Topic : 11/24 Great School Debate

I agree, it really has nothing to do with the current discussion.  I think it's a stretch. I think she is hoping someone's  family in this discussion is fat. That would make her feel good and even.... superior.

Or course, we could discuss the possible health benefits of homeschooling and unschooling. (I say possible because it really all comes down to individual decisions.) We all know cafeteria lunches are not healthy. We also know that many schools are denying recess and/or PE time

Oh I know....many homeschoolers are fat because they sit in front of the tv or computer all day - because they are locked in their house and aren't in sports or activities where they interact with  children from other schools - children other than siblings.

We all know cafeteria lunches are not healthy. We also know that many schools are denying recess and/or PE time.

This is very true.  It is a cryin' shame some kids don't get out more. Phys ed once a week at out school in the elm. level. Three times in the high school. Isn't that messed up? Those little kids with all the energy and they don't get the exercise.  I do know a few  teachers who are great about taking their kids out every single school day.

It's one thing to write that about yourself, but seems belittling to write it about another.  If it had read "I am a man, my wife is only a woman" that would seem degrading to me.   

"A parent with a limited education might need to depend more on a curriculum than a parent with a degree."

That was from the original post (and I know you didn't write it:).  I simply disagree with that statement. 

I only have a high school diploma, I haven't  had money or time to go to college, but I plan on it someday. (Actually, I have a GED.) I don't see it as an insult. I just see it, as you said, as a way to describe the amount of formal education I have received. And I would like more, especially in certain areas.  There is a lot  you can learn on your own...but there are somethings, for me at least, that I would like a classroom to help with. Especially science labs and having a teacher to actually talk with and answer questions about things I might be seeing or doing in a lab environment.

I completely understand that, and I agree there are things learned much more easily from someone else and with the right equipment. 

There have been plenty of classes my kids have taken from other people or in other places because I didn't have the facilities or the knowledge to do it properly.  Unschooling is about following the kids interests in helping them explore them in whatever way works.  I guess it's more like how many adults go about it. 

Also, Penny, I would never know that you have a GED rather than a PhD or whatever.  You write and express yourself so well and come across very intelligently.  I guess that was sort of my point, that skills can be learned in an out of the classroom and it's difficult to know what background anyone has that will be helpful in homeschooling. 

I didn't take it as hostile, Penny.  I've been told the same thing... even by one RLfriend.  She told me she could "hear" me say it, so she wasn't offended, by a post I thought was really not offensive in the slightest.  I try to take posts as straight forward. 

Sometimes I think... "Hey, what about that?"  And it probably reads as "What about THAT?"   I'm also likely to read that backwards.... and not catch the hostility.  So if I tick you off, make sure I really know.  Otherwise, I'll just assume it's friendly chat.  LOL