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Michaela
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| Posted: Feb 28 2011 at 2:33pm | IP Logged
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How much importance do you place on children attending faith formation? **Especially** homeschooled children who don't receive much socialization?
My 5th grader ds and dd have a child in their class who doesn't believe in God and he is forced to attend class by his parents. He has made that known for the past two or three years they've been in class together.
Yesterday, during class, he drew bre*sts on a picture of Jesus and laughed about it.
Now...I can either talk to the teacher about it ***or*** take a stronger stand and pull my children.
Pulling them would make the greater impression on my children on how offensive this is. I'm not sure what their teacher could do other than change the seating arrangement.
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Michaela
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mrsgranola
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I would hope and expect that the teacher would talk to the director of faith formation ASAP and let him/her talk to the offending child's parents! 
That would be what I would expect, anyway.
If sufficient action isn't taken, then I would talk to the pastor and let him know what is happening in his domain.
That's my take on it...
JoAnna
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stellamaris
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I myself would not begin by pulling my child out unless I had other reasons to do so. I would start by speaking directly to the teacher about the problem. If she does nothing, then I'd go the the DRE, then the pastor. I agree that either the teacher or the DRE needs to speak to the parents of the child, and also the teacher needs to "call him" on his behavior during class. Perhaps she could send him to the DRE if he exhibits any more of this type of behavior.
You and your child might want to pray for this lost little soul, that God would give him the gift of contrition and repentance. Until it is resolved, I think your idea of asking the teacher to re-assign seats is a good one.
Maybe Matthew 18:15-17 might apply in this situation?
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JodieLyn
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There's lots of things that can be done. The question is if the teacher or DRE or pastor are willing to do any of them.
You might also find out if you can have your children join in a higher or lower level class to avoid the problem.
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kristinannie
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I am definitely going to insist on my kids going to faith formation. I want them to meet other Catholic kids and my oldest does really enjoy it (he is the only one in there at the moment). Was the teacher aware of this behaviour? That is something that needs to be seriously discussed with someone and needs to not happen again. I am very sorry for that child because it sounds like he must have something bad going on at his home to act like that. I will pray for him and for your family as you decide how to handle this.
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JodieLyn
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I wouldn't be quick to judge. A child that's 10/11 is certainly capable of this sort of behavior as a protest for something they don't want to be doing without there being something bad at home.
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mamaslearning
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| Posted: March 02 2011 at 7:23am | IP Logged
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Michaela wrote:
How much importance do you place on children attending faith formation? **Especially** homeschooled children who don't receive much socialization?
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My oldest (7) is in class this year, but I'm seriously considering not having her attend next year (after I found out you can opt out with permission from the priest). We teach the Faith at home, and she is often bored at class. It's not an environment conducive to forming relationships, since it's a class style setting and no time for the play needed to form relationships. I'm also working on trying to find a few families with similar aged children to help widen our exposure to other children.
The material they use is also very light and gimicky (IMO). I do like that her class size is only six children.
As for your situation, I'm not sure how I'd handle it  . I'd probably start with the teacher and DRE.
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ctrivette
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I have always taken my children; I want them to be with other children from our parish, praying and learning. But, having taught 2nd grade RE for three years now, I know that it can be a little 'light' or 'fluffy'. But I still think it is worthwhile, I just teach my kids what they need to know. So I would probably not pull my kids. But as a teacher, I hope that the teacher and DRE are aware of the issue and working on a solution. Talk with the teacher and DRE. They may be trying to work with the child and his parents. As a parent I would expect the teacher to act on that sort of behavior. And as a teacher, I hope parents are talking to their children and would let me know that this is happening should I not see it.
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: Faith Formation at parish
