It's good to have friends in high places. Mindy, for example, let me in on a little secret (shhh, don't tell just anyone). An upcoming Momversation will be asking, "Why does homeschooling get such a bad rap?"
Now, don't go getting her into trouble, she simply had some questions. And like all questionable choices I make, I simply had to enlighten her on my creationist views:
"You'd be surprised what a gigantic and powerful culture those creationists are. I'm surrounded by them, and they drive me insane with their conviction (and ignorance), yet, they have political sway and are a force to be reckoned with.
If it weren't for them, I think homeschooling would have a little more respect, and possibly a little more support from the public school systems.
These creationists are definitely feeding their children illogical ideas, and as trusting children, they're gobbling it up. And, they're surrounded by peers who believe the same things, so that only reinforces the insanity.
But, politicians, who are hanging by their nails for votes...they just love having all of these puppets at their disposal. It's quite the sickness."
The rest of it was just boring transcript questions, and silly worries about getting into college. Stay tuned!
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9 comments:
Oooh, I'm staying tuned. I have very definite views of the education system (mostly negative and cynical), but have chosen not to home school for very particular reasons. I love how you include the creationists into the conversation...
Will look forward!
H
Look forward to hearing more from you about this topic. I homeschool my children this year and I am only now learning and listening in to all the debates about this issue.
Would love to email you ask you some questions about homeschooling - we are new, just started this year :)
Thank you for stopping by Ovolina
Cheers,
Anita
thanks for the heads up on the momversation topic.. you know i am an addict! homeschooling is hitting close to home with me since my first daughter is entering the school system this year (september 09) and I am still at loss when it comes to our school system here.
I am always surprised when people assume I'm homeschooling for religious reasons. Yet, I've come to be surprised when I discover a homeschooling blog that isn't religious, or at least made by someone who's "about" doesn't mention "faith in God".
Of course, in my opinion, public schools do plenty of "feeding their children illogical ideas, and as trusting children, they're gobbling it up". Not quite so bad as some things, but I will never forget my 9th graded science teacher saying, "Wood is a good conductor. We know this because trees get hit by lightning all the time". If I were a smart-ass back then I would have said "Umm, hello? Did you even read a 9th grade science book?" But after we moved states I discovered that would have been amended to "7th grade science book".
I don't see anything wrong with homeschooling if done properly (as in actual schooling.) If parents are willing to take the time and make the effort to give their kids a creative education, what's the problem? As long as they're really teaching children, whether through reading books or religious-focused studies or crawling through creeks and not just watching cartoons and picking their nose, I see no problem. It's no different than a private religious school.
YOU'VE BEEN CONSULTED FOR MOMVERSATIONS?!?!! You are so COOL! I am jealous! Anyhoo, as a public educator, I am interested to hear your views. I agree with the Blonde Duck that, done properly, homeschooling is great. Unfortunately, I've seen its negative effects too - which is probably why it gets a bad rap. Can't wait to see the momversation!
Thanks guys, for everything you added here. It's good to know we still have so many interesting things to talk about, lots of thoughtful points!
I hope you'll fill up the comments over at Momversation when the issue is presented. I'm just an innocent spectator like you all (consultant, ha ha!), staying tuned.
Firstly, thank you for all your comments, you really know how to make a girl feel wanted.
Secondly, I don't know why homeschooling is unsupported. I do know that you practically have to be a teacher to home school your own children in Australia. You have to present your curriculum and work plans to some big wig type so they can approve what you want to do.
All I know is, it looks hard. I doubt I'd have the patience to home school Erin. Hats off to you for doing it.
I was homeschooled (for a year - combined my junior/senior year into one to graduate early) and so was my husband - my inlaws are a homeschooling family ... and well, they shouldn't be.
Love them, i really do - but they are the family who is doing their kids a disservice by keeping them home to be schooled. They're WAY far behind, and my husband will readily admit that he feels he was jipped on his education.
I'm excited for this topic. We've thought about homeschooling our kids and I actually would love to - but he's not on board because of his experience. We're VERY lucky to have a wonderful public school district that we're excited about.
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