Tanner School - I think this is cool..some will not
TANNER'S MOM wrote: Please no controversy!
Tanner loves his new school! He fits right in and his really comfortable there. Something happened and Tanner said not to worry he would tell his teacher as a concern? I said a concern? He said every morning they have the plegde and a moment of silence. He said before the moment of silence the teacher asks if anyone has a concern they would like the other students to think about during their moment of silence. I know most will not agree, but this being a Christian board some might agree with me. When Tanner told me this. It warmed my heart. I know for some kids it might not be a prayer, for some it might be just thinking for a moment. For some they aren't asking for prayer they are just voicing a concern like the teacher said, and sharing with their friends. But I thought it was neat. I can't even remember what Tanner's "concern" was. It couldn't have been much. But I thought it was neat he felt he could tell his teacher and she would give his words enough weight, to require a moment of silence. A moment of thought. Then I realized as a parent, I could do that a little more. When he told me his "concerns' I could take a moment to really give his words weight and think about them. Remember them in a prayer instead of just rushing through and doing the dishes, and cleaning. I need to sit down and listen a lot more to all my children.
moped replied: You are raising a good boy Mel! 
My3LilMonkeys replied: That is a really great idea!
MoonMama replied: Wow that is really neat, I love the idea. 
luvmykids replied: I think it's awesome!
The same sort of thing has been on my mind, to give my kids my undivided attention sometimes, even if it's just a short moment...put the dishes down or turn the tv off and just listen to them 
Kentuckychick replied: I LOVE this idea and for more reason than just the Christian thought we put behind the moment of silence. I think first off that it's great to give the kids a few moments to think in peace before their day begins, secondly I love how this teacher has taken it and let the children know they can voice their "concerns"... now because your son is a Christian he probably has taken that to mean if he has anything to pray about, and there's nothing wrong with that, but imagine the possibilities.
As teachers and parents it's often difficult to gain insight into the minds of children or to find out if they have any pressing issues going on in their lives that they need or want to talk about... I think the idea that they can share their "concerns" in the beginning of the day may be a great way for this teacher to connect to her students and find out how they are feeling too.
punkeemunkee'smom replied: That is awesome! I think it is wonderful that the kids are made to feel that their 'concerns' are important/worthy enough that they are listened to and thought about by the class! You don't need to worry about not giving enough time to your kids though...I happen to know they have an incredible momma! 
lovemy2 replied: I agree with you Mel - that is wonderful and IMO teaches kids and parents how to open up the lines of communication - sometimes things kids tell us don't even need to be responded to if you know what I mean - just them knowing we listened can make all the difference in the world later on when they really do need to tell us something..... 
3xsthefun replied: I think it is a pretty nice idea!
sparkys2boys replied: I think its great to that the teacher has that kind of intrest in the kids. If it makes them feel good then go for it
Boo&BugsMom replied: That just warms my heart Mel.
My2Beauties replied: I actually think a moment of silence to start any day (school, work, etc..) is a wonderful idea, it gives that person a moment to reflect.
lisar replied: I think its great that the teacher does that for the kids. Shows that he has a great teacher.
mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied:
ITA. I think it is great that the teacher is giving the kids a "voice", an opportunity to speak up about their concerns. We all need to stop and think sometimes, to slow down. I am not a Christian, but I still feel it is a wonderful idea!
TheOaf66 replied: that is great, every school should do that.
A&A'smommy replied: I think that is AWESOME!!!!
holley79 replied: I think it is totally awesome. Kudos to the teach for that. To me that isn't pushign religion on anyone it is just taking a moment to reflect on life. 
MommyToAshley replied: I think that is awesome!!! What a neat idea and way to do it.
grandma replied: That is a great way to start a school day, it makes the kids think and they can still be different and share at the same time.
As a grandma, I love listening to my little grandkids, what they are thinking amazes me. But grandma time is different from mom time, in that when we have the kids we don't do anyting else.....lol
BAC'sMom replied: Great Idea! Thanks Mel
Cece00 replied: I'm not religious but I personally have no problem with that.
Mommy2BAK replied: what a cool way to connect with your classroom
5littleladies replied: That's awesome Mel! Sounds like a great way for those kids to start the day. 
ediep replied: I love that, even though I went to Catholic HS we still did that after the prayer and it was good to hear about the thoughts and concerns of the class
jcc64 replied: I think the impulse behind the idea is a good one, and I agree that it's a wonderful way for the teacher and students to connect as a community. I only wish you hadn't inserted the comment about this being a "Christian board." I wasn't aware that being Christian was a pre-requisite for being a member here, and I for one, do not consider myself a Christian, though many of my spiritual beliefs do happen to coincide with the more universal aspects of the religion. I guess what I'm objecting to is the implicit idea that Christians somehow have a corner on thoughtful reflection- as if the rest of us heathens aren't capable of that type of consciousness.
It may seem that I am nit-picking, and maybe I am. But I think if we learned to see the commonalities between us rather than the differences, I think we'd all benefit as a culture, kwim? I know you have a big heart, Mel, and I am not trying to provoke you or anyone else into a protracted, contentious argument. I'm just asking for a slightly more inclusive view, that's all.
:.Mrs_Mommy.: replied: Your son has a wonderful teacher because no matter what the religion is, each and every person should slow down a moment and reflect.
DH is Wiccan, I don't go to church (more spiritual than religious, I suppose) and my children go to the church down the street on Sunday Mornings because the basic principles they get in church are really good for kids to learn and even though there are many religions in my family we all need to reflect on our concerns.
That is an amazing idea to help children with what is important to them but they may have trouble voicing it or feeling like there is no weight to their thoughts.
Maddie&EthansMom replied:
It isn't a Christian board, we have Christian sponsors and administrators. Apparently there is no prerequisite to being a member here since we have people from all walks of life, even non parents and high school children.
Mel....
I think the idea of a moment of silence is always a great one!! For anyone. Since my breakdown a few weeks ago I've been taking a lot more time out of my day to thank God, the universe, anyone who will listen, for that which I am grateful. I try to meditate and pray as much as I can. It makes me feel whole. Scotty and I also share our thoughts and feelings throughout the day. You reminded me I need to do this more with my children.
jem0622 replied: That is great, Mel. I bet it gives all kids a chance to share things that they would otherwise bottle up.
TrulyBlessed replied: I think that is awesome!
holley79 replied:
Well I think that is kind of nit- picking. There are majority of Christians on this board. I don't think Mel intended to "offend" anyone. Since I have been here majority of the beliefs I have seen have been Christian faith based. No not everyone here is a Christian but I'm sure there are plenty. There obviously isn't a pre- requisite to being a member here since we have people who are allowed here who are non- parents and not even adults. 
punkeemunkee'smom replied:
Honestly,I think that is a bit much. Sometimes a comment is just a comment made in passing-not an attempt to exclude anyone! Nobody here was trying to imply that you are any less capable of deep thought or concern about or for major issues in your life because of your religion or lack there of. Can't anything slide anymore? Seriously, it doesn't always have to become a tit for tat over 2 or 3 words here or there......
TLCDad replied:
I have to admit I am little disappointed in that comment. There has never been anything posted by myself or any of our moderators that states you have to be a Christian to be a member of this board. Yes Dee Dee and I are the web site owners and we are Christians and very happy to let that be known and am very happy to witness, but that absolutely does not mean you have to be a Christian to be a member here as long as you respect our Christian beliefs or anyone's moral Religion. Obviously, I will not tolerate any member criticizing someone because they are Christian, but I also will not tolerate a member criticizing someone who is Jewish for example. I would never push my Christian beliefs on anyone that did not want to hear them. Jesus taught us not to do that. But I will also never turn down a chance to witness either.
My point being is that everyone is welcome here as long as they do not go against our Terms of Use/Service (TOS). So basically, as long as your beliefs are moral and not negative and is not offensive by the mass majority of everyone, you can comfortably know that you are quite welcome here.
TheOaf66 replied:
I felt the same way
jcc64 replied: I think it's very difficult to understand what it's like to be in a minority unless you've been there. What may seem like a harmless comment to you did not feel like that to me, because it's a cumulative effect- both here on the board and irl, either explicitly or by inference. There have been several occasions where members have specified that they preferred responses from those with a Christian perspective, and I'm sorry, that is hurtful to me. I bend over backwards trying to be diplomatic and cognizant of the fact that there are many people here who do not share my views or backround, and I'm only asking for the same respect in return. Forgive me for being so sensitive.
holley79 replied:
I have never seen anyone post they only wanted a Christian veiw on any of their posts. I'm sorry that you feel the way you do but I think you are reading a little much into it all.
Boo&BugsMom replied:
I have a few times (not posted it, but seen it), but honestly I can understand why sometimes people would need that. If someone doesn't know Christian theology and someone needs advice based on Biblical principles, it is sometimes hard to give a response based on that. No different than someone who is Muslim asking advice based on Muslim principles. As a Christian, I would have no idea about their theology. The "very difficult to understand" goes both ways. I wouldn't be offended, I would just be understanding.
holley79 replied:
I don't think on general parenting it has been an issue though. maybe trying to understand something it has been put that way but not generally speaking.
jcc64 replied: Forgive me once again, but just b/c you personally haven't seen it, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
And that's pretty much all I have to say at this point. I need to chill on this one.
Boo&BugsMom replied:
Oh yes, you are right Holley. Not generally speaking. I have never seen it in general terms either, which I agree would be hurtful. But if someone is asking based on principles coming from somewhere nobody has any knowledge of, I think it's pefectly understandable to ask only those who have that knowledge.
holley79 replied:
That is what I love about this board is the diversity.
|
