I was very happy with the multitude of learning styles that this effort
engaged. I got the impression that they had a great deal of flexibility on
how to present what they learned.

Me too. In fact, what impresses me most about your description is not the
religion aspect, but the fact that they did this kind of experience-based,
project-oriented project at all. Maybe it's just Texas & Iowa, but Henry's
elementary schools (and now middle school too) have been so standardized-test
driven (especially since the No Child Left Behind Act was passed) that there's
no time for things like this. Instead, they work on test prep worksheets and
non-curricular time learning test-taking strategies.

Sigh.

Did anyone hear last week's "This American Life" about the teacher in Chicago
who is thinking about quitting? You can probably still hear it through the NPR
website. It was heartbreaking.

But back to your question:

I know many people who are very keen in keeping religion out of the
schools, and generally, I'm one of them.

Me too.

But to my mind, there's a big
difference between religion being taught as state-sponsored propaganda,
and religion being taught as comparative religion, or within a cultural or
historical context, as was the case in what these kids did.

I agree completely. I think it was slightly dangerous territory -- it may have
been a different exercise if you had had a fundamentalist Christian in your
daughter's group whose parents do not believe in exposing their daughter to
other traditions. I love your stories about the missed words and especially
about the Lego congregation.

I'm curious as to what your reaction is to this, especially if you are of
the No Religion in the School mindset. I'm especially interested in your
reaction if you are English or Episcopalian.

I'm Progressive Christian, of the UCC variety. Episcopals, at least
nationally, are pretty progressive too. I'd guess (but will defer to anyone
who actually *is* Episcopal) they'd find it a great exercise. I look forward
to Penny or someone else from England's view on the historical stuff.

Fun project! Good for your daughter for getting into it, and good for you for
supporting her.

-Dawn
Mom to Henry, 12