The first question asked by many people who do not homeschool their children is, "What about socialization?" Homeschool children are probably more adept in social situations than the majority of their peers in public schools. Homeschoolers are not walking around with signs declaring themselves to be social misfits. On the contrary, they are the ones that can carry on a conversation in any social situation. They can actually communicate with adults as well as with their peers.
Children in a regular school setting spend seven hours a day with children their own age. Very rarely do they interact with people other than those in their own classes. Does this actually prepare them for the "real world?" Generally, the effect of peer pressure on youths is negative. Homeschool children, on the other hand, spend much of their day with people of different age groups. This has a very positive effect on their interaction with others in the "real world." After schooling is completed, the "real world" consists of home and work environments. Where in this world does one only interact with people their own age? In this respect it would seem that the homeschool child would be better able to adapt to the "real world" environment.
At a homeschool conference a speaker was commenting on homeschooling and socialization. He said, "Just so my kids feel they are getting the proper socialization, I take them into the bathroom and tell them to hand over their lunch money." Though it is a ludicrous statement, this is the type of socialization many kids receive in public schools.
In actuality, homeschool children experience a variety of forms of socialization. They still play with the other kids in the neighborhood. They attend church functions with other kids. They go on field trips with other homeschool families. There are even group classes in science, choir and other class endeavors that are more suited as a group activity. Homeschool children are also involved in baseball, hockey, basketball and other extra curricular activities just like their public school counterparts. Sometimes it even appears that homeschool kids can be over socialized. Just ask their mothers who are driving them all over town.
In 1992, Dr. Larry Shyers, did a study comparing social development and behaviors of two groups of students ages eight to ten. One group was homeschooled while the other group consisted of public and private school children. His results showed that homeschooled children had fewer behavioral problems than the schooled children. He also noted that the schooled children more often modeled themselves after their peers while the homeschool children imitated the behavior of their parents.
Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute conducted the largest survey of homeschoolers to date in 2003. The study surveyed 7300 adults who had been homeschooled. His study covered getting into college, getting jobs, community involvement and enjoyment of life. His conclusion was that homeschooling actually created more enjoyment in life in the "real world."
Homeschooling does not interfere with socialization but actually enhances it. Homeschool children have less disciplinary problems and are very often quite mature compared to public school children. People might want to start questioning whether the socialization their children are getting in public schools is preventing their children from being able to live in the "real world."
The Greatest Conflict of Homeschooling
Homeschooling socialization is by far the most major conflict in relation to homeschooling. The problem is that, by removing your children from the public school environment, you are depriving them of the social development offered by public schools. After all, it would be difficult for a child to develop social skills when they are not given the opportunity to interact with other children. As such, this remains as a huge homeschooling disadvantage.
Is This Best For My Child?
As a parent, a great concern should be placed on your child's social development. Whether they are in the job market or the super market, being socially adjusted will help anybody excel in life. While research shows that there is a homeschooling advantage (in many different ways), losing the ability to learn how to be social is always a disadvantage to any homeschooling curriculum.
This problem, unfortunately, goes beyond losing the opportunity to develop social skills, as children will also lose the opportunity to develop close, interpersonal relationships with other children. However, as strong as these problems are, they can be avoided by extending your homeschooling program to allow for your child to interact with other children. You simply need to expose them to a social environment, such as a public park or a sports league. After all, with all of the advantages homeschooling offers, taking the time to ensure social behavior of your child is a small price to pay in making sure your child develops as a well-rounded individual.
How Can I Start?
If you are interested in homeschooling your child, find a homeschooling resource to create your own homeschooling program. If you want religious teachings to be a part of your child's daily education, find a Christian homeschooling guide, as many are available on the Web if you take the time to do a little research. Additionally, you can choose to use homeschooling software to educate your child by finding a program that offers homeschooling online.
For parents that feel as though they need to speak with someone directly to answer all of their questions, seek out homeschool counseling, as these counselors will give you the resources you need to establish your own homeschool. Finally, be patient, as creating a curriculum is not an easy task.
Remember, while homeschools do not offer the same social environment offered by public schools, the advantages are clear. Because of the amount of time you will have to spend with your child, you will bond with him or her in a way that most parents do not get to bond with their children: education. Additionally, because you set the curriculum, you get to decide what information your child should learn and what information they should not learn.
Finally, you will have the benefit of knowing exactly what your child is being taught, meaning that a public school instructor will not have the opportunity to teach things to your child that you do not agree with. Homeschooling is not right for everyone, but if you feel it is right for your child, then it would definitely be worth your time to look into homeschooling as an option.
Children in a regular school setting spend seven hours a day with children their own age. Very rarely do they interact with people other than those in their own classes. Does this actually prepare them for the "real world?" Generally, the effect of peer pressure on youths is negative. Homeschool children, on the other hand, spend much of their day with people of different age groups. This has a very positive effect on their interaction with others in the "real world." After schooling is completed, the "real world" consists of home and work environments. Where in this world does one only interact with people their own age? In this respect it would seem that the homeschool child would be better able to adapt to the "real world" environment.
At a homeschool conference a speaker was commenting on homeschooling and socialization. He said, "Just so my kids feel they are getting the proper socialization, I take them into the bathroom and tell them to hand over their lunch money." Though it is a ludicrous statement, this is the type of socialization many kids receive in public schools.
In actuality, homeschool children experience a variety of forms of socialization. They still play with the other kids in the neighborhood. They attend church functions with other kids. They go on field trips with other homeschool families. There are even group classes in science, choir and other class endeavors that are more suited as a group activity. Homeschool children are also involved in baseball, hockey, basketball and other extra curricular activities just like their public school counterparts. Sometimes it even appears that homeschool kids can be over socialized. Just ask their mothers who are driving them all over town.
In 1992, Dr. Larry Shyers, did a study comparing social development and behaviors of two groups of students ages eight to ten. One group was homeschooled while the other group consisted of public and private school children. His results showed that homeschooled children had fewer behavioral problems than the schooled children. He also noted that the schooled children more often modeled themselves after their peers while the homeschool children imitated the behavior of their parents.
Dr. Brian Ray of the National Home Education Research Institute conducted the largest survey of homeschoolers to date in 2003. The study surveyed 7300 adults who had been homeschooled. His study covered getting into college, getting jobs, community involvement and enjoyment of life. His conclusion was that homeschooling actually created more enjoyment in life in the "real world."
Homeschooling does not interfere with socialization but actually enhances it. Homeschool children have less disciplinary problems and are very often quite mature compared to public school children. People might want to start questioning whether the socialization their children are getting in public schools is preventing their children from being able to live in the "real world."
The Greatest Conflict of Homeschooling
Homeschooling socialization is by far the most major conflict in relation to homeschooling. The problem is that, by removing your children from the public school environment, you are depriving them of the social development offered by public schools. After all, it would be difficult for a child to develop social skills when they are not given the opportunity to interact with other children. As such, this remains as a huge homeschooling disadvantage.
Is This Best For My Child?
As a parent, a great concern should be placed on your child's social development. Whether they are in the job market or the super market, being socially adjusted will help anybody excel in life. While research shows that there is a homeschooling advantage (in many different ways), losing the ability to learn how to be social is always a disadvantage to any homeschooling curriculum.
This problem, unfortunately, goes beyond losing the opportunity to develop social skills, as children will also lose the opportunity to develop close, interpersonal relationships with other children. However, as strong as these problems are, they can be avoided by extending your homeschooling program to allow for your child to interact with other children. You simply need to expose them to a social environment, such as a public park or a sports league. After all, with all of the advantages homeschooling offers, taking the time to ensure social behavior of your child is a small price to pay in making sure your child develops as a well-rounded individual.
How Can I Start?
If you are interested in homeschooling your child, find a homeschooling resource to create your own homeschooling program. If you want religious teachings to be a part of your child's daily education, find a Christian homeschooling guide, as many are available on the Web if you take the time to do a little research. Additionally, you can choose to use homeschooling software to educate your child by finding a program that offers homeschooling online.
For parents that feel as though they need to speak with someone directly to answer all of their questions, seek out homeschool counseling, as these counselors will give you the resources you need to establish your own homeschool. Finally, be patient, as creating a curriculum is not an easy task.
Remember, while homeschools do not offer the same social environment offered by public schools, the advantages are clear. Because of the amount of time you will have to spend with your child, you will bond with him or her in a way that most parents do not get to bond with their children: education. Additionally, because you set the curriculum, you get to decide what information your child should learn and what information they should not learn.
Finally, you will have the benefit of knowing exactly what your child is being taught, meaning that a public school instructor will not have the opportunity to teach things to your child that you do not agree with. Homeschooling is not right for everyone, but if you feel it is right for your child, then it would definitely be worth your time to look into homeschooling as an option.