Homeschool and Socialization
If you’re new to homeschool, I can guarantee at some
point, you’ll hear the words homeschool and
socialization mentioned
in the same sentence. If you’ve been homeschooling for a while, then
you know exactly what I mean.
For
those of you who aren’t familiar with the word, what does
socialization mean? One dictionary defines it as being made into fit
companionship for others. Many people think the only way to
socialize a child is by placing him or her in a controlled setting
such as a public or private school.
To socialize simply means to interact with others. There is a common
misconception that homeschooled children aren’t ‘properly
socialized’. The meaning (and most people are well meaning when
asking about socialization although there are exceptions) then is
that apart from a traditional school setting, children can’t
possibly learn how to get along with others, how to be active and
productive members of society.
The reverse is usually true. Homeschooled children who are well
socialized can interact and carry on a conversation with people of
all ages rather than being forced to socialize with only their
peers.
Homeschooled kids are often more socialized than most
non-homeschooled children. The reason is because of all the
activities available to homeschool families today.
One
way of socialization for homeschool kids is to become active in a
teen group at a local church. Most churches have realized the need
to reach young kids and teens in the community and provide a wide
variety of events in which kids can interact.
Some colleges have homeschool extensions for programs such as 4-H
where kids can get together while learning things such as science
experiments. One homeschool 4-H extension group taught students how
to make batteries. Another taught hand quilting.
Homeschool support groups often get together for various field trips
to aquariums, bowling alleys or even host regularly scheduled
skating nights. Don’t have a group in your area? Create one yourself
and invite other homeschool families in your area to join.
More often than not, private religious schools will usually allow
homeschooled students to join their various sports activities,
that’s another avenue you might want to consider as well.
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