Sep. 27, 2007
Homeschooling is BAD??!
As most who read my blog already know, I have provided after-school care for the same little girl for now the fourth year. She's like a member of the family (well, technically, she is distantly related =oP), and we are good friends with her parents. The point being made, is that we know her and her family well. Well enough to know that what transpired yesterday did not come from them.
Yesterday, as usual when A. arrived here after school, her and my wee one went out back to play. They were playing on the trampoline, and I was in the kitchen, which looks out onto the back yard. After a few minutes, I realised they were arguing, so I called them both in to see what the problem was. According to them both, the fighting began when A. told my wee one: "Homeschooling is bad!" Naturally, he countered that comment with "Your public school is bad!". Knowing what they were fighting about, and how it began, I asked A. why she would say that. She promptly informed me that her teacher, Mrs. G. told her that homeschooling was bad. She then told me that she told her teacher that she knew someone who was homeschooled, and that he already knew how to do things like multiplication, division, etc, and he is only 7. Then, her teacher asked A. who she was talking about, to which A. replied "RJ". The teacher's response? "RJ who?" Naturally not knowing any better, A. gave her teacher RJ's last name.
Now...I don't know about anyone else, but this really pissed me off! Not at A., at the teacher. First off, who in hell is she to tell her students that homeschooling is bad?! I don't care if she has the opinion, but to present it to her class as fact?! That really ticks me off. Then, to push for the name of my wee one? Oh yeah...Mama Bear is awake now. I was so angry yesterday, I was going to go to the school, and have a bit of a talk with her. However, common sense prevailed, and I allowed myself to cool down. I've yet to do anything, and am waffling back and forth. On one hand, I feel I should contact the principal of the school, and request a meeting between himself, the teacher, and my husband and I. On the other hand, she clearly already has a negative view of homeschooling...do I open up that can of worms and risk her putting in a retaliatory call to CPS? Illinois is one of the most lenient states when it comes to homeschooling...but all it takes is one call concerning fabrications, for me to find CPS on my doorstep.
I did clue A.'s mom in on what transpired, which made her angry as well. M. was quite unhappy that Mrs. G.'s opinion was presented as fact. She was also concerned that Mrs. G. would make it difficult for A. if it came out that she was the one who told us about it. Also, what about the "she said/she said" issue. Personally, having been on the terms with this family that I have been for the past 4 years, I absolutely have to take A.'s word. Not because I know them better...but simply because in the 4 years I have been taking care of A., not a negative word has been said about homeschooling, by either her, or her parents. In fact, A. has said that she wishes I could homeschool her. So, I have no doubt this is NOT coming from A., or her family, but rather from the teacher.
What to do...what to do.
Comments
Sep. 27, 2007 - To respond or not to respond, that is the question
 Posted by kcmyworld
I would feel just as irate as you. But I would probably err on the side of keeping silent. If you approached the principal and teacher, what basis would you have? You have no jurisdiction, not really even any input into what happens in her classroom. (Just as she has none in yours.) I think you have more to lose (privacy, freedom, etc.) than you have to gain.
This would be a good opportunity to encourage your child to pray for those who persecute you and say all kinds of evil falsely.
Praying for you and yours!
Robin
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Sep. 27, 2007 - Been there
Posted by authorDonna
You've no doubt heard the old saying that flies come to sugar better than vinegar? Send a nice note to the teacher. Comment on how you understand that she maybe feels threatened by home teaching and she needn't. Explain that home teachers simply want the priviledge of teaching their own children. Butter her up with comments such as: I couldn't imagine trying to do this with thirty children.
If nothing else, you may just make her re-think her views of home teachers.
I found that was the best way to diffuse the hostility that comes from the base fear that some day they will lose their jobs because of home teaching. It's nonesense because too many people are not interested in home teaching. Hope this helps. Blessings.
Donna Fawcett
Author of Thriving in the Home School
Donna Dawson
Author of Redeemed and The Adam & Eve Project
Word Alive Press' top seven author 2007
www.freewebs.com/donnadawson
www.inscribe.org/donnadawson
www.shoutlife.com/donnadawson
www.blogger.com/christianfictionnovels
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