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Jul
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Posted by Homeschool_Dad
July 31, 2007 |
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It happens to all of us. Sooner or later, if we are homeschooling we will:
A. Ask this
B. Answer this
C. Both
I mean, noone wants to have geeky , maladjusted kids…not even those of us that are geeky, maladjusted adults. 
Exactly what are we refering to when we say those ominous syllables? To me, it means the ability to act appropriately in any given situation, according to age and maturity level. Add to that the ability to communicate on several levels, and the ability to connect with other people relationally and I think you have a pretty good definition.
The longer I homeschool the more odd I find this question to be. Surely we can see from the nightly news that being educated in a classroom situation does not guarantee socialization?
Socialization is not something that is taught but rather something that is instilled. Our children are socialized be being exposed to many types of people, many types of situations, and many types of circumstances. They are socialized by seeing us bake cookies for the new neighbors and deliver them, by watching as we help someone fix a flat tire, as they participate in prayer for others in need. The are socialized as they learn that other people have feelings, needs, hopes, dreams and desires and that all people are valuable.
I am not sure that a classroom situation achieves that. “But,” you say, “they learn to work in a group!”
True enough, however, children will learn to work in a group in other ways. At home they learn cooperative skills by working with parents and siblings, playing games, being part of what is happening. They learn by being around neighbors and friends. An only child that lives in an isolated area might have more of a challenge in learning these skills but a homeschool group, a sunday school class or some other activity will easily fill in the gaps.
The Bible says that “bad company corrupts good character”. Children do not tend to raise others up, but to emulate the worst behavior of those around them. Being in a group of 25 six year olds tends to amplify the six year old nature rather than teach good social skills!
The next time someone asks about socialization, smile sweetly and ask them to define socialization. You will find that it tends to be a smug catch all question aimed more at undermining your confidence in your decision to homeschool than getting factual information. Not always, but often.
And now for somethign completely different…. I found this at Eclectic Education. I really liked this blog! Especially the video !
and check out the food at this homeschool family’s outing..LOL!
At Home With Jesus
don’t forget to comment for the Maytag repairman contest
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