Reading the Bible in School

[Stoked]

Love flirtin quietly with bishes.

SOmetimes you just gotta get in that ear and whisper. Lay it on thick.

 

[JimLes]

I've long been a fan of kids having 5 minutes of "quiet time" at the start of each school day where they can do what they wish. Read, pray, relax, flirt, homework, sit and wait... as long as it is quiet. I think a scenario like this would solve a lot of problems. Thoughts?

What problem would this solve exactly?

 

[UGLI baby]

What problem would this solve exactly?

The lack of quiet flirtation we see in todays youth.

 

[cowhide]

Since so many see the Bible as a work of fiction, what's the problem with reading it at school?


Seriously, it sounds like the parent is using the child to advance his own agenda and beliefs. As a religious person, I encourage my daughter to read scriptures. But I would discourage her from reading them in class, whether it's "free" reading time or not. "The Broward School District claimed it was told Giovanni was reading the Bible when he should have been reading an assigned book, not during free-reading time. The district stressed that any student may read the Bible, or any other religious book, during free time." IMO, this is perfectly acceptable to be allowed to read a religious book before/after school or during lunch. My daughter could use her lunch time to read (or before school after she gets off the bus). But I'd much rather have her on the playground being active and social during those periods. She has plenty of time at home to read the Bible after homework is done, and/or on the weekends.

It does sound like the teacher tried to amicably resolve this situation evidenced by her voice mail: “Good morning, Mr. Rubeo,” says a woman. “Giovanni called you because I asked him to. I noticed that he had a book, a religious book, in the classroom. He’s not permitted to read those books in my classroom. He said if I told him to put it away, you said not to do that. So please give me a call. I need to have some understanding on direction to him about the book he’s reading opposed to the curriculum for public school. Ms. S. Thomas. Thank you. Have a wonderful day. Bye, bye.”

Have no idea of the belief system of the teacher, and I refuse to judge her based on her "winner" of a husband who responded with profanity to the reporter. Again, though, I consider myself a fairly religious person. But I am bothered by those who are "in-your-face" with their religion or other beliefs, especially when they use their children as the weapon of choice. There are wonderful books this child should be reading at school, both fiction and non-fiction. And some even have religious symbolism, like C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series. Instead of berating the school district, the father should be encouraging his son to read other good books as well as the "Good Book."

Nice comments. I think the telling part is the boy was told by his not to put it away so it could have been a religious father using his child to make a statement and then scream to the school his first amendment rights are being taken away. However, I think people love drama so they get all offended easily. The husband reacts was way over the top. Also the teacher could have been a little more specific regarding if it was actually free reading or not.

 

[cowhide]

I'd be less than pleasant about people showing up to bother my wife and daugthers. Cy has a point here.

Edit: I've long been a fan of kids having 5 minutes of "quiet time" at the start of each school day where they can do what they wish. Read, pray, relax, flirt, homework, sit and wait... as long as it is quiet. I think a scenario like this would solve a lot of problems. Thoughts?

Have you ever been a teacher? Trying to keep kids quiet for 5 minutes is not exactly easy. I don't know how this would have prevented this situation, better communication would most definitely have helped.

 

[Hantlers]

Surprisingly good responses from all.

Thanks to all who have contributed.

 

[♪alt13]

Since so many see the Bible as a work of fiction, what's the problem with reading it at school?


Seriously, it sounds like the parent is using the child to advance his own agenda and beliefs. As a religious person, I encourage my daughter to read scriptures. But I would discourage her from reading them in class, whether it's "free" reading time or not. "The Broward School District claimed it was told Giovanni was reading the Bible when he should have been reading an assigned book, not during free-reading time. The district stressed that any student may read the Bible, or any other religious book, during free time." IMO, this is perfectly acceptable to be allowed to read a religious book before/after school or during lunch. My daughter could use her lunch time to read (or before school after she gets off the bus). But I'd much rather have her on the playground being active and social during those periods. She has plenty of time at home to read the Bible after homework is done, and/or on the weekends.

It does sound like the teacher tried to amicably resolve this situation evidenced by her voice mail: “Good morning, Mr. Rubeo,” says a woman. “Giovanni called you because I asked him to. I noticed that he had a book, a religious book, in the classroom. He’s not permitted to read those books in my classroom. He said if I told him to put it away, you said not to do that. So please give me a call. I need to have some understanding on direction to him about the book he’s reading opposed to the curriculum for public school. Ms. S. Thomas. Thank you. Have a wonderful day. Bye, bye.”

Have no idea of the belief system of the teacher, and I refuse to judge her based on her "winner" of a husband who responded with profanity to the reporter. Again, though, I consider myself a fairly religious person. But I am bothered by those who are "in-your-face" with their religion or other beliefs, especially when they use their children as the weapon of choice. There are wonderful books this child should be reading at school, both fiction and non-fiction. And some even have religious symbolism, like C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia series. Instead of berating the school district, the father should be encouraging his son to read other good books as well as the "Good Book."

The teacher was in the wrong evidenced by her voice mail: “Good morning, Mr. Rubeo,” says a woman. “Giovanni called you because I asked him to. I noticed that he had a book, a religious book, in the classroom. He’s not permitted to read those books in my classroom. He said if I told him to put it away, you said not to do that. So please give me a call. I need to have some understanding on direction to him about the book he’s reading opposed to the curriculum for public school. Ms. S. Thomas. Thank you. Have a wonderful day. Bye, bye.”

^pretty revealing about who is telling the truth about free reading time, imo.

 

[TroutBum]

Second, so many of these stories get distorted by those looking to be treated favorably. Perhaps this time, the Christian parent is telling the complete truth, but I've seen so many times where that didn't happen that I am doubtful.

I tend to agree with this, in general, but this "news" report is horridly vague. I'm growing so tired of yellow, sensationalized reporting.

If it's a truly free reading time where the child can read anything at all, including material brought from home, then the teacher is wrong. If it is a free reading time from a group of books on a list or a shelf, the teacher is correct.

This pretty much sums it up. It would have been nice if the reporter had bothered to go further into this, but I can see how that would have totally destroyed the "story".

I do not have a problem with kid reading Bible, Quran, Book of Mormon or Satanic bible on his free time. Whatever makes him happy to read. Better than he would have his nose stuck into Ipad playing Minecraft or Sims.

Couldn't agree more. The history of the world, it's peoples, it's cultures, etc., as well as the future of the world, all revolve around religion and faith. What better way to learn about people, business, other cultures, etc. than by discovering and learning about another faith or religion? I've never understood the fear some people have about reading (or letting their kids read) scriptures or holy books from other faiths.

People usually don't like when camera crews show up to their house to bother them.

I'd like to know why they even bothered reporting the reaction of the husband. Please tell me what his reaction to a bunch of leeches invading his privacy, on his property no less, has to do with this "story"? The answer is nothing. Remind me to never bookmark that Miami news site.

What problem would this solve exactly?

Haha, my thoughts exactly. Thanks for your amazing input on the topic, Stroked. Solid stuff.

Surprisingly good responses from all.

The bible is boring, yo!

 

[Stoked]

Have you ever been a teacher? Trying to keep kids quiet for 5 minutes is not exactly easy. I don't know how this would have prevented this situation, better communication would most definitely have helped.

No I have not.

However I have been in several classes where free tiem is given or even "study hall" where you can hear a pin drop. Those are a full period. Not 5 minutes.

 

[Stoked]

What problem would this solve exactly?

Sorry, my failure to fully explain. You see all these debates about reading the bible and prayer in school. A problem for some but not all granted. But everywhere is different. So what is the harm in allowing 5 minutes every day for the student to use as they wish? Certain guidelines of course. Such as being quiet, not interfering/bullying others, nothing lewd...

If I was the principal in an area that had frequent debates/problems about school in prayer this would be my solution. In areas where it never comes up then it is not needed.

 

[TroutBum]

No I have not.

However I have been in several classes where free tiem is given or even "study hall" where you can hear a pin drop. Those are a full period. Not 5 minutes.

Oh, well that clears things up then. Maybe we should get a petition going, or an open letter from the forum? We can all sign it and let this teacher (hell, maybe every teacher in the US) know that they're doing it wrong, and all they need to do is have a five minute quiet time each morning. Can you imagine the impact this is going to have?!

 

[[size/HUGE] fixed [/size]]

****, that was a terrible piece of journalism. Top to bottom.