As we leave the heat of summer behind and dive headfirst into back-to-school, Children’s Services is excited to provide events and resources for every type of learner in our community, including Homeschooling Families.

Chalkboard background with doodles, a butterfly, small robots, and a colorful spider, with "Homeschool Exploration Fall 2024" written in the center.

Programming

We’re excited to share that our monthly Exploration programs are returning this Fall. These programs are designed as enrichment opportunities for homeschooling students. Here are the programs Fountaindale will be offering this fall for Bolingbrook homeschool families with children in grades K–5!

Drawn picture of moth with spread wings, colored black with white speckles

Nature Exploration: Moths Matter
Friday, September 27, 10:30–11:30 a.m. (Drop in)
Butterflies aren’t the only bugs with beautiful wings. Learn how moths matter, and create your own moth to take home.

Save the Date for Moths Matter

 

White floor with red, blue, green and black lines intersecting; three small rounded robots sitting on different lines

Coding Exploration: Ozobot Races
Friday, October 18, 10:30 a.m.
Learn how to guide a robot using only markers and paper. This robot-filled intro to coding is perfect for tech-smart kids. (Registration required)

Register for Ozobot Races
Registration opens Friday, September 27

 

A cartoon picture of an egg with legs, arms and a worried face standing on top of a ladder outside on grass

STEM Exploration: Egg Drop
Friday, November 8, 10:30 a.m.
Explore the power of gravity as you build a device to keep your egg safe from a large drop. (Registration required)

Register for Egg Drop
Registration opens Friday, October 18

 

Reading Recommendations

Check out these books before the programs to extend the learning experience!

View the full reading list

Resource Spotlight

In addition to these programs, we want to invite homeschool teachers to explore the many resources that are available to our Fountaindale cardholders. Have you used the Ellison Machine in Studio 300? All Fountaindale cardholders have access to our Ellison machine as well as our robust collection of die cuts.

How to access the Studio 300 Ellison Machine:

  • Step 1: Open the Ellison Die Request Form on the Fountaindale website.
  • Step 2: Browse this Google spreadsheet that contains the Library’s inventory of Ellison Die Cuts.
  • Step 3: Request a reservation time for the Ellison Machine.
  • NOTE: Please submit your request form at least 36 hours before you would like to use the cutter. This ensures our staff have enough time to review and process your request.
Studio 300 operating hours are:
  • Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
  • Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
  • Sunday: 12:30–5:30 p.m.

Tips and Tricks

  1. If you would like to look at a list of die-cut titles, check the checkbox “I prefer to select my patterns from a list.” You can then choose the dies from a provided list.
  2. Take the time to describe the project you are doing so that our staff can select the best die cuts for your project.

Here are some examples of unique die cuts we have available!

A paper door hanger; a small envelope with a purple note inside; a paper puzzle of the Fountaindale Logo; a paper clock with moveable hand; a paper flashcard wheel that says "Equivilancy Wheel"; a small paper bag with a small paper tag attached to the handle; two paper tags, one medium, one large

Die cuts used in picture: Doorhanger (Hi); Envelope (3×2 IN); Puzzle; Clock Face & Hands; Flashcard Wheel (bottom & top); Bag; Tags #2