Parents choose to homeschool their children for a variety of very good reasons, and the evidence has proven that homeschooling and socialization aren't at odds with the success of homeschooling. Let's dive into some facts.
Homeschooling for Good Reason
If you're considering homeschooling, you've likely come to that point for any number of good reasons:
- a desire to transmit a culture or worldview to your child
- academic opportunity
- build a strong family unit
- traveling sports
- the opportunity to involve your child in entrepreneurship
- travel or RV life
- special needs or twice-exceptional child
- a child has been bullied
- safety not found in public schools
- the cost of private schooling
Isn't Homeschooling and Socialization Important?
Yes, it is. But, how do we actually define socialization? Is it only peer-to-peer interaction? Or is it reasonable to define socialization as the ability to be social with individuals from all ages and walks of life?
Statistics indicate that homeschoolers have positive outcomes regarding socialization, and in some instances even better.
So, when we talk about homeschooling and socialization, what are we really talking about? What are we actually being asked?
Socialization or Accommodation
There may be a true concern from some about the child's ability to interact with others. Actually, what may be being asked is how well-adjust the child might be to the ways of the world. Are they accommodating? Will they bend to the demands of the culture at large?
Homeschoolers with vision have something else in mind. They do want to pass on a culture, but not the one the world hands them. At True North Homeschool Academy we believe that Education is the Transmission of Culture. We are coming from a decidedly Judeo-Christian point of view. We are people of the Book.
So, why then do we care about socialization? We care because socialization helps us with our most important given task, to share the Gospel.
Life Skills, Soft Skills,
Now, this doesn't mean we're raising little missionaries in the traditional sense. It means “always being ready to give an answer for the hope that we have.” So, what kind of socialization do we need to have in order to make an impact for the Kingdom? Two things: life skills and soft skills.
Life Skills are the building blocks of knowing what to do and how to do it in our personal life. Learning these things requires a level of socialization. We do by seeing others do. We apprentice. And we are an apprentice to others.
Think of how Jesus apprenticed to his earthly father, Joseph. Ponder how that prepared him for the task given him. Life skills are essential.
Soft Skills are those personal attributes that allow us to interact well with others, allowing us to have peaceful and healthy relationships.
They are also known as power skills or personality traits. Soft skills are those skills that everyone seems to understand implicitly. They are related to manners and social moves. For kids with learning disabilities, however, soft skills can be elusive and confusing. This is the art and science of socialization!
And this type of socialization is necessary for every single person, including homeschoolers. As homeschoolers, we have to be able to think creatively and critically to communicate with the world around us. As Christians, this is essential in sharing the Gospel and helping others find True North.
Finding True North
In a nutshell, this is the entire point of socialization – the ability to transmit truth and help others find their hope in Christ, their True North.
Education is the perfect companion to this socialization, but it doesn't have to take place in a traditional school setting where peer-to-peer socialization is the measure of successful socialization.
We are called to give an answer (defense) for what we believe with gentleness and respect. This goes beyond mere logic (though we do love our Logic!) and relies on the soft skill of communicating with creativity, clarity, and grace.
That's socialization homeschoolers can feel good about.
Preparing Your Kids for Socialization
Homeschooling is more than school at home, it's the school at the heart of the home. And this is such a great opportunity to embrace training in socialization for the Gospel.
True North Homeschool Academy is committed to equipping and nurturing parents as they educate their children. We believe that Education is the Transmission of Culture and are coming from a decidedly Judeo-Christian point of view. We are people of the Book.
So, how can we help? We have the only small-class, live, dynamic education platform designed for homeschoolers on a mission.
True North Homeschool Academy teachers are a group of passionate, qualified, creative educators providing carefully curated Core Courses and Clubs, delivered by utilizing cutting-edge technology, gamification, and solid academic pedagogy. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of homeschooling.
Providing more than academics, we give our students the opportunity to develop wisdom. They collaborate and learn with students from around the world. A perfect setting to socialize in a way homeschool parents can trust.
Summer and Fall Classes and Clubs are Enrolling Now.
