But then... about a year ago, someone handed me a DVD. And it changed me. It gave me a renewed passion and vigor, and while I still doubt myself from time to time, I no longer doubt our decision to homeschool.
A note from Gary, my husband, The Roughneck:
After watching our firstborn suffer through 6 months of Kindergarten, it became clear to me that there had to be a better way. Even after we began home schooling, I still wasn't quite sure what the problem was with public schools, I only knew that our experience with an "exemplary" school system had been a dismal failure. The first time I watched "Indoctrination" it became clear to me why the system did not fit our family. It is a system designed not for the family or the child but is designed to promote the interests of the state above all. I ask you to watch this video with an open mind. If you do, I promise it will change forever the way you look at the big yellow bus coming toward your house.
So... our question is:
Do you fall into doubts yourself in your homeschooling journey?
Are you considering homeschooling but it is just too scary a thought to take that step?
Are you simply a parent who has a child in the school system and want to know the history and motive of the NEA and the schools so that you can be better equipped? To better prepare and equip them each day they walk into the school building? To become a better confidante? To establish a better support system for your child(ren)?
I realize there are people who do not have a choice. Not everyone has the opportunity to homeschool. Though this documentary is controversial, we realize everything we do is by God's amazing grace. He can use anything to bring up Godly men and women in a society that is not. He can bring up people who live for him in the midst of any situation (e.g., Daniel, Moses, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego). But...
...we feel this message is so important that we are giving away two new copies of this DVD which we have purchased at our own expense.
This giveaway ended on Wednesday, February 6.
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HOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
To enter this giveaway, first watch the Indoctrination movie trailer (along with several additional video clips) to make sure it is something you want to see. If we send this to you, we want to know that you will actually watch it! (And then even possibly hand it to someone else to watch when you are finished!) Note: Watch with discretion. Some material may be inappropriate for children.
Then, please pray for our schools and the children & teachers within them. Pray for our leaders. Pray for homeschoolers and educators all over the country.
And finally... leave a comment on this blog post answering any of the above questions - or your thoughts about the movie trailer you just watched. Please use tact and grace in your comments! And please share the news of this giveaway with others as you deem appropriate.
NOTE: If you enter your email address in the email address field, I will have it even if it does not display. Rest assured that your information will not be used for solicitation - it will only be used to contact you in the case that you are the winner (or if anyone responds to your comment via the comment forum).
This giveaway ends on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at 11:59PM. Winners will be selected and announced by Saturday, February 9, 2013.
Thanks for entering!
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We did not receive anything in exchange for this review. It is our own personal investment.
A post written by Brandy and Gary
Heard of this - but have never seen it. Probably agree with everything in it... :) And doubts about homeschooling - oh yeah. The days are LONG and I often struggle with wondering if I am doing it they way I am supposed to - I try and remind myself that it is ALL about loving my kids and not about math worksheets or grammar work... but alas, there are THOSE days...
ReplyDeleteI saw this movie last year, but it would be fantastic to own it!
ReplyDeleteI constantly have doubts about my ability to homeschool. I am tested daily. This movie reminds me of one of the many reasons that homeschooling is the best thing to do.
Although I haven't doubted my desire to homeschool (this is our 7th year) I do at times I worry about my children's ability to head to college when we are done. Will they be prepared? I am constantly reminded that academics, although important, were not our number one reason to homeschool. We have chosen to homeschool because we wanted to be our child's greatest influence (now that's a scary thought at times), not a different teacher every year, not that group of kids that travel with them through school. Our prayer, as we homeschool, is that we would be constantly transformed as we strive to be more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. I would love to see the movie, by the way. :)
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of this documentary, but after watching the trailer, I know it will encourage me to keep on doing what I feel God has clearly called me to do. I definitely feel inadequate and also wish I had time to do other things while my kids were at school, but I am so disappointed in our government and don't see how it would make sense to trust them with my most valuable treasures on this earth. My husband on the other hand, although equally disappointed with our government, would love for me to send them to school. He works from home and would love to have the "peace and quiet". I would LOVE for him to see the video to reinforce what I have shared with him about my concerns in sending them back to school.
ReplyDeleteKim D'Escoto's video struck a cord with me because I am also a former "classroom" teacher - however I was blessed to NEVER have worked in a public school, but rather worked in a private one whose agenda was remediating students with Dyslexia, rather than pushing some social agenda (praise God!). But now, as a homeschool mom, I face comments and opinions I never dreamed of! Not the ones Kim mentions that say, "Well of course you can do it! You are a trained teacher!" No! The comments that I get are rather suggestions that I should enroll my kids somewhere and go get a job teacher other people's kids because THAT would be a BETTER environment for them and then I would be contributing financially to my family rather than us continuing to struggle on one income!!!! (and sadly, these comments often come from within my own family.....a Christian family!) Of course, you can guess...it is because my kids need to be SOCIALIZED! And here I thought school was about learning math and reading, and writing, and spelling (just for starters).
ReplyDeleteWould LOVE to see this video, and if I don't win...I think I'm going to find room in our one income budget to buy it anyway!
Thanks Brandy - awesome post! (from a fellow CC-er and CC tutor)
Our country has definitely turned away from God. And we wonder why we are losing our children to depression, suicide, addition, selfishness, etc. We just started homeschooling this year and some days are easier than others, but I'm very glad my children are given consistent, God-honoring messages. It scares me for my friends' children who attend public school.
ReplyDeletei was feeling so discouraged this last week"am I doing the right thing?" "I should probably put her in school" etc. thank you for bringing me back to the fact that i am doing the right thing by having this way of life- sure i'll teach her reading and writing, but the way of life is far more important! thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy boys are 4 and 5, so we're still very early in our homeschool journey (2nd year), and I definitely still face doubts about whether or not I can do it well. But lately God has been revealing to me that those doubts are only there when I compare what we're doing to the traditional public school method, and that's perfectly OK that I don't measure up to that. I'm gaining confidence in my understanding of the classical Christian model, and am able to look further down the road to what kind of men I hope my sons will be and then have no doubt that we're doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed watching the trailer and would love to be able to see the entire movie! Thanks for offering this giveaway !
ReplyDeleteAngela
I have wanted to see this film because I knew I would find reassurance for our decision to home school our children. Just watching the trailer and a few clips from the movie has really helped give me encouragement to forge on!
ReplyDeleteYes, I struggle with doubts! I doubted just this morning as I struggled to teach my strong-willed daughter. I doubted that I could do it for the long haul and even if I wanted to. I doubted that I was doing a good enough job. So many doubts plague me at times. I have friends who send their children to public school and they are doing just fine and their parents seem happier and more at peace. Sometimes I just question myself and if what I'm doing is the right thing for my children or myself even. So yes, doubt is my middle name some days! I'd absolutely love to see this movie.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I don't doubt my kids are in the best place (home!), I struggle with emotional exhaustion and the responsibility. Information like this is reinforces my determination to lean on Jesus and carry on! I would love to see the entire movie.
ReplyDeleteI definitely have days when it would be "easier" to load my kids on a bus and I would get alot more done at home BUT I know that God has called us to this and that they are where there are supposed to be! I haven't seen this movie, but it looks like something I would love to show to extended family who still don't get why we do what we do.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first year homeschooling my five year old son. Before I started the Classical Conversations (CC) program, I was feeling very confused and overwhelmed. I went to a practicum for CC over the summer and they showed some clips from this documentary. I have REALLY been wanting to see the whole documentary but my local library does not have it (shocking). With so many costs getting everything set up this year, I couldn't justify buying it yet. I am feeling much more confident just five months into our journey. We are learning a tremendous amount and are settling into how our family does homeschool. I am so thankful to God for his grace. If I were to win a copy, I would definitely pass it on to my community, my church, family and friends. Thanks for offering the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing that even after 11 years of homeschooling our children, those pesky doubts still can creep in! I try to encourage homeschooling moms in my area, so I would DEFINITELY share this video! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouragement - I struggle with how to get everything done - all my house responsibilities along with homeschooling. I love it and believe it is the best place for my children, but wonder how I can juggle it all! This is a good reminder that my "job" with my children is abundantly more important than the loads of laundry piling up everywhere :) Would love to see this video and share it with other family members, church members and homeschooling friends. Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI currently have two students at home and one at private Christian school. My husband and I are struggling with the decision as to whether to send our eldest to public high school next academic year or to homeschool him. We would love to see the video to factor into our decision. I would be happy to pass it on through our homeschooling community, which is about 250 families.
ReplyDeleteThis is our first year home schooling and of course I am riddled with doubt some days. If someone asks, I usually try to describe why we homeschool is positive terms. For example a flexible schedule, tailored learning to our interests and abilities, etc. But I have allowed myself a small indulgence: I printed up and display a description of a day in a traditional school, and I do find it gives me encouragement. Its simple stuff: raise your hand if you need to go to the bathroom. Sit still and be quiet. Stay inside all day. No eating until designated time. ALL subjects last 50 minutes, etc. It doesn't address social control. Yikes I know that's at the base of our societies decline, but I am not sure how to articulate it, even with other homeschoolers. A positive outlook is essential, but a solid understanding of the real issues is also required for protection from harm. Thanks for sharing about this, I look forward to learning more.
ReplyDeletei homeschool our littles and doubt myself constantly, i am always afraid they're falling behind because of the busy-ness of our lives. and though i'm thankful they're here with me, instead of among the influences of public school, i still question this decision we've made. this dvd sounds great, i'd love to see it!
ReplyDeleteOur home schooling journey started the same way yours did, with a bad experience in an "exemplary" school system. I have a hard time explaining to people why we home school. What is wrong with the public schools? Why should I encourage others to home school? I LOVE home schooling, but it is hard! Like you and all these other families, we have made a lot of sacrifices in order to home school our kids. Are the sacrifices worth it? What about sending our children out to be a "light"? Am I really doing God's will by keeping my kids out of the public schools or am I just being an over protective parent? This movie looks like it has a lot of answers to my questions. We would like to see it!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see this movie after watching all the trailers. I was especially moved by the Columbine father since I live in the Denver area. It really brought it all home when he explained the Evolution Theory - the strong kill the weak to survive and how it was supported and even encouraged by the administration at Columbine. I was shocked that he learned of his son's murder when he recognized the clothes on a dead boy as his son Dan's during a news report. Not even a phone call to tell him his son was a victim. Wow...
ReplyDeleteThis documentary I would love to watch in its entirety and I know exactly who I would pass it on to after I watch it. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteYvana261@gmail.com
Wow! I decided to homeschool my oldest 3 years ago after a very bad Kindergarten experience. I didn't doubt in the 1st 2 years because he had learning disabilities to overcome and it was obvious how much more he was learning at home. This year has been much tougher & I find doubt a near constant companion. This trailer & some of the other commentaries has given me fresh perpective and confidence and something to hold onto in those seasons of doubt. I had been considering public school for my youngest who is about to turn 4, but not any longer! And I am reminded of the views my nephews hold who are in their high school years. It breaks my heart to hear their extreme liberal viewpoints that they are just repeating from high school textbooks without really even THINKING about it. Honestly, the documentary would be hard to believe if I didn't have that evidence breaking my heart with many of the things they now believe is true. I really don't think many of my non-homeschooling friends have ANY idea. I would love to have a non-judgemental way to show them just what they need to fight against when their kids come home from school. The NEA doesn't care about kids? It's all about power? Oh....prayer is desperately needed!
ReplyDeleteWould love to see the movie! I've been struggling with doubts for the last two years with homeschooling, it can be so hard. Thankful for a community of great homeschooling families that I can be encouraged from.
ReplyDeleteI home school my two children and am thankful every day for the privilege to be able to spend that time together. We get to start our school day each morning memorizing Scripture and reading from the Bible. I often wonder how long we will even be able to home school in this country, so I am grateful for the opportunity while we have it. To educate your children one-on-one, with a curriculum tailored to their learning style, in an environment that is comfortable and secure...how could you ask for a better system?! :) However, despite all of that, I look at my dusty house, my ironing pile, and all of the things I never get to, and I get an anxious feeling that I'm not being a good example. I am only one person and can't do it all, all of time. The idea of delegating school creeps in and sometimes seems appealing, especially with the magnet schools that focus on particular skill sets...things I could never provide for my kids at home. But then through different means, God encourages me to stay the course. This time the means was through the IndoctriNation trailers/clips. All of the "pros" of sending the kids away for education do not seem so flashy and bright with a renewed perspective! I would love to watch the movie.
ReplyDeleteEven before seeing this trailer, my husband and I have witnessed firsthand that a major agenda of the public school system is to indoctrinate children in socialist political beliefs and secular ideas. We live in Portland, OR, one of the most liberal cities in America. We would never send our kids to public school here. I didn't set out to homeschool our kids clear through high school, but that is my current plan unless I burn out before then. Private church schools are good at ensuring Christian morals and faith stay at the core of education, but they are expensive. And I've learned there is nothing more rewarding than the time spent learning together as a family. We would love to see the rest of this movie and share it with our friends!
ReplyDeleteWith my husband a teacher in a public school, this is very fresh. He deals with so many instances where the educational system dictates what is being taught to children. Fortunately, he finds a way to witness to students in a roundabout way. Children are starved for the truth. We would love to watch this movie. I'm sure it will reaffirm what we already know and more.
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of Indoctrination before reading this blog post. After viewing the trailers and other videos I am very interested in seeing more. Thanks for posting about it!
ReplyDeletePick us! ;) We would love to watch the entire thing and pass the video along. We homeschool and are pastors of a small church in Austin, TX. We actually bought a copy and loaned it out so many times that we lost track and now have lost it!
ReplyDeleteThis film was encouraging. It further solidified our decision to homeschool. A bad day at homeschool is still a better than a good day at public school. Where else would we get the opportunity to see our children grow in maturity in their faith? We, as parents, need to persevere through the 'bad' days for the sake of our children's future. We are modeling for them how to do what is right even when it is really hard. This is how we build the Lord's Kingdom.
ReplyDeleteI have read books by John Taylor Gatto such as "Dumbing Us Down" and "The Underground History of American education" and other documentaries on the subject, but I have yet to see this one. I am very interested in seeing it and will definitely make it available for borrowing to my CC campus if I win.
ReplyDeleteWe are a homeschooling family. I feel very blessed that we are in a position where we CAN homeschool. I have my doubts from time to time on how good a job I am doing, but I have never doubted that we did the right thing for our family. I have watched several documentaries, and have read several books about our educational system. This has served as motivation that we made the right decision for our family. I pray for those who have tried to make a difference in the education system because the families who either can't homeschool (or decide that it is not right for their family) deserve better.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are considering homeschooling. Honestly I thought homeschooling was something strange until we came to our church. There are many homeschooling families with teenagers that are walking with the Lord and mature in their faith. That alone has made us consider it. This year was my "trial" year with my firstborn who is 4. We signed up for Classical Conversations and have loved it so much that we are going to do it next year instead of public school kindergarten. But, I still don't feel like I know for sure that we are going to continue homeschooling after that. There are a lot of fears we are working through and know that God will show us as we continue to seek him. I think this video may help us put into words our thoughts about public school and show us the side of public school that we think is there (and are worried about), but just can't see.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I both have public school teaching credentials and we have decided we want our children homeschooled. I have to admit tho, I do toy with the idea that life would "easier" if they went to public school. This movie trailer was awesome. I would love to watch it.
ReplyDeleteI would love to see this movie! The trailer was thought provoking. I have several non-homeschooling friends with whom I would love to share this!
ReplyDeleteOften times, I do a poor job at "hearing" or "seeing" the answer that the Lord gives me to my prayers. This has been my first year homeschooling my kindergarten age daughter with my preschooler in tow, and many nights I go to bed praying to God to calm my anxious heart about whether we are doing the right thing by homeschooling. A couple weeks ago, I went to a homeschool support meeting of women from my church and local area, and this movie, IndoctriNation, was brought up as a topic of conversation and highly recommended. I went home from that meeting and told my husband, "we need to see this movie." Less than 48 hours after that meeting, I got your blog post about IndoctriNation in my email box and viewed the trailer and several clips. So clearly, God is saying to me LOUD and CLEAR, "calm your heart, homeschooling is the right choice for your family...see there is even a movie to watch if you aren't hearing this answer clearly enough!" ;) I belong to a homeschool library so I plan to give the movie to the library once my family watches it so that others who may be praying the same prayer may "see and hear" their answer.
ReplyDeleteBrandy, this is amazing timing! I just bought this dvd & my husband & I watched it last night. I didn't expect to learn much that was new to me, as I have read everything John Taylor Gatto, Charlotte Iserby, and Murray Rothbard have ever written on the subject of compulsory government schooling. I thought the video was very well-done. I especially liked Colin Gunn's explaination of why we cannot "take back our schools for Christ" - they were never, ever His! I was very pleased to see that this video was made, and made well, as sadly, most Americans, even Christians, just won't read a book anymore. I commend you for your decision to give copies to all of your commentors - I know the dvd will be a blessing to them & well worth your investment if even a single child can be saved from that pagan environment or a single parent encouraged. I plan to pass my copy around also, to as many people as I can get to watch it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little dismayed at all the commentors who expressed such doubts though. God does not want us to have a spirit of fear! Be strong & courageous, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you!
Also, if you all don't already know, "An Underground History of American Education" is free to read in its entirety at www.johntaylorgatto.com, "Education, Free & Compulsory" (a much shorter & easier read) is free at www.mises.org under "literature" under "Rothbard" and "The Deliberate Dumbing Down of America" is a free pdf at www.deliberatedumbingdown.com. Colin Gunn refers to all three of these books in the dvd. The easiest one to read, in just an hour or so, is Murray Rothbard's book.
I have four children. The oldest always attended public school - an academic magnet school, and this April he will graduate from a Christian college. He is a great kid & a believer, but frankly, he believes many things that are just plain wrong due to his indoctrination. The worst of these is the belief that, with enough education of course, man can solve his own problems. If I knew then what I know now, I would never have sent him to school.
My second son went to public school through eighth grade, and then homeschooled in high school. He is a freshman now at the same very expensive West-coast private Christian college that his brother attends. He has more scholarship money than his brother, plus he was offered a position on the Division 1 golf team, which he turned down in order to spend more time on academic & spiritual life. He was just chosen last week to be an RA for next year (in a foreign studies location), a job that will pay for his entire room & board, making his year in Germany free for us. Home-teached boy makes good! So please don't worry that your homeschooled kids won't be successful in college!
My two youngest have always been & will always be homeschooled (w/ CC!), if the Lord wills.
Thanks so much for your blog, Brandy - you do a great job!
I have never entered my children into public school so it is quite shocking to see that these are some of the things going on. While we send them off to total "strangers", their innocence are slowly being stripped away. I have a few friends that contemplate putting their kids in the public system because home schooling can be quite challenging at times, especially during the high school years. I would love to share this video with them.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your comment, Tami! I have just now read the prologue to An Underground History of American Education. Having been in the public school system myself as a schoolteacher, I could totally relate to what John Taylor Gatto says. I will continue to read this and have downloaded the others to read as well. I also plan to put links to these books on the sidebar of this website - thank you for sharing them! I appreciate your comment so very much (and agree totally!)! With blessings,
ReplyDeleteBrandy
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I have just received the DVD. Thank you so very much for your generosity!
ReplyDelete