our city is still recovering from the hurricane. people are now being allowed to return to their homes by the gulf (or what's left of them). I can see signs of recovery every day and it is very encouraging. people have come together in many ways to help each other. neighbors that didn't know each other now share a bond that will hopefully last well past storm recovery. houston is a great place to live. just when I begin to think there aren't any selfless people in the world, someone shows a random act of kindess and proves me wrong. go houston!

socialization?

I recently read an article regarding homeschooling. It seems ABC or one of those news agencies has done a piece on a couple of homeschooling families. Surprisingly, this one wasn't slanted against homeschoolers. I often read disfavorable reports on homeschooling so that's why I was surprised. This piece wasn't without the negative though. It seems there is enough evidence that homeschooled children score better than government schooled children on standardized tests (by at least 2 grade levels) so the opponents of homeschooling have to find another way to demonize this movement. How are they trying to do it? Socialization. The claim when a child is homeschooled they become unable to interact with others. Of course this is nonsense, but to people (being the majority) who know absolutely nothing about homeschooling this makes perfect sense. That is until you use a little logic and actually begin to think for yourself. First, what does socialization mean? Based on conversations with different people there are some serious problems with what people think socialization means. Might I suggest looking up the word. Ask yourself some questions about what you think socialization might mean and then ask if there are children that fit this definition whether they are being schooled at home or in a government school. If you think socialization has to do with interaction with others of the same age group consider there are shy children in private schools, government schools, charter schools and homeschools. Some personalities are introverted. Plain and simple. Then there are children who are bullied so they don't interact with others. Those are the ones we read about that go and shoot up schools and stuff (generally NOT homeschoolers or private schooled children or charter schooled children). My point is this, don't confuse personality types with lack of socialization. Socialization is learned at home. How to interact with others of all ages. Manners, socially acceptable behavior, etc. Children who learn these things at home are socialized. Also, aren't schools for education? Socializing in the sense that most people seem to be concerned about (talking with friends, texting, etc.) should happen after school at sporting events, music lessons, clubs and group meetings all of which the majority of homeschooled children participate. I think the use of the word "socialization" is just a buzz word to make people think homeschooled children are somehow deprived of interaction with others, like somekind of backward hick or something. Really ridiculous. The real oppossition is probably more about control than socialization. Think about that.

I used to read the news headlines everyday. I don't do that anymore. I try once or twice a week. Headlines can really depress a person. The stories behind the headlines can depress you even more. I wonder if I'm the only person that notices how the media tries to manipulate people? I feel like I'm under seige. In fact, I know I am. The world, the flesh and the devil are constantly battering the senses. It's scary to see how blind others are to this assault. Does anyone have real understanding? Can anyone see the macro view of events (past, present, future). Can anyone see where we are headed? Does anyone care or are most people only conscience of their own "little" place in this world?