Other Websites' Articles about Homeschoolers & Socialization:
A to Z Homeschool Website's Article
http://www.gomilpitas.com/homeschooling/articles/042998.htm
HSLDA Website's Article
http://www.hslda.org/docs/nche/Issues/S/Socialization.asp
Home Education Magazine's Article
http://www.home-ed-magazine.com/INF/STRT/strt_art_socialztn.html
National Home Education Network
The Truth about Homeschooling and Socialization
http://www.nhen.org/newhser/default.asp?id=292Dispelling The Myths About Homeschooling
http://www.nhen.org/newhser/default.asp?id=293How to Answer the Socialization Question Once and For All
http://www.nhen.org/newhser/default.asp?id=415
Life Time Learners of Georgia Organization's Article
http://llghomeschool.org/hiSocialization.shtml
Kyle William's Article from World Net Daily [a 15 y.o. columnist! ]
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=31539
From the SchoolReformers.com editor, David W. Kirkpatrick
http://home.att.net/~tbe/schoolreformers23.htm
Wendy's Favorite Article, so far:
How to Answer the Socialization Question Once and for All
by Marsha RansomI am beginning to tire of the many articles, essays and responses I keep running across on what has become to be known as the "socialization question."
Homeschooling families, please listen carefully: What people refer to as socialization is a non-issue! It has become a buzz-word among the Official Homeschool Nay Sayers Society. When someone asks you the question ("What about SOCIALIZATION!?"), I suggest you begin by asking them, "What do you mean by socialization?" They will more than likely proceed with some variation on the following theme: "You know, having your kids spend time with other kids their age. Hanging out with their friends, stuff like that." At that point do not, under any circumstances respond with, "Oh my little Susie gets plenty of socialization! She's in 4-H and Awanas, and Sunday school and HomeSchool band and she volunteers at the nursing home etc.etc. etc. In fact she has so many opportunities for socialization that I hardly have time to teach her some days..YaDa YaDa YaDa." Why not? Because this is not what socialization really is!
Here is a more appropriate response: "Oh, I think the word you are looking for is socializing. Socialization is actually defined as the process by which the norms and standards of our society are passed from one generation to the next. I've never really thought that a complete strangers six-year old child would be a good source of information on the correct standards of behavior in our family and in society as a whole. As for socializing, I remember from my school days that it was something you weren't supposed to be doing during class!"
We do not have to defend homeschooling based on false assumptions, false accusations, and false information. Please stop telling others about all the opportunities your kids have for "socialization" and start gently exposing them to the real issue here-- a lot of what kids learn from other kids in social situations is simply living according to "The Law of the Jungle." In our family, we have a higher set of laws to follow and I bet your family does too. Next time, don't be afraid to say so!
Marsha's book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Homeschooling, can be purchased through http://www.amazon.com. Remember, any Amazon purchases linked directly FROM the NHEN site will benefit NHEN financially. It's an easy fundraiser - go back to our website for it!
MVHA's Webmistress' 75 cents worth:
The following comments represent the opinions of the author only, and not those of MVHA or of all Homeschoolers. Ask a real live homeschooler, today, what they believe about the "Socialization" issue!
Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary offers the following as their first two definitions of the word:
"(1.) to make social, adjust or make fit for co-operative group living
(2.) to adapt, as oneself or others, to the common needs of a social group"
You will find that some Homeschoolers have a different attitude about socializing or "socialization" than some public school parents. Most of us do not believe that academics and socializing need to take place at the same time. While there are settings where combining the two is an advantage, such as at Field Trips, Workshops, Sports, Drama and Band & Choir, there are many more times when a one-on-one or one-on-two or none-on-one (Silent Reading or Internet Research) learning ratio is a tremendous advantage, especially in the core subjects. It is much easier for the children to concentrate on their studies, to get all their questions asked without feeling dumb, to get their questions answered thoroughly, and to get the work done at their own pace based on their natural developmental level, without interruptions by bells or unruly classmates.
Regarding socialization, many homeschooling parents appreciate the opportunity to choose the children with whom their children will be socializing, to increase the chance that their children will be learning about relationships in an atmosphere of safety, love & respect. Not all children have been well-parented. Some have been parented by popular culture, via TV or Nintendo or movies. Many homeschoolers tend not to accept popular culture as their own culture, preferring a less violent more loving, less consumption-oriented, more productive, less destructive more creative, less commercial more spiritual environment. We reject the "pseudo-maturity" pushed by popular culture.
If it seems that many of us, Homeschoolers, have created a naïve & artificial culture from an earlier era, it only looks artificial from the outside, and probably not as artificial as today's popular culture looks to us. While our different culture has been purposely manufactured by us, it is quite real, as are the relationships and learning experiences within it. The simplicity & naïveté that we cultivate allows our children to remain children until their hearts, souls, bodies & brains are ready for true maturity. And, far from being a single culture, each family has created their own culture by their choice of friends & activities.
Homeschoolers are happy that, because their children have the opportunity to socialize with adults & children of all ages (not trapped with same-aged peers all day), they are comfortable, respectful and polite communicating with people of all ages.
Many homeschoolers believe that their children will be better able to deal with the abuses & neglect of the adult world, if they have been given the opportunity to develop strong self-esteem, strong self-confidence, assertive behavior, and a strong set of values in a predictably safe, loving, respectful atmosphere that provides plenty of structure. An analogy might be the creation of a patio in your backyard. While you might be really looking forward to the first dinner party you might throw there, would you want anyone to walk on the expertly finished cement until it had fully hardened? No. We don't want cruelty or neglect inflicted upon our childrens' hearts & souls until they have developed sufficiently to withstand it and not be permanently damaged by it, either. In spite of these protections during childhood, the emphasis in homeschooling is on creativity & independence & questioning & learning for the joy of acquiring knowledge, all from within a safe environment.
The immediate & extended family offer the first and best learning ground for social relationships. The home is a safe and supportive setting in which to learn "co-operative group living" , to learn "to adapt,... to the common needs of a social group", as described by the Webster's Dictionary definition of socialization. The circle widens out to one's church family, friends, other homeschoolers, classmates, team mates, co-workers, etc. Here are some of the ways that homeschooled kids spend time with other children & adults. In some situations, the emphasis is more on learning, and in others, more on socializing.
1. Homeschool Support Group Meeting (1 x month)
-Skating
-Bowling
-Swimming
-Hiking
2. Homeschool Field Trips (1 x month)
-Faust Park / Thornhill Mansion / Butterfly House
-St. Louis Zoo / Historical Society
-State Capitol / Cole County Historical Museum / Ice Skating
-William Clark Impersonator / historical craft activities
-St. Louis Symphony Children's Concert
-Pottery Studio / create own pottery
-Steam Engine Tractor demo & explanation / visit art gallery
-St. Louis Municipal Opera
-Wolf Sanctuary
-Grant's Farm
-Katy Trail Bike Ride
-The Meramec Area Children's Water Festival
-The Magic House
3. Earth's Classroom Workshop (1 x month)
-Botany
-Ornithology
-Civil War in Missouri
-Native American Storytelling (held inside a teepee)
-Orienteering
-Phenology (including Nature Journaling) (three part )
4. Virginia Reel & Square Dance (1 x month, 4 months/yr.)
5. Playgroups (1 x week)
-4 to 6 families will join together to form a playgroup that meets weekly, when other Homeschool Activities permit.
6. Sleepovers & Birthday Parties (Often!)
7. Sports
-Community Soccer, Baseball, Basketball
-Karate Lessons
-Gymnastics Lessons
-Dance Lessons
-Homeschool Volleyball, Basketball & Soccer
-Monthly Bowling
-Monthly Rollerskating
-Homeschool Field Days
-River Days in Summer
-Kayaking & Canoeing in groups
-Camping in groups
8. Music Lessons
-Band
-Ensembles
-Choir
-Private Lessons for instrument or voice
-Music recitals, performances, competitions
9. National Spelling & Geography Clubs and Contests
-often involve weekly meetings
10. Cooperative Homeschool Classes
-Biology taught by a local Chiropractor
-Creative Writing Workshops by published authors
-Computer classes
-Language Classes
11. East Central College classes for kids
-Drama
-Soccer
-Primitive Tools & Technology, etc.
12. 4-H
13. Boy Scouts / Girl Scouts
14. Civil Air Patrol
15. Summer Camp
16. Volunteer Work in the Community
-Nursing Homes
-Hospital
17. Church Activities
-Kids' Clubs (e.g. "Awanas")
-Sunday School
-Dances
-Field Trips
18. Cultural Events
-East Central College concerts, plays & art exhibitions
-Local Concert Series
-Community Theater Presentations
Wendy Pelton, 10-year homeschooler