Valorie Delp's comments

Should We Have More Than Two Parties? - Blog Entry

08 Jul 2008 07:11 AM

Yeah I agree. There is another blog coming soon on that idea, along with how the parties got started. ;-) The problem with 3rd parties though is that their ideas are very fringe. So in the race of the lesser of two or three or four evils, I tend to agree most with the Republicans. To be honest, I would like to see a mix of Obama, McCain and a little Ronald Reagan. ;-) But that blog is coming soon too!

Revisiting Kennedy's Inaugural Speech - Blog Entry

06 Jul 2008 04:15 AM

I actually have read that before. Thank you for pointing it out.

Unschooling, Homeschooling, Classroom: Choose the Method that Meets the Needs of the Child - Blog Entry

24 Jun 2008 03:58 AM

Deedee--I do know a couple of families for whom unschooling has been successful. But I wouldn't call them radical by any means. There are rules, expectations about chores, volunteer work etc. But they're kids can choose what to study in a particular day.

Lyn--Again, I'll have to disagree. I think it's far more important for the parent to have a philosophy and an idea of what education looks like than it is to consider the child's learning style. While there are a few kids for whom only one thing works--I think that's the exception and not the rule. Of course we are sensitive to the needs of our kids--I don't make my five year old sit forever because she simply can't. For science I have a list of things that we have to cover in the early years and we cover them at some point--and generally the kids pick. All homeschooling to an extent--should be child led.

Politics Week in Review: June 9 to June 12 - Blog Entry

23 Jun 2008 06:23 PM

Hey and welcome. You might find interesting conversation in our forums. (www.families.com/forums) I think that it speaks to social irresponsibility. It's sad that they weren't trained better. But that's a whole other discussion. thanks for the comment. ;-)

Unschooling, Homeschooling, Classroom: Choose the Method that Meets the Needs of the Child - Blog Entry

23 Jun 2008 08:13 AM

I would not even consider asking whether or not my four year old wants to be homeschooled. . .um. . .they're four. Neither would I ask them what they're comfortable with because again. . .they're four. . .they probably don't even know. (I'm wondering how many kids you have?) They are not wise, but foolish and left unto themselves will make foolish decisions. This is the great fallacy I see with radical unschooling. I am the parent, I make the decisions and that's that. With that said, I always consider where my kids might want to be and certainly for extras like ballet, or gymnastics--there is choice. But I can guarantee you I have at least one child who would play game boy all day and I'm not about to let him sit around and rot his brain. There's such a thing as enriching exposure.

Food Blog Week in Review & Menu: June 22 - Blog Entry

23 Jun 2008 02:46 AM

LOL Enjoy!

Revisiting Kennedy's Inaugural Speech - Blog Entry

22 Jun 2008 03:41 PM

Why thank you Beth. I'm happy at least the first person to comment on my blog hasn't thrown anything my way yet. ;-)

Valid Reasons to Homeschool - A Public Educator's Opinion - Blog Entry

22 Jun 2008 03:33 PM

Lyn--I left you a big long comment on your other blog. But I'll add to this by saying too--to be careful about equating unschoolers with homeschooling. We are definitely not unschoolers as I'm sure you've realized if you've read some of what I've written about it. But also, remember that several homeschoolers reject (for lack of a better word) or leave the system believing they can do better and doing so looks different. When my son was 4 and 5 and not reading or writing (he actually didn't even know all his letters), I got laborious looks from in laws etc. I held firm to my belief that for him, waiting was better. That goes against every grain of cultural fiber. Yet I started teaching him to read in September and he's now reading at a solid second grade level. . .he will finish 1st in a few days. But I got more than a few "so you're not doing anything with him yet?" and I'm sure by some I was considered one of those "bad parents". But I do appreciate you addressing this because I think dialogue is a good way to opening understanding.

Invalid Reasons to Homeschool - A Public Educator's Opinion - Blog Entry

22 Jun 2008 03:27 PM

I think the problem with saying that there are invalid reasons for homeschooling is that you're making a judgement on someone else's parenting decision based on your criteria. What I would say is that there are bad parents everywhere. They exist in public school (LOL c'mon. . .I know you've met them!!!) as well as private and they exist in homeschool circles as well.

I would also point out that public school is not really the best place to observe homeschooling. Kids who were homeschooled who come back to public school do so because it wasn't working. It may not have been working for a variety of reasons but that still doesn't, IMO, invalidate the initial reason for wanting to homeschool. When it's working, which is the majority of cases that I've seen, they continue to thrive and grow at home.

I have to say too for anyone else's benefit that Lyn and I have talked before about homeschooling. I will wholeheartedly stand behind her in vouching that she is not against homeschooling. She is merely offering her opinions on her blog--which of course is allowed and encouraged. Because she's offering her opinions, we're able to have a great dialog and improve understanding. Good job Lyn! ;-)

Watermelon Spinach Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette - Blog Entry

22 Jun 2008 02:42 PM

And if you find it.. .you know what to do right?