Mom Is Teaching

For everyone who claims that all home schooling families are crazy fundies who lock their kids in the basement and are secretly abusing them and using home school as a way to cover it up, I present you with exhibit A:

The school board of a small central Ohio community voted unanimously Friday to fire a teacher accused of preaching his Christian beliefs despite staff complaints and using a device to burn the image of a cross on students’ arms.

A science teacher burned crosses into his students arms in class. Oh but don’t worry, he’s been described as a great guy.

Freshwater’s friend Dave Daubenmire defended him.

“With the exception of the cross-burning episode. … I believe John Freshwater is teaching the values of the parents in the Mount Vernon school district,” he told The Columbus Dispatch for a story published Friday.

Oh sure, there was that one little lapse where he BURNED CROSSES INTO THE STUDENTS ARMS IN THE CLASSROOM. But other than that, he’s a great teacher. Certified in science, has been teaching it for 21 years, and taught his students creationism. For who knows how many years before they finally fired him.

The photo of the burn on one student is interesting. At first it seemed like maybe just skin discoloration in a pattern that happens to be cross-like. However if you look closely you can see the skin all around this is much paler white than the rest of the arm. It does resemble the skin after a sunburn and peeling.

The investigation is still going on, but if it is correct the guy clearly has some issues. Freshwater claims he burned X’s into their arms, not crosses. As if that excuses the fact that he burned anything at all into their arms period. I know this really is not a home school verses public school issue. I just like reminding the people who leave comments that get deleted immediately that being crazy is a human trait, not just a home schooling one.

*Edit to add another news article on this case here. This one has more detail about exactly what he was teaching his students in the school.

Eighth-graders who were taught by John Freshwater frequently had to be re-taught in high school what they were supposed to have learned in Freshwater’s class, according to outside investigators hired by the district.

For 11 years, other teachers in the school district and people in the community complained about Freshwater preaching his Christian beliefs in class and slamming scientific theories, a school administrator told investigators.

education, teacher, religion, news

I’m not a fan of the public school system. I think anyone who has read my rants is perfectly aware that I’d like to tear the entire system down and start over again. However, I know that it would take a perfect world for something like that to happen. Unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world. So we have to make do with what we’ve got.

And one of the things we have is public schools, paid for by our taxes. I found a post recently in my Google alerts from a homeschooling mom who might just dislike public schools more than me. Or rather, dislikes the taxes spent to pay for them.  To her she feels that it is unfair for people not actively using the school system to have to pay for it with their taxes.

I absolutely disagree. Even though my children are not in public schools, and hopefully never will be, I still understand that public schools are benefiting me. When the kid at the cash register counts back my change it is his public school education benefiting me. When I read the newspaper I am benefiting from the writers’ public school educations. The person who made my fireplace, the person who fixes my car, the person who keeps my internet up and running. Chances are they all went to public school where they learned at least the basics of math, writing, and science. And without those basics to build on they would not be able to provide the many services I use today. I am more than happy to pay to make sure that the person I am engaging with at least partially knows what they are doing.

In a perfect world parents would be able to provide a more perfect education for their children, but that’s just not the world we live in. Many, many, many would go without any education at all. And that would hurt me in the long run.

education, taxes, schools

Sunniemom has a great post up about “homeschooling for the right reasons.” It’s a great look at an article about home education in Montana that waxes on about those kids falling through the cracks when their parents pull them out over little things.

Let me just say I doubt many parents are jumping head first into home schooling their kids over a minor rift with their school. What they see as minor might just be the straw that broke the camel’s back, or happened when home education was already being planned and the timing is there, or might be a bigger issue to the parents than the school feels it is. For instance from the article:

some do it because of their kid’s poor grades in public school or other reactionary reasons.

Maybe it’s just me but I don’t see poor grades as a “reactionary reason”. At least not in the tone implied in the article, that parents are matching in upset and ripping their kids out over a C in gym class. Poor grades, or a failure to educate, can be a very good reason to attempt to teach your kids at home. If they are not getting a solid education at school and you feel that you can reach them in better ways then do it. Trying to find the best education for your kids does not seem reactionary to me, that’s just good parenting.

Sunniemom’s post is definitely worth reading so go check it out. It’s good food for thought. What are “good reasons” to home school? What is a valid reason for your family might be a mundane one for others, and vice verses.

homeschooling, home school, education, parents

I love Legos. I mean, what’s not to love about them. You can build almost anything with a handful of Legos and your imagination. So I was thrilled to read this short yet funny article in the Geek Dad section over at Wired.com: Legos, Bugs, and Homeschooling Tangents It’s a cute glimpse into one home educating family’s day, and will hopefully put a smile on your face.

Well, they’ve found us out. It’s true, we’re all just a bunch of anarchists.

Dana shared that the California Chapter of the National Education Association declared parents who did not send their kids to school were creating “educational anarchy.” Anarchy? Really?

Well, you know home schooling is so punk rock. All that anti-authority, sticking your finger up to “the man”, and refusing to conform. You’ve got some pretty good street cred already. And it’s no secret there is a connection between punk rock an anarchy. But does that mean I’m an educational anarchist? Let’s look at the evidence.

Hey ho, let’s go….

First to examine is the Rock ‘n’ Roll Preschool shirt, a spoof from the infamous Rock ‘n’ Roll High School movie of the Ramones. If you’re looking for an example of educational anarchy you don’t have to look much further. This shirt is almost a family heirloom around here, one that has been worn by both of the boys when they could.

Next up, rockin’ the ‘hawk. That’s right, I’m the mom who let’s her kids get the weird hair cuts that makes the other moms at the park mad because they know their kids are going to bug them about doing the same for weeks. What can I say, I’m rebelling.

OK seriously, does choosing not to send your kids to a public or private school really equal anarchy? Other than the slightly less roll of the government in the home I just don’t buy it. We’re not breaking into lawlessness and disorder and I doubt anyone else is either. But it makes for a nice sound bite.

anarchy, educational anarchy, homeschooling

Too often it is assumed that people homeschool to instill a Christian viewpoint on their children without exposing them to other religions. But what about when that same viewpoint is being pressed at the public schools?

“My daughter Arie told me about a Jewish child who brought his Torah to school when other students brought Bibles in support of Freshwater … He thought he was supporting freedom of religious expression, and the other kids just ripped him apart. ‘What are you doing?’ they asked. ‘You can’t support Mr. Freshwater, you’re Jewish’ … I don’t think people realize the depth of what’s going on between the students. It’s a mob mentality right now. It’s peer pressure. To not wear a T-shirt and to not bring your Bible when they say bring your Bible and wear a T-shirt, you’re asking for trouble … one of Arie’s friends wore a T-shirt to school that read, ‘I don’t need to wear a special T-shirt to be a Christian.’ That individual was reportedly pushed into the lockers and called a ’stupid atheist b****.’”

I found this story via The Wild Hunt. While I know there are some who would pass this off as nonsense, I know from experience what it can mean to go to public school as a religion other than what the majority believe. In a small town where there are almost more churches than trees being an “other” comes into play too often. The supposed diversity gets shoved out the window quickly.

I thought this story made an interesting contrast. The case is often made that public schools are hot bed of diversity while those who keep their children at home are sheltering them from it. I know that in my case keeping my sons out of the public schools probably allows them more diversity, religiously speaking.

Of course we have to look at this as not just a religious issue, but an age issue. This is dealing with middle school aged children, one of the worst times in terms of peer pressure and a drive to fit in or else.  Bullying, harassment, and worse for kids who do not fall neatly into their assigned roles and social class can be intense.

Just some thoughts from someone tired of being typecast and pigeonholed. As they say, things aren’t always greener on the other side of the fence. Or, in this case, things aren’t always so diverse on your own side of the fence.

diversity, education, religion, students, homeschooling

Hat tip to Lapaz for this interesting conversation.

I came in late to the conversation, but it has been an interesting read. Over at Barefoot Meandering the lines between parenting, life, unschooling, limits, and more were explored very deeply. And sometimes crudely as well. It began when KathyJo, the blog’s writer, read an article on limiting video games for children and teens and had some rather blunt ideas about them. From there a fight sparked in the comments section that really led some people to explore their own ideas of parenting with and without limits.

And yes, there are some attacks flung about as well.

So, trying to ignore the negative parts and not continue on the fighting, I wanted to look at a couple things mentioned. In part of the discussion in the comments section there was talk about what makes an educated person. (more…)

My state’s newspaper did an interesting thing recently where they invited a group of teenagers to learn how to create a newspaper. It looks like an amazing experience for these kids to do and learn about. You can read the newspaper they created here at The Writer’s Strike.

I probably would not have even noticed if it wasn’t that one of the audio segments was a public school girl interviewing three home schoolers. It’s an interesting take on homeschooling teenagers. They tackled sports, socialization, going to the prom, and more. For parents worried about what it will be like with teenagers this is a great interview to ease your fears. They are articulate, intelligent, and friendly. Who knew teenagers could be described that way?

Oklahoma, teenagers, home education, journalism

This week’s Works For Me Wednesday theme was to share what doesn’t work for us. Though I didn’t get a post up here, I did share one at my personal blog that I thought some of you might be interested. It is about bribing kids to get a desired result and how the short term benefits are outweighed by the long term problems, such as diminished internal motivation.

I shared that my thoughts were influenced by a book I read called Punished By Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes by Alfie Kohn, one that I think a lot more parents should read. Kohn has several other books on education and children that are worth looking for, both for parents with kids in school and those choosing home education.

I written before my list of the Top 10 Books Every Homeschooling Parent Should Read, but I’m going to have to amend that to add Alfie Kohn to the list. Anyone looking for some summer time reading should check out the list and see what strikes their interest. And don’t forget to check out some of the books by Kohn also. His other books The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing, The Case Against Standardized Testing: Raising the Scores, Ruining the Schools and The Schools Our Children Deserve: Moving Beyond Traditional Classrooms and “Tougher Standards” are three that parents should definitely read through no matter how they choose to educate their children.

So go, read my post and leave me lots of comments. Then look for some Alfie Kohn in your local library, he’s definitely worth checking out.

books, home education, Alfie Kohn, education

I’m a bit stumped on a question I was asked so I’m asking you for help. Lori D is looking for a family that does a particular style of home education, and while I know what she’s talking about I can’t put my finger on exactly who it was or when I talked about them. Maybe someone else has the answer.

Summer, I’m looking for a blog that you referenced sometime back. It’s about a family that does “Project Homeschooling” style. They do a project together as a family and whatever they learn from it that’s great. Can you help me? Thanks!

I’m drawing a big blank on this! I know what she’s talking about, I distinctly remember talking about a family, maybe a few families, that did things like this, and yet I can’t find the posts about them. I know that I loved this style when I first heard about it. It is a bit like unit studies are a larger scale, as the entire family comes together to do the project. Older kids and younger kids work together and take from it what they will.

Does anyone remember who this was, or who else does this? Are you a family that teaches in this way? Have any links to share that might tell more about this style?

home education, family, kids

If you’ve never visited Education.com you really should. It’s a great site for parents looking for information for more information on their kid’s education. Everything from preschool to high school is covered. Reference articles, informational sources, and advice.

I recently got an email from Jessica Hopkins of Education.com telling me about their homeschooling section which has articles on socialization, curriculum, tutors, unschooling, and much more. There are even articles for parents of gifted kids and those with special needs, two areas that are often glossed over or ignored on general home education sites.

I thought I would toss this site out there as another valuable resource for parents to use. The articles cover more than just educational topics, with topics such as shyness and fitness also covered across the site. It’s one of those sites that is perfect for all parents to check out, not just home educators. So check the site out, spend some time digging through all the information they have to offer, and think about joining in the community section to share with other parents.

parenting, education, home education, websites

As the school year draws to a close for some a new wave of home educating families are stepping up. The ones who either made it through the year of public or private school and are switching to home education, and the ones facing enrolling their children in school for the first time next year and deciding to stay home instead. As the year stretches into the summer there will be more and more parents suddenly doing the “OMG I’m not sending the kids to school, what will I do” freak out dance.

I love Tammy’s response to one parent’s fears on perfect homeschooling. Things don’t have to be perfect, in fact nothing ever really is. But who would want perfection anyway, that’s pretty boring if you ask me. Spontaneous chaos is what gives moms a chance to shine, and where the most important lessens are often learned. Even if you feel like hyperventilating when it’s happening.

It’s totally normal to be hyper when you’re starting out something SO new, an interesting, and BIG, and fun, and scary, and all that. So, enjoy it. Sign up for everything, get really going. Then, when you feel yourself burning out, back out, do less stuff, and relax. Whether you start by relaxing or start by going into overdrive, you’re still doing a great job and learning about your role as a homeschooling parent.

I think even some experienced families get a little freaked out with each new year. The kids are older, they may be requiring something new, younger children might be getting old enough to start some things, regulations and requirements might have changed, or anything else can throw perfectly sane parents into confusion.

I saw a few other blogs linking to this list of benefits of home education. Some were saying that when things started feeling stressed and they were questioning enrolling their children for next year this list made them relax. So I thought I would pass it on as well, something to help you de-stress and breath.

home education, education, school, parenting

In the genre of anti-home education rants there are certain points that must be followed, a formula that should always be used. Jack read his copy of the anti-home education guidebook, probably several times. I think that’s why he did such a spot on job of taking each and every one of the rules and applying them so well.

I thought as a public service I would share the 5 rules you have to follow to write a rant as powerful and defined as Jack’s is. I have seen so many people try to discredit home education but fall short every time of really publishing the kind of rant that has most of us falling out of our chairs in fits of laughter. This is for those who have the desire but are uncertain of just what to say.

• First and foremost stereotypes are your friend. Love them, care for them, and stick by them unconditionally. If the current stereotype is that all home educating families are from Mars and wear green polka dot jumpsuits then you better make sure you make that point in your rant. Often. A quick glimpse online will let you know how you should wrap all home educating families. Currently we’re all anti-diversity, anti-science, bible beaters. Remember, the common stereotypes change often depending on who has a headline to sell so check often.
• Research, forget about it! That’s the kind of crazy, anti-patriotic thing that home educators would do. You don’t need sources, facts, figures, or data of any kind to prove your claims. Name calling and tugging on the emotional responses of others is more than enough. If you can get readers tingling in fear of what those home educators might be doing you’ve already won half the war. Just imagine they’re home, alone, with their children, on purpose. Clearly something foul is going on.
• Find someone who agrees with you and is willing to say so. Be sure that this one person is a teacher, professor, guidance counselor, or works in education in some way. Work for a quote that explains how they meet home educated students every day and they are all dumb as rocks and/or socially inept. Be sure to ignore any data that shows how intelligent and socially normal home educated students are. Also ignore any data, or personal experience, that would show that not every single public schooled child is bright, happy, and well adjusted. Remember research is for the home educators, you don’t want to align yourself with them by fact checking.
• Demand reporting, testing, and some sort of qualifications for all home educating families. All children belong to the state and as such parents are required to keep the children left in their care at the standards that the government dictates. An extra boost comes if you also threaten that students not living up to the standards should be removed from their “families” and returned to their real homes, the public schools. As always, ignore any data that indicates that these same standards and qualifications are not working so well in the schools or the data showing lenient states are fairing no worse than strict states. It’s not really about the education of the children, but showing those pesky parents who is really in charge of their kids.
• Last, but certainly not least, blame the parents. No matter how bad the school is, no matter what did or did not happen, no matter how the system may be failing the fault is always on the parents. Teachers stretched too far? Should have sold more brownies for the PTA. No money for the classrooms? Should have donated your paychecks. Bullies? Why didn’t you quit your job to monitor the hallways? Was your child passed on to the next grade without actually knowing the material? Well you’re the parent, why didn’t you teach Billy to read? Oh, wait…

You see, with this simple 5 step formula anyone can put together a rant on the dangers of home education that would brings tears to the eye. If nothing else tears of laughter after Doc tears it apart piece by piece. With research and facts even. Oh will those diabolical home educating families never stop!

home education, Jack Lessenberry, education, rants, humor

I’m late sharing our Green Hour Challenge this week and I’m sorry. I got so wrapped up in a conversation I was having online that somehow in my mind I thought I had already posted it. It was only when I swung in to check comments did I realize I hadn’t yet. Sorry!

This week the assignment was to read through the section we’ve chosen to cover and list the topics that we plan to be covering for the rest of the time. I’ll admit that I’m more than a little inept when it comes to knowing flowers. There are pink ones, white ones, yellow ones, etc… The names aren’t anything that I’m familiar worth, which is part of why I choose plants. I’m enjoying learning about them as much as my oldest is. Here’s the list we have so far.

• moss (not a flower, but the boys have been exploring it a lot)
• tulips
• German Iris
• prairie trout lily
• grey-green wood sorrel
• henbit

We’ve been making a point to look around more on our walks and see what we see coming up. There are so many flowers popping up. The bright yellow dandelions really caught our eye this week, they are adding quite a bit of color the everyone’s yards. As it warms up more outside there will be a lot more prairie wildflowers popping up everywhere. But for this week dandelions had our attention.

We spent a warm afternoon picking dandelions in various stages of growth, making wishes on the seed puffs, and getting close and personal with the flower heads. The oldest was actually excited to make a page in his nature journal on dandelions so I helped him as much as he wanted.

nature, nature journal, dandelions

I can’t say enough how much I love using Twitter. It keeps me up to date and chatting with all of my friends. I also get tips for articles and websites worth checking out. Like this one for instance, School of Everything.

As soon as I saw this site I knew I had to share it here. The “school” is really a place for people to connect with others who have something to teach them or something to learn from them. If you want to learn more about a topic just search for it and find someone willing to teach you. Or if you have a certain skill you can find other eager to learn. Whether you are teaching for free or charge to pass on your knowledge you can join the School of Everything and add yourself to the club. Here is a tidbit from the Big Idea page about this site.

Our current education system was designed in the industrial revolution to prepare people for factory work. The world has changed a lot since then - and the time has come to rethink education from the bottom to the top.

At School of Everything, we believe that learning is personal, and starts not with what you ’should’ learn but with what you’re interested in. So we’re building a tool to help anyone in the world learn what they want, when, where and in a way which suits them. Putting people in touch with each other, not with institutions.

The site was originally for the UK only but has recently gone international. Still the majority of the teachers listed are from the UK, mainly because that’s where they started. If you from someone else and have a skill you wouldn’t mind sharing you should join up as a teacher. Who knows who you might end up meeting and helping.

I’m sharing this great site as my Works For Me Wednesday post this week. I loved it too much not to pass it on. Don’t forget to go check out the other tips and advice being shared this week as well.

education, learning, knowledge, School of Everything, Works For Me Wednesday