Posts Tagged ‘unschooling’

Learn How to Homeschool

November 21st, 2014

Dear Friend, We’re excited to meet you at this event… The Art of Homeschooling With Veteran Homeschool Moms, Mentors, & Activists: Barbara Phillips and Diane Flynn Keith* Saturday, January 10th, 9:30 AM to 12:30 P.M. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall 2124 Brewster Avenue (at Lowell Street) Redwood City, CA 94062 Are you interested in homeschooling or unschooling? Have you just begun your journey? Are you currently un/homeschooling and need some inspiration? Join us for a fun, informative, and thought-provoking conversation at this all-inclusive, non-sectarian event. What? You say you can’t make it to the live event? If you want to learn more about homeschooling and unschooling see the documentary film, “Class Dismissed.” Diane Flynn Keith is one of the homeschool advocates interviewed in the film that follows a family’s two-year journey from public school to learning outside the traditional classroom walls. Learn more at http://www.classdismissedmovie.com. For those who can attend the live event, here’s what you’ll learn: *Get the Basics – Find out the Legal Ways to Homeschool/Unschool in California including enrollment in a public school/charter school programs, and establishing a private school (and filing the Private School Affidavit) *How to Hack An Education – Where to Find Curriculum and Educational Resources and Opportunities both traditional and unconventional for all grades, ages, interests, and ability levels *Where to Find Community – How to Get Connected with Other Un/Homeschoolers for Support and Socialization including co-op classes, field trips, and social events *How Homeschoolers & Unschoolers Get Into College – with or without doing high school curriculum *How People Successfully Homeschool and Unschool Their Kids (what a day in a life without traditional schooling looks like) Through personal stories and Q&A, get answers to all of your questions or concerns including un/homeschooling children with learning differences, gifted kids, teens, and children of multiple ages, and more! Please arrive early, as we will begin the meeting promptly at 9:30 AM. Doors open at 9:00 AM. This event will be held in the “Social Hall” at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. The entrance to the Social Hall is on Lowell Street. The facility is located in a well-maintained residential neighborhood. There is plenty of free street parking around the building. This event is for adults only. Please do not bring children or babes-in-arms. Thank you for your cooperation. Please bring any beverages or snacks needed for your own comfort during the presentation. Space is limited. ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY ADVISED. There is a small registration fee to defray expenses including room rental and hand-outs: Advanced Registration is $20 per person; Registration at the door (if seating is available) is $25 per person. To Register in advance and save $5.00 click on the link below: http://www.homefires.com/click?artofhsing Sorry, no refunds. If you register and are unable to attend for any reason, you are welcome to transfer your registration to someone else. We will also be happy to email the handout (pdf) to anyone who registers and is unable to attend on the day of the event. Simply contact us after the event and request the handout. Can’t wait to see you there! Please help us get the word out by passing this information along to anyone who may be interested! Thank you! *About the Presenters: Barbara Phillips is a veteran homeschool mom and activist, California credentialed teacher (Montessori certified), and a Reading Tutor and Coach who specializes in helping children with special needs. She has been mentoring un/homeschool families through workshops and presentations for over 20 years. Barbara un/homeschooled her daughter, Rachel, from second grade through high school. Diane Flynn Keith is a veteran un/homeschool mom and mentor, editor of Homefires.com, author of the books “Carschooling” and “Papa’s Pearls,” and has been a popular speaker at homeschool conferences throughout the U.S. Her oldest son was un/homeschooled from second grade through high school, and her youngest son was un/homeschooled from K-12. She enjoys liberating families from conventional schooling to live extraordinary lives. Here’s to your lifelong learning success, Diane Diane Flynn Keith Editor of Homefires.com, Kindling A Love of Learning Through Homeschooling http://www.Homefires.com Author of “Papa’s Pearls: A Father’s Gift of Love and Wisdom To His Children and Grandchildren” http://www.PapasPearls.com To unsubscribe go here: https://go.madmimi.com/opt_out?fe=1&pact=26422648946&amx=7156543500

Exogeology Rocks!

September 30th, 2014

 

It’s Tuesday, September 30, 2014, and time for Science at ClickSchooling!

 

Recommended Website:

 

Exogeology Rocks!

 

Age Range: All (All grades, with parental supervision)

 

Zoe, a teenager, created this terrific website with information on exogeology that combines the sciences of geology and astronomy in the study of planets, asteroids, moons, etc. She and her family were interviewed about unschooling in 2011 on the “Today Show.” The segment included information about Zoe Bentley’s passion for Exogeology. You can watch the Bentley Family’s segment on the “Today Show” here and see reactions to the piece.
To begin learning about Exogeology, use the menu under the headline “Things To Do” on the right side of the homepage that includes a definition of Exogeology, and other information about the site. You can also learn more about Zoe. You’ll find:

*Exogeology Rocks: Episodes/Meet Real Exogeologists – Watch Zoe’s on-camera interviews with exogeologists who explain what their work entails.

*How To Become An Exogeologist – Get information on what it takes to have a career in exogeology. Kids will find suggested activities and links to further information about:

  • NASA
  • Rock collecting
  • Dig-sites
  • Stargazing
  • Visiting geologic formations

*Games & Puzzles – Enjoy playing crossword puzzles, word searches, and jigsaw puzzles themed around geology, astronomy, and exogeology.

You’ll also find a photo gallery, a great list of resources to explore, and more! Read about about “Zoe’s Geo Party,” a trivia game she invented that involves weekly video clues that are posted on the site. Scroll down the page to see the archive of past clues and games.

This is an incredible demonstration of where interest-initiated learning and unschooling can lead, and may inspire your homeschooler or unschooler to explore their passions with the same gusto!

Virtual Tour of Old Sturbridge Village, MA

November 15th, 2013

Hi! It’s Friday, November 15, 2013 and time for a Virtual Field Trip at ClickSchooling!

Recommended Website:

Old Sturbridge Village

Age Range: 9 and up (approximately, with parental supervision)

Take a free virtual tour of Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts to experience early New England life from 1790-1840. This is the companion website to one of the country’s largest living history museums where a staff of historians in costume reenact village life.

As explained at the website, the museum has “59 historic buildings on 200 acres, three authentic water-powered mills and two covered bridges. Visitors can ride in a stagecoach, view antiques, heirloom gardens, meet the farm animals, and take part in hands-on crafts year-round.”

The website offers the opportunity to explore this living history museum without leaving home.  When you get to the website, click on the map to take a photographic tour of the museum that is accompanied by text explanations of the exhibits that include:

*Friends Meetinghouse: Members of the Society of Friends were also called Quakers and had a distinctive way of life.   

*Tin Shop: In the 1830s, tinware shops competed successfully with pottery stores.   

*Salem Towne House: This Federal-style dwelling was the home of a prosperous farmer.      

*Printing Office: Rural printing offices produced books, broadsides, bills, and pamphlets.   

*Cider Mill: Cider mills used horsepower to press apples into cider, the region’s favorite domestic beverage.   

When you’re through taking the tour, use the menu on the left to learn more – and get some old-time recipes for Potted Cheese, Gourd Soup, and Marlborough Pudding.

All Good Things Must Come To An End

June 5th, 2013

Dear Reader,

For over 21 years I’ve been a homeschool mom, mentor, writer, speaker, coach, author, and entrepreneur. I’ve taken great delight in homeschooling my own sons, and in helping to liberate other families from conventional schooling to live extraordinary lives.

This work has been a labor of love. Since 1992, I’ve been an advocate for home learning regardless of methodology, philosophy, or personal beliefs or affiliations. That inclusivity has resulted in a great deal of support and encouragement from the homeschool community for which I am grateful.

When I was in the thick of homeschooling, I found friendships and support through the work. Once my own sons were launched, I continued to find great satisfaction in mentoring other homeschool families. However, the commitment it takes leaves little room for anything else.

Over the past few years. I have felt a strong sense to reinvent myself and direct my energy in other ways. That tug to do something different started out as a whisper, but its volume has increased to the point where I simply can’t ignore it anymore. There’s something else I’m supposed to be doing and it will not be quieted. So, I’ve made the decision to retire from my usual endeavors and give myself the gift of time to start anew.

It will take a little time to wind things down, but I fully expect to complete the transition by December 31, 2013.

For now, I’m going to stop speaking at conferences, cease private coaching and consultations, and I’m going to discontinue publishing two of my free e-newsletters,Universal Preschool and Carschooling. The last issues of those e-newsletters will be published around July 1st.

The free ClickSchooling e-newsletter will most likely continue through the rest of this year, with the last issue published in December of 2013.

At this time, I don’t have plans to produce or sell any more homeschool products or programs. In fact, I’m having a “Liquidation Sale” from June 21st-25th – and all of the products will be available for 50% off. You’ll receive a separate notice of this sale, so watch for it in your inbox. (Just FYI, my books, Carschooling and Papa’s Pearls, will not be part of the sale, and will continue to be offered on Amazon.com in both print and Kindle versions.)

My websites, Homefires.com, UniversalPreschool.com, ClickSchooling.com, and Carschooling.com, will continue to exist for now, providing free resources and information to visitors worldwide.

I am proud of supporting homeschool families over the years through my websites, teleconferences, speaking engagements, e-newsletters, yahoo groups, coaching services, and products. I am thankful for the remarkable team of partners, collaborators, assistants, and webmasters who have supported my efforts and made it all possible. I have been forever spoiled by their professionalism and generosity.

I am also appreciative for our loyal advertisers, who have sponsored Homefires’ endeavors by trusting us to bring their message of resources and services to the homeschool community.

And to you – my readers, subscribers, customers, and clients – please accept my heartfelt thanks for your support, encouragement, and irrepressible enthusiasm for building better families through homeschooling. It has been my profound pleasure to have served you in your choice to help your children learn without schooling.

If you would like to share your thoughts, comments, or questions on any aspect of this news, you are welcome to do so on my Facebook page athttp://www.Facebook.com/DianeFlynnKeith.

I will keep you posted of the transitions and changes as they occur throughout the rest of this year.

I wish each and every one of you much love and lifelong learning success,

 

Diane Flynn Keith

Editor of Homefires.com

Diane Flynn Keith began publishing “ClickSchooling” in the year 2000 while she and her husband, Cliff, homeschooled their sons. Now, Diane’s sons are grown, and she is an internationally recognized voice in education outside the traditional classroom walls.

Diane is the author of the rave-reviewed book, “CarschoolingOver 350 Entertaining Games & Activities To Turn Travel Time Into Learning Time” withgames like Windshield Entomology, Road-Cut Geology, 18-Wheeler Chemistry, and Drive-By History that are guaranteed to turn your kids into “Road Scholars”.

Stop by the Carschooling website for tons of resources and activities for you and your family to enjoy atwww.Carschooling.com.

Ms. Keith is also a popular speaker at education conferences throughout the U.S. To learn more about booking Diane for a lively presentation at your next event email: editor@homefires.com

 

Feeling the Luck of the Irish? Well, you should be…

March 14th, 2013

 

Dear Reader,

A Lucky Leprechaun Sale!

For FOUR DAYS ONLY Get 40% Off On Our Most Popular Products!

Sale Starts Thursday, March 14th, at 12:00 AM (EST) and

Sale Ends Sunday, March 17th, at 11:59 PM (EST)

Just enter the coupon code “LUCKY” on the order form when you place your order and a WHOPPING 40% will be automatically deducted from your total purchase price!

Save 40% on all of these terrific Homefires’ products…

Basic Building Blocks for Homeschool Success

This step-by-step e-audio course and resource guide will help you get started successfully homeschooling your children and help you thrive doing it! Covers homeschool styles and methods, organization, time management, an amazing compendium of educational resources, and advice about common challenges and concerns. Delivered in mp3 and pdf format.

This New Electronic Product is Valued at $67.00. Take 40% off and pay just $40.20! That’s a total savings of $26.80!

*****

Unschool Your Teen Audio Seminar & Resource Guide

This rave-reviewed product explains you how your teen can bypass high school and standardized curriculum and still get into a competitive college and have a terrific career! Includes 5 informative audio presentations and a comprehensive Resource Guide.

Hard Copy Version (includes comprehensive manual and CDs) is $167.00 – Take 40% Off and Pay Just $100.20! Save $66.80! (While supplies last!)

Electronic “Green” Version (delivered in downloadable mp3 and pdf format) is $117.00. Take 40% Off and Pay Just $70.20! Save $46.80!

*****

Living & Learning with Preschoolers eAudio Course

Designed by homeschool parents and early education specialists, you’ll get the scoop on the latest research and find out why “lap-time” is more important than “circle time.” Explore early childhood development, loving and effective discipline, how to handle a picky eater, and find new activities that promote early learning in a fun, relaxed, and playful way. Includes 6 audio recordings (downloadable mp3s) and a Directory of Resources (pdf).

This Electronic “Green” Product is $57.00. Take 40% Off and Pay Just $34.20! Save $22.80!

*****

Home Preschool Curriculum

Get over 400 innovative and playful learning activities designed to build readiness skills and nurture a life-long love of learning! Available as an instant-access e-book (delivered in a downloadable pdf format). It is chock-full of activities and ideas including games, rhymes, recipes and resources for learning with little ones! It will give you the confidence that your child is learning in your loving presence each and every day.

This Electronic “Green” eBook is $47.97! Take 40% Off and Pay Just $28.78! Save $19.19!

UniversalPreschool.com’s Learning Calendar

Get Fun, Easy Activities & Time-Saving Resources For Learning with Little Ones All Year Long!

If You Are a Parent of A Preschooler – You Need This Innovative e-Book! It will save you hours of research and provide dozens of innovative activities, lessons, and teaching ideas that are just right for children ages 2-5! Delivered in e-book format as a downloadable pdf.

Electronic Learning Calendar E-Book is $27.00. Take 40% Off and Pay Just $16.20! Save $10.80!

The Homefires’ Lucky Leprechaun Sale takes place for

FOUR DAYS ONLY on March 14, 15, 16, & 17

Act Fast!

These Deals Disappear as Quickly as a Rainbow

Luck of the Irish to you and yours,

Diane Flynn Keith
for ClickSchooling
http://www.ClickSchooling.com

Diane Flynn Keith began publishing “ClickSchooling” in the year 2000 while she and her husband, Cliff, homeschooled their sons. Now, Diane’s sons are grown, and she is an internationally recognized voice in education outside the traditional classroom walls.

Diane is the author of the rave-reviewed book, “Carschooling: Over 350 Entertaining Games & Activities To Turn Travel Time Into Learning Time” with games like Windshield Entomology, Road-Cut Geology, 18-Wheeler Chemistry, and Drive-By History that are guaranteed to turn your kids into “Road Scholars”.

Stop by the Carschooling website for tons of resources and activities for you and your family to enjoy at www.Carschooling.com.

Ms. Keith is also a popular speaker at education conferences throughout the U.S. To learn more about booking Diane for a lively presentation at your next event email: editor@homefires.com

Diane is the editor of www.Homefires.com that provides information and resources along with free monthly teleconferences on homeschooling, unschooling, and educational alternatives.  She provides support for parents who want to help their preschool-age children learn at home at: www.UniversalPreschool.com.

Diane’s best-selling program is her new “Unschool Your Teen Audio Seminar & Resource Guide.” It shows parents how to collaborate with their teens to bypass high school and standardized curriculum and still get into the college of their choice and/or have the career of their dreams. Learn more at www.UnschoolYourTeen.com.

Diane’s latest program, “Basic Building Blocks for Homeschool Success,” is a step-by-step guide to homeschooling filled with resources and information on how to begin homeschooling and thrive doing it! Learn more at www.Homefires.com/buildingblocks.

Today, Diane guides and mentors families through her websites, coaching programs, and live events. She is driven to liberate families from the constraints of conventional schooling so that they can live happy, fulfilled, extraordinary lives.

To contact Diane Flynn Keith
Email: Editor@Homefires.com

 

 

 

© 2013 Diane Flynn Keith

Homefires
327 Saint Francis Street
Redwood City, CA
94062
US

Free St. Patrick’s Day Learning Activities for Your Family!

March 13th, 2013

 

Dear Reader,

Just for Fun:
Free St. Patrick’s Day Learning Activities!

St. Patrick’s Day, on March 17th, is one of my favorite holidays. To celebrate, I’ve compiled some free St. Patrick’s Day activities and resources chalk full of learning opportunities that your whole family will enjoy.

You’ll find ideas that are fun for little and big kids alike including:

  • Learn about the Wee Folk and make Leprechaun-Inspired Mischief!
  • Get a Recipe for Irish Soda Bread!
  • Make Green Carnations with a Fun Science Experiment!
  • Enjoy a Refreshing Magical Beverage called “A Darby O’Gill”!
  • Conduct a “Potato Science Experiment” to Demonstrate Phototropism
  • Turn a Potato into a Stamp and Make Potato Prints!

And you’ll find recommendations for St. Patrick’s Day books, along with links to more free St. Patty’s Day Learning Activities!

Click on this link to get your Free St. Patrick’s Day Learning Activities Now!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 

Diane Flynn Keith

Author of Papa’s Pearls: A Father’s Gift of Love and Wisdom to His Children. www.PapasPearls.com

*Parents, as always, should preview to determine suitability of content for children.

Diane Flynn Keith began publishing “ClickSchooling” in the year 2000 while she and her husband, Cliff, homeschooled their sons. Now, Diane’s sons are grown, and she is an internationally recognized voice in education outside the traditional classroom walls.

Diane is the author of the rave-reviewed book, “Carschooling: Over 350 Entertaining Games & Activities To Turn Travel Time Into Learning Time” with games like Windshield Entomology, Road-Cut Geology, 18-Wheeler Chemistry, and Drive-By History that are guaranteed to turn your kids into “Road Scholars”.

Stop by the Carschooling website for tons of resources and activities for you and your family to enjoy at www.Carschooling.com.

Ms. Keith is also a popular speaker at education conferences throughout the U.S. To learn more about booking Diane for a lively presentation at your next event email: editor@homefires.com

Diane is the editor of www.Homefires.com that provides information and resources along with free monthly teleconferences on homeschooling, unschooling, and educational alternatives.  She provides support for parents who want to help their preschool-age children learn at home at: www.UniversalPreschool.com.

Diane’s best-selling program is her new “Unschool Your Teen Audio Seminar & Resource Guide.” It shows parents how to collaborate with their teens to bypass high school and standardized curriculum and still get into the college of their choice and/or have the career of their dreams. Learn more at www.UnschoolYourTeen.com.

Diane’s latest program, “Basic Building Blocks for Homeschool Success”, is a step-by-step guide to homeschooling filled with resources and information on how to begin homeschooling and thrive doing it! Learn more at www.Homefires.com/buildingblocks.

Today, Diane guides and mentors families through her websites, coaching programs, and live events. She is driven to liberate families from the constraints of conventional schooling so that they can live happy, fulfilled, extraordinary lives.

To contact Diane Flynn Keith
Email: Editor@Homefires.com

 

 

 

© 2013 Diane Flynn Keith

Homefires
327 Saint Francis Street
Redwood City, CA
94062
US

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