Topic : 11/24 Great School Debate

Also, another misconception. The Theory of Evolution doesn't have anything to do with how life started. It has only to do with how life evolves. What you are talking about here is the theory of abiogenisis.

Right, I understand. I'm speaking specifically to the "origins of life" lesson which seems to be the main focus of the article's author. He seemed to be very against the fact that some homeschoolers teach creation.

But you know there are many varying religions and as such many varying stories. (I believe it was you that brought up the many different religious versions. Have you studied any of them? They can be quite fascinating.)

I have noticed, and I'm sure you did as well, there are also different scientific theories about the beginning.

I believe (as do my children) that evolution is constant.  But I don't buy into the big bang, creation or many other beginning stories.

These people probably partition their minds. Many scientists do. They have a spiritual side, and a scientific side. Viruses mutate, they evolve, they are susceptible to selective pressures...not only that, selective pressures are USED to make organisms do certain things. 40% of scientists are theists...but nearly all, except a few, understand evolution and accept it.

I'm sure if and when there is an issue (which I can't imagine is too often) they do "partition their minds". I believe many doctors do the same. 

Arrogant? No, not if you understand the theory. Really. I used to be a creationist, I studied evolution so I could strengthen my arguments against evolutionists. What I found was that Evolution is a very solid theory that is, in laymen terms is a fact, in scientific terms, a sound theory with no competing theories.

Well, yeah... arrogant. LOL, please don't take it the wrong way. I'm not calling everyone arrogant. I should have worded that more delicately. In my opinion things such as the beginning of life and God are possibly too big for us to comprehend right now. Science is constantly improving itself with new discoveries which sometimes prove old thinking false. I just don't think we're at a level in which we can say these things for certain. Perhaps after more evolution of the human mind we will be capable.

Or, conversely religion. I will try to say this tactfully and I really mean no disrespect to anyone at all. I'm just telling what I believe. ;) I believe it is a bit arrogant to assume we know a God's intent, will or thought process. I believe the up most arrogant example is when people claim to speak for God. Also, I believe it is a bit arrogant to believe we can request favors from  a God. (For example, "God, we come to ask you to watch over little Johnny and keep him in your hands tonight. Lord he needs your strength to fight this cancer battle...... ")

Like I said, these are just my beliefs on these issues. IOW (which means In Other Words) please feel free to believe anything you want because I'm not trying to influence your thinking. I'm just..... sharing. :)

For those of you who homeschool, do you do so year round? Or do you take part or all of the summer off?

gtrudeau

No. And I am not for "secular humanist ideology" in schools...I am simply for facts being taught. Nothing more, nothing less. School is for learning. I know some facts offend some people, but I can't help that.

How do you feel about character education in public schools?

OMG,

I have seen a lot of your posts and truthfully you are one of the few I really agree with.  Althought, HS or US is not for my family I do think you are doing it from a good, positive place.  Many HS or US seem to have a hidden agenda- a thought process of only showing positive, good socialization to their children.  I just don't know how that is possible while still living in this world.  Things come up every day in just normal life that can/do make me uncomfortable speaking about - the gay couple at Walmart, the punk rockers at the grocery store, the scantily dressed girl at the gas station- I just don't see how if you are living an active life these things are not present.   

I have a good friend who homeschools and while I agree with her situation the mindset still bothers me.  I choose instead for my family to have them out in the world learning basic things - not to judge, not to hate (we aren't allowed to use that word in our house), and to have an accepting spirit.  True, they are not "naive" that bad people exist and to be careful but they are learning where to draw that line (I hope!).  All in all, other than school, my children are pretty much with me and my husband.   We instill our values as much as we can and hope that because we have given them a good foundation they will choose (on their own) the "right" friends.  Although, as a Christian, there are times people come into our lives for different reasons and I teach my kids that lesson as well. 

I guess I am lucky...my oldest loves school!  He brings home terrific grades consistently and we are really proud. Each year he wins some type of award for either academic or behavioral achievement- this year was the award of all awards- for both academics and behavior.  He was so proud of himself.We have chosen a community that coincides with our basic belief system.  The schools are no different.  Yes, there are rules he must follow but I feel that is a life lesson.  You can't miss work and expect to have a job very long.  All in all, we are blessed to have the community support we do.  We know many families in this area and all are "good families" with "good values".  It's comforting to provide my children with a sense of stability- I had that growing up and it was a very positive thing. 

Can someone explain this for me?  As  a Christian, I feel a lot of things are "wrong" or not Bilically based so I'm curious as to what someone else's view points are.  Also, another point I have-why can't you teach at home and use public school?  I never understood this.  True, at school my son is exposed to things he has questions about- things we do differently in our house.  However, our core value system is not disrupted or questioned no matter what he sees or hears at school.  I have never made a huge deal of anything but simply and calmly noted his observations and explained things.  Truthfully, there hasn't been much to explain really.  Truth be told, divorce is the hardest thing to explain to him - and that is everywhere not just school. 

 We must have a "'good" school with "good" kids- these labels bother me.  Almost as much as my son's preschool.  He has his end of year party yesterday and they were all asked what do we do before we eat and they said "Pray" and we couldn't...that kills me.  However, for those who think that's great I have news- instead of making religion obsolete it only makes it stronger.  All those people who really didn't make a big deal before will push harder now.  It's sad when something like 87% of the population believes in some type of "God" but we can't pray in school. 

Hello there.  I thought I'd drop a line to let you know first off that I do respect (contrary to popular belief) your decision to homeschool.    In case you were wondering, we (my hubby and I) chose public school as neither of us has a college education and do not feel qualified to teach.  I respect your education level.  So, maybe PS is good for "families like us" but to say my oldest (same age as your DD- he'll be 9 in July) is getting a quality education equivalent to your daughter's.  To start, he is 8 and in 3rd grade- a year ahead of your DD.  He has brought home almost all A's each quarter in every subject.  So, let's break it down for you:

Reading- He reads the full versions of books with no need for "young reader" or "easy reader" versions...he has read Harry Potter (starting at age 7) and things he chooses.  I figure if he reads what he picks he is more likely to develop a love and passion for reading beyond learning or what is "fed" to him in school.    He  reads for comprehension and is tested on these  in the classroom.  So, there is a difference between classroom and home but one strengthens the other for us.   I also have Usborne books for his younger brother but again most are about "fun" things because at home we have the privilege of learning for fun.  I do not think learning is only done in the classroom. 

Spelling- Straight A's each and every quarter.  His strong spot.  I take credit for this as spelling comes easy for me as well.

Phy. Ed- Plays soccer each Fall with his Dad coaching.  One of the best goalies in the League despite his size (he is a little small) and the fact he is younger than most of his opponents.  Also, in Summer he is swimming constantly in our pool.  Takes Spring season off  but in addition to the physical fitness portion of a sport he is also learning other useful things- sportsmanship and being a team player.  Also, in his school they have PE each week.  He is also very interested and can explain all the Nutrition Facts on food/drink labels with everyone in the family including his 5 year old brother. 

Math- Again, another strong spot for him.  He has far surpassed all state testing  (requirements in our state have to be 80% or better) continues to learn and grow.   As our school year has ended, he was at approx. a 4th grade level.   He has been doing pre-algebra since the beginning of the year.  Also, at home Sodoku has been his favorite since my Dad introduced it to him last year.

Government- Has been to the capital of the nation in Washington DC.  My parents live about 30 miles outside of DC (northern Virginia)  and we went for a week last year.   Went to the National Archives and learned about my mom's history all the way back to Ellis Island.  Went to the Vietnam Wall and realized the price of a nation at war.  Also went to museums of Science, Natural History and American History, Korean Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and the Pool of Reflections which he recognized right away. 

Geography- Has been to Hawaii and Cancun and next year we are planning to visit either Tahoe or San Padre Island.  While on vacation in Hawaii, still expected to learn and make a presentation of facts about the Island when he returned to school.   We have a puzzle of the US here at home that we do every now and then....he knows most of them but again learning at home is far less stringent than in school.  Also, with another sibling who is younger sometimes things can get crazy and cannot be 100% about him.  It is neat, though, to see two children "teach" each other and ask questions.

Music and Science- Your DD's experiences are beyond ours in both of these areas.  He loves Science but Mom and Dad are not quite ready for experiments in the house just yet.  Although we do have Astronomy Night here at home it is mostly for fun.  As I mentioned before, he as been to the local Science Center as well but not as regularly as your DD.  

All in all,  he is also getting a quality education although we do not homeschool.  We are blessed enough to have a community where our values are prevalent and respected.  Yes, I'm sure there are things at his PS that I would not "approve" of but these things are everywhere- not just at school.   The key point (IMO) is that my hubby and I are constantly teaching and exposing him to education as well as life lessons.  We integrate all that we can and our PS is the foundation or springboard for many things.  We are Christians as well and seem to have no issues with keeping our values and morals upheld.  Not trying to discredit you or your choice but public school can be a quality education as well.