Homefires Journal

Please Help Get the Film ‘Class Dismissed’ Made!

Homefires Journal Editor — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:52:48 +0000

I was interviewed for a documentary on homeschooling called “Class Dismissed.” The film will be the first full-length documentary devoted to exploring homeschooling as a viable alternative to traditional schooling.

You know that public misperceptions of homeschooling are far removed from reality. This documentary promises to both educate the general public as well as inspire the [...]

Rites of Passage

Diane Flynn Keith -- Your Homeschool Coach and Mentor — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:30:00 +0000

Fun and Meaningful Family Celebrations!

Graduation and Rites of Passage

It’s June! In the school world, it’s time for commencement exercises, graduation gowns, tasseled mortarboards, diplomas and speeches.

It’s hard to escape the school calendar and its associated events. I am always surprised when homeschoolers follow the traditional school year, and even more miffed when they engage [...]

10 Books Every Homeschool Parent Should Read

Homefires Journal Editor — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:53:54 +0000

by Diane Flynn Keith

Have you read a good book lately? Whether you’re hanging out at Park Day, or waiting for the kids while they take a science class or music lesson, or if you’re just taking some well-deserved “me” time, there are a number of “great reads” that will inspire and revitalize your homeschooling. Below, [...]

Yes, My Grown Homeschooled Children Are Odd — And Yours Will Be Too!

Homefires Journal Editor — Wed, 25 May 2011 00:13:55 +0000

I am sick and tired of defending homeschooling from the question, “What about socialization?” Members of the modern homeschool movement have insisted for thirty years that homeschooled children are well-socialized. We laughingly refer to socialization as the “S word.” We deflect the socialization question by insisting it’s a myth. And yet, it persists.

We trounced the [...]

Heads Up, California Voters!

Diane Flynn Keith -- Your Homeschool Coach and Mentor — Mon, 24 May 2010 19:25:33 +0000

A Vote for Leonard Martin is a Vote Against Homeschooling! On June 8th, California voters will elect a new Superintendent of Public Instruction. Michelle Huelle, the San Bernardino County Contact for the California Homeschool Network (CHN) sent a query letter to all of the candidates asking for their position on homeschooling. She is posting the candidates’ responses [...]

2010 Vancouver Olympic Games: Free Lessons & Learning

Diane Flynn Keith -- Your Homeschool Coach and Mentor — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:26:53 +0000

Special Guest Blogger Marie-Claire Moreau

The Vancouver 2010 Olympics are here with a boat-load of teaching opportunities for you and the kids! Coming only once every two years, the Olympic games won’t be here long…you don’t want to miss the learning and fun while it lasts!

Children of all ages can learn by studying the Olympic games. [...]

What’s the BEST Part about Homeschooling?

Diane Flynn Keith -- Your Homeschool Coach and Mentor — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:59:52 +0000

In an interview I conducted with homeschool students, the kids mentioned having time to do what they are interested in and having time with their family, as the best part of homeschooling. In school and often after school, a student’s time is filled with curriculum and homework. A child rarely has the opportunity to explore an interest in any [...]

Planning Your Vision for Homeschooling (and The Life You Really Want)

Diane Flynn Keith -- Your Homeschool Coach and Mentor — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 16:36:59 +0000

Did you set some New Year’s resolutions for homeschooling? Most of us set educational goals at the beginning of the traditional school year in September. Unfortunately, those goals often aren’t achieved. Life interrupts our plans and as the kids grow, their needs, skills, and interests change – even in the course of just a few [...]

Review: STEP Workshop

Homefires Journal Editor — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 04:24:36 +0000

Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) Workshop

Reviewed by Homefires’ Review Team Written by Fran Wisniewski and Diane Flynn Keith

Imagine for a minute what it would be like to go without nagging your kids or yelling at them when they fail to do their chores or school work? How would you feel if your kids started [...]

Do Homeschool Moms Wear Stilettos?

Diane Flynn Keith -- Your Homeschool Coach and Mentor — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 23:34:00 +0000

Every women’s magazine I have picked up for the past couple of years has shown women in stiletto heels as the fashion “must.” (Oprah wears them, as do most of her female guests.) It’s as if women’s relatively new, prominent, and accepted role in the business world – a role that is [...]