Socialization

What this document is:

During our research, we came across many articles dealing with Socialization from a "public school perspective." We decided that it was not useful to add to the minutiae of writings against public school socialization. Instead, we to assure you, the New Homeschooler, that you and your child or children will be socialized in the most positive meaning of the word. In short, we hope to encourage you and to settle this issue in your own mind. Additionally, we hope to give you a foundation to build your own answers to the "Socialization question" if some well meaning relative or friend should inquire.

What is Socialization.

From Dictionary.com free search

1. To place under government or group ownership or control.
2. To make fit for companionship with others; make sociable.
3. To convert or adapt to the needs of society.
4. To take part in social activities.
5. The act of meeting for social purposes
6. The adoption of the behavior patterns of the surrounding culture.

For all of us layman, socialization and socializing our children is the act of teaching our children how to not be little hoodlums. It is teaching them manners, mores and norms, sharing, caring and responsibility for self and others.

Will your homeschooled child be socialized?

The answer is a resounding YES. The only time a human is not "socialized" is in the cases of extreme isolation. For instance if your child is being raised in the wild, by wolves, then he or she would not be sociable. At least not by human standards. Additionally, only children who are isolated from all human interaction, locked in a room and never allowed to leave, are un-socialized. Everybody else becomes socialized either in a positive way or a negative way, depending on the culture that person is immersed in. In the case of homeschoolers, socialization is a smorgasbord of experiences and activities that are positive, empowering and horizon expanding.

How do homeschoolers socialize their children

Just like everyone else. Except, this makes all the difference, homeschooling parents have a daily, minute by minute hand in guiding and molding their children. Problems are resolved using the parents own mores so there are no conflict in expectations.

What are the key elements of a positively socialized child?

When you think about your son or daughter what would you like to see in their character?

An individual:

• With good manners.
• Who is able to make and keep friends.
• Who is willing to share.
• Who is responsible for him or her self as well as others.
• Who respects and values the differences in others whether ethnic, cultural or physical.
• Who is able and willing to follow rules.
• Who can work as a team member.
• Who is moral.
• Who makes good decisions.
• Who can stand up for what he or she believes.

How will your homeschool child develop these traits?

By the consistent nurturing, teaching and guidance of you the parent.

There is a chain to education that is unbroken in the homeschoolers' life. The environment for learning and social development is consistent. Think about that. You will be the parent who knows what's best for the child, the teacher teaching from heart and firm conviction, the school administrator making decisions based on your own beliefs and goals, the counselor helping your child learn about themselves and their environment. From home to school to the world at large you will be the one guiding your child. In other learning environments many people occupy these positions. Many of them have their own agendas, world views etc. and they bring these sometimes conflicting views to the teaching of children. They break the chain of education whether intentionally or not

How will you accomplish all of this?

With help of course. No one is an island. And you needn't have a PhD in all things educational to be a homeschooler.

• Academics: Chose a curriculum or unit studies. There are many solid curricula and unit studies available for purchase or even free. These will meet all of your child's academic needs. Teaching them is easy enough since they all come with Teacher manuals, helps or instructional support of some sort. If you chose to Unschool then be sensitive to your child. They will tell you when and what they want to learn. Create an environment open to learning; buy books, go on field trips, talk a lot. Learning doesn't happen in a vacuum.
• Social interaction: Homeschool associations, Co-ops and supplemental classes are available to meet these needs. Beyond that church groups, community groups like Scouts and AWANAs are always available and free. Add to this, your child will benefit from interacting with adults and children of all ages. This is the unique character of a home schooling.
• Diversity sensitivity: Like any sector of life homeschooling boasts a diversity of cultures, ethnicity, religion and socioeconomic groups. If you are involved in the Home schooling community your child will be exposed to this diverse group of people. The difference will be that you will be a constant, guiding, teaching and encouraging your child.

Once you set in your own mind why you want to homeschool and what the benefits there are to homeschooling you will be able to answer any questions that a well meaning friend or relative might have. Be confident and assured that you've made a good decision and you can do this.

 

Copyright 2002 HSINH. All rights reserved.