Week 13

I only work 2 days this week, and one of the days is already behind me! Consequently I have 5 consecutive days to work hard, study, and [hopefully] finish my online Winter classes from BYU-I! I signed up for 13 credits this semester, which results in a LOT of reading and even more writing. And math (but just for Astronomy Lab). Soo much math! In fact, I must include a formula that I used extensively in my last assignment!

Doppler Equation:

c|Δλ|/λ_{0 = V}

Capice? Buono!

C: The speed of light, per kilometer, per second (3 x 10^5 km/sec)
Δ: Delta, stands for the measured spectral line of a galaxy
λ: The wavelength in the Sun.
V: Speed of Galaxy.

I used this equation to determine 18 speeds of different galaxies, using wavelength measurements that I attained using a redshift simulation program. It's kind of interesting, but am I REALLY going to use this someday?!?!

I have 2 or 3 more labs to finish, so much reading for Chinese Literature and Chinese Culture, some small writing assignments for Social Problems, and a couple more quizzes and a final for Astronomy. And a LOT of writing for the Chinese classes!!! I'm actually working on one of the papers right now. I'm writing about the Tang dynasty! Very interesting! That reminds me...Tang Poetry! I might post a paper I wrote concerning a couple of great poets from the Tang era! It's not too long.

I'm starting to feel sad about leaving Staples. I really do enjoy working there, and my coworkers and managers are great! They're awesome people and somehow became my friends!!! Now I'm just leaving them!!! What if I never see them again?!? Well, I guess it really doesn't matter, because I'll be living 700+ miles away anyways with my BYU-I friends, so no worries whatsoever!

In fact, I will be moving to Rexburg again in exactly 18 days from now! I am so excited! There is only one spot available at my apartment. I'm also on the BYU-I dance board, as the Dance Board Secretary! That'll be fun! And I'm still debating whether to take that University Police job or not. Maybe if it doesn't take up too much time! With 17 credits, dance board, and everything else, a job that requires too much time might not be a good idea. But I might give it a try!!! It'd probably be fun!

Last night I watched the most amazing movie ever!!! It was a Merian C. Cooper silent film from 1924 called Grass. It was about a tribe in Iran, their resilience and determination concerning their ROUGH nomadic lifestyle, making vigorous journeys to lands with grass to sustain their livestock and life! It was so interesting! It was actually more of a documentary, but just as fascinating as ever! I would have died if I were one of them!

Well, I don't know what to write now. My brain is totally sidetracked towards the mid-Tang Dynasty and Empress Wu!!! She was not a popular woman, apparently! I really hope I can finish this paper before I go to bed tonight!!!! I have sooo much to do!!!!!!!

Buona notte! Ciao!

- -
Alexis Nicole Pomeroy

EXCITING!!!

I ran on the treadmill today.

I did a mile in just less than 13 min!!! That's the best I've ever done!

I ran/walked for a total of 35 min. and did 2.62 miles in that time frame!

I'm just really excited about improving and gaining strength, endurance!!!

Soon I'll be running a mile in 10 min, NO PROBLEM!!! =)

--
Alexis

Update

Ok, so I have been rather negligent lately with my blog! I have been putting up essays that I've written and not provided any insights or updates in my life.
I will be going back to school this summer and I can register for classes tomorrow!
The classes I am taking are:

Intro to Business
Microbiology & Lab
Micro-Applications for Business
Macroeconomics
Missionary Preparation
And a music class, piano or voice lessons.

I am so excited to be moving in just over 4 weeks! I'll be living in a house apartment on College Avenue. I'll have my own room, free laundry, and placed in convenient proximity of campus.

I have soooo much homework right now. I just got home from work (which I volunteered to work an extra hour and a half because one of my coworkers didn't show). I actually wanted to go home early, but I couldn't just leave knowing they needed me!

So the rest of my plans for today are:

Chinese Literature - A 'critical essay' about Tang Verse (Classic Chinese Poetry)
Astronomy - A lab called "Age of Star Clusters"
Chinese Cultre - A chapter called "The Cosmopolitan Empires of Sui and Tang"
Social Problems - Write stuff.

I am also going to organize my room a little bit, prepare things for packing, and run a couple of miles on the treadmill. I am getting so much better at running!!! I used to hate it so much, my throat would be on fire, my lungs and sides would hurt, and I'd run out of breath in only a few moments. I have been improving so much and I can run 2 miles in 27 minutes now! I would never have been able to do that 2 months ago. I want to be able to run an entire mile, nonstop, in 10 or 12 min!

Well, I'll write more later!

--
ANP

Chinese Culture 2

Alexis N. Pomeroy
19 March 2008

Chinese Culture: Unit Two

256 B.C.E. – 580 C.E.

Qin Dynasty and the Unification of China. In 221 B.C.E., the Qin Dynasty began the unified Chinese Empire after overpowering all of the rivaling regions. The Qin dynasty brought with them their Legalist traditions and their respect towards those they conquered. I think that their understanding approach to their new domains is what helped them unify China with such ease.

Lu, a highly influential individual, increased the unity of China in many ways. One beneficial factor that he contributed in unifying China was the fact that anyone could attain nobility, depending on their own success. This provided a sense of equality between the common people and those who ruled them, as well as a huge motivator to be successful. Lu was one of these common people himself, but his success and entrepreneurship gained him a position as chancellor, regent, and other distinguished titles.

He also has a book compiled that would represent the unified philosophies of Qin. This was another huge unifier in that the book consisted of philosophies and thoughts of all the different schools of thought that were important at that time. That way all people would embrace Qin’s new book and have a connection with everyone else.

Then there was King Cheng, the “First Emperor” of the Qin, who reformed the structure of Chinese government and administration. He promoted the standardization of writing, measurements, and currency, as well as the development of roads and canals. The Qin law under the “First Emperor” was very rigorous with taxes, penalties, and executions. When the First Emperor finally died in 210 BCE, he had thousands of life-sized ceramic soldiers surround this tomb. He was very mistrusting and slightly paranoid about death because he had three different assassination attempts in his life.

The next emperor began his reign as the Second Emperor after his father, the First Emperor, died in 210 BCE. He had his brothers, as well as Li Si, executed. The Qin dynasty was losing its power and status, and there started to be rebellions. The Qin dynasty eventually disintegrated and in its place arose a new dynasty known as the “Han Dynasty.”

The first Emperor of the Han was Liu Bang (Emperor Gao), who took his leadership role in 202 BCE and continued until 195 BCE. He reformed the centralized government, instated a new location as the capitol: Chang’an, as well as reformed many of the laws, taxes, and from the sound of it, improved the overall quality of life for the people. The Han emperor was a powerful position, but he heavily relied on the advice of chancellors and other officials.

After Emperor Gao died, the widow of the next emperor took over and no one liked her. She was apparently very mean and harsh, and caused the people to decide that it was a lesson concerning “letting a woman take power”.

The next emperor sounded like a very beneficial individual. Emperor Wu began his rule in 141 BCE. He loved the arts and culture. He was interested in art, music, poetry, and Confucian teachings and texts. According to Ebrey, he was “unafraid of innovation” (47). He took on militaristic expansion and helped develop pecuniary structure and stability. Wu ruled for 54 successful years.

Wu also strongly endorsed Confucian teachings. He appointed officials based on their Confucian virtues, and spread the availability of Confucian schools and training. This high regard he had for Confucianism definitely affected this approach to governing the Han dynasty, and in my opinion, made him as successful as he was. He was not nearly as restricting and forceful as the previous dynasty. He believed in good, virtuous ways of life and encouraged others to study this philosophy and lifestyle. This instilled a natural sense of these values in those who adhered to it, and this provided them with more trust and freedom than the Legalist way of government, who required more supervision than the Confucian adherents did.

Throughout this time there existed nomadic clans that roamed the Northern Frontier. These groups included: the Eastern Hu, the Xiongnu, and the Yuezhi.

During the Qin dynasty, a Qin general, Meng Tian, took over the Xiongnu region in the northern Shanzi area. He was the first person to initiate the beginnings of the first Great Wall.

The chief of the Xiongnu was Touman, who was later killed by the command of his son, Maodun. Maodun later overpowered the Eastern Hu as well as the Yuezhi. He also united the tribes of the Gobi region.

Later, a new emperor succeeded in establishing the Xin Dynasty. He was a Confucian who was able to gain his position through his relative, Empress Wang. The Xin Dynasty did not last very long (only 9 CE – 23 CE), and the Later Han Dynasty soon took over.

During the Qin Dynasty, many writings were burned due to a command of the First Emperor. However, when the Han Dynasty came about, they had a library, developed paper, and were able to write many literary records, books, and teachings. During the early Han period, a new form of Taoism developed. It was known as “Huang-Lao Taoism” and Emperor Wu found it particularly agreeable. It involved worlds of gods, immortals, sacrifices, rituals, and stories.

After the commencement of the Han Dynasty, Confucianism once again became a common and highly regarded belief system. Scholars would study endlessly to master the meanings of all the teachings and try to learn and develop more understanding.

Writer and critic, Wang Chong, disagreed with the common beliefs that the time or day affected one’s luck. He was a practical person who saw the reasons behind consequences instead of being superstitious like much of society during the Han. Instead of just assuming any misfortune was caused by a decision or action made of an unlucky day, he realized that there was a real reason affecting the outcome.

During the Han Dynasty, a great historian named Sima Qian wrote a huge history called “Record of the Grand Historian.” His record included documents; cultural, political, and economic information; calendars, as well as many other accounts. He was given access to important documents, writings, and association with prominent people through his verdict to become a palace eunuch. He contributed immensely to initiating the history keeping of China.

The Han society consisted of different social statuses. There were the common farmers and the elite. The common farmers made agricultural advancements and developed farming equipment. The government was conscientious to provide for the farmers by reduced land taxes, provision during famines, helped them move to more open lands, etc. Despite this, many farmers were in debt and unable to keep their land.

The elite groups of the Han included those who were close to the throne (in-laws, eunuchs, relatives, etc), as well as merchants, manufacturers, government officials, the educated, and those who were simply wealthier than the commoners were. The elite relatives would often have lavish abodes and draft commoners into being their slaves or to work for them instead of public labors.

The merchants and manufacturers were also very well off. They had access to top quality clothing and food. They provided loans to other nobles, in order for the nobles to gain the power they wanted among society.

As the Han developed, they gained control of the Western trade routes, the Silk Road, and started realizing that there were many other developed civilizations around just like themselves. Until then, they had been relatively isolated and contained, and during the Han they began contacting and interacting with other civilizations. This outer contact greatly influenced changes that took place in the Chinese culture and society.

During this time, however, there began to be a political division within the Han, It evolved into the Three Kingdoms from 220-265 CE, and then the Western Jon Dynasty developed from 265-316 CE. There was a huge religions growth and development occurring at these times. Many Chinese people adopted a new religion, Buddhism, from India. This helped reform their beliefs concerning their present lives, as well as their afterlives. This religion became increasingly popular all across Asia. Daoism was also growing tremendously as well. They added new thoughts, beliefs, and it became more of a religious Daoism verses the philosophical Daoism of the past.

Reference:

Ebery, Patricia Buckley. China: A Cultural, Social, and Political History. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company. 2006.

Chinese Culture

Alexis N. Pomeroy
3 February 2008

Basic Geography, Prehistoric China, Dynasties & States, and Philosophies

Geography
China is a huge country containing numerous provinces and region. The capital of China is Beijing. China is the fourth largest country (concerning land mass) and contains 23 provinces. This does not include the two special administrative regions: Macau and Hong Kong. China is, by far, the most populated country in the world. According to the CIA World Factbook, the population was at 1,321,851,888 as of July 2007. The largest city in China is Shanghai. There are many highly urbanized cities and metropolises in China, but a large amount of western China remains relatively unpopulated. The majority of habitants reside in the eastern realm of China.
China’s geographical distinction has evolved during the centuries. What we know as China’s borders today differ greatly throughout history. Different regions developed through migration, resulting in linguistic separations as well as cultural variations. There were times in history that China’s borders were expanded, and also condensed in comparison to today’s.

Prehistoric China

Early Chinese society differed from region to region. It varied from hunters, to gatherers, to fishermen. Early linguistics of China tell a lot about the development of societies and relations between regions. The major Chinese language is related to Tibetan, Burman (Sino-Tibetan-Burman languages), while the minority Chinese language of South China is related to the Austro-Asiatic languages. We are also able to determine the migratory routes by looking at how the languages relate among regions. There are three major migratory routes: East Asia, China, and South China. The East Asia migratory route sprawls across North Asian countries such as Mongolia, Manchuria, Korea, and Japan. The China migratory route includes Tibet and South East Asia. South China route encompasses Southeast China and the islands of the Philippines and Indonesia.

Shang and Western Zhou

The Shang Dynasty dates all the way back to 1500 BCE! They were very ritualistic and religious. They often offered human sacrifices to a variety of gods in exchange for protection in wars and battles, good crop and harvest returns, good favor among their ancestors, along with many other things. Another ritual that they performed frequently was the divining of oracle bones. This provided the first written evidence of their culture. Oracle bones held high importance by 1200 BCE, as well as Neolithic pots containing the very foundation of the developing writing system.

On the topic of writing, the Chinese language utilizes the logographic form of characters. This is highly beneficial for a few reasons. Differing dialects that would otherwise not be understood through speech could be clearly and universally understood everywhere because the written language was the same. In addition, as the times have progressed, the language still perseveres successfully because its system is somewhat timeless in that a word will always be a word. Having this language and writing system for centuries also provides the Chinese with a unique and definite sense of their roots, culture, and identity. They have that connection between them and their ancestors of ancient times. However, a couple of disadvantages are readily apparent as well. A lot of words are required for everything expressible on earth. Consequently, there are a lot of characters to learn in the Chinese writing system. Thousands of characters, which take years and years to master just the basics! Plus, while much of the world uses the same lettering system, China is unique in that they have their very own, which also means that they are most likely the only ones who will understand and use it, other than the relative few who study the difficult language.

Another aspect that was important to those of the Shang and Zhou kings was the “Mandate of Heaven” or the consent of the gods in the Heaven for a current ruler for as long as they placed the interests of the people first. This may have been a way for conquerors to gain precedence over their rivals.

During the Western Zhou period, government ran by familial ruling. The king would often have his family and relatives oversee regions and care for various territories. Insights available to better understand what life was like for the Western Zhou inhabitants include the vast amount of poetry existing. The “Book of Poetry” is full of poems in addition to songs. Topics include love, crops, fabric and materials (such as hemp), food, hunting, seasons, and many other things. The poems point out religious customs and the differing responsibilities that men and women had in society.

Philosophers of the Warring States and Eastern Zhou

Throughout the years, the early Chinese society changes, as would be expected. Human sacrifice was an important part of ritual, but became controversial to society as the years went on and it eventually became abolished. Also there were always different schools of thought, philosophies, and belief systems developing. A few significant ones include: Confucism, Mozi, Daoism, and Legalism. Many great leaders helped progress the development of these ways of thought and worldview.

The Analects are mainly attributed to Confucius, who lived 551-479 BCE. The Confucian thought deals mainly with good, proper relations with others, depending on what role they have in one’s life.

Mozi lived around 480-390 BCE and encouraged everyone to be thoughtful and “concern for everyone” or “universal love.” (31, Ebrey).

Mencius, who lived around 370-300 BCE encouraged unity in governments and the moral nature of man.

Xunzi lived around 310-215 BCE and disagreed with Mencius’ views and thoughts. While Mencius believed that men are naturally with good morals, Xunzi attested that men are actually selfish and mean, and that morals are something that have to be learned through education.

Laozi and Zhuangzi were major principals in ‘the way’ of Daoism. This way of thinking and perception had a lot to do with nature and being connected, yet detached. To let go of all desires and emotions in order to truly experience life in its simplest, purest, yet most ideal form.

These thought systems and beliefs still affect millions of people today, especially the Chinese people. They continue to strive for harmony with others and nature and live simple, yet fulfilled lives. They appreciate others and all they offer, and hold the highest respect for all people, as well as themselves, which is very apparent in the way they carry themselves and care about what they are.

References

Ebery, Patricia Buckley. China: A Cultural, Social, and Political History. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Company. 2006.

CIA World Factbook. China. 24 Jan 2008 https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ch.html

Going Home to School

By: Alexis N. Pomeroy
30 November 2007

Abstract

Homeschooling has been an excellent way for young individuals to gain an education for centuries. However, there are many who strongly believe that home schooling is not the best method for educating children. Socialization and structure is a large concern for them, along with the possibility of inadequately qualified parents. They say that home school hinders social development. Regardless, homeschooling continues to rapidly increase in popularity. There are many circumstances where homeschooling is the best way for children to learn. Common reasons include people who are constantly moving or traveling as their career, children who are gifted feel unchallenged by conventional schooling systems, or parents who feel that the public school system lacks the quality they desire for their children. Many parents report a dissatisfaction with the public and private schools is a main motivation for homeschooling their child. Religious concerns, whether the presence of it is desired or not, is also a common factor. Children are given the opportunity to learn about and use modern technology that is becoming so prevalent in today’s world – therefore receiving valuable skills that are so marketable in today’s working world.

Going Home to School

Homeschooling has greatly increased in popularity over recent years – for good reason too. With low-budgets, irritable teachers, rowdy children, and few curriculum choices, the public school system seems to fall short in many aspects. Homeschooling presents students and parents an alternative method of gaining a high-quality education as well as refined development for the individuals. For some, home schooling is the most logical option for their lifestyles, while for others it equates to deprivation of social or academic opportunities.

Homeschooling has been an excellent way for young individuals to gain an education for centuries. Homeschooling was the original educational system – the first method of learning. It continued to be the ordinary source of learning in rural areas through the late 1800s. Laws were enacted to ensure school attendance in that same century. The conventional schooling system with structured classrooms and daily routines began to take prevalence in society and homeschooling became less common and more obscure. The 1960s brought a renewed popularity and modernized approach to homeschooling and it rapidly continues to increase its numbers of advocates every year. Editor and writer Rhonda Rieseberg stated, “in the late 1960s and 1970s, dissatisfaction with traditional schooling began to increase the numbers of home-schooled children. But the dramatic resurgence in home schooling has occurred since 1978, when an estimated 10-15 thousand children in grades K-12 were home schooled” (13). According to Brian D. Ray, "there were an estimated 1.7 - 2.1 million children (grades K-12) home educated during 2002-2003 in the United States. Home schooling appears to still be the fastest-growing form of education.” Homeschooling is rapidly becoming more popular and is going to continue doing so.

Homeschooling provides a customized, superb learning experience for children of all ages. It increases the potential preparedness of living in the world. Children who grew up being homeschooled score higher than national averages on state assessments and college admissions tests. Jon Wartes, a counselor at a public high school tracked the SAT scores of hundreds of Washington state homeschooled children for several years. In reports published annually from 1987 through 1990. Wartes found from the Washington Homeschool Research Project in Woodinville, “that homeschoolers consistently scored above the national average in reading, language, math, and science, with a median score at about the 67th percentile. Other studies have resulted in similar findings, with the home educated in Montana averaging at the 72nd percentile, in North Dakota at about the 85th percentile, and in Oklahoma at the 88th percentile” (Rieseberg). It is a brilliant alternative for many in gaining a substantial education.

Many believe that homeschooling instills a natural inquisitiveness that proves extremely beneficial in being motivated to learn and grow. It creates an independent mind and self-discipline. They are able to learn at their own pace instead of a standardized pace set by the school and government. Choice of curriculum is a favorable option for families and their child is spared from the busy-work assignments that teachers love to hand out.

Home schooling is legal in all the states. Some states have set qualification requirements for the teaching parents, such as a teaching certification. Many of the states have required standardized tests to ensure sufficient learning is taking place. In some states, tests or evaluations are taken every year, while others are required every few years.

In a detailed profile, the government reported that most home schooled children live in cities and have well-educated parents where one stays home. There are many circumstances where home schooling is the best way for children to learn. Common reasons include people who are constantly moving or traveling as their career, children who are gifted feel unchallenged by conventional schooling systems, or parents who feel that the public school system lacks the quality they desire for their children. Many parents report a dissatisfaction with the public and private schools is a main motivation for homeschooling their child. Religious concerns, whether the presence of it is desired or not, is also a common factor. Parents often express concern with the ability of teachers being able to give the instruction to their child when there is a classroom full of 30 students.

Another factor is the attitude that educators of the public school system take in relation to their students. Many are seen to have a disrespect towards the students and believe that they are superior to them in every way. With homeschooling, the child is placed with high importance and are given the chance to gain self-confidence and worth. They are allowed to think freely and avoid getting yelled at by teachers if they want to get a drink or use the restroom.

However, there are many who strongly believe that home schooling is not the best method for educating children. Socialization and structure is a large concern for them, along with the possibility of inadequately qualified parents. They say that home school hinders social development.

Researcher, Nola Aiex, reported in her article, “The stereotypical home-schooled child is often portrayed as being shy, passive, and lethargic because of his/her isolation from the normal socialization found in formal schooling. Critics further allege that the self-concept of the home-schooled child suffers from lack of exposure to a more conventional environment.” She says that there is more research needed to determine sufficiently the condition of home schooled children relative to socialization. Her article concluded saying, “Notably, the success or failure of the home schooling experience depends inevitably on the success or failure of the family's interpersonal relationships. Home schooling is a complex issue and represents a tremendous commitment on the part of the parents – in most cases, the father must function as the sole breadwinner, and the mother must spend most of her time instructing her children.”

Homeschooling results in highly-educated individuals who are well-prepared to join the workforce. Children are given the opportunity to learn about and use modern technology that is becoming so prevalent in today’s world. Rieseberg writes:

"The quiet hum of electrical synergy relays the infinite language of 0s and 1s as a second-grader learns to play piano, a ten-year-old takes the helm of a simulated spaceship [...] computer technology has affected nearly every aspect of our lives and has the capability to enhance home learning. Combine the oldest learning environment with the newest technology, and you may provide the best preparation for the workplace of tomorrow... The workplace of the 21st century will be a multi-ability, multi-generational workplace in which students who conform with their peer group may struggle to compete, while students who move beyond peer expectations and develop personal expertise and independence will likely find exciting and challenging opportunities (12)."

As seen in Figure 1, a young girl uses interactive software to learn. This provides her an opportunity to prepare for the real-world work force, which relies so much on computers.

Figure 1: Girl learns to use modern technology.

Homeschooling has evolved to a outstanding way to prepare children for today’s world of work. It cultivates high ambition and self-motivation, naturally encourages the development of entrepreneur skills, involves extensive use of modern technology, and encourages interaction with people of all backgrounds and ages – which all mirror the workforce of the nation.

Children who are homeschooled are able to access computers and use technology whenever they need to. They can take online classes and use the myriad of resources available. Conversely, children who attend public schools have limited access to computer use in school – maybe having a computer available in a computer lab for an hour a few times a week.

They also feel that their children would be deprived of sports programs. Some question the qualification of parents in relation to teaching their children, but this can be solved by independent study programs, distance study courses, or tutors. The materials and coursework can be rather expensive (base expenses for coursework alone easily exceed $1500 for one year), and public schools are already funded by tax payers such as the parents, yet the coursework that can be hand-picked is well worth the price. This customized way of education gives children an extremely advantageous step ahead of their peers. They are inventive, motivated, and are able to interact well with people of all ages.

Homeschooling requires a huge time investment in planning out lessons, selecting curriculum, guiding children with homework and assignments. Nonetheless, it is spent so efficiently with homeschooling – it does not even compare with the wasted hours of sitting in classrooms all day. With a regimented study schedule, school lessons and assignments can be completed in less than half the time of long public school days. This provides time for the children to pursue interests in music, art, outdoors, reading, or countless other activities.

While homeschooling does exceed academically, people often express concern for the number one opponent of homeschooling – social skills and development. Many have a misconception of homeschooling, often labeling it as “isolated from the real world.” Christopher J. Klicka, Senior Counsel for the Home School Legal Defense Association, wrote an article on the very topic. He states,

"Public school children are confined to a classroom for at least 180 days each year with little opportunity to be exposed to the workplace or to go on field trips. The children are trapped with a group of children their own age with little chance to relate to children of other ages or adults. They learn in a vacuum where there are no absolute standards. They are given little to no responsibility, and everything is provided for them. The opportunity to pursue their interests and to apply their unique talents is stifled. Actions by public students rarely have consequences, as discipline is lax and passing from grade to grade is automatic. The students are not really prepared to operate in the home (family) or the workplace, which comprise a major part of the "real world" after graduation (1)."

Klicka continues to explain the homeschoolers world,

"Homeschoolers, on the other hand, do not have the above problems. They are completely prepared for the "real world" of the workplace and the home. They relate regularly with adults and follow their examples rather than the examples of foolish peers. They learn based on "hands on" experiences and early apprenticeship training. In fact, the only "socialization" or aspect of the "real world" which they miss out on by not attending the public school is unhealthy peer pressure, crime, and immorality. Of course, the average homeschooler wisely learns about these things from afar instead of being personally involved in crime or immorality or perhaps from being a victim (1)."

Some may believe that homeschooling actually deprives children of social activities and similar opportunities for social development. Homeschooling does not deprive children at all of these things. Concerning social activites, Klicka affirms that “through heavy involvement in church youth groups, 4H clubs, music and art lessons, Little League sports participation, YMCA, Scouts, singing groups, activities with neighborhood children, academic contests (spelling bees, orations, creative and research papers), and regular involvement in field trips...it appears that these students are involved in more social activities, whether by design or being with the parent in various situations, than the average middle school-aged child”(2). Parents simply must keep their children involved in a variety of activities and interaction with others. Children can participate in numberless interpersonal activities. They are able to socialize with different groups of children of various ages. Rieseburg’s article reads,

"In 'Comparison of Social Adjustment Between Home and Traditionally Schooled Students' (1992 dissertation, University of Florida), Larry Shyers compared behavior and social development test scores of two groups of 70 children ages eight to ten. One group was home schooled, and the other group attended public or private schools. Shyers found that the home-schooled children had fewer behavioral problems because they tended to imitate their parents, while the other children modeled themselves after their peers. "The results seem to show that a child's social development depends more on adult contact and less on contact with other children as previously thought (15)."

Stevens reports, “since the early years of the homeschool movement, some researchers have tried to discern how homeschooled children fare academically. Available evidence indicates that these kids generally meet or exceed national averages on standardized tests ... Remarkably, the homeschoolers had higher median scores than the national norms for every subject in every grade” (13). He further informs that the majority of homeschooled students place between the 70^th and 79^th percentiles in state tests.

Homeschooling definitely provides numerous advantages for learning children. They are able to be involved socially with diverse people of different backgrounds and ages, be a part of in-depth learning, and grow closer to their families. Homeschooling provides children the opportunity to experience the world on an personal, individual level. They are able to travel at whatever time of the year they want, free of restricting school schedules. The children are given individualized learning and endless opportunities to learn about whatever it is that interests them. They are able to participate in countless extracurricular activities that would otherwise not be an option for them if they were restrained by traditional school systems. The confidence and self-esteem seen in homeschooled individuals is remarkable and noticeable. They face the world fearlessly, they look at people in the eye when conversing with them, they believe in themselves, and know that they are unique and valuable. Homeschooling is a decision available to every family in the world and proves to be advantageous and priceless in the development of their children.

Works Cited

Aiex, Nola Kortner. “Home Schooling and Socialization of Children.” ERIC Clearninghouse on Reading, English, and Communication Digest. June 1994

http://www.indiana.edu/~reading/ieo/digests/d94.html

Klicka, Christopher J. Socialization: Homeschoolers Are in the Real World. http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/000000/00000068.asp. March 2007.

Ray, Brian D. Facts on Homeschoooling. hslda.org. 2003. <http://www.hslda.org/research/faq.asp#1>

Rieseberg, Rhonda L. “Home Learning, Technology, and Tomorrow’s Workplace.” Journal of the Agency for Instructional Technology. 4.1 (1995): 12-17

Stevens, Mitchell L. “Kingdom of Children: Culture and Controversy in the Homeschooling Movement” Princeton University Press 2001.