The number one concern I hear from most people about homeschooling, is the socialization factor, but the idea that homeschooled kids don't get enough social interaction is completely false. I think this misconception stems from a misunderstanding about what modern homeschooling actually looks like. Homeschooled kids are not shut ins who are stuck in the house doing book work all day. Homeschoolers are out at the library, exploring at the park, taking classes and lessons, or running errands with their parents on an almost daily basis. If you think about it, they likely get more real world interaction with people on a daily basis than their public schooled counterparts. When again in life are you ever going to spend the majority of your waking hours, in a room full of the same 30 people, who are your exact same age, everyday? Probably never. Homeschooled kids tend to get more opportunities to interact with people of all different ages and from different walks of life, just from being present in the world each day.
Then there's also the fact that public schools aren't meant to be a social event. School is for learning. Haven't we all had at least one teacher over the years that has said exactly that to us, that "school is not for socializing, you can chat after class"? There are many other places out there that offer better opportunities for socializing and developing friendships.
15 Places That Are Better For Socializing Than Public School:
-The Playground: The entire purpose of the playground is to provide a space for kids to play together. Enjoy this free resource!
-Playdates: Plan play dates that are exclusively for social time.
-Team sports: Team sports are great for social interaction because they require teamwork. Some of my best friends growing up started as teammates.
-Church: I know not everyone is religious, so this may not be the right choice for everyone, but some my most treasured childhood memories were made with my church friends. Many churches offer fun events for children and families like movie nights, and family BBQs in addition to Sunday services and Sunday school.
-Story time and other events at your local library: The local library is such a wonderful resource. Many libraries offer weekly story and craft times. Many also host occasional special events like magic shows, sing-a-longs, and reading incentive programs. The library can be a great place to connect with other families.
-Summer camp: Sleep away or day camp, both are great for making friends.
-Scouts: I was in Girl Scouts growing up and loved it! Scouts can be an awesome place to socialize and make new friends.
-4H
-Book clubs
-Co-ops: Homeschool co-ops are a really neat way for homeschoolers to get more time with their peers. Try finding one to join in your area!
-The Boys and Girls Club: The Boys and Girls Club often offers lots of group activity opportunities and is a safe environment for kids to spend time socializing.
-Art classes
-Homeschool Groups: Finding a good homeschool group is an awesome way to find opportunities for your kids to get together with other kids. Our homeschool group does weekly park days where we just get together and hang out at the park all afternoon. Sometimes someone brings something fun to do like a group craft or water balloons. We also do occasional group field trips, there's a small group that does a book club, and there's a weekly garden day at the local community garden.
-Group Field Trips
-Playing with neighbors: Hanging with my neighbors after school was always my favorite part of the day as a kid. If you have other families in your neighborhood, get to know them!
If you enjoyed this post, check out:
-4 Reasons I'm Thankful To Be A Homeschooling Mom
-Homeschooling on a Budget
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Then there's also the fact that public schools aren't meant to be a social event. School is for learning. Haven't we all had at least one teacher over the years that has said exactly that to us, that "school is not for socializing, you can chat after class"? There are many other places out there that offer better opportunities for socializing and developing friendships.
15 Places That Are Better For Socializing Than Public School:
-The Playground: The entire purpose of the playground is to provide a space for kids to play together. Enjoy this free resource!
-Playdates: Plan play dates that are exclusively for social time.
-Team sports: Team sports are great for social interaction because they require teamwork. Some of my best friends growing up started as teammates.
-Church: I know not everyone is religious, so this may not be the right choice for everyone, but some my most treasured childhood memories were made with my church friends. Many churches offer fun events for children and families like movie nights, and family BBQs in addition to Sunday services and Sunday school.
-Story time and other events at your local library: The local library is such a wonderful resource. Many libraries offer weekly story and craft times. Many also host occasional special events like magic shows, sing-a-longs, and reading incentive programs. The library can be a great place to connect with other families.
-Summer camp: Sleep away or day camp, both are great for making friends.
-Scouts: I was in Girl Scouts growing up and loved it! Scouts can be an awesome place to socialize and make new friends.
-4H
-Book clubs
-Co-ops: Homeschool co-ops are a really neat way for homeschoolers to get more time with their peers. Try finding one to join in your area!
-The Boys and Girls Club: The Boys and Girls Club often offers lots of group activity opportunities and is a safe environment for kids to spend time socializing.
-Art classes
-Homeschool Groups: Finding a good homeschool group is an awesome way to find opportunities for your kids to get together with other kids. Our homeschool group does weekly park days where we just get together and hang out at the park all afternoon. Sometimes someone brings something fun to do like a group craft or water balloons. We also do occasional group field trips, there's a small group that does a book club, and there's a weekly garden day at the local community garden.
-Group Field Trips
-Playing with neighbors: Hanging with my neighbors after school was always my favorite part of the day as a kid. If you have other families in your neighborhood, get to know them!
If you enjoyed this post, check out:
-4 Reasons I'm Thankful To Be A Homeschooling Mom
-Homeschooling on a Budget
Follow me on:
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