Homeschooling

Put a Little Science in Your Life

By BRIAN GREENE
Published: June 1, 2008

A COUPLE of years ago I received a letter from an American soldier in Iraq. The letter began by saying that, as we’ve all become painfully aware, serving on the front lines is physically exhausting and emotionally debilitating. But the reason for his writing was to tell me that in that hostile and lonely environment, a book I’d written had become a kind of lifeline. As the book is about science — one that traces physicists’ search for nature’s deepest laws — the soldier’s letter might strike you as, well, odd.

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I liked this article- it is rare to read something in the main stream press that doesn’t promote sense of well being and life fulfillment that does NOT come from religion.
The article states the science can logic and reason can give you comfort. There is no need to look for “higher power” to feel like your life has meaning and value.

The homeschool community is often divided along religious lines. You get almost opposite groups within in the same group- if that makes sense. On one side is right wing christian/ Creation Scientists and the other atheists/pagans and free thinkers. The rarely seem to get along if the email lists and message board I frequent are any kind of barometer.

I have been cautious about even thinking of it- but I feel )relatively) safe in reporting that yes- the raccoons are gone!

I am going to spend the day tomorrow blocking up their entry into the our home with think wire and maybe a giant rock.

We have a cabana next to us for the pool and I am also wondering if they are getting i from there some how.

Our house still WREAKS of moth balls and ammonia but not like a hamster cage, What a horrible few months it has been. Al the night of their creaming and growling… I will never look at the as being cure fuzzy woodland creatures again . Mark me down as thinking they are vile vermin.

If you are new to homeschooling or thinking of unschooling then you need to take a look at probably the best source of information you can find on unschooling. the site , though crude, is run by Sandra Dodd. . She covers any topic you can think of when it comes to homeschooling.
I have found it invaluable in keeping me grounded and focused. She also began a blog a few months ago.

One of the things I use her site for - often- it to help me keep my eye on the ball. When friend or family in the past have said things or made negative comments about homeschooling her site helps me some up with a “defence” to common objection-s like who wil they live in the real world/ What about socialization, etc.

She also discusses deschooling ( preios after you take kids out of school) at length. She has 3 kids ( I think!) who are for the most part adults and survived homeschooling.

this sounds like quite a clever movie, What Would Jesus Buy? I am not that religious but am interested in anything that has to do with consumerism and exploitation of the middle and lower class.
Having travelled extensively in the United States I am always shocked at not just the excess but also the amount of CRAP they sell people. Not just stuff but even what they pass off as food in grocery stores and restaurants.

This is not a matter of the upper middle class buying to much ( which hey do) but lower down on the socio-economic rung you find people buying garbage to put into their bodies. Aisles an aisles of sugary trans fat laden snacks and fresh produce selection in typical grocery store is dismal. I found it very depressing.

High levels of the estrogen-mimicking chemical in canned food sold in Canada according to Globe and Mail tests.

High levels of bisphenol A prompted many consumers to toss water and baby bottles containing the controversial material. Now, tests conducted for The Globe and Mail and CTV have found high levels of the estrogen-mimicking chemical in canned food sold in Canada. Industry insists there is no cause for alarm; scientists are divided. But is it time to consider cutting back on canned goods?

Argh. I was one of the LAST people - and I do mean last - top buy an expensive Nalgene bottle. All my friend were buying the $20.00+ ones at specialty stores 5 years ago. I bought my first ones at Canadian Tire for about 3.00.

The reports came if of trouble and everyone has pitched these plastic ones for trendy metal and stainless steel style.
I know several women who nearly had a nervous breakdown over this- worrying about how nothins was safe etc.
Alot of families swore off cow;s milk and only drank the self-righteous soy- only f=to find out large amounts van cause early onset puberty.

So now canned stuff is unsafe. In fact they may even be worse than the plastic stuff that made mothers run to the cupboard and through our their boutique baby bottles. The globe article states that the estrogen-mimicking chemical bisphenol A may even be TWICE as high as found in plastics.

The most affected are moms who are using baby formula that are soy based. Some soy based formulas are only sold in cans and leaving big dilemma for moms- give them non-soy based when they are allergic or go ahead with the canned that contain harmful chemicals.

At risk of sounding self righteous- None of this would be an issue if babies were breastfed ( for most moms anyway). Babies are meant to have mother’s milk until at least the ago if 2- according tho WHO ( World Health Organization).

I had meant to mention it last weekend but we went horseback riding with our homeschooling group last week- it was just absolutely wonderful!

Th older kids got a fill lesson then time in paddocks with their horses. Younger ones had a pony and these were LARGE ponies) with some one beside them and walking on the horse going the the trails with the, for a good 20 mins. I was quite impressed.

The instructor’s were great with all the children and I particularly liked how they spoke at length about the horses . It wasn’t like- lets take you 30.00 and got for an “amusement” ride. You could tell they loved the animals and wanted to install respect and knowledge in to the kids- even the little ones.

Most horseback riding places will offer lessons and they are very receptive to homeschool groups. I found it affordable and if you are able try an organize some sessions for the kids in Spring or Fall.

All 4 of us ( kids + me) stated watching a new show about a month ago, I am not sure when the habit started- maybe 3 years ago but my daughters and I started watching shows from beginning to end. We got DVD’s from the library and were able to watch all kids of shows - commercial free. We watch pretty much all the little House on The Prairie episodes, All the Full Houses ( a LONG few months for me ! ) and most recently we are in season 4 of Stargate Atlantis. I was quite surprised when my 4 year old son who jumped right in and is now watching along with us. I think of us all he is enjoying the most. He loved Ronin, Colonel Sheppard and Rodney ( Dr. McKay). he balled when a major character died recently.

I myself and quite petrified of the Wraith- horrible life sucking creatures. The show is made in Canada and one of the main characters, Rodney is fodder for hilarious inside jokes for Canadians. Recently he made reference to Particpaction and I just about cried laughing and wish another adult was there t appreciate the inside joke.
The show can be a bot hokey- and probably too scary fro MOST 4 year olds but we are loving it. Watching Stargate Atlantis is now a nightly ritual for us.

I don’t want to jinx anything- but I think it MIGHT be possible that those horrible nasty vermin, aka raccoons are gone.
They have plagued my home since April. The mother had babies almost 2 months ago and that cost of getting rid of them was prohibitive. I haven’t heard any raccoon-y noises for a while and am beginning to hope that they may be gone once and for all. Tonight I am going to sprinkle flour on the ground where I think they get in and out of house and see if I am right or if they have fled!

I am so sick of animals. Our pool had dead squirrel in it this morning and dead mouse in cabana.

I will repost back on what I find in the morning. I may even take picture of tracks- if any. next step is blocking off their entrance into the house.

Its that time of year- the end of year recitals, tournaments and demonstrations. Our kids don’t go to school but we still have the “end of year” stuff every one else has!

Today was end of the year Piano Recital. The kids all played beautifully.

I was struck by somethings- actually amazed really. Listening to kids play I leaned over and mentioned to my eldest daughter that we should have bought a card for the teacher . She pulled out a letter from her pocket. Without me mentioning she had taken the time to write quite along , well written letter of thanks to her piano teacher.

I have never one to force manners or please and thank-yous on my kids- but some how they learned. And I know when they say thank-you it is heartfelt and not forced or out of duty.
Was a proud moment- I think I was more proud of than hand written letter than the Chopin piece she played.

Kids went to see the latest Narnia movie - The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian As i was in the first one, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe I was really taken aback at the violence- it seemed more like Lord of The Rings than a Disney movie.

Lots of terrifying creatures, Orc-like things and heavy themes for small children.

I am not against violence or violent movies- just so odd that this one is SO over the top an marketed to really young kinds. When The later harry Potter;s came out people were taking about how frightening they might be- well I just don’t see the comparison. You are not taking many 4.5 year olds to recent harry potter movies- most people any way. These Narnia movies are too violent to be marketed to preschoolers.

Am I crazy? I am pretty liberal but this has me a bit mystified.