Socialization??

[mzteris]

Great article by a hs grad on this subject.

Freedom to Learn Who You Are by Rebecca Auerbach

Perhaps the most common argument against homeschooling is that children who do not experience the school social scene, especially in high school, will never be able to learn how to handle the difficult aspects of relating to peers. After their "sheltered," "protected" lives as homeschoolers, they will enter college or the adult world incapable of fitting in, coping with peer pressure, or making friends. But as a graduate of twelve years of homeschooling who now attends college and lives on campus, I have found that my homeschool background is largely an advantage. Homeschooling gave me the opportunity to become sure of my identity, my priorities, and my beliefs. Now I can meet the college social scene with confidence, free to choose my level of conformity without doubting myself or becoming a slave to the judgments of my peers.

I had better start with a clarification of what homeschooling really means.

-MORE-

http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/articles/13-6article1.htm

[fight4my3sons]

1. Thanks!

Although we are not technically homeschooling yet because our kids are only 3 and 18 months, we are planning to. I found that interesting to read, and will share with my husband, since that is the thing that we hear the most when we tell people that we intend to homeschool our three boys.

I hadn't heard of "Family Times" and it is published right here in my area.

[mzteris]

2. Whaddya mean you're not

"technically homeschooling"?

EVERYONE Homeschools, technically! They just don't know it!

:rofl:

Seriously, you're teaching your children valuable lessons every day. Why people think that when a kid hits 5 they're suddenly "unqualified" to teach, is beyond me! Did they go to school to "teach" their kids how to talk, eat, walk, use the potty and other social graces? NO!

Children - young children - learn best via PLAY. Kids love to learn - and if that love of learning is fostered and encouraged rather than stamped out, it never changes.

Good luck in your endeavors. I hope we can get this hs forum a little more active, though there are plenty of resource/support groups all over the country. I didn't check your profile, so I don't know where you live, but some places even have "preschool" homeschool support groups. Yahoo loops is a great place to look. Just put in homeschool and the name of your town and/or state and see what pops up.

[fight4my3sons]

3. I just meant

that my kids aren't school age in the eyes of the school system. I do believe that I do and have been teaching them since the day they have been born.

I have my masters in special education and worked at Head Start as a Social Worker before teaching so do know about learning through play :-)

I live in Maine. There is a fantastic homeschool group in my area that is supportive of all age groups. They mostly have things for older kids, but have welcomed me and my kids. There is a toddler/preschool room for the younger siblings of the kids who go there. Hopefully, I am making sense - my children are playing LOUDLY right now!

That publication came out of Brunswick, about 20 minutes from where I live. I found both articles that you posted very useful and interesting - thanks! I am still in that stage where I am reading everything I can get my hands on. I think I have to let go of that "teacher" mentality, if you know what I mean, and let go a little. Hard to do after being a teacher - but might be a little easier since I taught resource room and not a big classroom.

[coffeenap]

4. I just got on DU this am and found all kinds of fights about homeschooling

on GD. It is an example of the few final biases that show up in the progressive community on a regular basis.(Also can be seen in the area of gifted education.)

One of my kids has been "homeschooled" since leaving school after 6th. He has about 6 friends he sees on a regular basis, that in the world of teenagers, could be called "best friends". He does real environmental work, real human rights work, real political work. When he decided to go to the high school to join a club, he liked the people, but they spent their meetings making posters--and that seemed stupid to him since he has already been out in the world actually doing things that contribute.

People who have had the good fortune to live a progressive "homeschool" life often live a more authentic life than their age peers in HS. HS is a transitional place, a place to get through the throes of growing up, and many are permanently injured by the experience. I am certain that if more people DID NOT experience the typical US high school, our society would be kinder and gentler.

Thanks for reading--feeling a need to support us!

[thinkingwoman]

5. I've quit reading GD homeschool threads

For awhile I tried to educate, but I've come to realize that there are many who simply do not want to shed their bias. It's very sad, especially for a community that prides itself on being progressive.

Our experience (7+ years) has been overwhelmingly positive. We're so glad we homeschool.

[fight4my3sons]

6. It's hearing positive statements like yours that makes me feel

like I can do it! Thank you:)

[thinkingwoman]

7. you're welcome! nt.