Socialization vs. Social OutletsTHE QUESTION. Yes, the question of socialization. Every homeschooler eventually is asked, or asks, this. So, let's explore what it is they are REALLY asking. Social OutletsSocial: seeking or enjoying the companionship of others; friendly; sociable; gregarious."social." Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 29 Jun. 2008. This really doesn't take a lot to understand. We all enjoy and participate in a wide variety of social outlets. In fact, many of us are way too busy being busy!We often fill our time, and our children's time, with activities for the wrong reasons. Is the afternoon sports activity to help the child get exercise, learn a sport and play with friends; or is it to satisfy the inquiries to THE QUESTION? Activities to enhance our adventure are varied and many! Let's make sure they are for the right reasons! For ideas on fun "side-adventures" check out our Side-trip Adventures page. SocializationNow...to satisfy THE QUESTION....What they are really asking is: How will your child fit into society if he/she doesn't go to school?Let's take a look at how socialization is defined: socialization: learning the customs, attitudes, and values of a social group, community, or culture. Socialization is essential for the development of individuals who can participate and function within their societies, as well as for ensuring that a society's cultural features will be carried on through new generations. Socialization is most strongly enforced by family, school, and peer groups and continues throughout an individual's lifetime."socialization." The American HeritageŽ New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2005. 29 Jun. 2008. . Children learn social skills from those they spend the most time with. This would be anything and anyone from the television, to their peers, to you, their parents and family members.When they are around their family, especially their parents, they SEE wisdom at work, see you interact with the others in the community, and live your life-scheduling. They learn values and morals that are worth passing on.....tried and true ones-not created, contorted, or contrived by inexperience or fiction. Ultimately, they learn: -to interact with people around him/her, regardless of age, sex or social class. -to observe and join adults in conversation that includes more meaningful topics than what the girl next door is wearing or what the junior high boy was doing today. -spend concentrated time and effort becoming good at a skill; dance, music, engineering, or computers. -to work with others as a team for longer than an hour on the playground/playing field. Working together becomes a way of life.But then...that's our ultimate goal here!!! To live the homeschool LIFESTYLE!!! |
