Homeschool Fridays at the YMCA

Homeschool Fridays at the Lebanon YMCA



This activity program for children ages 5-17 is held on Fridays from 1-3pm.
The cost is $10 per child per month or $20 per family per month.
YMCA members are free.
You must register through the YMCA. You can call 273-2691 to register.

Everyone is really enjoying this experience! The children have free swim from 1-2pm and then scheduled sports activities from 2-3pm. The sports activities have included basketball, soccer, kickball, field hockey, and gymnastics. The children who don't wish to swim or participate in sports activities are welcome to play in the youth room.

Families with small children seem to be comfortable with their options. They either play with their younger children somewhere on the premises, or they send their older children with another attending family.

If you decide to get a YMCA membership, the open swim times and open gym times throughout the week are numerous. I listed some of the times below.
A.L. Hanford Center
Open Swim Times
M, W, F 12:30-5pm
T, Th 2:30-5pm
M-Th 7:30-8:30pm
There is usually always one gym open.

There are even more open times at the VA Center.

Holka Polka

Congratulations to our INCH Theater Troupe
on a fantastic performance
of
HOLKA POLKA!


The cast

The directors

Thanks to all kids and parents who helped make this play a reality and a success!

Our Play!

Please join us for the INCH Theater Group's production of

HOLKA POLKA!

Join a good little witch who sets out to save Fairy Tale land with the help of the Big Bad Wolf and Cinderella. This a Fairy Tale Mystery that puts a new twist on some famous fables such as Humpty Dumpty, Pinocchio, Little Red Riding Hood, The Wizard of Oz and Hansel and Gretel

September 12, 2009
2pm
Palmyra Recreation Center Stage

FREE ADMISSION!

Author of script: D. M. Bocaz-Larson
Produced by special arrangement with www.freedrama.com

2009 - 2010 Schedule of Field Trips

Field Trips 2009/2010

Many thanks to Christy for organizing these field trips for us. And thanks, also, to Rebecca for coordinating field trips geared to younger children. More information will be forthcoming via emails from Christy and Rebecca several days before each field trip as necessary. If you haven't yet signed up with our INCH email group, please see the information on the "Contact Us" link.

***Please remember to check the INCH Calendar for the most up-to-date information on field trips.***

Children of all ages are welcome at all of our field trips (unless otherwise noted), but those listed in blue are geared toward older children while the trips listed in green are geared primarily toward younger children.


September-18th

Refuse Center

Water Treatment Facility

September 25th

Beekeeper 10:00 am

A/C School 3:30 pm

Hershey Fire Station

Hershey Factory (actual factory, not Chocolate World)

October- October 23rd

Field Trip geared toward younger children (TBA)

October 30th

Ned Smith Center and TBA

November 20th

Courtroom to view a trial (ages 9 and up)

January (Date TBA)

WLBR Radio Station (evening tour)

January 22nd

Field Trip geared toward younger children (TBA)

January 29th

Lebanon Rescue Mission 10:00 am

Lebanon VA Medical Center 1:00 pm

February 26th

Good Samaritan Hospital Dietary Department 10:00 am

March 26th

Tony's Mining Company Restaurant Tour 1:30 pm

April 23rd

Field Trip geared toward younger children (TBA)

April 30th

K-9 Emergency Unit, Dr. Rill (Vet)

May 21st

Wheatland

Amish Farm

2009 - 2010 Schedule of Classes and Groups

This information is from our yearly planning meeting -- the online calendar is always the most updated source of information. Thanks.

Anything in red is still being worked out or volunteers are needed

Fridays are our main INCH days.
The (L) stands for Library Reserved.

Every month, we're offering varied classes in 3 areas of the library (parents' discretion as to where each of their children fits best) for the first 3 weeks of every month. We meet from 10-12 and please ask that parents help their children follow library rules with regard to not running, whispering, etc.

Community Room - Ages 8ish and up
Story Time Room - Babies and Toddlers and Preschoolers (INCHworms)
Round Tables in Library - Those In Between Those 2 Age Groups (Ages 5ish-7ish)

Most months, all children can meet together, but for some months where some content is geared toward the older children, someone will be at the tables with the middle group offering them age-appropriate classes and activities.

Kristie, Jenn, and Lisa have volunteered to care for INCHworms.
Community Room/Round Tables volunteers vary each month (noted below)

4th and 5th weeks are generally our Field Trip weeks.

For a fee ($10/child or $20/family), the YMCA is open for homeschoolers from 1-3 on Friday afternoons starting in October. The YMCA is right behind the Library.

Something is also in the works for a homeschoolers' discount at a local pizza place

SEPTEMBER - PARK DAYS

September 4 - Park Days (Cleona Playground)

Sept. 11 - Park Days (Cleona Playground)

Sept. 18 - Field Trip (Refuse Authority and Water Treatment Facility) (Chirsty)
INCH Annual Picnic (South Hills Park)

Sept. 25 - Field Trip (A/C school, Bee Keeper, Hershey Fire Station, Actual Chocolate Factory) (Chirsty)

October - May: We have the Library Community Reserved most days

October - April: YMCA

OCTOBER and NOVEMBER - MOCK TRIAL CLASS

October 2 (L) - Mock Trial Class by Rebecca/Round Tables - Stacy
YMCA (YMCA starts this day)

Oct. 9 (L) - Mock Trial Class by Rebecca/Round Tables - Stacy
YMCA

Oct. 16 - Mock Trial Class by Rebecca/Round Tables - Stacy
YMCA

Oct. 23 - Field Trip geared toward younger kids (but all are welcome) TBA (Rebecca)

YMCA

Oct. 30 - Field Trip to Ned Smith Center and TBA (Christy)
YMCA

November 6 (L) - Mock Trial Class by Rebecca/Round Tables - Stacy
YMCA

Nov. 13 (L) - Mock Trial Class by Rebecca/Round Tables - Stacy
YMCA

Nov. 20 (L) - Field Trip to see actual trial in courtroom for ages 9 and up (Christy)

Round Table Group to meet in Community Room that day (Stacy)
YMCA

Nov. 27 (THANKSGIVING FRIDAY)

DECEMBER - HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

December 4 (L) - Holiday Crafts and Activities (Cristin and Jaclyn)
YMCA

Dec. 11 (L) - Holiday Crafts and Activities (Cristin and Jaclyn)
YMCA

Dec. 18 (L) - Holiday Party (all children together)
YMCA

Dec. 25 (CHRISTMAS)

JANUARY- GAMES

January 1, 2010 (NEW YEAR’S DAY)

Jan. 8 (L) - Board Games
YMCA

Jan. 15 (L) - Board Games
(This is also the week of the Farm Show and Wednesday is usually the best day to attend)
YMCA

Jan. 22 - Field Trip geared toward younger kids (but all are welcome) TBA (Rebecca)
YMCA

Jan. 29 - Field Trip (Lebanon Rescue Mission and V.A. Medical Center) (Christy)
YMCA

There will also be a nighttime field trip to WLBR sometime this month --it has to be an evening field trip, so more information to follow. (Christy)

We'd like to have some sort of intellectual outing or lecture for the adults this month -- does anyone have any suggestions? Rebecca, might Josh be available?

FEBRUARY- DISSECTION

February 5 (L) - Dissection Class (Mark)/Round Tables (Rebecca)
YMCA

Feb. 12 (L) - Dissection Class (Mark)/Round Tables (Rebecca)
YMCA

Feb 19 (L) - Dissection Class (Mark)/Round Tables (Rebecca)
YMCA

Feb. 26 - Field Trip (GSH Dietary)
YMCA

MARCH- CULTURAL STUDIES

March 5 (L) - Geography Bee (Christy)/Round Tables (Jaclyn)
YMCA

Mar. 12 (L) - Presentation on Japan (Mark) and Preparation for Country Reports (Becks)
YMCA

Mar. 19 (L) - International Fair with Reports, Presentations, and Food (Becks)
YMCA

Mar. 26 - Field Trip (Tony's Mining Company - Restaurant Tour)
YMCA

APRIL- FINE ARTS MONTH

April 2 (L) - Poetry Slam (Jenn Moore)
YMCA

Apr. 9 (L) - Music (Peggy)
YMCA

Apr. 16 (L) - Art Gallery (Cristin)
YMCA

Apr. 23 - Field Trip geared toward younger kids (but all are welcome) TBA (Rebecca)
YMCA

Apr. 30 - Field Trip (K-9 Emergency Unit) (Christy)
YMCA

MAY - SCIENCE FAIR

May 7 (L) - Intro to Science Fair/Brainstorming (Mark)

May 14 (L) - Science Fair Group Work/Research (Mark)

May 21 (L) - Field Trip (Wheatland/Amish Farm)

May 28 (Location TBA) - Science Fair (Mark)

June – September 2010 - PARK DAYS

INCH TRADITIONS

INCH Picnic - September 18th

Earth Day - April 22nd (More information closer to the date)

Olympics Day - During a June Park Day (More information closer to the date)

PNOs (Parents Nights Out) will be held at MJ's coffeehouse in Annville on the 2nd Tuesday night of every month (during kids' book club) from 6:30 to 9pm unless otherwise noted.

We are also looking for opportunities for various intellectual outings/lectures for adults.

And if anyone ever wants to go to a movie or event, simply email the group and you're sure to have others join you.

Extra Curricular Groups (Non-Fridays):

Art Classes - 1st and 3rd Mondays at the Lebanon Library unless otherwise noted (see calendar)

Taught by an art teacher in our community
$5 per class per child -- You can sign up for one or two classes/month
(Contact Christy for more information)

Book Club - 2nd Tuesday night of every month from 6:30-9 at Christy's house
Newbery Award Winning Novels
For readers ages 8 and up (approximately--contact Christy if you have any questions)

Knitting Club/LEGO club - 3rd Monday from 1-3 at the Brummett Farm
Knitting classes taught by Cristin

Lego Club - looking for an additional monthly evening club time as well

Theater Club - To be offered again in the Spring by James Waldron

Chess Club - TBA

Sewing Club - Melanie has something in the works TBA

Board Game Night and Movie Night - Any time that anyone would like to host one of these, simply email the group and you'll have an instant party

Newspaper Club - 1st Friday of every month at 9:30 (half hour meeting before classes start at 10) at the Library Round Tables
Rebecca will facilitate the group - children will work out their own assignments (book and movie reviews, field trip recaps, etc.)
Children will email their writing to Francina who will help them with grammar, writing, editing
Francina will email Mike Deiner all the children's work and he will print up monthly newspapers for everyone and the library will also distribute it

Soccer - Mark will continue to offer this now and then on Park Days

Writer’s Group - TBA (Cristin)

Cooking Club - TBA (Christy is looking into options)

Government Club - TBA (Shawn)

Puzzle Solving -- TBA (Bobbi)

Band - TBA (Good possibility of Band class offered through a teacher in the community in the Spring)

Crochet/Needlework/Craft Circle - Bobbi had mentioned possibly hosting/offering/mentoring this activity TBA

Open Mic Night - If anyone is interested in hosting this as an opportunity for kids to share music, poems, reports, and the like, there are children interested

Also, there are kids interested in: Making a movie (writing, filming, editing) Track and Field type races

SNOW POLICY - Check your email on days it snows. Generally, if it snows, we're not having INCH (most of us dislike driving in the white stuff). We try to send out an email an hour to 2 hours before INCH activities. Also, sometimes the library closes if schools close on snow days.

Lazer Factory - We have the opportunity to raise money for ourselves at the Lazer Factory. Generally, 15 minutes of play time costs $8/person. However, on Tuesday nights, we can reserve the place for ourselves and we can pre-sell tickets for $10 each for 3 hours of unlimited play time. We then get $5 back for every ticket sold. We could use the proceeds to do a fun INCH outing or defray other costs for our group or as a fundraiser, etc. And bonus, fun night for us!

I love all of Cristin's ideas that she emailed out -- the updated phone/email list (I think it would be good to list who's in charge of what, too, so newbies know who to contact with questions), the yearbook/scrapbook idea, membership badges for us to get discounts at stores -- any volunteers to help coordinate this?

Christy is also looking at coordinating another INCH overnight camping trip to the PA Grand Canyon next August but would have to know of interest in the next few weeks in order to reserve it, so please contact her if you're interested.

Also, our family is contacting the library about helping out/volunteering/doing service on 4 mornings over the next year--we're interested in going in early on some of our INCH days in September, October, April, and May to help clean books or whatever hands-on tasks they have for us for about an hour or so before our classes start. If anyone is interested in joining us, that would be great. Please keep in mind that the library is hurting financially and really appreciates the help. Also, they are allowing us to use their rooms free of charge as a support to us as homeschoolers--technically, we should be paying $20 each Friday that we are there, but they do not charge us. They are very good to us. Thanks!

Park Days

Park Days start this week around 11am or so. I believe we have several new families joining us as well! See everyone there! See emails for more info . . .

Play/Musical

MYERSTOWN ENRICHMENT CENTER

PRESENTS

Meredith Willson’s

The Music

Man, Jr.

May 28, 2009 - 7:00 p.m.

May 29 – 3:00 & 7:00 p.m.

May 30 – 3:00 p.m.

Calvary Chapel Lebanon

9 South 9^th St.

Lebanon, PA

General Admission Seating $5

(Ages 3 & under free)

Tickets available at the door

Free Movies on the Blog

Just a heads up to let you know that there is a new gadget posted on the right hand side of the blog.

"In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, BrainPOP is providing FREE Financial Literacy movies that you can add to your own educational website or blog. The goal is to get students, teachers, and parents talking about healthy financial habits."

The player will automatically rotate Financial Literacy movies daily throughout the month of April. At the end of the month, the player will link to BrainPOP's permanent Financial Literacy Spotlight.

http://www.brainpop.com/educators/spotlight_financial_literacy_container/

Enjoy!

P.S. H/T to Carrie for this.

Reminders

It's been a while since we've posted anything since this site sort of runs itself once the calendar is up. So, here are some reminders.

This Friday is Physics at 10AM at the Annville Library. Inchworms (the little ones) can play while the older kids are in class. Government club is at 2pm at the Goodens' house. Shawn is sending out information on that soon.

Next week, we start our Theater Group. We meet on Wednesday nights from 6-8pm and will eventually be putting on a play. We have space for a few more children if there is interest. Newbery Award Book Club is also next week.

We have some really fun field trips set up for next week--please see the Schedule of Field Trips (on the sidebar).

For those new to our group, there is also a mailing list where you can get details of all that's happening. If you're interested in being put on that list, please let me know by emailing us at INCHofLebanonCounty AT gmail DOT com. Thanks!

Middle Creek Studies

The program for this week is water fowl. Bring a donation of a dollar or two is possible.

We are very fortunate to have these classes offered to us at no cost.

Please remember the rules: No running inside the building. Maintain inside voices. All children, regardless of age, are welcome to participate if they are willing to participate. Children who are not interested in participating should play quietly, away from the attending group.

Friday's Field Trip - Valley Forge and Washington's Crossing

From Christy: Here are the particulars for the field trip this Friday. I would like a headcount by tomorrow at 3:00. Pack a lunch, and we will eat on the grounds of Valley Forge. I have a GPS,so anyone is perfectly welcome to follow me. Let me know.

November 14th

Philadelphia

Washington Crossing Historic Park-10:30-11:30 http://www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing/index.htm

Washington Crossing Historic Park • 1112 River Rd. Washington Crossing, PA 18977 Phone: 215-493-4076

Admission without Heritage Pass: $4.00 adult $2.00 children No Charge with pass.

Here is something to discuss on your way to the tour: General George Washington and men of the Continental Army and militia crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 and marched to Trenton, New Jersey.....you all know the story.

Valley Forge 1:00 http://www.ushistory.org/ValleyForge/

1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone: (610) 783-1077

Normally there is a $3.00 charge to tour Washington's Quarters, but it is closed for construction. There is no other charge for this trip.

We will all start at the visitors center. We should see a film that lasts about 20 minutes. The rest of the tour is self-guided and best seen by car. There are a few stops along the tour route that we should get out of the car to see: Stop 2 has several huts where the soldiers lived and Stop 9, Varnum's Quarters, is staffed with a park ranger to answer questions. Stop 9 is closed to the public after 4pm.

Here is something to discuss on your way to the tour:

Though no battle was fought here from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778, a struggle against the elements and low morale was overcome on this sacred ground.

Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Lebanon&1s=PA&1y=US&1l=40.340801&1g=-76.411697&1v=CITY&2c=Washington+Crossing&2s=PA#a/mapsprint/l:::Lebanon:PA::US:40.340801:-76.411697:city:/l:::Washington+Crossing:PA::US:40.293301:-74.870796:city:Bucks+County/l:::Valley+Forge:PA::US:40.096901:-75.470001:city:Chester+County/m:::::0:0:/io:1:::::f:EN:M:/e

We are SO PROUD of our INCH kids!

Everyone did SUCH a wonderful job at the service project this past Friday. Everyone dressed up, was so well-behaved, presented beautifully, smiled big, and really did such a great job cheering the residents. We had several wonderful musical numbers, a very good gymnastics performance, fun poetry readings, a historical recitation of the Preamble, and the kids even got to hand out some adorable crafts (made by some of our very own INCHers) for the residents. Great, great job, everyone. As Christy said, the ONLY complaint was that there wasn't more!! Thank you, INCHers! :) And thanks to all who helped coordinate the event and for all the parents helping out with this! It was, in a word, FABULOUS!

Field Trip - Ashland-Pioneer Tunnel, Power Plant, Miner's Village

From Christy:

Please read and respond.

October- Friday October 3rd-Energy

Ashland-Pioneer Tunnel-9:30-11:00 http://www.pioneertunnel.com/home.shtml

19 th & Oak Sts. Ashland, Pennsylvania, 17921 Phone: 570-875-3850 or 570-875-3301

We are booked for both tours. This is the group rate per person. We will be trouing inside the tunnel mine and taking a train tour of a strip mine on the face of the mountain. This is apparently an award winning tour!

Pre-K through 6th Grade 7th Grade through High School and College
Total for Both Tours.......$ 8.00 Total for Both Tours......$ 10.00

One teacher or chaperone may come free
for each 20 students. Extra adults are $ 10.00 .
2 and under is free

Power Plant 12:30-1:30 (No Charge) (Ultra Constellation Operating Services)

4 Dennison Rd, Nesquehoning, Phone: 570-645-8721

There are some very serious, non-negotiable regulations for this tour.

Children under age 5 are not permitted on this tour. There is a large conference room where you can stay with smaller children. The staff said if the child is age 5 they can go on the tour, but they need to be accompanied by a parent. They also warned that you may need to carry a 5-year-old because it is an "open grid stairway". Everyone attending must wear long pants, and closed, flat-soled shoes. They will not be allowed to tour otherwise. I will have waivers to be signed by every member of the touring group.

*Eckley’s Miners Village-2:00-3:00 (Heritage Pass) (No pass-3.00 per child and 3.50 per adult) http://www.eckleyminers.org/contact.html
Eckley Miners' Village, 2 Eckley Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255 Phone: (570) 636-2070

I was given a study guide for this tour. I looks like it is best used after the tour. You will each get a copy.

Follow the typed directions below to Ashland, the first location. Then we will use the mapquest directions for the rest of the trip.

Directions:From I-81 North: I-81 North to Exit 116; Rt. 901 West to Rt. 54 East to Ashland turn right onto 20^th St. and go all the way to the end. (about 45 minutes)

http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Annville&1s=PA&1z=17003&1y=US&1l=40.3775&1g=-76.5539&1v=ZIP&2c=Nesquahoning&2s=PA&2a=4+Dennison+Rd#a/maps/l:::Ashland:PA:17921:US:40.7693:-76.3493:zip:Schuylkill+County/l::4+Dennison+Rd:Nesquehoning:PA:18240-2242:US:40.856768:-75.876894:address:Carbon+County/l:::Weatherly:PA:18255-5030:US:40.9687:-75.7807:street:Carbon+County/l:::Annville:PA:17003:US:! 40.3776 :-76.554:zip:Lebanon+County/m::6:40.673211:-76.180724:0::/io:1:::::f:EN:M:/e

Home arrival will be about 4:30. Some of you may not be attending the full trip. When you respond, please indicate if you will be attending the whole trip or if you will be attending destination 1, and/or 2, and/or 3

Landis Valley Colonial Days Field Trip

From Christy:
As you all know, we will be going to Landis Valley Museum tomorrow. We were told that we don't need to schedule a specific time of arrival, but I called today to check when other groups may be coming. They said we may want to aim for 11:00 am to avoid some of the morning school groups. You can really go whenever you want, but if several of our families are going to show up at the same time 11:00 am would be the best time. Send me some feedback.

2451 Kissel Hill Rd

Lancaster, PA 17601-4809

717-569-0401

Directions from Lebanon: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Lebanon&1s=PA&1z=17042&2c=Lancaster&2s=PA&2a=2451+Kissel+Hill+Road

For those of you who will be coming from yonder, basically just get yourself to 72 South and follow the above directions the rest of the way.

Brandywine Battlefield Field Trip Tomorrow

From Christy:

I was contacted by some people interested in going on the field trip to Brandywine Battlefield and The Wyeth Museum, so I will be going tomorrow. If you would like to go, please email me sometime today. If you are not interested in going tomorrow, you can easily reschedule a group meeting time that is more convenient for you. Actually, for this tour, there is really no particular benefit to going as a group for that matter. The only benefit would be if you were planning to schedule a class, and if you attend a class, you can not use your Heritage Pass for the cost of the class. You can not use your pass on special event days either.

See the Field Trip link to the right for more details.

Parents' Night Out Tonight

A reminder that this Thursday is Parents' Night Out at 7pm at MJ's Coffeehouse in Annville! Come relax, visit, and share.

Middle Creek Studies

Here are directions and information from Christy about this Friday's class:

Our field trip will be on Friday September the 19th at 10:00 am. We will be learning about mammals at the Middle Creek Wildlife Preserve in Kleinfeltersville.

Let me know if you are coming, and how many school aged children will be participating. There is no charge for this class, but I would like to take up a collection. If everyone would please consider contributing a dollar or two per family, per class that would be appreciated. I won't pass around a hat or anything. Just find me and give me your contribution, and I will write a check for the amount I receive at the end of each class.

Some families had questions about the age range for this class. The class itself is for kindergarten on up. There is a play area for smaller children just outside the classroom. This is a family friendly environment.

The directions are a little complicated if you are not familiar with the Schaefferstown area. (From Lebanon) Take Walnut Street East to 5th Ave (897). Turn right and drive about 15 minutes into Schaefferstown. This will be a stop sign intersecting 897 and 419. You have to turn left or right. Turn left and follow through Schaefferstown to Kleinfeltersville. (419 turns back into 897) Follow signs to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and then to the visitor's center. We will be meeting at the visitor's center at 9:50.

You can also call 733-1512 to get directions from other areas. I did not find specific directions on Map Quest. The address is 100 Museum Rd in Kleinfeltersville.

*Those of you coming from 81. Take the Lebanon exit, follow 72 South into Lebanon. 72 turns into 10th St. At the corner of 10th & Walnut you will see Tabor United Church of Christ on you left. Turn left onto Walnut St.-- Follow the above directions (From Lebanon). Email if you would like to meet me at the church and follow me the rest of the way.

How to prepare: Nothing is specifically needed for this Friday, but you may want to start some continued discussion for the entire year of classes at Middle Creek. You could look at the photos on the State Game site. http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/browse.asp?a=458&bc=0&

c=69867&pgcNav=| You could also have your children start a scrapbook of wildlife pictures and captions. Maybe some of the pictures they could copy and paste from web sites, and some they could photograph themselves. For smaller children you may want to start a discussion about habitats and ecosystems. For older children you may want to discuss biomes. For older children I also love this site http://www.mbgnet.net/.

Knitting Group

Knitting Group meets Monday from 1-3 at Lisa's house. Here is the information from Cristen:

We'll learn how to finger knit, casting on, the knit stitch, and casting off. If there's still time left we'll try the purl stitch too. I will bring wooden knitting needles for the kids to keep, and I will bring yarn for the kids to keep as well. Much of the yarn is synthetic (acrylic), so if anyone wants to buy their own cotton or wool yarn to bring that's fine. You can find it at Michael's, Wal-Mart, or any yarn shop or craft shop (like Martin's Craft Barn). Adults who want to knit need to bring their own needles and yarn.

Note from Stacy: If you are planning to come to this activity, we must know beforehand so we can make sure that there is room, make sure you know the safety guidelines for the farm so you can discuss them with your children, and make sure that we have enough supplies, so please email Cristen or the INCH email (if you're new) to let us know. Thank you!

Group Games This Friday

We're meeting at the Annville Library this Friday for Group Games and INCHworms.

This month for academic games (meeting downstairs), Cristin and Mary have a number of math stations set up with all kinds of fun math activities:

*Some of the games will be board games like Equate, which is sort of like Scrabble except you're making equations. Many activities will be from the book Family Math. Here are some examples:

*Venn Diagram sign in- everyone can sign in on a big Venn Diagram based on whichever statements apply to them.

*Guess and Group- the child reaches into a container (of beans for instance) and pulls out however many she(or he) can hold. Before looking at her hand, she guesses how many she has. Then she actually counts how many are there and fills in a chart.

*Tangrams- I'll have photocopies of tangram puzzle pieces for the children to cut out. Then, there are many options for them to choose from. They can try to use their pieces to make a bird puzzle, or use their pieces to make different shapes (can you make a square using 2 tangram pieces? How about a rhombus?).

*Value of Words- Each letter is given a corresponding price (A=$1, B=$2, C=$3, etc.), then the children can figure out problems like, how much is your first name worth? Can you find a word worth exactly $50?

And more!

This month for cooperative games (meeting outside), Peggy and Terrie have a whole bunch of fun stuff to play including:

*Knots on a Rope

*Can you Guess Who I Am?

*Spices in the Pantry

*Zoom

*Car-Car

And more!

Jenn and her crew will have all kinds of fun things ready for INCHworm fun! See you Friday!

INCH Annual Picnic 2008

INCH PICNIC
Friday, September 12, 2008
11am
South Hills Park

This year we are having an Olympic Theme to help celebrate the spirit of the games! Everyone is asked to bring an international dish to share (please also bring a half sheet of paper describing what's in the dish as well as a bit of cultural triva about it as learning enrichment for all of us). We will eat at 11am and then have a variety of athletic games from which to choose so you may want to wear sportswear. We will also be taking a group INCH picture at 1pm (Karen will oversee this).

We really want this event to promote an exchange of ideas and resources. If you're interested, please feel free to bring your own folding table to display information about your group's meetings and activities or to show or sell or exchange educational books and materials.

Our picnic is for all INCH members, prospective members, and all homeschoolers! Bring yourselves, your families, and your lunches and join us as we eat and play together. This is a wonderful networking opportunity where we can all share some great homeschooling resources with one another. Come get to know us and have fun with us! We welcome you!!

2008-2009 Schedule of Classes

INCH meets on Fridays for classes and field trips (unless otherwise noted). Here is our general schedule (always consult the 2008-2009 Calendar View at right for specifics--the calendar is the most updated INCH schedule): 1st Fridays are Group Games and INCHworms. 2nd Fridays are Field Trips. 3rd Fridays are Middle Creek Studies. 4th Fridays are Physics and INCHworms. 5th Fridays are Service Projects. We also have various extra curricular activities and groups. And we also have occassional Parents' Nights Out.

If you're interested in joining INCH, please email and let us know! All are welcome!

Please note any changes in red!

September

Sept. 5 (Fri) - Group Games* at Annville Library 10am

Sept. 7 (Sun) - Religious Studies Group

Sept. 12 (Fri) - Annual INCH Picnic (prospective members welcome!) at South Hills Park 11am

Sept. 15 (Mon) - Knitting Club at Lisa's Farm 1-3pm

Sept. 18 (Thurs) - Parents' Night Out at MJ's Coffeehouse 8pm

Sept. 19 (Fri) - Middle Creek Studies

Sept. 23 (Tues) - Field Trip (Click for More Information)

Sept. 25 (Thurs) - Field Trip (Part 2) (Click for More Information)

Sept. 26 (Fri) - Physics* at Annville Library 10am


October

Oct. 3 (Fri) - Field Trip (Click for More Information)

Oct. 5 (Sun) - Religious Studies Group

Oct. 10 (Fri) - Group Games* at Annville Library 10am

Oct. 14 (Tues) - Newbery Award Book Club at Christy's House 6:30-8pm

Oct. 16 (Thurs) - Parents' Night Out at MJ's Coffeehouse 8pm

Oct. 17 (Fri) - Middle Creek Studies

Oct. 20 (Mon) - Knitting Club 1-3pm

Oct. 24 (Fri) - Physics* at Annville Library 10am

Oct. 31 (Fri) - Service Project


November

Nov. 2 (Sun) - Religious Studies Group

Nov. 3 (Mon) - Sharing Nature Activities Levitz Park 10-12pm

Nov. 7 (Fri) - Group Games* at Annville Library 10am

Nov. 11 (Tues) - Newbery Award Book Club at Christy's House 6:30-8pm

Nov. 14 (Fri) - Field Trip (Click for More Information)

Nov. 17 (Mon) - Knitting Club 1-3pm

Nov. 20 (Thurs) - Parents' Night Out at MJ's Coffeehouse 8pm

Nov. 21 (Fri) - Middle Creek Studies

Nov. 28 (Fri) - NO CLASSES


December

Dec. 5 (Fri) - Group Games* at Annville Library 10am

Dec. 7 (Sun) - Religious Studies Group

Dec. 12 (Fri) - Field Trip (Click for More Information)

Dec. 15 (Mon) - Knitting Club 1-3pm

Dec. 16 (Tues) - Newbery Award Book Club at Christy's House 6:30-8pm

Dec. 18 (Thurs) - Parents' Night Out at MJ's Coffeehouse 8pm

Dec. 19 (Fri) - Middle Creek Studies

Dec. 26 (Fri) - NO CLASSES


January

Jan. 2 (Fri) - NO CLASSES

Jan. 4 (Sun) - Religious Studies Group

TBA - Farm Show

Jan. 13 (Tues) - Newbery Award Book Club at Christy's House 6:30-8pm

Jan. 15 (Thurs) - Parents' Night Out at MJ's Coffeehouse 8pm

Jan. 16 (Fri) - Middle Creek Studies

Jan. 19 (Mon) - Knitting Club 1-3pm

Jan. 23 (Fri) - Physics* at Annville Library 10am

Jan. 30 (Fri) - Service Project


February

Feb. 1 (Sun) - Religious Studies Group

Feb. 2 (Mon) - Sharing Nature Activities Levitz Park 10-12pm

Feb. 6 (Fri) - Group Games* at Annville Library 10am

Feb. 10 (Tues) - Newbery Award Book Club at Christy's House 6:30-8pm

Feb. 13 (Fri) - Field Trip (Click for More Information)

Feb. 16 (Mon) - Knitting Club 1-3pm

Feb. 19 (Thurs) - Parents' Night Out at MJ's Coffeehouse 8pm

Feb. 20 (Fri) - Middle Creek Studies

Feb. 27 (Fri) - Physics* at Annville Library 10am


March

Mar. 1 (Sun) - Religious Studies Group

Mar. 6 (Fri) - Group Games* at Annville Library 10am

Mar. 10 (Tues) - Newbery Award Book Club at Christy's House 6:30-8pm

Mar. 13 (Fri) - Field Trip (Click for More Information)

Mar. 16 (Mon) - Knitting Club 1-3pm

Mar. 19 (Thurs) - Parents' Night Out at MJ's Coffeehouse 8pm

Mar. 20 (Fri) - Middle Creek Studies

Mar. 27 (Fri) - Physics* at Annville Library 10am


April

Apr. 3 (Fri) - Group Games* at Annville Library 10am

Apr. 5 (Sun) - Religious Studies Group

Apr. 10 (Fri) - Field Trip (Click for More Information)

Apr. 14 (Tues) - Newbery Award Book Club at Christy's House 6:30-8pm

Apr. 16 (Thurs) - Parents' Night Out at MJ's Coffeehouse 8pm

Apr. 17 (Fri) - Middle Creek Studies

Apr. 20 (Mon) - Knitting Club 1-3pm

Apr. 24 (Fri) - Physics* at Annville Library 10am


May

May 1 (Fri) - Group Games* at Lebanon Library (note change in location) 10am

May 3 (Sun) - Religious Studies Group

May 4 (Mon) - Sharing Nature Activities Levitz Park 10-12pm

May 8 (Fri) - Field Trip (Click for More Information)

May 12 (Tues) - Newbery Award Book Club at Christy's House 6:30-8pm

May 15 (Fri) - Middle Creek Studies

May 18 (Mon) - Knitting Club 1-3pm

May 21 (Thurs) - Parents' Night Out at MJ's Coffeehouse 8pm

May 22 (Fri) - Physics* at Lebanon Library (note change in location) 10am

May 29 (Fri) - Service Project


June

June 5 (Fri) - Group Games* at Annville Library 10am

June 7 (Sun) - Religious Studies Group

June 9 (Tues) - Newbery Award Book Club at Christy's House 6:30-8pm

June 12 (Fri) - Field Trip (Click for More Information)

June 18 (Thurs) - Parents' Night Out at MJ's Coffeehouse 8pm

June 19 (Fri) - Middle Creek Studies

June 26 (Fri) - Physics* at Annville Library 10am


Chess Group meets on Tuesdays at MJ's at 7:30
Soccer meets on TBA at TBA
Theater Group meets every TBA (looking like Monday or Wednesday) 6-8pm beginning in February (through early June)
Spanish Language Group meets TBA
Scrapbooking Nights TBA


*We also have fun playtime and classes for younger children (INCHworms) during our Group Games and Physics classes.

2008-2009 Schedule of Field Trips

Field Trips 2008/2009

Many thanks to Christy and her kids' field trip planning committee for organzing these for us! More information will be forthcoming via email from Christy before each field trip as necessary.

You can use your Heritage Pass for anything marked with (*).

Join Here: http://www.paheritage.org/index.php/join-us

We will be packing a lunch unless otherwise written.

September-23rd

*Brandywine Battlefield -10:00-12:00 AM http://www.ushistory.org/brandywine/cal.htm

Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site, Box 202, Chadds Ford, PA 19317, Phone: 610-459-3342

September 25th

*Landis Valley Museum-http://www.landisvalleymuseum.org/

Colonial Days! 9-2:30pm and Heritage Passes will be honored.

Landis Valley Museum, 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, PA 17601 Phone: 717.569.0401

Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Annville&1s=PA&1z=17003-1520&1y=US&1l=40.332&1g=-76.5062&1v=STREET&2c=Chadds+Ford&2s=PA&2z=19317&2y=US&2l=39.858&2g=-75.596&2v=ZIP&r=s#a/mapsprint/l:::Lebanon:PA::US:40.340801:-76.411697:city:Lebanon+County/l:::Chadds+Ford:PA:19317:US:39.858:-75.596:zip:/l::2451+Kissel+Hill+Rd:Lancaster:PA:17601-4809:US:40.092032:-76.280766:address:/l:::Lebanon:PA::US:40.340801:-76.411697:city:Lebanon+County/m::7:40.09933:-75.992069:0:0:/io:1:::::f:EN:M:/e

(If someone has been to this location, let me know what you think of these directions. I would have gone through Lancaster to 30 to Rt 1, but Map Quest says the turnpike is faster.)

We may possibly be visiting the Wyeth Museum as well.

October- Friday October 3rd

Ashland-Pioneer Tunnel-9:30-11:00 http://www.pioneertunnel.com/home.shtml

19 th & Oak Sts. Ashland, Pennsylvania, 17921 Phone: 570-875-3850 or 570-875-3301

Pre-K through 6th Grade 7th Grade through High School and College
Total for Both Tours.......$ 8.00 Total for Both Tours......$ 10.00

One teacher or chaperone may come free
for each 20 students. Extra adults are $ 10.00 .
2 and under is free

Power Plant 12:30-1:30 (Ultra Constellation Operating Services)

4 Dennison Rd, Nesquehoning, PA 18240-2242 Phone: 570-645-8721

*Eckley’s Miners Village-2:00-3:00 http://www.eckleyminers.org/contact.html
Eckley Miners' Village, 2 Eckley Main Street, Weatherly, PA 18255 Phone: (570) 636-2070

Directions http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Annville&1s=PA&1z=17003&1y=US&1l=40.3775&1g=-76.5539&1v=ZIP&2c=Nesquahoning&2s=PA&2a=4+Dennison+Rd#a/maps/l:::Annville:PA:17003:US:40.3775:-76.5539:zip:/l:::Ashland:PA::US:40.7817:-76.3461:city:/l::4+Dennison+Rd:Nesquehoning:PA:18240-2242:US:40.856768:-75.876894:address:Carbon+County/l:::Weatherly:PA::US:40.9417:-75.830002:city:Carbon+County/m:::::0::/io:1:::::f:EN:M:/e

November 14th

Philadelphia

*Washington Crossing Historic Park-10:30-11:30 http://www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing/index.htm

Washington Crossing Historic Park • Box 103, Washington Crossing, PA 18977 Phone: 215-493-4076

Valley Forge 1:00 http://www.ushistory.org/ValleyForge/

1400 North Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone: (610) 783-1077

$3.00 for the Washington House

Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Lebanon&1s=PA&1y=US&1l=40.340801&1g=-76.411697&1v=CITY&2c=Washington+Crossing&2s=PA#a/mapsprint/l:::Lebanon:PA::US:40.340801:-76.411697:city:/l:::Washington+Crossing:PA::US:40.293301:-74.870796:city:Bucks+County/l:::Valley+Forge:PA::US:40.096901:-75.470001:city:Chester+County/m:::::0:0:/io:1:::::f:EN:M:/e

December 12

QVC-10:00-12:00

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/app.html/params.file.%7Ccp%7Cst_main,html/left.html.file.%7Cnav%7Cnavhqvisit,html/walk.html.%7Cnav%7Cnavhqwel,html

$4.50 per person Children 6 and under are free

Philadelphia Mint 2:00

151 Independence Mall East on 5th Street between Arch Street and Race Street.

http://www.usmint.gov/mint_tours/index.cfm?action=philadelphia

The United States Mint does not provide parking.

Directions:http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Lebanon&1s=PA&1y=US&1l=40.340801&1g=-76.411697&1v=CITY&2c=West+Chester&2s=PA&2a=1200+Wilson+Dr+#a/mapsprint/l:::Lebanon:PA::US:40.340801:-76.411697:city:/l::1200+Wilson+Dr:West+Chester:PA:19380-4267:US:39.99438:-75.582649:address:Chester+County/l::151+N+Independence+Mall+E:Philadelphia:PA:19106-1819:US:39.953474:-75.14827:address:Philadelphia+County/l:::Lebanon:PA::US:40.340801:-76.411697:city:Lebanon+County/m:::::0::/io:1:::::f:EN:M:/e

January

The Farm Show

The Farm Show is located in Harrisburg and lasts all week long. Closer to the month, we will pick a time and place to meet. Maybe we will choose to just visit independently.

February 13

Lebanon Area/Grantville

Gap Museum 10:00-11:00 Charles Oellig 861-2402 http://www.dmva.state.pa.us/ftig/cwp/view.asp?a=3&Q=442963&ftigNav=|

VA-Medical Center 11:30-12:30 http://www.va.gov/kids/k-5/index.asp

Recycling Center - I will get back to you with specifics.

March 13

Penn State

Earth and Mineral Science Museum 10:00-11:00 http://www.ems.psu.edu/museum/

16 Deike Building University Park, PA 16802-5000 Phone:814-865-6336

Frost Entomological Museum -11:15-12:15 http://www.ento.psu.edu/home/frost/education.html

AccuWeather, Inc. 1:00-2:00 http://www.accuweather.com

The children must be at least 9-years-old to go on this tour. They are firm about this rule. I will be glad to take the older children on this tour. There are many options for the younger children while this tour takes place.

Matson Museum of Anthropology

http://www.anthro.psu.edu/matson_museum/visitor_services.shtml

Palmer Museum of Art http://www.psu.edu/dept/palmermuseum/education.html

Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Lebanon&1s=PA&1y=US&1l=40.340801&1g=-76.411697&1v=CITY&2c=University+Park&2s=PA&2z=16802&2y=US&2l=40.8077&2g=-77.8602&2v=ZIP&r=s#a/maps/l:::Lebanon:PA::US:40.340801:-76.411697:city:/l:::University+Park:PA:16802:US:40.8077:-77.8602:zip:/l:::Lebanon:PA::US:40.340801:-76.411697:city:Lebanon+County/m:::::0::/io:1:::::s:EN:M:/e

These are only directions to University Park. I will have specific directions to each museum and AccuWeather.

I only scheduled the Earth and Mineral Museum and the Entomological Museum. If your children would like to visit the Anthropology and Art museums, let me know and I will schedule a tour.

April 10

TBA

May 8

Gettysburg

Gettysburg Battlefield
http://www.nps.gov/gett/
Phone: 334-1124 X3151

Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?1c=Lebanon&1s=PA&1y=US&1l=40.340801&1g=-76.411697&1v=CITY&2c=Gettysburg&2s=PA#a/mapsprint/l:::Lebanon:PA::US:40.340801:-76.411697:city:/l:::Gettysburg:PA::US:39.830799:-77.2314:city:Adams+County/l:::Lebanon:PA::US:40.340801:-76.411697:city:Lebanon+County/m::6:40.08577:-76.821449:0::/io:1:::::f:EN:M:/e

June 12

Kutztown

Rodale Institute http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/on_our_farm

Kutztown University Dornish Collection of Children’s Literature

Dornish Collection
The J. Robert and Alice R. Dornish Collection is the donation of Dr. J. Robert Dornish. Professor Emeritus of the

College of Education. It is a collection of autographed children's literature that must be used in the Archives Room. The materials do not leave the library.

It is best to follow the directions on the Rodale web site. The college is very close.

Group Games Schedule

Unless otherwise noted, we have two different options when we get together for group games on first Fridays (check calendar)--competitive, academic games and non-competitive, cooperative games. Here is our schedule for the games:

September

Academic: Math Games (Cristin)
Cooperative: Knots on a Rope, Can you Guess Who I Am?, Spices in the Pantry, Zoom, and Car-Car (Peggy/Terrie)

October

Academic: Geography Bee/Jingo (Peggy)
Cooperative: (Combined with above group this month)

November

Academic: Spelling Bee (Rebecca)
Cooperative: Various (Peggy/Terrie)

December

Academic: Game Shows (Logan)
Cooperative: Various (Peggy/Terrie)

January - NO MEETING

February

Academic: Spelling Bee (Rebecca)
Cooperative: Various (Peggy/Terrie)

March

Academic: Math Games (Cristin)
Cooperative: Various (Peggy/Terrie)

April

Academic: Spelling Bee (Rebecca)
Cooperative: Various (Peggy/Terrie)

May

Academic: Math Games (Cristin)
Cooperative: Various (Peggy/Terrie)

June

Academic: Board Games
Cooperative: (Combined with above group this month)

Religious Studies Group

This group is for all families who enjoy learning about the different religions of the world. We will study religions and spirituality together and attend various services together as well. We hope to cover Catholicism, Mormonism, Judaism, Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, and many more!

Parents' Night Out

A reminder that TODAY is Parents' Night Out at 7pm at MJ's Coffeehouse in Annville! Come relax, visit, and share.