South Korea: The Most Wired Place on Earth

This video from Frontline shows the effects of video game and computer addiction. It's only 14 minutes long, and the end is definitely worth watching.

South Korea: The Most Wired Place on Earth

Is this where we're headed?

Now, These are "Learning Activities"

Teen Builds Her Reputation as a Competitive Birder

Homeschooled Students Learn about Science with LEGOS

Stereotypes, anyone?

I find it funny that a librarian of a "very large public library" asked the following question in a School Library Journal advice column:

"What do I tell homeschooling parents who object to us having books on certain topics, such as human reproduction...?" (emphasis added)

If that isn't enough to make you chuckle, the response was even more funny:

"Let those parents know that you're thrilled they use your library for their children's educational needs. Then, explain that the library's mission is to serve the learning and recreational reading needs of the entire community. Most public and many private schools teach human reproduction in science and health classes. And many parents turn to the library for materials to help them engage in good conversations about sex and sexuality with their children. The library is all about giving people choices. Although homeschooling parents can determine what their kids read and learn, they can't impose their views on others."

You mean, some parents talk to their children about sex? I can't pick and choose what other parents read to their children? What is happening to our society???

Apparently this woman didn't get the memo. Homeschool parents aren't only paranoid, controlling and wild about censorship, we keep our kids in the know about reproduction by getting pregnant annually, giving birth at home and raising farm animals.

Public School Sports - Can Homeschoolers Have Their Cake and Eat It, Too?

Youth basketball season is here, and we're all looking forward to Andrew's first practice. We're a sports family. We love watching our son practice and play in games, and we love getting to know his teammates and their families.

My husband's fondest childhood memories involve sports, and one of his main concerns about homeschooling was that our children would not be able to play sports on a competitive level. So when I read this article about homeschoolers who want to play sports on public school teams, I was sympathetic to their concerns.

Home school sports leagues have not been in operation as long as public school programs, and may not provide the same level of competitiveness or exposure. In addition, homeschoolers pay school taxes that support public school sports programs and may feel entitled to play on athletic teams and participate in other school activities.

However, despite the obvious benefits, my concerns about participation in public school programs mirror my concerns about use of virtual schools. When homeschoolers begin demanding services from the government, what will the government begin demanding of us? By participating in public school activities, are we inviting government intervention into our homes?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you think widespread participation in public school programs could jeopardize our autonomy? Can we as homeschoolers can have our cake and eat it, too?

African American Homeschoolers

Last year, as we stepped out of the van for a homeschool field trip, my son asked, "Mom, where are all the brown people?"

Well, there's good news! According to this article, blacks are the fastest growing demographic among homeschoolers.

Here's more on African-American homeschooling.

No Homeschoolers Allowed!

Subway and Scholastic are hosting a writing contest, and have specified in their contest rules that no entries from homeschoolers will be accepted.

Sounds like someone is afraid of a little competition!

I've sent an e-mail letting them know that this is yet another reason we prefer to eat at Great Outdoors.

California Court Decision

By now I'm sure you've heard of the recent CA court decision against homeschooling. I won't spend much time commenting, other than to say I do not believe in any government intervention in homeschooling and I believe parents are just as qualified to teach their children as "credentialed" teachers. More on that here:

Are homeschool laws necessary?

What are your qualifications?

There are some who say this case is about abuse, not homeschooling. If such is true, why not charge the parents with a crime, prove their guilt (the burden of proof IS on the State) and put them in jail? Apparently there are some officials in our "Justice" system who need a refresher course on due process.

Thankfully, Governor Schwarzenegger is familiar with the concept of parental rights.

Here's a hilarious spoof article about the court decision.

Here's HSLDA petition to depublish the decision.

It's Not Just for Spellers Anymore!

Who said we could only win speling bees?

Florida's Tebow Wins Heisman Trophy

Dumb Jocks

My husband will sleep a bit better tonight knowing college football is an option for homeschoolers.

Homeschooler Snaps Up Heisman Nomination