Thankful Thursday- March 7

Hearing about the 11 year old boy who died as a result of the beating he received in his school's playground made me all the more grateful that we homeschool.  My only regret is not doing it sooner.  No one can ever care for or protect my children like I can.   Is this the "socialization" that we want for our children?  Seriously.  How many more studies need to be done and how many more children will be lost or traumatized before society realizes that the system just doesn't work.   Even if we ignore the violence, bullying and curricula choices that could be found objectionable, how about a study that just came out?  It showed that SAT reading scores in the U.S. are at the lowest in 40 years-- 34 points lower than in 1972- meaning that U.S. students remain behind their global counterparts and education standards have not improved in spite of increased billions of dollars poured into education by the federal government.   This has been a failing model for half a century.  No one wants to try to make it better.  Like anything, their philosophy is to just throw more money at it and it will be ok.  Not.

 In a brief 45 minute period with 30 other kids in a room, how can any human being (and I myself was the frustrated teacher in that situation for many years) get to know all of those children on a personal level?  How can they know each and every one of their strengths, weaknesses or interests?  It takes weeks just to learn the names.  My last year teaching I had approximately 150 students.  I was always frustrated that I couldn't get to know each and every student *more.*  I did my best and was considered an "exemplary" teacher, but it just isn't possible when you have to cover a certain amount of material no matter what.  The first 10 minutes of class are shot with them all getting in and settled and the last few are for them to get packed up, so what does it give someone?  Perhaps 30 minutes with 30+ students?  No teacher can even *talk* to each and every child individually in that amount of time, let alone give every one of them the attention they need and desire.  It is very, very sad.

What a blessing homeschool is and it is worth every sacrifice.  And there have been enormous sacrifices.  If someone isn't willing to sacrifice for their own child/ren, there isn't much hope for our society.  More and more people are realizing that everyday.

Here is a wonderful learning opportunity for the older boys-- helping their grandfather assemble a new TV stand.  The relationships the children have with each other and their parents and grandparents because of homeschooling are truly priceless.  We could never have that level of closeness, trust and camaraderie if they were gone for 8-10 hours a day.

Every time I hear of the bullying of a child, or in this case, bullying to death, it tears my heart out and I get so angry at the system that has failed so very many in so many ways.  It makes me so very grateful for the education I am able to provide my children on a variety of levels and the love we are able to share with each other all day long.  Let's all hug our kids a few extra times this week. 

Linking up with ,Lisa at The Army Chap's Wife, NOBH,Miscellany Monday, Raising Homemakers and Modest Mom and Raising Mighty Arrows,, Spilled Milkshake,Crafty Spices,  Mom's Monday Mingle, Monday Mingle, and Just the Stuff Ya Know