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The Old Schoolhouse
Magazine
Home Where They
Belong
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September 19, 2007
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 Socialization - we all have to answer that question
don't we? Someone recently asked me about it on my blog with
concerns that if some homeschoolers over-shelter their kids
(ugh) that their kids will be like sheep being fed to the
wolves once they got into the "real world".
I
couldn't let that one go, so here's how I responded:
"I really think the socialization
concern stems more from the fact that most of us in our
generation didn't grow up with homeschoolers or if we heard of
a few of them, they were considered backwards or something.
Now as more and more families are homeschooling, I think more
people personally know homeschoolers and are seeing how
wonderfully they are able to handle themselves. The Old
Schoolhouse Magazine recently did an article showing some actual
research.
Instead of thinking about how homeschoolers
may be over-sheltering their children, you might consider that
they are actually spending more time preparing and
strengthening them for what lies ahead.
Parental involvement in their
children's lives is directly related to their well-being and
character development - that's why schools are always
trying so hard to get parents involved.
Homeschooled
children are thriving beyond high school.They are contributing
citizens in their communitites and dedicated to their
families. Don't necessarily think of them as sheep being fed
to the wolves. After all that time with their families, they
might be more like shepherds leading and
protecting the sheep from the wolves."
So that's my 2 cents on
socialization. Here's another great article that someone posted
on my homeschool group's website.
THM Editor
PS - We have another great
contest going on at HomeschoolBlogger. Enter here for a
chance to win a set of the Terrestria Chronicles
series!
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 Mercy Every Minute
Deborah Wuehler, TOS Senior Editor
Let me just say this - in all of my
experience with homeschooled children, I have always found
that they are the most socialized group than any other -
hands-down. And not just my experience, but there are also
many studies that have been done to prove just that. You can
find out more at the National Home Education Research
Institute
Although in the
traditional sense homeschooled children seem to be masters of
socialization, the thing about the word "socialization" that's
scary to me is that our culture is redefining the definition,
and according to their new definition, our children just may
not fit (and gladly so!)
Let's look at one of
the new cultural definitions of
socialization:
WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton
University:
3. The adoption of the behavior patterns of the
surrounding culture; "the socialization of children to the
norms of their culture"
If socialization is a matter of "adopting society's
behavior patterns" and "conforming with its values" no matter
how wicked, then no thank you! We have a much higher authority
than society to guide us. What does the Bible say about
socialization?
"He that walketh
with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be
destroyed." Proverbs
13:20
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an
example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in
charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
1 Timothy 4:12
"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the
Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their
affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
James
1:27
~Deborah
CONTEST: Want to
work on character with your girls? Here is a wonderful
resource from the book of Proverbs on the true meaning of
beauty. Doorposts has put
together an extensive workbook called Beauty and the Pig. See
the review right here. This contest will
run until the end of September.
Email SeniorEditor@TheHomeschoolMagazine.com
with your name and mailing address for a chance to
win.
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Schoolhouse Spotlight
Dena Wood, Schoolhouse Store Manager
I have a good feeling that I'm
like many of you and just don't "get" the socialization issue.
I mean, I suppose there may be a few folks, living way out in
the country that remain isolated enough for "concern". (Hmmm .
. . somehow I don't see "socialization" as a daily requirement
for those from the days of, say, Little House on the Prairie .
. . ) Still, I think most of us struggle more with limiting
extra activities than we do with searching out excuses for
"socialization".
Still, the myth persists. While
vacationing at a Family Camp this summer we roomed next to a
very nice doctor's family with girls the same age as my
daughter. At one point the mother asked about homeschooling
and said, "We're so impressed with Paige. She came right over
and introduced herself. My girls would never do that! I was
surprised since she homeschools." In all honesty, I think the
ones most in need of "socialization" are Mom and Dad! Support
from other homeschooling parents is SO important in keeping us
motivated and encouraged as well as offering insight and
helpful advice for our struggles.
If you're thinking of
setting up a local co-op (great for parent
socialization!) see our E-Book: The Homeschool
Co-op Planner. This books lays everything out for you,
complete with forms and idea lists, making the job easy!
Pamela Berthume's Homeschooling: The Journey
is the Reward is a great encouragement and touches on the
issue of socialization from her personal viewpoint. And Tammy
Cardwell's E-Book: See, I Told Me
So shares the wisdom of twenty homeschool graduates and
veterans. Whether in person, online or through reading
materials, let's be sure Mom and Dad get the "socialization"
they need!
~Dena |
 It's Just Common Sense
Ruth Beechick, Curriculum
Specialist
Long ago when
homeschooling was just beginning to grow in the U.S., I heard
a short, snappy answer to the socialization question that I
think can still be used. "What about socialization?" The
homeschool mom replied, "I call it negative socialization in
the schools." That stopped any further argument on the topic.
Nothing else could be said.
In those days
everybody heard the socialization question along with "What if
you are teaching and the baby's diaper needs changing?" We all
thought the socialization question would fade away in time,
but it didn't, and you can still be ready with a short, snappy
answer. Starting a long worldview discussion is rarely
effective. The diaper question has faded
away.
One of the long
discussions might be about children spending many waking hours
with herds of age-mates, with little chance for meaningful
conversation. That does not develop good social skills. How
did our society ever reach that view? A family setting is the
best to grow up in, plus a bit of participation in the
community. A homeschooling family here helps twice a month to
serve food at the luncheon meetings of seniors, and the oldest
boy plays his violin for them.
You could add scouts
or music or athletic groups as you feel the need. But don't
overdo that, and don't brag about those activities when you
meet the socialization question. That leaves you saying in
effect "Well, I believe in age-mate socializing the same as
you. See all the activities my children are
in?"
Try the short, snappy
answer instead.
~Ruth
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The Familyman
Todd Wilson, Familyman Ministries
I
can't believe I even need to say anything about socialization.
I mean, we all KNOW that the old, "What about lack of
socialization?" question just doesn't hold water . . . I mean
none . . . not even a teaspoonful of it.
You know that;
I know that; we all know that. BUT when the question comes, we
still find ourselves thinking, "Well, maybe they've got a
point . . . maybe they do need to be around other kids
more."
Mom and Dad, stop it!!!! Don't fall for that old
lie. Your kids are fine; they certainly don't need to be
around kids all day long to be socialized. You know it. Don't
waiver. Don't get weak in the knees. Stand firm, not only in
your response to the "questioner," but even more importantly,
in your own mind and convictions.
Now Dad, here's where
you are vital because sometimes dads fall for the lie even
more than wives. Oftentimes, it's the dad who hears one of the
'questioners' and then all of a sudden becomes a "questioner"
too.
"You know maybe it would be good for Josh to take
a couple of classes just so he can be around other kids and
learn how to interact," a dad might say to his
wife.
NO!!! Don't go there. If you do, you'll only
increase the uncertainty in your wife's mind, and you need to
be the one who stands firm and leads the way.
Now hear
this!!! There is no uncertainty! Your kids are perfectly
socialized, and they don't need other kids to be better
socialized.
It's the TRUTH. Believe it, cling to it,
and don't make me come over there and write another article
about it!
Be
real,
Todd
|
 Homeschool Freebies
Jamin, Freebie
Finder
In our house the
biggest goal of socialization is to instill the Golden Rule
into the hearts of our kids. "So whatever you wish
that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the Law
and the prophets." Matthew 7:12 With that in
mind what could be better to help your children be properly
socialized than a Bible Study!
Here
is a great freebie for the little
ones in your home! The ABC Bible Verse Coloring Book has
a Bible verse coloring page for each letter of the
alphabet. These are really adorable! You can print
them out and make a little book with your kids.
There are also a LOT of other great kids Bible Study related
freebies at the A
Kid's Heart Website.
Here are 325 FREE Bible
Studies to download and use with slightly older kids.
Each study includes quizzes, puzzles and a picture to color.
These would be great for a year long study of the Bible. You
could put them together in a notebooks and have a great
keepsake of your year!
My kids LOVE the
Adventures in Odyssey Radio Show. Focus on the Family has the
daily show free online. HERE is the link. You can
tune in every day and listen to the latest
program.
Happy
Homeschooling!
~Jamin
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Meet Some
of Our Friends
Homeschool Buy,the online auction alternative for homeschoolers,
invites all homeschoolers with cluttered garages, crowded
curriculum closets and an excess of book to join us for the
Homeschool Buy Garage
Sale!! Beginning September 17th and ending September 28th,
you can set up a free "Garage Sale" to be featured on the
Homeschool Buy Neighborhood Garage Sale Page. Sell off the
stuff you don't need anymore and find the stuff you do need at
bargain prices. Basic Homeschool item listings are free. Just
pay for any optional features. No end of auction
fees!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still need a Phy Ed idea? Try
Crystal Stix! Crystal Stix are a great way to spice up any
school day. Students learn hand-eye coordination, build
confidence, and have a lot of fun! Add some twists to make it
an aerobic workout. Check out the video demonstrations at
www.geodeo.com. Let the fun
begin!
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