Evangelical Homeschoolers Ask for Accurate Science
Today's entry was written by the BioLogos Editorial Team. You can read more about what BioLogos believes here.
A recent article in the Atlantic discusses how more and more parents who homeschool their children—many of them evangelical Christians—are searching for educational materials that do not distort the conclusions of mainstream science with regard to evolution and the age of the earth, among other topics.
Writer David R. Wheeler writes that, “For homeschooling parents who want to teach their children that the earth is only a few thousand years old, the theory of evolution is a lie, and dinosaurs coexisted with humans, there is no shortage of materials. … This staunch rejection of modern science tends to characterize today's leading homeschool textbooks.”
But homeschooling evangelicals who embrace modern science are becoming more vocal about it, writes Wheeler, regardless of the “inevitable criticism” that comes with making that choice.
So where can these parents go to find textbooks that are both scientifically sound, yet still allow for God as the author of creation?
Wheeler notes that one publisher in Grand Rapids is attempting to fill the gap, and also cites BioLogos’ Evolution and Christian Faith grants program as a promising source of materials that can help reframe the conversation for Christian parents.
Read the full article here!
March 20th 2013
I really like the idea of homeschooling but my worries lies on the social and emotional growth of my kids.
Reply to this commentMarch 21st 2013
Hi Joline,
I learned at home as a child, and am currently teaching my ten year old niece and six (almost sven) year old twin nephews at home. My parents, when folks found out my siblings and I were homeschooled, almost always got the same response,...” what about their social skills”? This always seemed to be the #1 concern of their peers. what I realize now, as thirty-four year old, is that social skills begin at home!
My niece has friends that attend public school ( not bashing public school here) and I’ve observed their social skills or lack thereof. It’s my obsevation that children who have good EQ ( emotional intelligence ) have parents that are teaching them those skills at home. The main way children learn how to interact with the world is by watching the adults in their lives. So, if I can answer any concern about ” social skills ” for homeschoolers I would advise you to start with you as their main reference point, while at the same time getting them involved with other children that are learning at home. there is no reason for a homeschooler to be odd social; sadly that’s a common steoretype some have played out.
All the best to you and your children….whatever you choose!
~Gabrielle.
Reply to this commentApril 9th 2013
Our family uses Apologia as it seems to provide kids with a quite solid science background and is very user friendly. It is somewhat of a gold standard in those respects, from my limited purview of science curricula. I regret that it usually equates God’s activity in creation with miracles only, and that it equates evolution with atheism, but we talk our kids through these issues.
Interestingly and not surprisingly, young earth creationism in the Southeast Asian nation where we live has been introduced by homeschoolers here using American curricula.
I am excited that the recent grant program seeks to make broader options open to parents. God bless your efforts!
Reply to this commentApril 22nd 2013
Great Post. I have not been visiting the site recently. Took a visit again and there were some great comments on the site. Excellent post. Keep up the good work.
Ecopolitan
Reply to this commentMay 2nd 2013
I have not been visiting this site lately. Was here the last few days and didnt left a comment. I check back again and found more great insights both from you and the guest comments as well. Excellent Post. Keep up the good work!
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Hillview Peak
Reply to this commentMay 13th 2013
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Keep up the good work.
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