Northsideside Unschoolers of Chicago

The fall schedule is up and registration is open-  take a look and come join the fun!

Performance Classes run Tuesdays  September through November,  with a special movement and technique class for 5-8 year olds in October.  Check out the full schedule here. WIth questions or for registration info contact Lori

Are you wanting to be more connected on-line to the unschooling and and natural family community in Chicago?  Anyone interested in participating is welcome to join the new message boards hosted by the NUG website:

Free Range Families, an online community for those seeking a joyful homelife with children

open to all who are interested!  Come check it out and join in the discussion!

Mondays 11:00am to 2:00pm - Meet in the playground
All Fridays are Beach days at Foster Beach. We generally try to set up between the two lifeguard towers, up towards the water.
May 3, 10, 17, 24 and June 7 Independence Park
3945 N. Springfield (near Irving Park & Pulaski)

June 14 Chopin Park
3420 N. Long Ave. (5400 West)

June 21 Margate Park
4921 N. Marine Dr. (near Lawrence & Lake Shore Dr.)

June 28 Harold Washington Playlot Park
5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd (near 53rd & Lake Shore Dr.)

July 5 NO PARK DAY (4th of July Holiday)

July 12 Priory Park (at Dominican Univ)
Division Ave. & Bonnie Brae (just west of Harlem Ave), in River Forest
SAND & WATER PLAY AREA

July 19 31st Beach Park
31st & Lake Shore Drive (at the lake) - BEACH

July 26 Hamlin Park
3035 N. Hoyne (near Diversey & Damen) - POOL

August 2 Wilson Park
4630 N. Milwaukee (just north of Wilson) - WATER SPRINKLER

August 9 Portage Park
4100 N. Long (playground is at Irving Park and Central) - POOL

August 16 Welles Park
2333 W. Sunnyside (playground is at Western & Montrose)

August 23 Rehm Park
East Ave. & Garfield in Oak Park (exit 290 at Austin)

August 30 Unity Park
2636 N. Kimball - WATER SPRINKLER

Sept. 6 NO PARK DAY (Labor Day)

Sept 13 Indian Boundary Park
2500 W. Lunt (1 block west of Western Ave.)

Sept. 20 Peterson Park
5801 N. Pulaski (in North Park Village, follow signs to playground)

Sept. 27 Riis Park
6100 W. Fullerton (playground is on Meade near Fullerton)

More details about these parks, including directions, can be found at the Chicago Park District website

Bring lunch for your family (and, at certain parks, extra clothes, swim
suits and/or towels).  Many people bring a blanket or chairs to sit on.

Fridays are Beach Days at Foster Ave. Beach.

On rainy days, we’ll cancel. Check email for updates from park goers.  This schedule (including Beach Days) is subject to change.

For more info contact Wini

I have arranged to continue a family ice skating session for homeschoolers on Wednesdays at McFetridge Sports Center in Chicago.  We have the ice all to ourselves.  Please join us, if you like, and help spread the word to other homeschooling groups.  Thanks!  Any questions, e-mail Marita.

Sessions: Wednesdays,  through June 9, 2010

Time: 11:00 – 11:45 am arrive 15 – 30 minutes early to allow time for putting on skates.

Place: McFetridge Sports Center 3845 N. California Avenue (between Irving and Addison) Chicago, IL  60618 773-478-2609

For more information, check out the Family Skate page.

The Tween club has announced it Winter/Spring 2010 Schedule. For a complete listing of the schedule, books, field trips and dates, please read the Tween Club activity page.

***New Meeting Time 10:30-12:30*** for book clubs and game clubs.  Some of the dates of the field trips have been changes from the original schedule.

Who: all kids between age 8-12 who are interested in being part of a tween book and game club.

Meeting will be held at:
Irving Park Lutheran Church
3938 W Belle Plaine Ave
Chicago, IL 60618-1997

Thursdays 10:30am-12:30pm

Cost: $75 this will cover the cost of rent and all fieldtrips.

When: Every other month the 2nd Monday evening of the month from 7:00pm-9:00pm

Where: Tea Essence 1913 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

January 11, 2010 -  Dealing With Criticism

March 8, 2010 - Empowering Your Kids to Learn

May 10, 2010 - Developing Life Long Learners

For more information, go to our Parent Support Activity page.

EDGE Youth Theater presents
WInter/Spring 2010 Classes with Orion Couling

Production classes:

The Princess Bride- A Performance Class

ages 9 +
1:00-2:45

Scaling the Cliffs of Insanity! Battling Rodents of Unusual Size! Facing torture in the Pit of Despair… True love has never been a snap.

Come be a part of one of the most exciting stories ever written!

Fridays, Jan 22- April 2
Wednesdays and Fridays beginning March 10 time TBA
instructors Orion Couling and Glenise Hand

performances: Matinee April 7, matinee and possible evening show April 9
(performance dates tentative)

$175

The Princess Bride Junior performance class

ages 6-8
11:15- 12:15

Scaling the Cliffs of Insanity! Battling Rodents of Unusual Size! Facing torture in the Pit of Despair… True love has never been a snap, and could never be accomplished without a good angry mob, or squad of screaming eels. this class will combine physical story telling with arts and craft creature creation

beginning March 12, class time will shift to 12:30- 1:30 to work with the whole cast

performances: Matinee April 7, matinee and possible evening show April 9
(performance dates tentative)

Instructor Orion Couling

$135

Technique Classes:


Swashbuckling! - Technique class

ages 5-8
10:00- 11:00

From Erroll Flynn to Johnny Depp - Classic sword play and scene study for the younger folks.. Instructor Orion Couling, assisted by Glenese Hand

Jan 22- March 26

$120

Single Sword Academy- Technique Class

ages 9+
3:00-4:00

Serious training for the focused student, preparing you to use the skills of a stage combatant in a the most rigorous of settings from Shakespeare to summer stock. No previous experience necessary but meant for the young person who wishes to push their skill level. A perfect pairing with the Princess Bride. ages 9 and up. Instructor Glenese Hand assisted by Orion Couling

Jan 22- March 26

$120

more info about Orion Couling

Registration and Payment information:

Please register and pay the first day of class Jan 22 beginning at 9:45

Performance/ technique package: $200 for kids 6-8, $225 for kids 9 and up

if you have siblings that are interested in taking different single classes, there is a sibling discount available. First child pays full price, second (and additional) child pays half of class at equal or lesser value.

Note:  sibling discount does not apply to performance/technique package.

Some work for discount opportunities available, please inquire to Lori lojo@speakeasy.net

Refunds available only in the event that class does not run.

Edge Youth Theater presents

Disney’s Jungle Book (the Musical)

starring kids from NUG!

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

Both Jungle Book Performances will open with with  an exciting demonstration of Dragon Fighting!  Fierce young warriors will work as a team to slay the dangerous 25 foot long dragon that has been wreaking havoc at the Ethical Humanist Society.

Showtimes:

Wednesday December 16, 7pm  (doors 6:30)
Friday  December 18, 12pm  (doors 11:30)

Ethical Humanist Society,  7574 Lincoln Ave, Skokie IL

ticket prices:  Family Ticket $10 (includes 2 adults and their children under age 18, does not apply to extended family).  Family tickets available in advance only through Dec 12.

Individual tickets:  $5

tickets will be on available for purchase at the Homeschool Family Craft Fair Dec 4 and 5 at the Ethical Humanist Society, and also on Friday December 11th at the Ethical Humanist Society.

tickets available at the door day of show:  $5 each.

First annual Homeschooler craft fair

Friday December 4th 3-5pm
Saturday December 5th 10am-3pm

Located at the Ethical Humanist Society 7574 N Lincoln Ave. Skokie IL 60077

Come and shop handmade items by the children and families of several chicago area homeschool groups. This is a great way for children to buy from other children gifts for friends, family or themselves. There will be student musical performances and baked goods. Bring family and friends! Support these future entrepreneurs!

contact Ellen Greene for more information