North Shore Unschoolers

Musical theatrics classes in Wakefield

2006-12-10T20:52:00.000-08:00

Last forward of the day. Really! :-)
~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Homeschoolers!
We are returning to Wakefield again this Winter with a couple of fun additions. We have an early January series of Musical Theatrics workshops and a Feb-April Series of classes. Please feel free to pass these along to any networks or postings you feel fit and I have also attached the flyers if you know of a place you might like to put them up. It is not too soon to register now, so feel free to call or email me when you are ready or with any questions. I hope to see you all this Winter!!!
Cheers!
Medina

Early January Workshops
Musical Theatrics for Homeschoolers
Teacher and musician, Anna Maughan, collaborates with Theater Artist and Teacher, Medina Mahfuz, to create
Musical Theatrics! These are a set of workshops that use music and theater side by side to encourage
children to artistically express themselves. The following are our early winter workshop offered at The
Unitarian Universalist Church of Wakefield (326 Main St. Wakefield MA 01880):

Animals, Monsters and Creatures
Ages: 5-7
Mondays 9:45-10:45
January 8, 22, 29
Cost: $55
Minimum:7
Maximum:18
Students will use music and movement in this three-week workshop, to create animals, monsters and
creatures. They will be learning the basics of musical composition and creative play. They will
sound and move like their creations and interact with others in a musically composed rainstorm, a magical
castle and a forest of illuminating creatures.

Composing a Scene
Ages: 8-12
Mondays 11-12:30
January 8, 22, 29
Cost: $70
Minimum:7
Maximum:18
This workshop teaches students to compose a piece of music that will inspire them to create movement,
characters and even short scenes. They will be learning basic musical composition, basic scene
structure and most importantly, TEAM WORK!!!

For more information or to sign up please call
(857)919-1347 or
email magiccarpetadventures@yahoo.com

Winter Theater Classes
The following are the Winter classes being offered at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Wakefield (326 Main St Wakefield MA 01880):

Level 1
Magic Carpet Riding
Mondays 9:30-10:30am
February 5-April 2 (No class on March 19th)
Instructor: Medina Mahfuz
Cost: $96
Minimum:7
Hop on Medina’s Magic Carpet each week as the class rides around the world. You’ll use myths, creative
movement, props, scenes, games and much, much more. This class is for students who are just learning how
to act and use their body and voice and who have never taken a class with Medina before. Ages usually range
from 6-8 but will be based on experience and maturity.

Level 2
Characters Alive
Mondays 10:45-12:00pm
February 5-April 2 (No class on March 19th.)
Instructor: Medina Mahfuz
Cost:$104
Minimum:7
In this workshop students will learn to create characters, monologues and even take walks in the park
as the new people they have created. They will learn how to keep a character journal and how to interact
with other characters on stage. This workshop is for students who have taken one or two of Medina’s classes
before and understand the basics of theater. They exhibit the ability to work well with others and
alone. Ages usually range from 8-10 but will be based on experience and maturity.

Level 3
Playmaking Workshop
Mondays 12:05-1:30pm
February 5- April 2 (No class on March 19th.)
Instructor: Medina Mahfuz
Cost: $112
Minimum:7
In this workshop students will work together as a group to create a play. They will start from a theme
and then use improvisation to develop scenes, characters and eventually a well-structured play.
This play will be performed on the last class for family and friends. Students must have experience
with theater and must be ages 10-13 to take this class.

To register please contact Medina Mahfuz at
(857)919-1347 or email her at
magiccarpetadventures@yahoo.com
For more information visit
http://www.geocities.com/magiccarpetadventures/

Medina Mahfuz
Magic Carpet Adventures
857.919.1347
magiccarpetadventures@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/magiccarpetadventures/

Music calsses in Beverly and Manchester

2006-12-10T20:50:00.000-08:00

Forwarding another email. :-)
~~~~~~~~~~
Hi

I am starting music together classes in Beverly and Manchester by the sea and am having a free demo class on Jan 8th 10.30am at the manchester public library. Please visit my website at www.musictogetherbythesea.com

Thanks

Kellie Cormier

Sparhawk High School programs in Jan

2006-12-10T20:46:00.000-08:00

Forwarding this email to you;
~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Home Schooling Families,

I'm writing to tell you about two exciting programs being offered to home-learning high-school aged students by Sparhawk High School this coming January. Sparhawk is a small private high school in Salisbury, MA.

At Sparhawk we have a two-week period in January called Winterim, in which students either travel, or sign up for special programs that get them out of the academic classroom. This year we are very pleased to make two of these programs, The Odyssey with Odds Bodkin and Shakespeare at Sparhawk available to home learners as well as our own students.

Briefly, the week of January 22-26, master storyteller Odds Bodkin will tell the story -- the entire story -- of Homer's The Odyssey in six sessions over the course of three days. The tellings will be followed by discussions about the relevance of the old stories in the modern world, comparisons of Homer's original and Odds' version, and of course the craft of storytelling. (www.oddsbodkin.com )

From January 29-February 2, Actors' Shakespeare Project will lead students in an exploration of Shakespeare and his work, through scene work, theatrical voice and body work, discussions of Shakespeare's relevance today and more. On Friday the students will present the pieces they will have been working all all week. Then, On Friday evening, everyone will attend a a performance of The Winter's Tale, presented by the Actors' Shakespeare Project at the Multicultural Center for the Arts in Cambridge. (www.actorsshakespeareproject.org )

Please click on the attachments for more detailed descriptions of the programs and prices.

These programs are open to students at eighth to twelfth grade level -- 13-18 years old.

We have a number of home-schooled students who take some classes here, and do the rest of their learning at home and/or at community colleges -- so we are familiar with some of the ways people pursue learning outside of regular school enrollment. My son learned at home for some of fifth grade, and it was a wonderful experience for both of us!

We will be very pleased if some of the students in your organization show interest in and/or sign up for either of these programs. They will be very welcome at Sparhawk.

Please let me know as soon as possible of any interest, however, for we must make final plans with the artists very soon. In fact, please feel free to call me at home or on my cell phone, anytime!

Thank you all for your consideration of this matter.

Yours truly,

Cherie Hoyt
Special Programs Administrator
Sparhawk High School
978-388-5354 x 6140
978-887-8419 home
617-331-8025 mobile

Pocket Full of Tales Theater

2006-11-30T05:21:00.000-08:00

Our own Jenney and Annabelle will be performing this year on December 9th and 16th in "Yours Truly, Jack Frost" one of two Christmas one-acts being presented by Pocket Full of Tales Theater Company, at The Center for the Arts in Natick. The shows are at 11am, and tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for kids. Fun Holiday entertainment for the whole family!

Cookie Exchange!!

2006-11-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

As the song goes, "It's the most wonderful time of the year"... especially if you love cookies! :-) You can "be of good cheer", because we're having a Cookie Exchange on December 20th at 2PM in Malden! Please RSVP to Jenney (jenney@chaostheory.com) with what kind of cookies you will be bringing, so as to avoid duplicate cookie types and to get directions. I can't guarantee that there will be "scary ghost stories and tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago", but I'm sure a good time will be had by all!

Robotics Education workshop

2006-10-23T06:46:00.000-07:00

This is from an email flyer from UMASS Lowell for homeschool educators wishing to learn more about teaching robotics.

~~~~~~~~~~

Engage students in fun, team-based, hands-on learning!
Come to a *_free workshop_* to learn about building robots and how to
include them in your teaching.
Note: Upcoming, Free Robotics Workshop will take place on Saturday
November, 4, please RSVP, ASAP!

· Build and program your own robot creature

· Interact with other teachers who have already used robots.

· Advanced instruction available for people who have already been using
robotics.

· Certificate of Attendance (may be used for PDP’s)

**Saturday, Nov 4, 2006
10:00am to 1:00pm
UMass Lowell
3^rd Floor, Olsen Hall* *

RSVP to robots@cs.uml.edu;
* More info at: *http://www.cs.uml.edu/k12/ or call Phyllis Procter,
978-934-3625

Other Upcoming UMass Lowell Robotics and CS Events:

* **_Workshop at MassCUE:_*

10:00-11:00am

November 15, 2006

Sturbridge MA

www.masscue.org

*_Botfest and Botball:_*

Tutorials: Jan 26-27, 2007 (PDP's will be issued)

Tournament & Exhibition -

March 24, 2007

www.botball.org

www.botfest.org

* _Computer Science Networking:_*

High School Teachers and University Faculty gather to share, network
and
support computer science activities and programs.

Date To Be Announced- Spring, 2007

* More info at: *

http://www.cs.uml.edu/k12/ or call Phyllis Procter 978-934-3625

Time4Learning Online Curriculum

2006-10-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Here is an email from the Time4Learning website. It seems that they are looking for people to test their site and post a review. If there is anyone here from NSU who would like to do this, our blog here is the perfect place to post a review! :-)

Please contact Kris from Time4Learning for more information (contact info listed below).

~~~~~~~~~~

Hi,
I am contacting you from Time4Learning, an online educational program for kids ages 3-14.
Time4Learning is a fantastic program for homeschoolers with a complete Language Arts and Math curriculum with
Social Studies and Science as a bonus.Check us out at Time4Learning.com !
We'd be thrilled if you decided to place a link to us on your site.

I'd also like to extend an offer of a free month trial of Time4Learning, just for writing a review and posting
it online. There are no constrictions on the review, except that it is
totally honest (good or bad!) and it's posted online somewhere.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in trying it out, please
do forward this to them or you can also give them my info and I'd be
happy to extend the offer to them as well.

Kris - Time4Learning.com
954 771-0914
kris@Time4Learning.com
www.Time4Learning.com
"It's Time 4 Learning. And Fun!"

~~~~~~~~~~

Math Tutor Available

2006-10-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

Passing along this email from a math tutor:

~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello North Shore Unschoolers :

I would like to inquire if you know of any K-8 students who need help with mathematics? If you do, then the following should be of interest.

I am an independent mathematics tutor. I provide an instructional program that carefully guides students through K-8 mathematics, helping to ensure that they master the material. This program has been designed to supply students with the resources and support they require in order to achieve self-reliance in mathematics.

It offers the following :

• Individual one-on-one or small group lessons that concentrate on rapidly developing students’ understanding of the essential principles in mathematics, along with strengthening their critical thinking and problem solving skills.

• Access to a special system of study guides, which have been purposely created to enable students to learn mathematics with minimum supervision, as-well-as effort.

• A streamlined process which makes it possible for students to easily navigate among key concepts, instantly obtaining concise explanations, defined vocabulary, and illustrated examples that include step-by-step solutions as described by expert mathematicians.

• Guidance that endeavors to inspire students, encouraging them to be proactive in their education and to work towards becoming independent thinkers and self-reliant learners.

• A method of evaluation that accurately assesses students’ performance and progress, along with very efficient ways for them to quickly catch up to grade level if necessary.

If you are aware of any K-8 students who need assistance with mathematics or if you would like more information about this program, please feel free to contact me. A copy of my resume and references are available on request. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,

Mark Melideo
phone : 1.888.722.2154
e-mail : math.guide@sbcglobal.net

~~~~~~~~~~

15th Annual Home Learners Fall Fair

2006-10-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

Here's the notice about the fall fair in Medford:

~~~~~~~~~~~~

15th Annual Homelearners’ Fall Fair

Don't miss the 15th Annual Homelearners' Fall Fair! The Fair will be
held on Saturday, November 4, for five action-packed hours: 10:30 AM to
3:30 PM, at the West Medford Congregational Church, 400 High St. (Route
60), Medford. Admission is free.

This lively fair is a grassroots event put together through the efforts
of local homeschoolers. It provides a great opportunity to buy
inexpensive, homemade gifts for the holidays, sample tasty food, be entertained
by a variety of talents, and to enjoy networking and conversation with
other homeschoolers — also a great way to introduce people to the
homeschooling concept. A warm and joyful atmosphere prevails. Come and be
part of it!

This year we’ll have more vendors and more variety than ever. Browse
the inexpensive, handmade, quality crafts available to purchase for
holiday giving, made by fledgling entrepreneurs as well as professional
artisans. Among the many items that will be sold are jewelry, handmade soap
and beauty products, homemade jam, keepsake boxes, candles, pottery,
ornaments, hoop skirts, fiber arts including hand knit hats and scarves
from funky to sublime and other novelty items, tie dyed t-shirts for all
sizes, and original graphic art printed tshirts, photography, and more.

When you need a break from shopping you’ll be able to get your face
painted, or relax with a shoulder massage. Plan to have lunch here: Leave
time to sit in our café area enjoying hearty soups brimming with the
bounty of fall's harvest, or tasty pizza. Top off your meal with a sweet
or two from our selection of perennial favorites like chewy chocolate
brownies, flavorful cupcakes, and creamy, rich, rice pudding.

Some tables will offer "Make & Take" crafts, supplying the materials
and instructions for children (and adults) to make crafts on site. In
addition to being fun and engaging, these are particularly lovely for kids
to give to grandparents or other special people. There is nothing like
being able to say, "I made it myself."

Keep in mind that this Fair is more than just a craft fair: The Fair
will feature live entertainment throughout the day, including a circus
act, a magic act, and a variety of other performances as well. Musical
offerings will range from a children’s sing along to African hand
drumming to bluegrass and other instrumentalists.

WHAT: 15th Annual Home Learners' Fall Fair
WHEN: Saturday, November 4, 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
WHERE: West Medford Congregational Church, 400 High St (Route 60),
Medford
FEE: Free
INFORMATION: 617-924-4597

Theater For Homeschoolers in Wakefield

2006-10-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

Another email about theater classes for homeschoolers.

~~~~~~~~~~

Theater for Homeschoolers coming to Wakefield!
Magic Carpet Adventures is bringing theater to you!
Acting teacher Medina Mahfuz has worked with
Homeschoolers over the past year teaching them
creative movement, acting, improvisation and much
more. She has worked with The Arlington Children’s
Theater, The Underground Railway Theater and many
local schools and Art Centers. She graduated from
Emerson College in 2001 with a BFA in Theater
Education and a Mass Certification for K-12 Performing
Arts. The following are the Fall classes being
offered at the Unitarian Universalist Church of
Wakefield (326 Main St Wakefield MA 01880):

Acting I for Homeschoolers
Ages 7.5-9
Mondays from 9:45-11:00am
Starting October 16 and ending December 18
Minimum amount of students: 7
Maximum amount of students 15

Price: $130 (If we get 10 kids or more the price will
be reduced to $115 per child)

In this 10 week workshops students will develop basic
skills to begin acting on stage. They will play
theater games, use movement and speech to become
characters, create stories and demonstrate the ability
to work as a team! They will begin to understand who
they are, what they are doing and where they are in a
scene and to “say yes” to their partners. On the
final class there will be a short performance for
parents and friends.

Acting II for Homeschoolers
Ages 10-13
Mondays from 11:15-12:45
Starting October 16 and ending December 18
Minimum amount of students: 7
Maximum amount of students:15

Price: $140 (If we get 10 kids or more the price will
be reduced to $125 per child)

In this 10 week workshop students will delve deeper
into the art of acting. They will use monologues,
scenes and improvisation to develop as actors on
stage. They will learn about plot, conflict,
motivation and trust. They will demonstrate
leadership and learn to give constructive feedback
during classes. They will work as an ensemble and use
some memorization skills to deliver a final
performance project for parents and friends.

To register please contact Medina Mahfuz at
(857)919-1347 or email her at
magiccarpetadventures@yahoo.com
For more information visit
http://www.geocities.com/magiccarpetadventures/

Medina Mahfuz
Magic Carpet Adventures
857.919.1347
magiccarpetadventures@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/magiccarpetadventures/

______________________________________________

Education on a Schooler

2006-10-08T14:11:00.000-07:00

Another email, this one about learning while aboard a 137 foot Schooner.

~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Home School Association:

I’m with Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin . We own and sail the educational Schooner Denis Sullivan. We will be at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary on Saturday October 21st and would like to offer an exciting learning experience to your home schooled/unschooled child. Attached is a flier giving additional information about the Sanctuary Watch Expedition.

We have partnered with Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary to provide educational programs for students in 4th to 12th grade. We provide a 3-hour hands-on expedition of learning and discovery to complement classroom curriculum in science, history, math, and technology all while sailing on one of New England’s precious natural resources-Stellwagen Bank national Marine Sanctuary.

Aboard the 137-foot Schooner, students rotate in small groups through five inquiry-based learning stations that may include:

Fish Ecology
Sea Floor Topography
Nautical Arts
Underwater Archeology
Water Quality
Local History and Wildlife

*if weather prevents sailing, we will provide deck/dock side programs.

In closing, I have a favor to ask. Would you be willing to notify the families in your association and let them know about this fantastic learning opportunity? If you would be willing to email/distribute the attached flier I would appreciate it.

If you have any questions or want to sign up your child, please contact Jeff Phillips at (414) 765-8642 or email him at jphillips@discoveryworld.org.

Your friend in Education,

Rod Mills
Vessel Sales and Logistics
Sailing Vessel Denis Sullivan
Discovery World at Pier Wisconsin
500 N. Harbor Dr.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414.765.8646
Fax: 414.276.8838
rmills@discoveryworld.org

Theater classes

2006-10-08T14:00:00.000-07:00

I received this email about theater classes so that I could share it with you. Sorry some of the info is a little bit out of date as I spaced on getting this posted on time.

~~~~~~~~~~

Our theater director is hoping to reach out to unschoolers and is
offering courses on Thursday during the day. Below is a list of all the
classes we are offering to kids/adolescents this fall. Please pass the
word along to the North Shore Unschoolers. Thanks!

Warmest regards,

Skye Wentworth, Executive Director

The Yellow School Center for the Arts

http://www.yellowschool.org

978.499.7731

The Yellow School Center for the Arts

Kids are Falling . . .

for a New Season of Art

September 26th marks the start of kids’ art classes at the Yellow
School Center for the Arts 2006. Listed below are classes for all ages
– from age 3-18.

How to Register:

By mail: Complete the registration form below and mail with payment to
Yellow School, PO Box 721, Byfield, MA 01922.

By phone, email or website:

Call 978-499-7731 and leave a message or email
contact@yellowschool.org. Access the website at www.yellowschool.org to
see all that Yellow School has to offer and link to the email address.
Give the information from the registration form and send payment to the
address above. Please write the course name on the memo line of your
check.

Picture Making in the Sun
Ellen Sklar Abbott, Instructor

Tuesdays, After School 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Ages 6 up

5 Classes. October 10, 17, 24, 31 and November 14

$65.00 members
$75.00 non-members

Hang out in nature; collect shells, rocks, leaves, bugs. Produce very
cool, beautiful pictures by placing objects on solar paper and exposing
it to the sun. It’s a fun way to observe positive and negative images
while creating your very own still life. Ages 6 up.

Art Attack!
Art, Art & More Art
Susan Swanson, Instructor

Mondays, 11:00 – Noon, Ages 3 – 5
5 Classes. October 2, 9, 16, 24 and 3o

$65.00 members
$75.00 non-members

Use your imagination! Draw it, paint it, and put it into clay. Make a
mask, tell a story, and create your favorite monster. Make a bowl,
form a flower or a cartoon character. Be creative and let us see what
you can come up with in your imagination. Susan Swanson will be
teaching this art class making sure your child learns just how creative
he or she can be with a large variety of materials. Parent(s) must
accompany child.

Act I: Theatre Exploration for Kids
Marcia Groome, Instructor

5, 1 1/2 hour sessions: Thursdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26 and November 2
9:00 – 10:30 AM, Ages 6 – 12

Cost: $100. members; $115. non-members.

Act II: Theatre Exploration for Teens
Marcia Groome, Instructor

5, 1 1/2 hour sessions: Thursdays, October 5, 12, 19, 26 and November 2
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Ages 13 – 18

Cost: $100. members
$115. non-members

A smorgasbord of basic aspects of the theatre! From auditioning to
performing, this class will introduce a variety of artistic skills and
dramatic activities such as memorizing dialogue, acting, creative
movement and singing. You’ll learn fundamental theatre vocabulary, the
application of stage make-up and how to become a stage technician.

Introduction to Guitar
E.J. Ouellette, Instructor

Free to Triton Middle School Students

8 Wednesdays, After School, 2:15 – 4:15

Begins October 11

This course will cover the fundamentals of contemporary guitar, chord
and melody playing, and promises to be lots of fun! No previous
experience is required but students should bring their own guitar and
be prepared to purchase a guitar chord book. Transportation is provided
from Triton to the Hall. This program is made possible through a 21st
Century Grant in partnership with Triton Middle School and the Yellow
School Center for the Arts.

Gingerbread Houses for Kids
Gail Morehouse, Instructor

All ages

December 2, 2:00 PM

$20.00/house

Come to a Gingerbread House Workshop at the Yellow School Performance
Hall and experience the thrill of making a mess in someone else's
kitchen! Kids and parents will love covering themselves in sugar icing
while creating a candy-covered holiday tradition. Register now.
Enrollment is limited.

THEATER

How to Eat Like a Child
And Other Lessons in Not Being Grown Up
(For middle & elementary school-age kids)

One-act revue

Cornerstone Theatre Company at the Yellow School

Audition date: September 7, 4:00 – 8:00 PM

Production dates:

Fri & Sat, November 17, 18 at 7:30 PM Sunday, November 19 at 2:00 PM

This musical romp through the joys and sorrows of being a child is
hilarious. Children give 23 lessons in such subjects as how to beg for
a dog, how to torture your sister, how to act after being sent to your
room and how to laugh hysterically.

Charles Dickens Christmas Carol -- The Musical
(All ages)

Cornerstone Theatre Company at the Yellow School

Audition date: September 8th from 6-9 PM

Production dates:

Fri and Sat December 15, 16 at 7:30 PM

Sunday, December 17 at 2:00 PM

Charles Dickens’s classic story of the Christmas spirit that still
lives within embittered Ebenezer Scrooge is magically transformed into
a musical event featuring a visitation of spirits from past, present,
and future.

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

REGISTRATION: Make checks payable to Yellow School, PO Box 721,
Byfield, MA 01922

Parent’s Name ______________________________________

Child’s Name and Age ________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

Phone _________________Email________________________

Course name ________________________________________

2006-09-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks,

This is my first post here, so I ask that you forgive me if I'm a little preachy. By way of introduction, I'm Lynn's hubby. I'm cross posting this from my personal blog.

Dr. Helen talks about the recent school shooting in Colorado, and the need to more apropriately address depression in teenage boys. One of the very real problems that leads to criminal behavior in teens is broken families.

Our family; my wife and I, and our two biological children, is a foster family for a little four year old girl. Last night I met another foster dad, and had a great conversation with him.

He got involved in fostering because a friend of his teenage son was being emotionally abused and neglected by his alcoholic parents.

It takes a lot of stones to foster a teenager, even if you know the kid. In my eyes, this guy is on par with a marine or a fire fighter for what he's doing.

I'm not a big fan of the government-as-parent, but there are legitimate times where someone with authority has to step in. We as individuals can't save a whole generation of kids, but the more people who step up to the plate to help out just one kid, the less of these horror stories will happen.

It doesn't take a village to raise a child. It takes loving parents, one set at a time. Many people have the abilities to raise foster kids.

We need more of you to step up.

For information on how to help here in Massachusetts, you can check out the Massachusetts Department of Social Services or go directly to their page on fostering or if you want to look into provideing a permanent home for a child, see the MA Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE)

Music and Art classes, anyone?

2006-08-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

I got this email from a friend who is thinking of starting up some classes this fall, and she asked me to pass this on here for anyone who is interested. Please contact her directly if you're interested - RebeccaCote@comcast.net

"
Hello everyone,

I hope the summer has been refreshing, and you all feel like you can jump
back into the swing of things in the next couple of weeks! Reality check!
For myself it has been a good summer, but I am not as ready as I could be
for the fall. I have been thinking about my home schooling and seeing where
I need improvement. I have found that I almost always get the basics done
grammar, math, history and science. It is the extras that I don't get to on
a regular basis. Things like music, art, and Spanish to name a few. I have
a feeling that I am not alone in this.

So I offer to you all a question, would any of you be interested in classes
in the following areas:

music history
music appreciation
art: drawing, watercolors, sculpture etc.
art history

I was envisioning a block of time that would be consistent each week that
would alternate between the courses.

I have been in touch with teachers and location possibilities. Locations
would be around the Burlington area. I'm trying to keep the expense as low
as possible knowing that we already spend a lot on our curriculum.

Nothing is finalized, so this is the time to give feedback!!!!!

Would this fill a need? Can I go so far as to ask for a yes or no answer.
That would be helpful in determining space and teacher/student ratios. If
yes please include info about your kids so as to gear content. This would
not be a commitment, but a nod for me to continue the process.

Thanks in advance for your input!

Rebecca Cote

"

Pine Banks Park

2006-07-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone...

I was thinking it would be fun to get a bunch of home schoolers together for some fun at Pine Banks Park! So let's grab some sunscreen and head to Melrose, where we can spend the morning playing at the park, looking at the creatures in the pond, climbing on the rocks and having a picnic!

Details:

When: Friday, August 4
10:30 am

Where: Pine Banks Park, Melrose (if you need directions, let me know!)

BYOL (Bring your own lunch!)

RSVP: jenney@chaostheory.com

Home Learners Fall Fair vendor call

2006-07-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

I just got this from the Home Learners Fall Fair people, and I wanted to pass it on. I know we have quite a few creative, craft-minded people in this group. If anyone is interested in banding together from this group, maybe we could get a table as North Shore Unschoolers and sell our items as a team with our procedes going to the individual creator (Not NSU).

Since I don't know how, or even if it's possible, to attach a pdf file to this blog, I'm just pasting the whole invitation right here. Please contact the person listed for more information about the Fair, or email northshoreunschoolers@yahoo.com if you want to get a table as a group.

Vendors Invitation to The Home Learners Fall Fair

The 15th Annual Home Learners Fall Fair will be held at the West Medford Congregational Church in Medford.

Homeschooling families are invited to display and sell their crafts, or perform music, storytelling, skits, dance, etc. This bright, welcoming space features good acoustics and a large stage for performances.

The event is being coordinated by volunteers. If you wish to help, please call Eileen Ryan at 617-924-4597.

We are looking for fine quality crafts, kits and small gifts that sell well to the general public. We especially encourage vendors to demonstrate their craft and/or provide materials and guidance so that patrons can make their own craft (for a fee). Good food will be sold at the event.

A note to parents: Children can be discouraged easily if their crafts don’t sell up to their expectations. They may take it personally. Prepare your children for this possibility. Use it to discuss marketing, demand, pricing, or other factors that will influence sales. Call this an experiment to test the market and learn.

We are looking for performers. Performers are an integral part of this event. People come for the performances as much as for the crafts, and more attendees benefit all. Would you like to perform? Are you part of any performing group? (Magic, circus, music, dance, gymnastics, drama, etc.) Would you or some of your group be interested in performing at the Fair?

Contact Eileen 617-924-4597.

Where: West Medford Congregational Church 400 High St., Medford

When: Saturday, November 4th, 2006 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Vendor Cost: 4 ft. @ $10

The fair will be advertised in newspapers, magazines, homeschool newsletters, and the internet.

There will be no admission charged at the fair. We are planning this to be a festive event with crafts for sale, demonstrations, entertainment, music and good food. This is a wonderful opportunity for children and families to learn entrepreneurial skills and experience a larger sense of community. We hope you will join us.

Deadline for applications is Sept. 23 rd, 2006. For applications contact Mary Landale at 781-396-0355 or marylandale@earthlink.net. Other questions should be directed to Eileen Ryan at 617-924-4597.

City Archaeology Project

2006-07-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

Boston has a rich history, an here's another way to experience it. The City Archaeology Project is in the North End. From their website:

"The City Archaeology Program offers a number of opportunities for the public to experience Boston’s archaeological legacy. The 4,000-square-foot City Archaeology Laboratory, Education, and Curation Center is located in the North End in the brick, gold-domed building between the entrance to the Callahan Tunnel and the exit of the Sumner Tunnel, just 200 feet west of the Freedom Trail. At present, the lab is open Monday through Friday by appointment, and on weekends for special events. During the last year, thousands of visitors toured the lab and viewed the collections. Other activities offered by the City Archaeology Program include a hands-on artifact type collection, an artifact washing and processing station, an experimental Native American ceramic workshop, a simulated dig box, and many other stations. "

I have been unable to find a phone number, email or other contact info, but I will keep searching, and update this post as soon as I get something. But if you happen to be out and about in the North End, you might want to drop in to see what it's like. :-)

Free Evenings at the Gardner Museum

2006-07-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Isabella Stewart Museum has two summer Free Neighborhood Nights coming up July 27th and August 10th from 5-8pm.

Thursday July 27th - Dog Days of Summer - events include author/illustrator Grace Lin read from her book "The Year of the Dog", the Grace Kelly Jazz Quartet, and art projects for kids thru-out the museum.

Thursday August 10th - Feel The Vibes - events include The Patrice Williamson Quartet, storytelling and storywriting, and other art projects thu-out the museum.

Freebie events!!!

2006-06-30T05:28:00.000-07:00

Some fabulous free cultural events are taking place around this summer. Enjoy!

Free Shakespeare on the Common

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company will perform The Taming of the Shrew Saturday, July 22 through Sunday, August 13 2006 (it looks like near the pavilion). For the full schedule, please see their website.http://www.freeshakespeare.org/pages/performances/index.php

Also, see them at the Boston Common on Sunday, August 6 from 4:30-6:30pm for Celebrate Shakespeare Day

Boston Landmarks Orchestra

*Mozart Celebration

Wednesday, Jul 19th 7:30 PM Hatch Shell at the Esplanade, Boston

Friday, Jul 21st 8:00 PM at the Sanders Theatre, Cambridge

- Mozart's Symphony No. 39 and Requiem

*Concerts for Children

Monday, Jul 24th 6:30 PM at the Boston Common Parkman Bandstand

Wednesday, Jul 26th 10:30 AM & 12:00 noon at the Shirley-Eustis House, Roxbury

Thursday, Jul 27th 10:30 AM & 12:00 noon Great Hall - Codman Square, Dorchester

Tuesday, Aug 1st 6:30 PM at the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park at The Playstead, Franklin Park, Dorchester

- Lifting the Curse: A Story of the Red Sox - Story by Bill Littlefield

*Romantics in the Park

Sunday, Jul 30th 6:00 PM at Jamaica Pond, Jamaica Plain

Monday, Jul 31st 8:00 PM at the Boston Common Parade Ground

Thursday, Aug 3rd 7:00 PM at the Adams National Historical Park, Quincy

- Dvorak's Slovanic Dance No. 6, Cello Concerto, and Symphony No. 8

*Landmark Firsts

Sunday, Aug 6th 6:00 PM at Piers Park, East Boston

Monday, Aug 7th 8:00 PM at the Boston Common Parade Ground

Sunday, Aug 13th 6:00 PM at Dorchester Park, Dorchester

- Jeremiah Klarman - Dance Suite for Orchestra

- Beethoven - Symphony No. 1

- Rodrigo - Concierto de Ananjuez

- Prokofiev - Classical Symphony, Op. 25

WCRB's Classical Concerts at the Hatchshell

At the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston-FREE, 7 to 9 PM.

Wednesday, July 12 - Chelmsford Concert Band

Wednesday July 19 - Boston Landmarks Orchestra

Wednesday July 26 - Metropolitan Wind Symphony

Wednesday Aug 2 - Boston Bar Orchestra

Great cartoon

2006-06-22T06:13:00.000-07:00

Saw this on www.homeschoolradioshows.com and I just had to share!

HNSHL/AHEM Homeschool Info Night

2006-06-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

Passing along this email directly to you from them:

"Homeschooling Information Night
Mark your calendars for an opportunity to discuss EVERYTHING about homeschooling!
Homeschooling Information Night
Saturday, June 17th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Unitarian Universalist Church
326 Main Street, Wakefield, MA

Sponsored by North Suburban Home Learners www.NSHLonline.org.

This evening is designed for all who have an interest in homeschooling, including current homeschooling families. Come have your questions answered about choosing to homeschool, practical considerations, socializing, curriculum options, organizing cooperative learning, homeschooling activities and classes, leaving and reentering school, various learning styles, homeschooling different ages and multiple children, and so much more!

An inspiring and informative panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Richard Falzone. Richard Falzone, MD is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and father of two homeschoolers. His work in multiple treatment settings informs his view that for many families home- and community-based education can be a lifesaving alternative to the public school system.

Our featured panelists have diverse knowledge and experience as homeschooling parents, homeschooling advocates, and child care professionals:
l Milva McDonald, AHEM founder and mother of four homeschoolers
l Sophia Sayigh, AHEM founder and mother of two teenage lifelong homeschoolers
l Dr. Anne Chiriboga, local pediatrician and first-year homeschooling mother of two
l Venus Taylor, raising two homeschoolers and founder of the Association for Diverse Homeschoolers of Color
l Maureen Carey, former public school vice principal and mother of two homeschoolers

We welcome and encourage homeschooling parents to attend and give testimony of their experiences and have their own questions and concerns discussed.

Healthy snacks and treats will be provided. For more information please contact either Kathy Peterson kathy.r.peterson@comcast.net or Rich Falzone mail@rfalzone.info.

We appreciate your help in publicizing this event. Please feel free to forward this email, and, if you like, a downloadable flyer for giving to friends or posting is available here: http://www.ahem.info/SkippingSchoolFlyer.pdf.

If you received this message as a forwarded email and would like to be added to the Friends of AHEM list to receive updates on issues that may affect Massachusetts homeschoolers, as well as special notice of AHEM events and field trips, reply to this email (info@AHEM.info) with your name, address, town, and zip code. AHEM respects your privacy and will not share your name or contact information with any other organization.

If you choose to forward this email, PLEASE forward all of it, including signature below.

Thanks!

Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts
PO Box 1307
Arlington, MA 02474
http://www.ahem.info/index.htm

AHEM is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
"

-LA

Foreign student hosting this summer

2006-06-08T06:34:00.000-07:00

Passing along an email sent to us via our link on AHEM's website. Please contact them directly for more info:

"
I am reaching out to you today to request some assistance.

I am the local coordinator for a French not-for-profit organization (horizons du monde) and we have 15 students coming to the North Shore for a homestay visit this July (10-31). We desperately need host families to open their homes and welcome in these students (ages 13-18) for the time they are here (all speak english).

This is a wonderful chance to bring a better understanding between peoples of the world through opportunities of cultural exchange. The North Shore of Boston is full of diversity, natural beauty and historical and cultural amenities that would be of great interest to these students. I am very excited to have been selected to lead this program and I know it will be a rich and rewarding experience for those families who choose to partake in this opportunity.

During their stay here, I will be organizing and attending one full day excursion per week (tour of boston, trip to six flags, visit to plimouth plantation/mayflower) and one local activity per week (minor league baseball game, beach, shopping). There will also be an orientation meeting and a farewell party. All host families are invited to join in the festivities.

Please note that Horizons du Monde has been organizing these tours for over 20 years and is completely financed and insured. Each student will come with their own spending money and will be medically insured for their entire visit. Besides myself, there will be a French Chaperone joining the group, and we will be on call 24/7 in the event an emergency arises.

I hope your contacts through the homeschooling might be interested in becoming a host family. Do you think this opportunity would appeal to your support group?

I am available to answer more questions/provide further information about our program.

Thank you in advance for any assistance you might be able to provide.

Best Regards,

Tara Harvey
147 Russell Street
Peabody, MA 01960

978.535.5472
jtharvey2@verizon.net
"

-LA

Homeschool Week at Common Ground Center, VT

2006-06-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

Passing along this email at their request. Please contact them if you have any questions:

"
Dear Home Educators, Un-schoolers and Parents,

We would like to invite you to take part in a homeschool week in Starksboro, Vermont at Common Ground Center from Monday, June 19th through Friday, June 23rd. The camp is aimed at children from 5 to 11 years of age accompanied by an adult. Cellist Martha Siegel will be available to introduce children to a stringed instrument. Activities will be focused on the skies, as the summer solstice offers many art, math and science projects. In addition Starksboro’s lack of light pollution makes star gazing a joy. Children will have the opportunity to explore our 700 acre site and learn about Vermont plants and wildlife.

For more information about this wonderful week, please visit our website at cgcvt.org or call us at 1-800-430-2667. We also have family camps in August with programs for the whole family.

Please pass this email on to other home school families.

Sincerely,
Elin Melchior
Program Coordinator at Common Ground Center
elin@cgcvt.org; 1-800-430-2667
"

-LA

Beginning reader workbook by homeschool mom

2006-06-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

Jean Cole, a homeschooling mom, has created a beginning reader workbook and teacher planbook. Please see her website for more information.
capublishing.net

-LA

Libroman; a new kind of superhero

2006-06-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

Just passing along this informational email to you:

"
Do you know kids who love superheroes?

We all do. Some of the most popular recent films are based on comic-book superheroes Who hasn’t cheered for Spiderman, rooted for the Fantastic Four, felt for the X-Men. Our family has, too. But we’ve always wondered what a non-violent superhero would look like.
A non-violent superhero?

Is that even possible?

Having homeschooled our children for years (all three will be in college this fall), we thought we’d give it a try as a school project. The result of the family’s efforts (and the help of some talented friends) is who we call Libroman—a new-style superhero who solves problems using wit over weapons, forethought over fists. Yet it’s still interesting to a media-saturated generation of kids (ages 6-12?).

Please check out our website:

Libroman.com

Please pass this on to whomever you think would be interested, and email us any suggestions or comments—we’d love hearing from you!

Thanks!

Chuck, Bonnie, Phil, Gabe, and Noel Pantely

"

I've viewed it, and found it cute with an intriguing twist. My 9yo son say of it, "It's kinda mysterious and that makes it cool. It starts kinda wierd but then it gets more cool and really neat as it goes on."

-LA

Welcome to North Shore Unschoolers

2006-05-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

North Shore Unschoolers was born from the feeling that there is a need for a homeschooling support group that centers itself around unschooling. There are many wonderful homeschool support groups and organizations through all of Massachusetts but it is extremely difficult to find a group that is not curriculum focused and/or structured. It is not our intent, however, to define unschooling. We are an all inclusive group so if you consider yourself an "unschooler" (by whatever that means to you) then you are more than welcome to join us.

North Shore Unschoolers is a very relaxed network of families who 'unschool'. By this, we mean anything from free-learning to child-led learning to interest-driven learning, and generalized 'what-have-you' that isn't standards, schedule, or curriculum driven. :-) We have members from down in Boston and all the way up to the New Hampshire border. Our main objective is to enable like-minded families to hook up together and enjoy the journey of learning together

NSU would love input from area unschoolers! Drop us a line to tell us what you'd like to do with the group. Would you like to organize field trips? Are you looking more a network of like-minded families? Do you want to find other families with similar hobbies?

We will be updating this blog on at least a monthly basis, and as often as new events and information pops up, so please check back.

Lynn and Leigh have written a book of educational and homeschool friendly resources in the New England states. If you'd like to view or purchase the New England Homeschool Resource book, please visit Lulu.com