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What About Socialization?
Surely, this is the most often asked homeschooling question! Consider, for
a moment, what you really want from the experiences your children are placed
into:
Positive reinforcement of your values
Encouragement, and support of your
child's self-worth
Fun
Challenging intellectual interchanges
Safety
Sadly, most conventional school situations do not achieve most of these
goals. Instead, we see peer dependence, peer conformity, and a focus on
only one age group. Sometimes, children are attacked verbally, emotionally,
and even physically. Certain children may be singled out as targets by
their age-peers.
Dr. Raymond Moore, often called the grandfather of the modern homeschool
movement, says children can handle about as many other children as they are
years old. For example, a 6 year old could enjoy a group of six other
children. More might overwhelm or overstimulate him or her.
Home school parents realize that they must provide healthy opportunities for
their children to interact with others. They do this by looking for
activities that meet the criteria listed above. Often, they find them
through church groups, scouting, play groups, field trips, study co-ops,
support group activities, or having others as guests at their homes. Most
often, these activities are age-integrated, meaning children of many ages
interact with each other, and adults. Parents themselves may be present and
participate. Kids are encouraged to ask questions and to participate in
decision making and discussions/
Within the family itself are opportunities to work together, to iron out
conflict, to serve others, to enjoy others, to encourage each other, to
learn "real life" skills and problem solving, and MUCH, MUCH more.
For those who desire them, sports programs are available through the Park
and Recreation Department. Homeschoolers in Colorado may also participate
in interscholastic activities through local public and private schools.
Support groups sometimes also arrange activities and events. As with the
academic side of home education, extra-curricular activities are also under
the control of the parent(s) in charge of the program.
Homeschooling is different, but that's a good thing, not a deprivation! You
as a parent have the opportunity to make socialization what you want for
your child.
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