Comments on: Last Day of School Part II http://djandtheprophets.com/2009/06/19/last-day-of-school-part-ii/ Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:56:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Beka http://djandtheprophets.com/2009/06/19/last-day-of-school-part-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-3468 Beka Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:24:54 +0000 http://djandtheprophets.com/?p=1861#comment-3468 Thanks for sharing all this Janet, opening up a great topic. I sometimes find it hard to discuss this topic/issue of homeschooling or public schooling. I think it's just because our kids are so precious to us, something we definitely take personally. So it's hard to not feel like we're offending or judging. But I love to read your posts and the comments/discussions following are great!!! Keep sharing your family's journey! Thanks for sharing all this Janet, opening up a great topic. I sometimes find it hard to discuss this topic/issue of homeschooling or public schooling. I think it’s just because our kids are so precious to us, something we definitely take personally. So it’s hard to not feel like we’re offending or judging. But I love to read your posts and the comments/discussions following are great!!!

Keep sharing your family’s journey!

]]> By: sarah http://djandtheprophets.com/2009/06/19/last-day-of-school-part-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-3448 sarah Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:58:03 +0000 http://djandtheprophets.com/?p=1861#comment-3448 ohhh.... and for the 1st grade history Malachi learned about all the different religions in the world, and how they came to be... which was AWESOME! We had so much fun studying them - but the curriculum went into DETAIL about certain gods & goddesses - like scary detail. We skipped a lot of those details because they scared him and because I didn't think he needed to know everything there was to know about the gods the people worship - we talked more about the hearts of the people and WHY they worshiped these gods. - Again, this meant I had to modify and sometimes check 'done' on things we may not have actually done... ya know? That's why I told Cathleen this curriculum is not for "rule followers" :) ohhh…. and for the 1st grade history Malachi learned about all the different religions in the world, and how they came to be… which was AWESOME! We had so much fun studying them – but the curriculum went into DETAIL about certain gods & goddesses – like scary detail. We skipped a lot of those details because they scared him and because I didn’t think he needed to know everything there was to know about the gods the people worship – we talked more about the hearts of the people and WHY they worshiped these gods. – Again, this meant I had to modify and sometimes check ‘done’ on things we may not have actually done… ya know? That’s why I told Cathleen this curriculum is not for “rule followers” :)

]]> By: sarah http://djandtheprophets.com/2009/06/19/last-day-of-school-part-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-3447 sarah Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:50:15 +0000 http://djandtheprophets.com/?p=1861#comment-3447 since you will be using the same curriculum I am using I just wanted to make you aware that there is A LOT of evolution wound through out the entire curriculum. It took me by surprise. Because I am the one teaching it, I can immediately talk about what the Bible says... etc. Tim and I both feel that we will probably need to invest in a creation science curriculum just to have so we can reference it when evolution stuff comes up. I am still going to use the program because it keeps us on track & accountable, but I have had to make A LOT of modifications to what the kids are learning and then tell the 'teacher' "yup, we did our lesson!" (while thinking we did it OUR way!) ;) since you will be using the same curriculum I am using I just wanted to make you aware that there is A LOT of evolution wound through out the entire curriculum. It took me by surprise. Because I am the one teaching it, I can immediately talk about what the Bible says… etc. Tim and I both feel that we will probably need to invest in a creation science curriculum just to have so we can reference it when evolution stuff comes up. I am still going to use the program because it keeps us on track & accountable, but I have had to make A LOT of modifications to what the kids are learning and then tell the ‘teacher’ “yup, we did our lesson!” (while thinking we did it OUR way!) ;)

]]> By: Janet http://djandtheprophets.com/2009/06/19/last-day-of-school-part-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-3442 Janet Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:25:07 +0000 http://djandtheprophets.com/?p=1861#comment-3442 Hey Jill. Good thoughts! We do indeed plan on transforming a space in our home into a little school. Ikea will help with that. :-) Also, I wouldn't even dream of homeschooling without some kind of structure in place. We're planning on enrolling Elijah and Zeke in the Minnesota Virtual Academy, a free online school, for this coming school year. I'll share more about this in Part III. Dave, thank you for sharing your thoughts as well. I absolutely agree that there is a broad spectrum of reasons why homeschooling will work for some families and not for others. I'm glad you offered another point of view. I also want everyone to know that the point of this post wasn't to "convert" anyone, I just wanted to offer a sound argument as to why I feel very strongly about homeschooling my kids. And about the babysitting service thing. I was only confessing an attitude in my own heart that I believe is wrong and not accusing anyone else of using the public school system to babysit their kids. I will even go a step further and say that even if you do feel that you need a break from your kids and feel like you need to send them to public school to have that, that's not necessarily wrong...if you're comfortable with that. I just know that for myself, when I think back to when I first started having kids, I wanted to have kids...well to <em>have</em> kids, not to let someone else have them. :-) Hey Jill. Good thoughts!

We do indeed plan on transforming a space in our home into a little school. Ikea will help with that. :-) Also, I wouldn’t even dream of homeschooling without some kind of structure in place. We’re planning on enrolling Elijah and Zeke in the Minnesota Virtual Academy, a free online school, for this coming school year. I’ll share more about this in Part III.

Dave, thank you for sharing your thoughts as well. I absolutely agree that there is a broad spectrum of reasons why homeschooling will work for some families and not for others. I’m glad you offered another point of view.

I also want everyone to know that the point of this post wasn’t to “convert” anyone, I just wanted to offer a sound argument as to why I feel very strongly about homeschooling my kids.

And about the babysitting service thing. I was only confessing an attitude in my own heart that I believe is wrong and not accusing anyone else of using the public school system to babysit their kids. I will even go a step further and say that even if you do feel that you need a break from your kids and feel like you need to send them to public school to have that, that’s not necessarily wrong…if you’re comfortable with that. I just know that for myself, when I think back to when I first started having kids, I wanted to have kids…well to have kids, not to let someone else have them. :-)

]]> By: jill http://djandtheprophets.com/2009/06/19/last-day-of-school-part-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-3441 jill Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:21:02 +0000 http://djandtheprophets.com/?p=1861#comment-3441 Last thing and then I'll get out of your blog space - this gal - from link above is facinating to me. I think its a little too free - a little stucture is a little necessary - its the world we live in... any way here is quote from her site : Em doesn't use any curriculum at all. He is allowed to follow his interests wherever they may lead him. Luckily, there are a lot of other people around who are willing to do things with him, too! For instance, he is really interested in all things medieval and really wanted to build a trebuchet. Suffice to say, this is not my forte. But then it turned out that a grandpa was game to do this with him and they got to spend a day a week at least over the fall and spring working on this project together. So how does he get tested? How do you know they have learned what they need? But it sound like a fun life for a kid :O) Last thing and then I’ll get out of your blog space – this gal – from link above is facinating to me. I think its a little too free – a little stucture is a little necessary – its the world we live in… any way here is quote from her site :

Em doesn’t use any curriculum at all. He is allowed to follow his interests wherever they may lead him. Luckily, there are a lot of other people around who are willing to do things with him, too! For instance, he is really interested in all things medieval and really wanted to build a trebuchet. Suffice to say, this is not my forte. But then it turned out that a grandpa was game to do this with him and they got to spend a day a week at least over the fall and spring working on this project together.

So how does he get tested? How do you know they have learned what they need? But it sound like a fun life for a kid :O)

]]> By: jill http://djandtheprophets.com/2009/06/19/last-day-of-school-part-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-3440 jill Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:16:38 +0000 http://djandtheprophets.com/?p=1861#comment-3440 Some good comments rolling in :O) Here is the unschooling link: http://vintagechica.typepad.com/summerunschool/ i don't know how to make it active or whatever that means but check it out - its a blog - vintage chic is the name if you have to search for it! Some good comments rolling in :O) Here is the unschooling link: http://vintagechica.typepad.com/summerunschool/ i don’t know how to make it active or whatever that means but check it out – its a blog – vintage chic is the name if you have to search for it!

]]> By: Lea Jones http://djandtheprophets.com/2009/06/19/last-day-of-school-part-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-3439 Lea Jones Sat, 20 Jun 2009 07:41:03 +0000 http://djandtheprophets.com/?p=1861#comment-3439 thanks Janet, really liked what you had to say..couldn't agree more :-) it encouraged in my journey and why i am doing what I am doing! Be blessed, Léa thanks Janet, really liked what you had to say..couldn’t agree more :-)
it encouraged in my journey and why i am doing what I am doing!

Be blessed,
Léa

]]> By: Dave Kelly http://djandtheprophets.com/2009/06/19/last-day-of-school-part-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-3438 Dave Kelly Sat, 20 Jun 2009 01:10:17 +0000 http://djandtheprophets.com/?p=1861#comment-3438 Hi Janet, Thanks for your honesty - it is an interesting debate for sure, and one which, for us, for now, involves us very much committed to public schooling for several reasons. First off, our oldest boy has some special needs which could never be addressed in either a private or home school setting. I guess I just think it is helpful for people on both sides of the debate to know that there are some parents and children who, without the amazing services provided by public school special ed services, would be left to fall further and further behind. My second point also involves our oldest (of 4) boy. He is 9 years old, and whether or not he has fully, cognitively grasped the concept of redemption and forgiveness, we see evidence in him of an emerging faith in Christ which he is beginning to live out in his public school setting. One recent example was when a boy's dog had recently died; the boy was very upset and upon seeing his distress, Luke offered to pray for him, offering comfort and sympathy. Luke is drawn to the unlovable and outcast children - whether this is just his personality, or evidence of his growing, yet very early, relationship with Christ I do not know, but I am comforted to see such early signs of Christ-like character being so beautifully lived out among those who do not know Christ - whether it is comforting and escorting a wounded child from the playground to the first aid room, or praying a simple prayer with a grieving friend who has lost his dog. So for us for now, it's the public school system - where our boys are not so much being baby-sat, but are hopefully starting to gently live out their simple faith in real ways - ways that would just not be possible within the 4 walls of our home. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. Hi Janet,

Thanks for your honesty – it is an interesting debate for sure, and one which, for us, for now, involves us very much committed to public schooling for several reasons.

First off, our oldest boy has some special needs which could never be addressed in either a private or home school setting. I guess I just think it is helpful for people on both sides of the debate to know that there are some parents and children who, without the amazing services provided by public school special ed services, would be left to fall further and further behind.

My second point also involves our oldest (of 4) boy. He is 9 years old, and whether or not he has fully, cognitively grasped the concept of redemption and forgiveness, we see evidence in him of an emerging faith in Christ which he is beginning to live out in his public school setting. One recent example was when a boy’s dog had recently died; the boy was very upset and upon seeing his distress, Luke offered to pray for him, offering comfort and sympathy.

Luke is drawn to the unlovable and outcast children – whether this is just his personality, or evidence of his growing, yet very early, relationship with Christ I do not know, but I am comforted to see such early signs of Christ-like character being so beautifully lived out among those who do not know Christ – whether it is comforting and escorting a wounded child from the playground to the first aid room, or praying a simple prayer with a grieving friend who has lost his dog.

So for us for now, it’s the public school system – where our boys are not so much being baby-sat, but are hopefully starting to gently live out their simple faith in real ways – ways that would just not be possible within the 4 walls of our home.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

]]> By: jill http://djandtheprophets.com/2009/06/19/last-day-of-school-part-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-3437 jill Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:45:36 +0000 http://djandtheprophets.com/?p=1861#comment-3437 I re-read your note - as I often do with the deeper ones and your thoughts reminded me of thoughts I first has as a parent about decipling my kids - thoughts of meaning fully coming along side of them and helping them really "get" something I wanted them to learn. You know how as a parent of little people how much better it works when you sit down with them and show them how to clean up or how to be patient as apposed to just ordering them to do so?! I whole heartedly agree that this is what the scripture wants us to be! And like we discussed last week about children who spend up to 12 hrs a day in daycare out side their home. I too am not judging those moms - I get it - it is near impossible to be a single income home and be above the poverty line - I know people are eager to secure a future for their children but in this moment of our lives we are to be decipling our little "nation". I like how you put that! But don't be too hard on yourself about banishing Eli to public school :O) he has excelled there and I am sure it is an experience that will help the rest of your little family gain an understanding of "school". I'm still trying to find that article I told you about on "unschooling". If we lived close by I'd join your classes :O) I re-read your note – as I often do with the deeper ones and your thoughts reminded me of thoughts I first has as a parent about decipling my kids – thoughts of meaning fully coming along side of them and helping them really “get” something I wanted them to learn. You know how as a parent of little people how much better it works when you sit down with them and show them how to clean up or how to be patient as apposed to just ordering them to do so?! I whole heartedly agree that this is what the scripture wants us to be! And like we discussed last week about children who spend up to 12 hrs a day in daycare out side their home. I too am not judging those moms – I get it – it is near impossible to be a single income home and be above the poverty line – I know people are eager to secure a future for their children but in this moment of our lives we are to be decipling our little “nation”. I like how you put that! But don’t be too hard on yourself about banishing Eli to public school :O) he has excelled there and I am sure it is an experience that will help the rest of your little family gain an understanding of “school”. I’m still trying to find that article I told you about on “unschooling”. If we lived close by I’d join your classes :O)

]]> By: jill http://djandtheprophets.com/2009/06/19/last-day-of-school-part-ii/comment-page-1/#comment-3436 jill Fri, 19 Jun 2009 22:55:27 +0000 http://djandtheprophets.com/?p=1861#comment-3436 And how random is it that there is actually a jar of cheese whiz in our house and there NEVER is...funny! You and your boys will have a wonderful time together - it is great to read your thoughts and I can see how passionate and purposeful you feel about this! Lots to think about as Isaac starts school! Hey I am sure you have heard this befor but I heard it on the mom show and "they" said its really important to have a separate room or area for schooling - ie: the kitchen table shouldn't also be your school desk and the home school area should only be for school. I thought that was a really good tip! Love you! And how random is it that there is actually a jar of cheese whiz in our house and there NEVER is…funny!

You and your boys will have a wonderful time together – it is great to read your thoughts and I can see how passionate and purposeful you feel about this! Lots to think about as Isaac starts school! Hey I am sure you have heard this befor but I heard it on the mom show and “they” said its really important to have a separate room or area for schooling – ie: the kitchen table shouldn’t also be your school desk and the home school area should only be for school. I thought that was a really good tip!

Love you!

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