Tuesday, September 23, 2008

socialization?

I recently read an article regarding homeschooling. It seems ABC or one of those news agencies has done a piece on a couple of homeschooling families. Surprisingly, this one wasn't slanted against homeschoolers. I often read disfavorable reports on homeschooling so that's why I was surprised. This piece wasn't without the negative though. It seems there is enough evidence that homeschooled children score better than government schooled children on standardized tests (by at least 2 grade levels) so the opponents of homeschooling have to find another way to demonize this movement. How are they trying to do it? Socialization. The claim when a child is homeschooled they become unable to interact with others. Of course this is nonsense, but to people (being the majority) who know absolutely nothing about homeschooling this makes perfect sense. That is until you use a little logic and actually begin to think for yourself. First, what does socialization mean? Based on conversations with different people there are some serious problems with what people think socialization means. Might I suggest looking up the word. Ask yourself some questions about what you think socialization might mean and then ask if there are children that fit this definition whether they are being schooled at home or in a government school. If you think socialization has to do with interaction with others of the same age group consider there are shy children in private schools, government schools, charter schools and homeschools. Some personalities are introverted. Plain and simple. Then there are children who are bullied so they don't interact with others. Those are the ones we read about that go and shoot up schools and stuff (generally NOT homeschoolers or private schooled children or charter schooled children). My point is this, don't confuse personality types with lack of socialization. Socialization is learned at home. How to interact with others of all ages. Manners, socially acceptable behavior, etc. Children who learn these things at home are socialized. Also, aren't schools for education? Socializing in the sense that most people seem to be concerned about (talking with friends, texting, etc.) should happen after school at sporting events, music lessons, clubs and group meetings all of which the majority of homeschooled children participate. I think the use of the word "socialization" is just a buzz word to make people think homeschooled children are somehow deprived of interaction with others, like somekind of backward hick or something. Really ridiculous. The real oppossition is probably more about control than socialization. Think about that.

1 comment:

Tracy said...

I really enjoyed reading this post. I also enjoyed the latest one (about the election), but wasn't able to leave a comment on that one. While my little one isn't quite ready for school (she just turned 13 months), I do intend to either homeschool or put her in Christian School.

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