potential
- and different ways to use it in everyday life.
- a unique supportive atmosphere,
Visit our website http://www.centerharmony.org
and call at 763-442-1628 or email info@centerharmony.org
9/25/08
Yoga For Homeschoolers!
Learning Tree Yoga is offering a YogaKids class for homeschool students! YogaKids is a unique approach to integrative learning that presents yoga as a pathway to health, happiness and a love of learning. Children learn invaluable skills to set the foundation for growing strong physically, mentally and emotionally; cultivating self-esteem for a lifetime of successful achievement.
Classes begin October 30th Thursdays, 11-12noon Fall session, 10/30 to 12/11, no class 11/27 (Thanksgiving). Cost is $60 for Fall session.
Taught by Licensed Educator and Certified YogaKids Teacher, Jessie Forston.
To register and for additional information go to: www.learningtreeyoga.com
Learning Tree Yoga 500 38th Avenue NE Minneapolis, MN 55421 jlforston@learningtreeyoga.com 612-916-9369
9/24/08
Singapore Math Presentation
Tuesday, October 14, 7:00 p.m. St. Andrew’s Academy, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN (651) 379-5299 www.saamn.org
Inspiring a Love for Math; Come and hear about the math curriculum imported from Singapore that is receiving national attention. As part of the St. Andrew’s Academy Inspiring… speaker series, Master Educator Leigh Anderson will give an overview of Singapore Math and how it has improved math performance at St. Andrew’s Academy. Parents, children and others are welcome.
9/29/08
Horse Course 101
Do you have a student who only talks about horses? If so, we at Bunker Park Stable have the perfect program for you. Horse Course 101 is a two hour, once a week program that involves both classroom and hands on learning. The course is designed for students ages 7 and up, beginning on Nov. 5th and continuing for four weeks. The first hour of each week will consist of classroom work that will cover safety, horse care, anatomy, and breeds. The second hour will be spent on the horse in a structured riding lesson covering safety, control, communication between horse and rider, proper position and rhythm. This a great program for any student that is interested in horses. Reservations are required. For more information or to register please visit our website http://www.bunkerparkstable.com or call (763) 757-9445. Cost: $135/student.
Also, if you have a group of students that you are interested in setting up a program for, give us a call and we will work with you to set up a program that will fit your group.
The staff of Bunker Park Stable
Call For Entries–2009 Letters About Literature Contest
The Minnesota Humanities Center, along with local co-sponsors the St. Paul Pioneer Press and the Minnesota Council of Teachers of English, invite Minnesota’s fourth through 12th grade students to enter the 2009 Letters About Literature essay contest.
Sponsored nationally by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in partnership with Target, the contest asks readers to write a letter to an author describing how his or her work touched their life in a personal way. Authors can be of any genre or time period and can come from any country.
The contest focuses on reader response and reflective writing and has three competition levels: Level 1 for students in grades 4-6; Level 2 for students in grades 7 and 8; and Level 3 for students in grades 9-12. The Humanities Center will choose the top essayists from each of the three competition levels who will receive a $50 Target GiftCard and advance for judging in the national competition.
National winners will receive a $500 Target GiftCard and a $10,000 Letters About Literature Reading Promotion Grant to give to a community or school library. Additionally, 12 national runners-up will receive a $100 Target Giftcard and a Reading Promotion Grant of $1,000 for their school or community library. Winners will be instrumental in deciding how the library funds will be spent.
Entries in each state will be assessed on three criteria: content, or the writer’s achievement in addressing the contest theme; exposition, or the writer’s use of language skills; and voice, the writer’s style and originality of expression.
Educators from each state are encouraged to access free teaching materials including lesson plans, blackline masters, writing samples, and assessment checklists through the Letters About Literature program. These resources are available at the Minnesota Humanities Center’s web site.
Last year’s competition attracted more than 1,300 young readers from across the state. Minnesota contestant Anna Priore, a home-schooled student from Kenyon, was among the national runners-up in last year’s contest.
All entries must be received by Dec. 6, 2008. For official guidelines and entry information or educator resources, please visit www.minnesotahumanities.org and click on “Special Projects.”
Homeschool Meets Rock Climbing
Vertical Endeavors is offering 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.
DATES:
- October 15, 2008
- November 12, 2008
- December 9, 2008
1 pm. to 3:30 p.m. $10 per person, includes a harness
Contact Jeff Nelson for more information at 651.776.1430.
Vertical Endeavors 855 Phalen Blvd St. Paul, MN 55106
For directions and additional information got to: http://www.verticalendeavors.com/vestpaulnew/index.html
Sept. 16, 2008
To Parents and Caregivers of Girls entering the Second and Third Grade:
I’m writing to tell you about a new opportunity for girls to participate in Girl Scouting. A new Brownie Girl Scout troop is being formed for the fall which will be especially welcoming to girls with special needs and girls who are not likely to have the opportunity to otherwise participate in scouting. This troop will be open to those girls who have special learning needs, physical needs, and/or communication needs. The troop will also be open to those girls who may be home schooled, attend private schools, be new to the community or lack the financial resources to participate. It will be open to everyone.
As a parent of two special needs kids, I’ve noticed that many times our kids are over looked when it comes to participating in some of the childhood activities we all take for granted such as scouting. Sometimes the volunteers are ill informed about the needs of our children and lack the skills and desire to learn about what works with our children resulting in a reluctance to welcome all girls into a troop. I’ve volunteered to be a leader for this troop because I love scouting and desire to try to give all girls the opportunity to participate and to have fun and learn with their peers. I will do my best to try to accommodate everyone’s special circumstance and will ask for support from parents and other professionals to find out what works with each child. I’m not a teacher and have no special training to work with these kids other than what I’ve picked up in working with my autistic son and very smart (could be gifted, not sure yet) daughter.
I’m working on finding a place and time to meet and have contacted the Girl Scouts of the Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys Council for their support. I will keep everyone informed as to what develops. My preference is to meet on Monday evenings from 6 to 7:30 or 7:45 p.m. on days when school is in session. I’ve just started looking for a place to meet so nothing is etched in stone. There are many Girl Scout events that occur on the weekends or during breaks from school. I’m willing to participate in those if there are girls that are interested.
I realize that this group will present some challenges, but I think in the end everyone from the girls to the leader/volunteers to our community will benefit. Diversity in membership just makes the scouting experience more rewarding and beneficial.
Please complete and return to me the attached interest form. If you are interested in registering a girl for this troop, helping with the troop or have questions about this troop or Girl Scouting, please contact me at 952-368-0054 or send an e-mail to me at dmwold@comcast.net or to Gloria Garrison, our local Girl Scout membership representative at Gloria.garrison@girlscoutsrv.org. The Girl Scouts will also be holding their normal membership drive in the community and are always willing to accept new members. For the troop to be a go, we’ll need at least five girls and a co-leader. Depending on the needs of the girls, the assistance of parents and/or PCA’s may be needed. There is financial assistance available for girls who may not otherwise be able to participate in scouting through our Council.
I’m very excited to be a part of this and look forward to hearing from you. I truly hope that there is a way we can make this troop a fantastic experience for everyone.
Sincerely,
Darlene Wold
9-9-08
Posted by Susan Meyer, SLP
Reading Therapy Center in Willmar, MN will be presenting a free workshop on two separate days in October. The workshop is entitled “What Teachers and Parents Need to Know About Children Who Struggle Academically”.
The workshop dates follow: Monday,October 13 6:30-8:30 pm or Monday,October 20 6:30-8:30 pm
Please call 320-214-7011 or e-mail at readingtherapycenter@willmarnet.com for more information. Our website is www.readingtherapycenter.com.
8-25-08
Posted by Patsy Brekke
Are you looking for a solid writing class that will challenge your child’s abilities, motivate them to improve their writing skills, AND is conveniently located in the Plymouth area?
Patsy Brekke with Writing Foundations is considering offering a Friday AM class in the Plymouth area. She has taught writing classes to elementary through high school students since 2001. Currently she is teaching at YEAH in Roseville but is willing to offer a Level 1 and Level 2 class right on the west side of the Cities as well (the exact location is being determined).
She makes writing fun with her zany and interactive approach to learning. Patsy encourages parents to sit in on her class; siblings (quiet ones) are welcome too. You too will learn her method and be better able to assist your child with their writing assignments.
All new students must start in Level I which is recommended for grades 3-6. Level 2 is recommended for 5-7 grade students who have completed Level I. The class costs $200 per semester (Sept.-Dec./Jan.-April)
Because this is a very last minute development (classes would start on Friday AM September 12), email Ms. B. ms.b@writingfoundations.com ASAP if you are interested or have any questions.
Here is a brief description of Ms. B’s teaching philosophy taken from her website (which you may check for more information):
“Writing Foundations reduces writing to simple building blocks that empower young writers to master written language where they may have struggled hopelessly before. Using pre-written models as inspiration, students experience and practice the structure and style of quality written work. Naturally and purposefully, participants also gain strength in basic skills such as organization, spelling, vocabulary, punctuation and grammar.”
6/2/08
Quality Music Education with Professional Teachers
Want to improve your instrument playing over the summer, stay in shape, or just have fun with your instrument? Sign up now for summer lessons. We have several studio locations throughout the metro area and presently offer private and group lessons, master classes, and theory/composition and music history instruction. If you are interested in small ensemble opportunities, contact Marie Rule for woodwinds or Ben Parke for brass.
About our staff:
Miranda Bryan (flute): Miranda is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a Masters of Music degree in Flute Performance. Miranda has experience teaching all ages and ability levels. She utilizes both methods and repertoire in her lessons to develop well-rounded musicians. Miranda has extensive performance experience in both band, orchestra, and solo environments
Marie Rule (clarinet, saxophone, history/theory): Marie has enjoyed teaching private woodwind lessons for nine years and currently teaches middle school band at Nativity of Mary in Bloomington. Marie holds Masters degrees in Clarinet Performance and Musicology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she is currently a Ph. D. candidate in Historical Musicology. Her extensive performance experience in Classical, Jazz, and East European folk music allows her to incorporate a broader musical spectrum into her teaching methods.
Ben Parke (trumpet, f horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba, composition/theory): Ben holds a Masters of Music degree from the University of Minnesota in trumpet performance with a secondary emphasis in musicology. He has enjoyed teaching beginning through college level private students since 1997 and has authored a series of method books for trumpet, trombone, and euphonium. Ben utilizes a balanced approach to musical progress through technical exercises, etudes, repertoire, and embouchure development. He also has written numerous arrangements for solo instruments, choir, and small ensembles.
For more information regarding availability, fees, and teaching methods used, please contact the respective teacher. We look forward to working with you to promote music as an integral part of education.
Ben Parke: 612-396-1428, trumpetplayers@yahoo.com, Miranda Bryan: 952-426-5296, miranda.w.bryan@gmail.com, Marie Rule: 651.398.6053, marie@rulemusic.com
5-22-08
4-H Club Just For Homeschoolers In Wright County MN
I just ran across your website and wanted to let you all know about a new 4-H club that is starting up in Wright County MN in case any of your members are interested. The club, Wright Explorers, was started by a parent of homeschooled children, and will be meeting during daytime hours (year round). This club offers all the benifits of a regular 4-H club: montly meetings, access to 4-H project materials and workshops, camps, and a multitude of fun activities and chances to get together with other youth throughout the year. The exact meeting location has not been decided upon yet, but a conveinient Wright County location will be chosen once more members enroll. The cost to join 4-H is minimal - about $9/year for club dues. If anyone is interested please call the Wright County Extension Office at 763-682-7394 for the club leader’s contact information.
5-8-08
Job Listing For Homeschool Students
THE WOODDALE FUNZONE IN WOODBURY, MN IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICANTS FOR PART TIME STAFF POSITIONS.
Positions may include snack bar, skate counter, playzone attendant, disc jockey, novelty shop, birthday hosts, etc. This is a rare opportunity for the right person. No experience required. Applicant must be honest, hardworking, and have a great personality. If you are stuffy and afraid to smile,DO NOT APPLY!We have a fun casual atmosphere. If you feel that you have the right qualifications, then respond to this posting. Great opportunity for home school students. Please fax resume to 651-702-1333 or email to www.wooddalefunzone@comcast.net or apply in person. To visit our website go to www.wooddalefunzone.com
K A R A T E FOR H O M E S C H O O L E R S ! ! ! ! GRIFFIN MARTIAL ARTS
Each course is 12 weeks and the cost is $387 Classes begin the week of November 4th, 2008 H.U.B. CLUB, HOMESCHOOL, UNSCHOOL & BLENDED SCHOOL 9:30 am -10:15 am Mondays
Pre School Martial Arts This Class is for kids 2, 3, 4 year olds and pre-k plus afternoon kindergarteners. Young children and their parents will learn the basics of Tae-Kwon-do (Korean Karate). Parents will learn how to assist their child with stretching, warm-ups, blocks, kicks, and punching on soft targets. Students will learn how to focus like a black belt, how to count in Korean to ten and how to execute simple self-defense techniques. Master Griffin, a 7th degree black belt with over 33 years experience, has taught in daycares and early learning centers in the Twin Cities area. Griffin Martial Arts is located at 4101 Chicago Ave. South Minneapolis, MN. 55407 www.mastergriffin.net. Email: MasterGriffin@MasterGriffin.com 612-408-3626 Your Martial Arts equipment; Official Griffin Martial Arts Uniform, hand striking target, X-ray film target and T-shirt is included in fee of $387.00
9:30 am - 10:15 am Wednesdays SchoolAger Martial Arts This Class is for SchoolAgers 1st thru 5th grade. Master Griffin will focus on the traditions of martial arts history, competition, self-defense, martial arts math, karate spelling bee and other martial arts education based programs. Young children and their parents will learn the basics of Tae-Kwon-do (Korean Karate). Students will learn how to stretch, warm-up, block, kick, and how to punch on soft targets. Students will learn how to focus like a black belt, how to count in Korean to ten and how to execute simple self-defense techniques. Master Griffin, a 7th degree black belt with over 33 years experience, has taught in daycares and early learning centers in the Twin Cities area. Griffin Martial Arts is located at 4101 Chicago Ave. South Minneapolis, MN. 55407 www.mastergriffin.net. Email: MasterGriffin@MasterGriffin.com 612-408-3626 Your Martial Arts equipment; Official Griffin Martial Arts Uniform, hand striking target, X-ray film target and T-shirt is included in fee of $387.00