I put my hand up this week to train to teach Primary Ethics at school during the Scripture hour. I didn’t even realise Ethics was an option at our school until Cappers bailed on Baha’i and went over to Ethics instead. Once she was in, the note came home saying they were desperate for more Ethics teachers because almost 25% our student body had elected to take it this year and they are set up for only 10%.
I’m pleased Cappers wants to take part in Ethics because I really love the philosophy behind it. It began as an alternative to kids who didn’t want to study religion during the mandatory public school Scripture hour. Turns our there are a lot of kids at our school like that. 25% want to do Ethics and roughly another 15% of students elect to do “non-scripture” (aka as quiet reading in the library).
I think religion has a place in public schools and I’m glad there is time set aside each week for students to come together to study it. My own children are baptized Catholic (just like me), but only my husband identifies as Catholic at this stage. The kids are finding their way and we try to help them experience many different kids of religions in order for them to find what they are looking for. At school they have done Hebrew, Catholicism, Anglican but both Max and Badoo have settled into Baha’i for over a year now.
I think that once you strip the cultural and familial elements of a religion away, it all comes down to whether you are a person of faith or not. I am not a person of faith – I have not felt faith for as long as I’ve consciously considered such things. Max and my husband are definitely people of faith and my daughters I’m not sure about. But one thing I really do believe is that you either are or you’re not a person who feels faith and you know deep in your heart where you stand. There is a sort of recklessness when people try to persuade contrary to someone’s fundamental knowing. I try not to be reckless with my children’s.
I’ll keep you posted on what’s involved with teaching Ethics to young kids. I’m really looking forward to the training and the teaching.
Other things that had me this week:
Reading – On the advice of my friend Shannon, French Kids Eat Everything by Karen Le Billon. I simply love the dictatorial French who really do seem to have it all figured out and are only too pleased to tell us that. It’s a good, sensible read so far. The recipe for Tomatoes Farcies is amaze.
Writing – Screen Freedom. It’s all kinds of fun to write.
Making – Cute and oh-so-handy school folders for Kidspot. And Cappers is so darn cute in the photos!
Wishing – We could go to Europe at the end of the year without having to make lots and lots of sacrifices all year to do it… to be those kind of people. But then, would we love it as much? (And secretly I am loving having a really tight budget.)
Loving – seeing my living room on Sonia Styling and Michaela’s lovely post about capturing memories.
Wondering – what to tell my kids about life as a grown-up.
I love funny, cheery bloggers, don’t you? They are like a little lift in our day. Sam from The Annoyed Thyroid is just like that. She’s been through so much yet she’s still optimistic and bubbly and fun. She’s so lovely that I even forgive her for being a member of the dreaded Thermomix cult. Head on over for a little sunshine.
Happy reading.
x
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THANK YOU for joining the Weekend Rewind list, hosted by Maxabella loves, Life, Love and Hiccups, Sonia Styling, Kelly Exeter and The Annoyed Thyroid. To join in simply link up your favourite post and visit a few other bloggers for a read and a chat. A link back here on your post is appreciated.
Helen K says
Interesting – I’ve been through the training process (which keeps morphing) and have taught what is now called Special Religious Instruction here in Victoria for a couple of years (but due to mix ups with training requirements, am not teaching this term). SRI is a fraught issue here in Vic, as we don’t have the ethics option at state schools. Therefore, reliant on volunteers who teach only from our faith background. I think ideally there would be a greater breadth of religions and also ethics – but there is not a system that can provide that in Victoria yet. Would be interested to hear more from you (possibly off line – I’m not wanting to sound like I am seeking to convert people, who are quite able to make up their own minds, and there is a bit of a risk in writing about it that it might be misconstrued that way. As I said, sensitive issue …).
But as for me – I am now off to a night by myself at the family beach house, before a sleep in, a training walk, and then lunch at a winery with friends tomorrow. And then there is still half the weekend to go (so it’s all a pretty exciting start, particularly as it will be 34 tomorrow. Yay!) Hoping things get better in Queensland and NT, though …x
Maxabella says
I’ll definitely be writing more about Ethics as I go along, Helen. I think it’s important to talk about and it’s interesting.
Hope you enjoyed what sounds like a very lovely weekend!! x
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
How exciting a trip overseas to Europe, it’s worth pinching pennies for. My daughter did religion for a year but told me she wants to stop and I’m fine with that. I believe as long as she knows there’s a section of the world that believe in the existence of certain gods then that’s good. It’s up to her what she takes on board. x
Maxabella says
Totally agree, Em. And YES to Europe and I love that we get to look forward to it all year long. Some things deserve a very long lead time, I think. x
Megan Daley says
So…I’m happily ‘interdenominational’ – Christian beliefs and values but not identifying as any one denomination…I grew up in a weird but wonderful, happy clappy, LGTB loving, hippy church that I ADORED and my closest friends in the world, ‘my village’, are still these people – some would no longer identify as Christian, others, like me, would…but we all adore each other. My parents have coffee and breakfast people with 6-20 of these people EVERY.SINGLE.MORNING. before they all go to work – we are a close knit bunch. I believe in God because I have to believe that my brother Simon, and Eden’s brother Cam are in heaven…because I just HAVE to believe that. But I’m pretty pissed off at God sometimes! My husband is terribly Catholic and our girls are Catholic and LOVE a bit of mass and some Mary action. Catholicism freaks me out a bit…but I’m going with it as I want my girls to have a Christian values base…and they can make up their own minds later on.
Maxabella says
I need to believe in something too, Megan. But I’ve come to understand that ‘belief’ and ‘faith’ are vastly different things. Both good, but very different.
I am envious of the wonderful group that surrounded your childhood. Very special indeed. x
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
I love that children down under have a choice and I can’t wait to hear more about ethics. That quote is a great place to start! Totes excited for you about your overseas trip – you know it will be worth every last penny! I appreciate your forgiveness vis a vis the Thermocult but I uber appreciate being invited to join the Weekend Rewind Party. As invitations go, they don’t get much better than this! Bon weekend!
Rebel Without A Pause says
SNAP.
Maxabella says
Fab to have you along for the ride last weekend, Sammie. The Thermomix thing is probably not your fault. x
Lydia C Lee says
I’m an Ethics teacher – one kid did it (but before I did the training), one kid in non scripture and one in scripture…so we’ve covered the range!!
Maxabella says
Cool! We’ll be Ethics Teacher buddies! I will send word if I need help as a newbie, Lydia!! x
Lauren @ Create Bake Make says
I think you will make a great ethics teacher. I’m really pleased to hear that it’s an option for kids, back in my day you either did RE or sat in the library during the allocated time each week. I hope you have a lovely weekend x
Maxabella says
I’m also very pleased to learn that it is on offer. Thanks for the encouragement, Lauren. x
Lisa@RandomActsOfZen says
What a fabulous mix of choices for the kids to have. I quite often wonder what I should tell Bell about life as a grown-up Bron. I want her to be prepared, but not scared about stuff. I’m kind of leaning towards letting her find out, but being just around the corner if she has a fall. I guess we do that pretty much from the day they’re born, don’t we? xx
Maxabella says
We do, indeed. I guess it’s only tricky when they ask outright questions and they are too young to understand my “well, this is what worked for me, but you may find you want different things”, etc… x
Rebel Without A Pause says
I was going to comment something awesome … but then I saw the word Thermomix and my brain got wiped out – Men in Black style …
Must. Make. Own. Icing. Sugar ….
Maxabella says
Bwhahahaahaha. I just don’t get it. I won’t get it. x
Denyse says
Hi Bron, congrats on your new venture into Ethics! Since moving to Central coast I looked out for a way to become involved (aka get to know some people!) via school or community & up popped an Ad that our local school was after an Ethics Co-ordinator. “Someone who understands the schooling system, committed to choice & understanding ethics education & can form good relationship with school principal and staff” yes. I. can. So over a coffee/interview I got the gig last week & this week met with the school & had a coffee meeting with 4 of the loveliest parents at the school – the ethics teachers! One is yet to train & is coming to Syd on Sunday for Day 1. I’m blown away by the positivity of the teachers! One takes a day off her high flying corporate gig to teach ethics! Can’t wait to hear more about how it is for you too! Denyse x
Maxabella says
That’s so perfect for you, Denyse. I think we are both going to love this gig. x
Kirralee @ Escape With Kids says
Yay! Can’t wait to hear how you find it. I’ve been teaching Ethics with the Primary Ethics program for two terms now. Last year was grades 5 & 6. This year I will be doing the kindy kids. Not sure whether they will be easier or harder!
Maxabella says
It’s nice to build up a little list of other teachers, Kirralee. It’s a bit daunting, TBH, but very exciting too. I’m looking forward to the training in a few weeks time and then I’ll start teaching in T2. x
Julie @ Off to the park says
Good luck with the teaching Bron. My eldest is in Year 1 and has the choice this year whether to do religion or ethics. She did religion in Kindy last year. My husband and I aren’t religious, but don’t want to stop our girls in finding out about God and Jesus so they can make their own minds up. 🙂
Maxabella says
I like open mindedness in everything, Julie. And the good recognition that our kids are their own people. x
Bec @ The Plumbette says
Having gone to a Christian private school, it was mandatory to do biblical studies. I love that in public schools kids are given the choice or their parents at least assist with this decision because faith is a personal decision.
Maxabella says
Well, it makes sense that the bible would rule at a Christian school, Bec. It’s one of my main ideologies about public schools – they are non-secular and therefore open to all kinds of ways of thinking. You are so right: faith is a personal thing. x
Multiplemum says
Can’t teach it due to full time work but I coordinate the program at our school. Happy it is an option. Good luck with the training sis. You might meet soon of our teachers! X
Maxabella says
You do!?!?!?! x
Life With The Crew says
I haven’t read French Kids Eat Everything, but I did read the Bringing Up Bebe books before my daughter was born. I had so many grand ideas about how she would be so different from other American kids – she would eat regular meals with us, I wouldn’t have to fight about food, etc. Know what she ate yesterday for lunch? 3 cookies. I tell myself it is okay because they were homemade Oatmeal Almond Butter cookies. (and she is still breastfeeding, which honestly is the best food she is going to get)
Maxabella says
Of course it’s all okay, Katie. Those parenting books have clearly never had to raise a child before in their life!!! x
Amy@HandbagMafia says
I desperately wanted an ethics class for my eldest but they didn’t offer it at her school. The only way to get one was to teach it myself which was something I was unable to comit to. I feel differently- I don’t want religion in public school. We are supposed to be a secular country yet my child has been made to sit in the back of religion classes off and on for years- no quiet library time for her. It’ really pisses me off! I think it should be something parents do in their own time- just my view of course 🙂 You’re right- you’re either a person of faith or you’re not.
Maxabella says
I was sure that a school had to offer ‘non-scripture’ during the scripture hour, Amy? I agree that it is not right to make a child do religion if that’s not wanted. x
Min@WriteoftheMiddle says
Well aren’t you the clever thing teaching Ethics!! I think it is a fabulous subject and wish it was taught when I was at school. I was raised a Catholic, went to a catholic primary school and an all girls Catholic high school. These days I’m not a practicing Catholic but I still identify with being a Catholic. I don’t believe that you have to go to church every Sunday to prove your belief in God. Perhaps I had it all rammed down my throat too much as a kid. I was at church through the week at school and every Sunday during my entire childhood.
Maxabella says
That’s a lot of mass, Min! I agree that you don’t need to go regularly to a church or even belong to believe. Many would disagree, but whatever fits with your personal values is what works best for everyone, I think. x
Sasha @ From the Left Field says
What a great thing that the school offers Ethics, and that there’s a bunch of kids wanting to take it! Knowledge is power, right? I’m sure you’ll be a fab ethics teacher! And I’m all for kids finding their own way with their ideas on what’s what out there, we’re merely here to guide them along. x
Maxabella says
Agree, Sasha. It’s a very set program, but one that encourages children to openly discuss big ideas. x
Emily says
Wow, that’s really fascinating. I’m intrigued by what’s involved too! Looking forward to your next post about it.
Maxabella says
Once I’m ‘trained’ and I’ve had a couple of classes I will be sure to blog about it as there appears to be a lot of curiosity and support for this cool program. x
Natalie @ OurParallelConnection says
I’ve never heard of an ethics teacher ( and my kids go to catholic or christian schools) but sounds very interesting and one the kids should and will get a lot out of. Keep us posted
Maxabella says
I will! It is very doubtful that you will hear about Ethics in a Catholic or Christian school, which is a shame in lots of ways. x
Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages says
I completely agree with letting our kids choose their own beliefs. I want them to make an educated decision in what they want to believe in when they are ready. Up til then I just want them to learn basic morals and, well, ethics.
Maxabella says
Me too! I think that we all end up choosing what we want whether our parents are open-minded or not, but it sure does help. x
Kirsten says
I’ve been teaching ethics for 18 months now, and I love helping the kids tackle all the topics and question the ways of the world. It is so rewarding to see how responsive they are when we talk about a familiar “bad” trait such as selfishness, then put it in a different context to show a different point of view. It gives kids the opportunity to think about why different cultures etc do things differently, and develop different values and customs. Most importantly, it teaches kids to have greater awareness about their own behaviour and responsibility.
All the best! You will love ethics teaching!
Maxabella says
You’ve made me even happier that I’m about to be involved, Kirsten. x
Bele @ BlahBlah says
Ethics – how awesome. I first heard about this at the Festival of Dangerous Ideas and I jumped up and down with excitement, but it hadn’t occurred to me that I might have the opportunity to teach it one day, but you’ve just planted a seed…. I can’t wait to hear how you go. EUROPE! Woohoo!!!!!! Oh, the adventures you’ll have x
Maxabella says
It’s a LOOOOONG way away, but I kinda like that. The anticipation adds to the journey, I think. I want to get to the Festival of Dangerous Ideas this year. It’s begging for me to come because every year I’m just so inspired by everything I hear about it. x
Jodi Gibson (JF Gibson Writer) says
Good luck with it Bron, I think it’s a really great idea. Our kids go to a Catholic school but are not baptised.(I grew up Catholic, my husband is an atheist). I too, want my kids to learn and know about different religions and although their RE classes are mostly catholic based, they do teach about other religions, particularly in the high school they will be attending and our older kids go to. In time they will know if they believe or have faith, but as long as they have morals and values I don’t care.
Maxabella says
That’s really good that they embrace other religious teachings, Jodi. I haven’t heard of a Catholic school doing that before. x
Julie @ meybestandi says
Your living room looks so inviting, like a place I would just love to curl up with a book and a mug of tea!
Maxabella says
I eat my breakfast in that cozy corner each morning, when I get back from the school run and take 15 mins to plan my day and enjoy my toasties! x
Mother Down Under says
We had a Rel-Phil requirement at my school…religion or philosophy. I took ethics and really enjoyed it. I was in high school when I took it but I think it would be such a good topic for younger children.
And dare I tell you that I made the most delicious salted caramel chocolate chunk ice cream in my Thermomix the other day…it was seriously one of the best things I have ever tasted. I don’t understand how some people only seem use theirs to hide veggies or make things like almond milk when it is so easy to make things like ice cream or ganache!
Maxabella says
You’re tempting me, Caitlin… salted caramel often tempts me. I think I will buy an ice cream maker… 🙂
sarah@Tomfo says
Oh I think you would just be the best teacher Bron, warm and friendly just like your home. x
Maxabella says
Thanks for being so kind, Sarah. I will let you know how the teaching goes.
Part of me wishes people were seeing my lounge room and going “oh wow, I want your style, you’re so cutting-edge and on-trend and all the hypens”, but the bigger part of me knows that “warm and friendly” is pretty much my due. I’ll take it!! x
Kylie Purtell - A Study in Contradictions says
Looking forward to hearing about whats involved in the teaching. I don’t really know much about what they include. Have fun!
Maxabella says
Me either at this point, but I do know that it is quite philosophical and involves a story about penguins. You can see that I have yet to do my training!! x
Sonia Life Love Hiccups says
I get some kind of sick perverted thrill out of being on a budget lol so I so get where you are coming from 😉 xx
Maxabella says
It’s weird, isn’t it? A bit creepy. x
Sonia from Sonia Styling says
I’m really pleased to hear that kids get that choice at school. It’s just like life after all – you get to choose what you believe in as an adult, so why not start exploring your options as a young’un. x
Kristy @ Loulou Zoo says
Yet again you have given me a wonderful outlook on a “tricky” situation. My husband and I are not religious whatsoever, but I have wondered how to tackle that when the girls grow up as I don’t want to force them one way or the other…
Love how you are helping them find their way – I like the sound of that x