If you are homeschooling, you've heard it (a bunch of times) before: "They won't get the socialization they need." However, Chris Klicka from the Home School Legal Defense Association says the only socialization or aspect of the real world homeschooled kids miss out on by not attending a public school is unhealthy peer pressure, crime and immorality.
Yet, getting out and being a member of the community is important for both the kids and their parents. The truth is that homeschooling families have more access to socialization, not less. And, with the current state of technology, getting connected is simple. Here are a few ways for homeschoolers to socialize with others:
Virtual Schools
With the advent of online learning, virtual schools have grown in both enrollment numbers and options available. Generally, virtual schools not only supply the necessary materials and an online teacher but also schedule field trips and meetups for the kids and parents. You may not want to make a virtual school your entire program, but it can be a helpful part of it. Plus, when you choose an accredited school, there's no concern about your children getting recognized credit for their hard work and achievements.
Meetup Groups
Even if you decide to create your own program, private homeschool groups are abundant. Search online or inquire at your church, community center or other public functions about where to find one in your area. One place to check for groups is through Meetups. They already have a specific group for homeschooling.
Local groups often hold outings, potlucks, spelling bees, nature hikes and any other group activity you can think of. In many groups, parents take turns teaching from their own experience. For example, one will hold a guitar class, another an accounting class and still another will teach first-aid.
Health Clubs
The local YMCA or other health club can provide a perfect place to stay in shape and meet others. Fitness classes, for instance, can bring people together to work out and have fun. From yoga to martial arts to cycling, a good gym has something to suit every taste. Many also offer special rate packages and programs for homeschoolers.
Chat Rooms
Don’t neglect online and high-tech options either. It may take some looking and monitoring, but there are safe chat groups and peer support groups online. Kids can use current technology like computers, tablets and smartphones to chat and text with peers about assignments and projects. This can help them find other kids to meet up with to do outside schoolwork or simply give them the opportunity to make friends and socialize.
Create Your Own
If there isn’t a group already in your area, just start your own. Put out the word online or in your community that you want to connect with other homeschoolers. There are sure to be plenty of others looking to do the same thing. Start a private Google+ Community, and invite others to join. You also can have your student launch a website, blog or chat group as part of a homeschool project to connect with other kids.
There are plenty of ways for homeschooled kids to socialize and have fun. Also, if you want to take advantage of the extracurricular activities offered by public schools like sports, drama or debate club, many allow homeschool students to participate without having to be enrolled full time. This way, you can have the best of both worlds.
Here are some resources to check out:
1. www.k12.com/facts-about-k12-public-virtual-schools#.VDQetvBX-uY
2. homeschool.meetup.com/
3. www.ymca.net/
4. www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/samsung-galaxy-note-4.html
5. plus.google.com/up/accounts/upgrade/?continue=https://plus.google.com/communities
Don Sturgill is a freelance writer, living in Bend, Oregon. His daughter loves her studies at Mountain View High, but her two younger brothers are homeschooled and thriving via the Silvies River online charter school. Don stresses that homeschool is not for everyone ... but neither is public or private school. The main thing is to get the right fit for each situation. Visit Don's home on the web: http://donsturgill.com ... he loves to network with other homeschooling parents.
Yet, getting out and being a member of the community is important for both the kids and their parents. The truth is that homeschooling families have more access to socialization, not less. And, with the current state of technology, getting connected is simple. Here are a few ways for homeschoolers to socialize with others:
Virtual Schools
With the advent of online learning, virtual schools have grown in both enrollment numbers and options available. Generally, virtual schools not only supply the necessary materials and an online teacher but also schedule field trips and meetups for the kids and parents. You may not want to make a virtual school your entire program, but it can be a helpful part of it. Plus, when you choose an accredited school, there's no concern about your children getting recognized credit for their hard work and achievements.
Meetup Groups
Even if you decide to create your own program, private homeschool groups are abundant. Search online or inquire at your church, community center or other public functions about where to find one in your area. One place to check for groups is through Meetups. They already have a specific group for homeschooling.
Local groups often hold outings, potlucks, spelling bees, nature hikes and any other group activity you can think of. In many groups, parents take turns teaching from their own experience. For example, one will hold a guitar class, another an accounting class and still another will teach first-aid.
Health Clubs
The local YMCA or other health club can provide a perfect place to stay in shape and meet others. Fitness classes, for instance, can bring people together to work out and have fun. From yoga to martial arts to cycling, a good gym has something to suit every taste. Many also offer special rate packages and programs for homeschoolers.
Chat Rooms
Don’t neglect online and high-tech options either. It may take some looking and monitoring, but there are safe chat groups and peer support groups online. Kids can use current technology like computers, tablets and smartphones to chat and text with peers about assignments and projects. This can help them find other kids to meet up with to do outside schoolwork or simply give them the opportunity to make friends and socialize.
Create Your Own
If there isn’t a group already in your area, just start your own. Put out the word online or in your community that you want to connect with other homeschoolers. There are sure to be plenty of others looking to do the same thing. Start a private Google+ Community, and invite others to join. You also can have your student launch a website, blog or chat group as part of a homeschool project to connect with other kids.
There are plenty of ways for homeschooled kids to socialize and have fun. Also, if you want to take advantage of the extracurricular activities offered by public schools like sports, drama or debate club, many allow homeschool students to participate without having to be enrolled full time. This way, you can have the best of both worlds.
Here are some resources to check out:
1. www.k12.com/facts-about-k12-public-virtual-schools#.VDQetvBX-uY
2. homeschool.meetup.com/
3. www.ymca.net/
4. www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/samsung-galaxy-note-4.html
5. plus.google.com/up/accounts/upgrade/?continue=https://plus.google.com/communities
Don Sturgill is a freelance writer, living in Bend, Oregon. His daughter loves her studies at Mountain View High, but her two younger brothers are homeschooled and thriving via the Silvies River online charter school. Don stresses that homeschool is not for everyone ... but neither is public or private school. The main thing is to get the right fit for each situation. Visit Don's home on the web: http://donsturgill.com ... he loves to network with other homeschooling parents.
