I think "socialization" is a non issue in the pros/cons of the homeschooling discussion. Actually, I think all “concerns” are. But, I'll gripe about socialization anyway because my homeschooled children are currently bouncing a soccer ball down the hallway, visiting with company, and/or just left for a college class. I don't feel like interrupting all the socialization to make them watch Dr. Murray H. Siegel wax math just yet.
During our math lecture I'm not going to tell the girls to sit down and be quiet. If they get conversational, I'm going to stop the DVD and let them engage in whatever conversation the math lecture inspires!
See how homeschooling can actually allow more opportunities for socialization?
What does that word mean, anyway? The word “socialization” reminds me of the word “curriculum.” It’s another one of those words that gets tossed around so much in debates and discussions that the meaning becomes assumed and even redefined at some point.
When we say that children need “socialization” do we mean that they need to learn compassion, manners, patience, and kindness? Children ‘learn what they live’ so, if by socialization we mean we want our children to be kind to others where are those positive traits best transmitted? On the playground? By peers? Research says we learn positive socialization skills from kind and caring people. These people can be found in the school, in our community, and in the home!
When we talk about socialization do we even consider negative socialization?
If when we say “socialization” we mean “transmitting societal and cultural norms” then where is a culture best learned? Is an institution the best representation of cultural and societal norms? Can a family not transmit culture? Is the culture created or represented in an institution superior to your family or your home? Some Psychologists have said that when a home is an academically rich environment learning is transmitted as a part of the culture. That's interesting on so many levels.
I would say that our whole society is negatively socialized whether we attended a private school, homeschool, or public school. Got cable? Got internet? GOT WAR? Many adults can't play well with others.
If by “socialization” we mean making everyone the same, which is a part of the definition, then count me out! Do public schools celebrate diversity? I think we avoid differences to avoid controversy...
I think it's kinda silly to think that a school building is going to make or break a human being when it comes to socialization.
FYI: Did you know that there have already been several experiments and tests done to see how well homeschooled children acted, socially, compared to their public schooled peers? Yeah, it was done for those goof buckets who lack common sense and think socialization skills are best learned in an institution and not by being with loving family members.
A group of homeschooled children were let loose on a playground with a bunch of public schooled children. A group of people were brought in to observe the children and then to guess which ones were homeschooled and which ones attended a public school. What do you think happened? All of the children played and no one could tell which ones were schooled where. They were all CHILDREN doing what CHILDREN do best. Children are children.
There’s more research out there demonstrating the same conclusions, for those that need that, to me it's common sense. So, just like the old concern with quality of education a concern about socialization is another outdated point in the pro/cons of homeschooling debate - which scares me. Why? Because that means another equally compelling non-issue is going to rise up so that we can continue in an unneeded debate.
So, what's the concern really about?
I think people who aren't given over to paranoia and suspicion will see that children are children. A happy child who comes from a loving home will do well no matter where they learn. A child who comes from a loving home will be properly socialized whether they attend an institution of learning or learn at home.
Anyway, that's my gripin' so we can delay our school day here in the home. The kids are busy socializing so why would I want to stop that? Right? It's so important and all. =P
Oh and just now another teen has stopped by to visit us here in our poor little lonely home. Actually, he's from the public school and claims he's not playing hooky. That's nice to know. =P
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"I think we avoid differences to avoid controversy..."
I think you are right.
September 29, 2009 at 8:35 a.m.Also, no istitution will ever be able to teach our kids more than what we can teach them at home. The home preserves each childs individuality. Institutions squash that trait against the back wall and create "like minds". Einstiens can happen and we should encourage knowledge but not at the expense of the childs personality.
Very good my friend! I have to add, "AWESOME!"
You have a concrete common sense.
I meant ...when a home is an academically rich environment KNOWLEDGE is transmitted as a part of the culture. I would have corrected it but I didn't want to step on PatB's(?) head.
September 28, 2009 at 5 p.m.Excellent points, Rebecca! I wish I could be more rational against the nay saying.
September 28, 2009 at 5 p.m."Assimilate; resistance is futile".
Na, just kidding, I like home schooling.
September 28, 2009 at 3:28 p.m.