What would you be doing if you didn’t have kids?
May 16th, 2008 by COD
I don’t want to know right now. I want to know by May 31 though.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Home-Schoolers Learn to Argue For Evolution
I wonder if the evolved homeschoolers got together and held a seminar promoting evolution it would get as much press as these Fundamentalist Christian Homeschoolers (Home-Schoolers Learn to Argue Against Evolution) did?
Evolutionary scientists say there are no credible scientific critiques of evolution -- no more than there are credible alternatives to the theory of gravity. While its details are debated, evolution is unassailable in scientific circles.
The American public thinks differently. Gallup polls have shown nearly half of U.S. adults don't believe evolution, and a third are unhappy schools teach it.
Many of those adults who don't believe in evolution were educated in public schools.
Science is among 14-year-old Hannah Bernhart's favorite classes. Before Snavely's seminar, she had already studied evolution to better understand what "our opponents" believe, said the ninth-grader from Elizabethtown.
She knows some Christians view the Bible differently and accept evolution. That's confusing to her because the Bible clearly says God created man in his present form, she said.
"I believe the reason most people believe in evolution is they don't want to believe the Bible," she said.
Maybe she should try reading some books on theistic evolution. Click here to read additional post on evolution.
HT: HERP&ES (the former HE&OS)
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Education Industrial Complex
The Education Industrial Complex by By PAUL PETERSON
Mr. Peterson, is the director of Harvard University’s Program on Education Policy and Governance as well as a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution.
Between 1989 and 2006, the National Education Association came in fourth among all entities contributing to national campaigns, right behind the National Association of Realtors. With the NEA opposed to meaningful accountability, genuine school choice, and anything resembling merit pay for teachers, politicians have little to gain from trumpeting reforms that might get schools back on track.
Mr. Peterson, is the director of Harvard University’s Program on Education Policy and Governance as well as a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution.
Between 1989 and 2006, the National Education Association came in fourth among all entities contributing to national campaigns, right behind the National Association of Realtors. With the NEA opposed to meaningful accountability, genuine school choice, and anything resembling merit pay for teachers, politicians have little to gain from trumpeting reforms that might get schools back on track.
I want the mural to stay
Bastrop resident Lauren Hansell, who made the original complaint, homeschools her children but visits the school on Fridays to pray with students at the flagpole.
A Christian, Hansell said she wants the mural removed because of the war and slavery scenes and depictions of Buddha and ancient gods. Hansell said girl's basketball coach Dee Deshay pointed out the mural as a potential problem.
As a homeschooler I am appalled by this woman's attitude and hope the mural stays. This commenter says it best.
KGruetzner wrote:
The paper only showed two representations of the mural, the side with Shiva and Buddha (and other HISTORICAL artifacts), and the side with Bastrop's history. They failed to print a picture of the huge dove with an olive branch in its mouth that is right in the center of the mural. Is that not a Christian symbol?I'm a student at Bastrop High, and am outraged that the only representation of fine arts that we have is raising so much controversy. This woman needs to open her mind. Art is all about perception, and two ignorant womens perceptions shouldn't be enough to get rid of a piece of art that has been with us for 5 years.
HT: O'Donnell Web
A Christian, Hansell said she wants the mural removed because of the war and slavery scenes and depictions of Buddha and ancient gods. Hansell said girl's basketball coach Dee Deshay pointed out the mural as a potential problem.
As a homeschooler I am appalled by this woman's attitude and hope the mural stays. This commenter says it best.
KGruetzner wrote:
The paper only showed two representations of the mural, the side with Shiva and Buddha (and other HISTORICAL artifacts), and the side with Bastrop's history. They failed to print a picture of the huge dove with an olive branch in its mouth that is right in the center of the mural. Is that not a Christian symbol?I'm a student at Bastrop High, and am outraged that the only representation of fine arts that we have is raising so much controversy. This woman needs to open her mind. Art is all about perception, and two ignorant womens perceptions shouldn't be enough to get rid of a piece of art that has been with us for 5 years.
HT: O'Donnell Web
Thursday, May 15, 2008
My answer to Grovestreet's question about HSLDA
What is the HSLDA...if not, to defend homeschool families.
Many homeschoolers are not members of H$LDA and are infuriated by their alarmist emails. We are also infuriated by the fact H$LDA claims to speak for all homeschoolers. They do not!
H$LDA has their own political agenda (an agenda which I do not agree with), which they need money to achieve. So they convince homeschoolers that they need protection. I did several post on HSLDA.
Many homeschoolers are not members of H$LDA and are infuriated by their alarmist emails. We are also infuriated by the fact H$LDA claims to speak for all homeschoolers. They do not!
H$LDA has their own political agenda (an agenda which I do not agree with), which they need money to achieve. So they convince homeschoolers that they need protection. I did several post on HSLDA.
- Coincidence or Conspiracy
- One Homeschool Association to Rule Them All...........
- Home-School Non-Discrimination Act of 2005
- Do You Have to Join HSLDA to Homeschool?
Homeschooler starts college at age 8
His parents say they never planned to enroll their son in college at age 8, and sought to put him in a private elementary school when he was 6.
"They didn't want to accept me because I knew more than the teacher there and they said I looked too bored," the youngster recalls.
His parents home-schooled him instead, but after two years decided college was the best place for him. East L.A. officials agreed to accept him if he enrolled initially in just two classes, math and physical education. After he earned A-pluses in both, he was allowed to expand his studies.
What do his professors think about having him as a student.
"He is the youngest college student I've ever taught and one of the hardest working," says Daniel Judge, his statistics professor. "He's actually a pleasure to have in class. He's a well- adjusted, nice little boy."
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Thinking Mother: Ships Without a Shore: Book Review by ChristineMM
The Thinking Mother: Ships Without a Shore: Book Review by ChristineMM:
"Today’s children have rising rates of learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and problems thinking—some of which the author ties to being raised in daycare situations or being rushed to formal academics at a too-young age when their brain is not even physically developed enough to handle the processing of that type of learning, and is damaged as a result."
This book is now on my reading list, I am looking forward to reading it for myself. Thanks Christine!
"Today’s children have rising rates of learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and problems thinking—some of which the author ties to being raised in daycare situations or being rushed to formal academics at a too-young age when their brain is not even physically developed enough to handle the processing of that type of learning, and is damaged as a result."
This book is now on my reading list, I am looking forward to reading it for myself. Thanks Christine!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Gonzo Writer Attacks Homeschooling
This has to be one of the most close minded public school Mom's out there.
The formality and structure created by going to school everyday is lost in homeschool. Monday through Friday there is a routine, a sense of purpose. No confusion or ciaos. A learned respect of the adults that are teaching them. A respect for all people is gained by following the rules in school, as do in, the rules is society. Created to maintain order. When is this learned in homeschooling?
I can assure grovestreet homeschoolers do not live in confusion or chaos (it would be nice if she would learn to spell). Our children know what is expected of them each day and they do it. And guess what homeschool families have rules, just like the majority of public school families do. Apparently groovestreet's family is an exception as she can't imagine children learning rules or respect at home.
It has been said to me…..Why does their child have to learn for six to seven hours a day when they can teach them in two to three hours. WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT TEACH? WORK AT HOME. This child is learning nothing about adult work ethic by knowing that all work can be done in two-three hours. What is normal for most of us…. Punch a clock and spend the eight and 1/2 hours at a location to collect a paycheck. Run a business and it is a up at dawn, 24/7 career. What job can you work for an hour and then go out and hug trees? Drug dealer…sorry…. that was wrong but true. I wonder, if all those San Diego students were homeschooled prior to joining that frat house. Oh again, Sorry. Just trying to prove my point.
She so totally misses the point. Being more efficient is a good thing. Employers are always looking for ways to make their workers more productive.
To me there is an elitist attitude in homeschooling…. that you are a better teacher than our hard working, well-educated teachers or our educational system. The educational system is not good enough for your standards. What are you truly afraid of your child learning in school…all the bad things you see on TV. Do you study the statics of all these negative reports or just jump on the fear bandwagon of the group of like-minded individuals you surround yourself with. Was school that horrible for you? I am only trying to figure out for reason you would withhold your child from school.
The educational system in America is in serious trouble. Grovestreet can bury her head in the sand and deny it all she wants, but if she is truly interested she should watch John Stossel's Stupid in America. Parents have the RIGHT to make the educational choice that is best for their child ~ homeschooling, public schooling and private schooling are all valid educational options. Considering that my eldest son started college at 16, homeschooling was the best choice for him. It allowed him to move at his own pace, which was much faster then what his public school counterparts were moving at. And I am sure this would come as a surprise to grovestreet but many public school teachers homeschool their own children (I personally know several of them). And I am sure this will shock poor grovestreet to the core but I have been a substitute teacher in my local public schools. I can tell you first hand that it is much easier to homeschool you own children then it is to teach a classroom of 20 or 25 kids.
What I hear from them, through their church, is so much negative information and they feel so strongly that it is right. But it is so, so wrong. The information and facts I receive are so twisted it is scary to hear. They hold ideals which appear to me to be very judgmental of others, they use alarmists tactics when trying to make a point and are very negative to the “outside” world; government agencies, public institutions. Most to all of information received come to me through email and then the email war begins. It is so filled with negativity and alarmists view it infuriates me beyond belief. Therefore I begin explaining why I disagree with the views sent… firmly denying the whole idea of these beliefs and try to prove that the facts given to me are wrong.
This really doesn't have anything to do with homeschooling. I know this will probably come as a HUGE surprise to grovestreet but not all homeschoolers, homeschool for religious reasons. In fact not all homeschoolers are Christians. Homeschoolers are a diverse group. The chicken little email senders are just as likely to be sending their children to public school as to be homeschooling.
Here is an example: I received email regarding the book “The Secret”, and how dangerous it was, it is being used to reshape the minds of all humans and we should never, ever read such material, followed by BEWARE
What does this have to do with homeschooling? Again these emailers are just as likely to be sending their kids to public school as homeschooling. And this would probably shock grovestreet no end but I agree with her. I don't want anyone telling me or my kids what books we can read. The most irritating thing about these emailers is very often they condemn a book, movie or whatever without ever reading it or seeing it for themselves.
Or the topic of the 400 children taken away from the polygamist compound and how is was so wrong of the government. The government did not move fast enough in my opinion.
Again what does this have to do with homeschooling? The vast majority of homeschoolers have a monogamous marriage just like public school parents. In fact unlike a great majority of public school mothers, homeschool mothers are more likely to be married to their child's father. I am reserving judgement on the polygamist compound in Texas as "Officials still haven't found the 16-year-old girl whose abuse complaint triggered the massive raid". Unlike grovestreet, I like to have all the facts before forming an opinion. I do believe polygamy is morally wrong and that it would be reprehensible to force young girls into marriage. But at this time we really can't be sure what was going on in the compound. For all we know the alleged 16 year old girl who triggered the raid may have been a prank call, until they find her we just don't know. And I don't intend to rush to judgement.
Back to my original topic and why I feel that their religion may affect their decision to homeschool- In a recent email I received from one of my friends. It contain information that homeschool families are scared their children will be taken away. There are websites -parentalrights.org and hslda.org- to protect homeschool families. Why do they need protecting? Here’s an idea put your kids in public school, get to know the principal, your community politicians and be productive member of society and you will never have cause to fear such wasteful notions.
Homeschoolers don't need protection from the law. Homeschooling is LEGAL in America. You do not have to put your children in public school for 'protection'. You merely have to follow the homeschooling laws in your state. On the other hand homeschoolers do need protection from irrational fruitcakes that spread lies and misinformation against homeschoolers. As for being productive members of society, I assure you grovestreet homeschoolers are just as productive members of society as public school parents are. In fact many homeschoolers involve themselves in social issues, environmental issues and politics. In fact John and Elizabeth Edwards were homeschooling their children briefly.
Socialization and homeschool is a huge issue. In my opinion, a child will never be properly socialized through homeschooling; even though, there are many articles written to make these families feel better about their decision. Involved in music classes, athletics or meeting other homeschool families at the park. Are you spending six hours a day, five days a week with the same people? That is how you learn about others. A great example was the reality show, “The Real World”. A socialization experiment, how well did they deal with other humans unlike them. A need for the new socialization tool- MYSPACE.
I wonder why socialization is such a huge issue for her? And honestly citing a reality TV Show as an example of how real life is, is ummmmmmmm unreal. Maybe somebody is watching too much TV.
After supposedly receiving comments which we will never be able to verify as she deleted all the comments. She went on to post this.
Thank you for all you seriously committeed homeschoolers for commenting on my article. WOW– you are all defensive and pissy…Is that what you teach your kids? Quite aggressive, maybe you had bullying issues in school. No wonder I think you should put your kids in school. Don’t start pissing in my lawn. This blog is for me and only me. Every single comment came from visitors to my blog, my home. YOU FOUND ME! I don’t care about any one of you or would ever come to visit your blog nevermind waste my energy on telling you I disagree with YOUR OPINION. So GET THE HELL OFF MY LAWN, GET OUT OF MY YARD… YOUR TOMMY CANNOT PLAY WITH MY SALLY ANYMORE. You not invited here. BUG OFF. BTW - I am a mother not a father. You should read all of my blogs not just your self- centered interests.
I am a gonzo writer. If you don’t know what that means - look it up - then teach it to your children.
Jeez, I wonder why she not only read my blog, Dana's blog and Taz's Mom's blog but left comments? Apparently she likes changing the rules. As for being a gonzo writer, maybe she should consider that she isn't the only one who can engage in gonzo writing. Apparently she is less fond of name-calling, bomb-throwing and sardonic humor in the gonzo style when it is aimed at her.
A very nice blogger attempted to explain why homeschoolers went on the defensive when we were attacked. Her response (both comments will probably be deleted as she is fond of deleting comments).
Comment by grovestreet on May 13, 2008 4:36 pm I don’t mind a different perspective — I mind personal attacks. I was never aiming my opinions at anyone.
Sorry this doesn't fly. Homeschoolers are people, she was aiming her attacks (as there was more then one negative post on homeschooling) at anyone who choose to homeschool their children.
One homeschool blogger decided to take my opinion and break it up and use it for her own blog. Through that blog it sent me unwanted comments and attacks.
That's what bloggers do. And did she seriously think she could trash homeschoolers without getting some sort of response?
This blog is not an anti-homeschool blog–it is a personal journal.
Then choose the private option instead of the public option for your blog. If wordpress doesn't offer a private option switch to blogger.
Never did I go to search out these bloggers- they began coming to me. I can see the upset if I went to their blog and made my opinions known there.
Actually she did come to our blogs and she did leave comments. Maybe she is catching on to how blogging works.
Does anyone see where I am coming from?
NO!!!!
HT:EternaLearning Academy ~ Thoughts Like These Damage Homeschoolers Everywhere
The formality and structure created by going to school everyday is lost in homeschool. Monday through Friday there is a routine, a sense of purpose. No confusion or ciaos. A learned respect of the adults that are teaching them. A respect for all people is gained by following the rules in school, as do in, the rules is society. Created to maintain order. When is this learned in homeschooling?
I can assure grovestreet homeschoolers do not live in confusion or chaos (it would be nice if she would learn to spell). Our children know what is expected of them each day and they do it. And guess what homeschool families have rules, just like the majority of public school families do. Apparently groovestreet's family is an exception as she can't imagine children learning rules or respect at home.
It has been said to me…..Why does their child have to learn for six to seven hours a day when they can teach them in two to three hours. WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT TEACH? WORK AT HOME. This child is learning nothing about adult work ethic by knowing that all work can be done in two-three hours. What is normal for most of us…. Punch a clock and spend the eight and 1/2 hours at a location to collect a paycheck. Run a business and it is a up at dawn, 24/7 career. What job can you work for an hour and then go out and hug trees? Drug dealer…sorry…. that was wrong but true. I wonder, if all those San Diego students were homeschooled prior to joining that frat house. Oh again, Sorry. Just trying to prove my point.
She so totally misses the point. Being more efficient is a good thing. Employers are always looking for ways to make their workers more productive.
To me there is an elitist attitude in homeschooling…. that you are a better teacher than our hard working, well-educated teachers or our educational system. The educational system is not good enough for your standards. What are you truly afraid of your child learning in school…all the bad things you see on TV. Do you study the statics of all these negative reports or just jump on the fear bandwagon of the group of like-minded individuals you surround yourself with. Was school that horrible for you? I am only trying to figure out for reason you would withhold your child from school.
The educational system in America is in serious trouble. Grovestreet can bury her head in the sand and deny it all she wants, but if she is truly interested she should watch John Stossel's Stupid in America. Parents have the RIGHT to make the educational choice that is best for their child ~ homeschooling, public schooling and private schooling are all valid educational options. Considering that my eldest son started college at 16, homeschooling was the best choice for him. It allowed him to move at his own pace, which was much faster then what his public school counterparts were moving at. And I am sure this would come as a surprise to grovestreet but many public school teachers homeschool their own children (I personally know several of them). And I am sure this will shock poor grovestreet to the core but I have been a substitute teacher in my local public schools. I can tell you first hand that it is much easier to homeschool you own children then it is to teach a classroom of 20 or 25 kids.
What I hear from them, through their church, is so much negative information and they feel so strongly that it is right. But it is so, so wrong. The information and facts I receive are so twisted it is scary to hear. They hold ideals which appear to me to be very judgmental of others, they use alarmists tactics when trying to make a point and are very negative to the “outside” world; government agencies, public institutions. Most to all of information received come to me through email and then the email war begins. It is so filled with negativity and alarmists view it infuriates me beyond belief. Therefore I begin explaining why I disagree with the views sent… firmly denying the whole idea of these beliefs and try to prove that the facts given to me are wrong.
This really doesn't have anything to do with homeschooling. I know this will probably come as a HUGE surprise to grovestreet but not all homeschoolers, homeschool for religious reasons. In fact not all homeschoolers are Christians. Homeschoolers are a diverse group. The chicken little email senders are just as likely to be sending their children to public school as to be homeschooling.
Here is an example: I received email regarding the book “The Secret”, and how dangerous it was, it is being used to reshape the minds of all humans and we should never, ever read such material, followed by BEWARE
What does this have to do with homeschooling? Again these emailers are just as likely to be sending their kids to public school as homeschooling. And this would probably shock grovestreet no end but I agree with her. I don't want anyone telling me or my kids what books we can read. The most irritating thing about these emailers is very often they condemn a book, movie or whatever without ever reading it or seeing it for themselves.
Or the topic of the 400 children taken away from the polygamist compound and how is was so wrong of the government. The government did not move fast enough in my opinion.
Again what does this have to do with homeschooling? The vast majority of homeschoolers have a monogamous marriage just like public school parents. In fact unlike a great majority of public school mothers, homeschool mothers are more likely to be married to their child's father. I am reserving judgement on the polygamist compound in Texas as "Officials still haven't found the 16-year-old girl whose abuse complaint triggered the massive raid". Unlike grovestreet, I like to have all the facts before forming an opinion. I do believe polygamy is morally wrong and that it would be reprehensible to force young girls into marriage. But at this time we really can't be sure what was going on in the compound. For all we know the alleged 16 year old girl who triggered the raid may have been a prank call, until they find her we just don't know. And I don't intend to rush to judgement.
Back to my original topic and why I feel that their religion may affect their decision to homeschool- In a recent email I received from one of my friends. It contain information that homeschool families are scared their children will be taken away. There are websites -parentalrights.org and hslda.org- to protect homeschool families. Why do they need protecting? Here’s an idea put your kids in public school, get to know the principal, your community politicians and be productive member of society and you will never have cause to fear such wasteful notions.
Homeschoolers don't need protection from the law. Homeschooling is LEGAL in America. You do not have to put your children in public school for 'protection'. You merely have to follow the homeschooling laws in your state. On the other hand homeschoolers do need protection from irrational fruitcakes that spread lies and misinformation against homeschoolers. As for being productive members of society, I assure you grovestreet homeschoolers are just as productive members of society as public school parents are. In fact many homeschoolers involve themselves in social issues, environmental issues and politics. In fact John and Elizabeth Edwards were homeschooling their children briefly.
Socialization and homeschool is a huge issue. In my opinion, a child will never be properly socialized through homeschooling; even though, there are many articles written to make these families feel better about their decision. Involved in music classes, athletics or meeting other homeschool families at the park. Are you spending six hours a day, five days a week with the same people? That is how you learn about others. A great example was the reality show, “The Real World”. A socialization experiment, how well did they deal with other humans unlike them. A need for the new socialization tool- MYSPACE.
I wonder why socialization is such a huge issue for her? And honestly citing a reality TV Show as an example of how real life is, is ummmmmmmm unreal. Maybe somebody is watching too much TV.
After supposedly receiving comments which we will never be able to verify as she deleted all the comments. She went on to post this.
Thank you for all you seriously committeed homeschoolers for commenting on my article. WOW– you are all defensive and pissy…Is that what you teach your kids? Quite aggressive, maybe you had bullying issues in school. No wonder I think you should put your kids in school. Don’t start pissing in my lawn. This blog is for me and only me. Every single comment came from visitors to my blog, my home. YOU FOUND ME! I don’t care about any one of you or would ever come to visit your blog nevermind waste my energy on telling you I disagree with YOUR OPINION. So GET THE HELL OFF MY LAWN, GET OUT OF MY YARD… YOUR TOMMY CANNOT PLAY WITH MY SALLY ANYMORE. You not invited here. BUG OFF. BTW - I am a mother not a father. You should read all of my blogs not just your self- centered interests.
I am a gonzo writer. If you don’t know what that means - look it up - then teach it to your children.
Jeez, I wonder why she not only read my blog, Dana's blog and Taz's Mom's blog but left comments? Apparently she likes changing the rules. As for being a gonzo writer, maybe she should consider that she isn't the only one who can engage in gonzo writing. Apparently she is less fond of name-calling, bomb-throwing and sardonic humor in the gonzo style when it is aimed at her.
A very nice blogger attempted to explain why homeschoolers went on the defensive when we were attacked. Her response (both comments will probably be deleted as she is fond of deleting comments).
Comment by grovestreet on May 13, 2008 4:36 pm I don’t mind a different perspective — I mind personal attacks. I was never aiming my opinions at anyone.
Sorry this doesn't fly. Homeschoolers are people, she was aiming her attacks (as there was more then one negative post on homeschooling) at anyone who choose to homeschool their children.
One homeschool blogger decided to take my opinion and break it up and use it for her own blog. Through that blog it sent me unwanted comments and attacks.
That's what bloggers do. And did she seriously think she could trash homeschoolers without getting some sort of response?
This blog is not an anti-homeschool blog–it is a personal journal.
Then choose the private option instead of the public option for your blog. If wordpress doesn't offer a private option switch to blogger.
Never did I go to search out these bloggers- they began coming to me. I can see the upset if I went to their blog and made my opinions known there.
Actually she did come to our blogs and she did leave comments. Maybe she is catching on to how blogging works.
Does anyone see where I am coming from?
NO!!!!
HT:EternaLearning Academy ~ Thoughts Like These Damage Homeschoolers Everywhere
Homeschooling Offers Structure and Flexibility
Drop by Principled Discovery to read Structure and learning in the homeschool environment. I tend to like structure so we have a fairly structured homeschool environment, but I do enjoy the flexibility homeschooling allows.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Don't they have anything better to do
I really have to wonder why public school Mom's spend so much time discussing homeschoolers. Don't they have anything better to do with their time? Don't they have anything more interesting to discuss? Apparently not, how sad.
From grovestreet's Adult Children of Homeschool
A few of my girlfriends chose to respect the decision of the homeschool moms but most sided with me, of course. They, also shared, that they would never say how they truly felt to another homeschool mom. Keep your friends close but enemies closer… wink, wink.
Apparently someone hurt poor grovestreets feelings cause she went on to post this rant, Should I homeschool?.
Anybody who may be on the fence about sending your currently homeschooled child to a public or private school… it is O.K. to put your child in school, it is a good thing and you are welcome to join us. We will treat you with kindness (unlike these defensive, poor decision makers) and together we will plan many fun gatherings for our children in our PTA. There will be no need to defend yourself to someone like me who thinks you are damaging your childs social skills.
From grovestreet's Adult Children of Homeschool
A few of my girlfriends chose to respect the decision of the homeschool moms but most sided with me, of course. They, also shared, that they would never say how they truly felt to another homeschool mom. Keep your friends close but enemies closer… wink, wink.
It's nice to know that some public school parents are open minded enough to respect other parents decisions. I am totally bewildered why grovestreet's girlfriends would consider homeschool parents their enemies. Sure we choose a different way to educate our children, but it doesn't mean we can't get along and still be friends. In fact most of my friends do send their children to public school, but they respect my decision to homeschool. In fact some of them make no secret that they envy my being able to homeschool.
The main concern was socialization. Of course, we discussed how many children of homeschool familes are included, in our baseball team, cub scouts, swimming, ballet, kindermusik(lots of homeschoolers, there), etc. I asked the question, how well do you know these children and have they been invited for playdates? Sure, was the answer from four moms, myself included. What was their opinion? One of my girlfriends(I will call her Lynn) said, how she stopped making dates with the one homeschool mom because the mom made her feel like her calendar was so filled, that a playdate was almost always a chore. Lynn made the comment “When does this woman have time to teach her children, if they go to kindermusik three days a week, then run to piano, and various other scheduled events; they are always on the go . It sounds like, she is trying too hard to make sure her children are socialized.”
So it's OK for Lynn a public school Mom to enroll her children in LOTS of outside activities; but how dare a homeschool Mom take advantage of the same opportunities. What BS............And frankly considering the attitude of these women I am not surprised the homeschool Mom in question wasn't thrilled about arranging play dates with this woman's children.
Other comments began to fly, “My children need time away from home…” “My child needs to learn to be independant and learn how to be responsible outside the home.” “How can a child spread their wings, if I am controlling every move and decided what activities all the time, every day of the week, every hour of the day.”
Apparently someone hurt poor grovestreets feelings cause she went on to post this rant, Should I homeschool?.
Anybody who may be on the fence about sending your currently homeschooled child to a public or private school… it is O.K. to put your child in school, it is a good thing and you are welcome to join us. We will treat you with kindness (unlike these defensive, poor decision makers) and together we will plan many fun gatherings for our children in our PTA. There will be no need to defend yourself to someone like me who thinks you are damaging your childs social skills.
Well honestly I don't see any reason to defend myself to someone like grovestreet. In my opinion she is an idiot. The only reason I am bothering to respond is so that those who read her drivel will have a chance to read an opposing viewpoint and not just the nonsense she is spouting.
I think these homeschool groups and individuals are nuts and the more you contact me, the more defensive you are. It just validates my opinion. I feel you have no business homeschooling your child. Trust me… my opinion should not be broken up and discussed in your blog.
In other words she should be free to say mean vicious things about homeschoolers but how dare we respond. Sorry honey it doesn't work that way. As long as you choose to post about homeschoolers we are free to tell the world what an idiot you are as you haven't got a clue what you are talking about. And in my opinion someone as angry and narrow minded as grovestreet doesn't have any business having kids.
I guess you do it to make yourself feel better. Less is more. You should GO and Teach your kids…. rather than wasting your time on the computer. At least, I know that my kids are learning while I waste my time here!
Which makes me wonder why she is wasting her time posting about homeschoolers in the first place. Could it be that she feels guilty about sending her child to public school? Is she bashing homeschoolers in order to justify sending her child to public school?
BTW, Why would I care, if a group of individuals who disagree with my opinions, would take me seriously. Of course, you wouldn’t.
Well if she actually did some research before forming an opinion maybe she wouldn't get dismissed as a gonzo blogger.
OR Just maybe some of you will pay attention to my views because crazier things have happened as in the case of many Republicans switching over to the Democratic playing field. How about that!
This was never meant for you anyway…this was meant for anyone newly considering the idea.
Nope, I don't think there is a chance of anyone paying attention to her ill formed views. Especially when she comes off sounding like an angry B****
Guilty pleasure: I just couldn’t help myself to read all your chatter and newly created blogs about my opinions. ( I am secretly flattered and giddy) BUT now, I can no longer be bothered. I’m BORED with you. I have said my feelings and will continue to, albeit gonzo, narrative, descriptive(whatever writing style I choose)….because the world is filled with people who may listen to what I have to say. Scary, huh.
Sooooo, You will all be excited to know and it will give you more to talk about when I tell you that…All homeschoolers opinions of my opinions will be deleted, I have no interest in YOU or what you have to say. You have too much time on your hands. Besides, at this point, you will never change my opinion.
What a hypocritical B****, as she left a comment on MY BLOG, but any comment I might leave on hers will be deleted. That statement alone proves what an immature, narrow minded, bigoted person she is. Some of us actually enjoy discussing issues and learning from others. Even those with opposing view points.
Get a job and put the kids in school!
Grovestreet get a job and stop blogging!!!!
Anger- sarcasm “whatever”. Anyone looking for logical reasons— trust an educational system that has produced many fine Americans over the last 100 years. I do not need to provide logical reasons…..THIS IS MY OPINION. Do you understand what an opinion is?
Actually homeschooling has produced as many fine Americans as the public school system. Successful & Famous People That Were Homeschooled.
Opinion-An opinion is a person’s ideas and thoughts towards something. It is an assessment, judgment or evaluation of something. An opinion is not a fact, because opinions are either not falsifiable, or the opinion has not been proven or verified. If it later becomes proven or verified, it is no longer an opinion, but a fact. Thankfully most people at least research a subject before forming an opinion and posting nonsense about it. REALLY!!!! A homeschool diploma can get you into any University in America. With a BS, BA, or Ph. D. the business world could care less if you were homeschooled. As for being uneducated grovestreet should run spell check on her own material before throwing that particular accusation at anyone else. And jeez grovestreet doesn't have a logical reason for her opinion so she will resort to calling homeschoolers unstable, what a laugh.
Sorry, this blog seems so self indulgent but these homeschoolers blogs about my opinions are proving my point they are uneducated and too unstable to being educating our future leaders. Besides -A homeschool diploma does not carry much weight in the business world….so I am learning.
You can now call me a liar..too. I still feel the need to read your blogs. And re-edit my amateurish blogs.
But They Are So Normal Revisited
Since grovestreet couldn't come up with any logical reasons not to homeschool she resorted to the socialization myth Adult Children of Homeschool, complete with an unverifiable quote from a former homeschooler. I have dealt with this BS so many times before I am just going to direct you to But They Are So Normal.
Neither of my kids, both teens now ever wanted to go back to public school and were thrilled that they were homeschooled. But then again my eldest started college at 16.
Neither of my kids, both teens now ever wanted to go back to public school and were thrilled that they were homeschooled. But then again my eldest started college at 16.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Zero reasons not to homeschool
Those annoying anti homeschoolers are at it again, Grove Street's Weblog post 9 reasons not to homeschool. Why I wonder do they feel compelled to give their stance on homeschooling? Since they do not consider it a viable choice for their family, why do they waste their time thinking about it?
- Time efficiency = LAZINESS - Not true! Employers are always looking for ways to make their work force more efficient. Efficiency does not equal laziness.
- A fraction of the cost of private schools -CHEAP-SKATE! - This would depend on the individual homeschool family. Many homeschool families spend a great deal on textbooks, lab equipment and field trips. We choose to homeschool because their were no secular private schools in our area.
- Promotes good reading habits - NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND- CAN’T HELP IT IF SOME PARENTS REFUSE TO READ TO THEIR CHILD- NOT IN MY HOUSEHOLD- 15 MINUTE TO AN HOUR DAILY-AT HOME! - OK, she is right NCLB can not make parents read to their children and I am very glad that she takes the time to read to her child. Many public school parents do and I am sure these children learn good reading habits. But homeschooling allows you to instill a love of reading in your children. Parents who choose other educational options can also instill a love of reading in their children but to list this as a reason not to homeschool is ludicrous.
- Strengthens family bonds and reduces the risk of developing a “peer orientation” NO PEER ORIENTATION- NO DEFINITION OF CHARACTER-”WHERE DO I FIT IN?” MOMMY CAN’T BEAR TO LOSE CONTROL OF CHILD - This is utter BS. Strengthening family bonds is a good thing. Numerous studies have been done that show that children with both parents in the home generally do better in school (Family values: The importance of strong family bonds , The Future of Children). The majority of homeschooled children have ample opportunity to interact with their peers and have no problems fitting in. This does not mean that parents who choose to send their children to public or private school don't have strong family bonds but again listing this as a reason not to homeschool is ludicrous.
- Promotes getting the father involved in the child’s education -WHAT FATHER ISN’T INVOLVED- UNLESS YOUR IN A BAD MARRIAGE- MY HUSBAND ATTENDS EVERY FUNCTION, DOES HOMEWORK, ATTENDS PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES… - I am glad to hear that her husband is involved in their child's public school education. Many schools discourage parental involvement, it's nice that the public school their child attends doesn't. But again this isn't a reason not to homeschool.
- Allows religion to play central role in the child’s education - CATHOLIC SCHOOLS,JEWISH SCHOOLS, BAPTIST SCHOOLS- LAST TIME I CHECK THEY WERE CENTRALIZED AROUND RELIGION- I WAS RAISED IN A CATHOLIC SCHOOL. - She totally misses the point that this doesn't apply to all homeschoolers. Many secular homeschoolers have no wish for religion to play a central role in their child's education.
- Promotes patriotism - PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE EVERY AM- FLAG DAY CELEBRATIONS AND MY SECOND GRADER IS LEARNING HOW TO VOTE AND SITTING BY MY SIDE AND LEARNING ABOUT THE VOTING PROCESS- GO HILLARY!!!!! - Yes, public schools promote patriotism too. But again this isn't a reason not to homeschool.
- Allows children to remain innocent longer - NAIVE PEOPLE WILL LEARN ABOUT THE OUTSIDE WORLD AT SOME POINT AND NOT KNOW HOW TO DEFEND THEMSELVES- NO COMMON SENSE- PLUS HOMESCHOOL CHILDREN ARE NOT THAT INNOCENT- I HAVE MET THEM.THEY INTRODUCED WEAPONS AND GUNS TO MY SON WHO IS NOT ALLOWED TO PLAY WITH THEM. - Again this would depend on the individual homeschooling family. I assure you my children aren't naive and I know many other homeschoolers who do not bend over backwards to 'protect' their children. Our children have plenty of common sense and know how to protect themselves. Public Schools are not the only places children can learn about the world.
- More positive socialization-NO SOCIALIZATION- NOT ENOUGH TIME TO SOCIALIZE PROPERLY. THEY WILL LEARN ABOUT MYSPACE SOMEDAY. - It's sad that she buys into the same old canard about socialization. Homeschooled children have plenty of time to socialize. They belong to recreational sports teams, scouts, church groups, robotics teams. The list of activities they participate in is endless. They also hang out with their friends at the mall and connect online, just like public school kids.
She hasn't listed one valid reason not to homeschool.
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