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Homeschooling is very different in the
various regions and countries around the world. Many homeschoolers choose
homeschooling for religious reasons, others choose it for safety or simply
for a better education. It is fully the parents responsibility to be sure
their children are socialized. If they don't they give a bad name for the
rest of us homeschoolers. Now, where I live in Dallas, Texas, USA most
homeschoolers are involved in community and personal endeavors that force
them to socialize with a more diverse peer group than strictly their age
group. Unlike what is done in schools.
Studies have been done that support this point as being better than public
schooled social interactions. The positive progress in group dynamics
breaks down in groups of more than eight. Beyond that "clickish" groups
form and compete, those unable to become part of a group become "nerds"
that are picked on or disruptive bullies. Also varied age peer groups
allows adult or older children to take charge simply because they are
older and must take up the responsibility. This teaches them leadership
responsibility and compassion. It teaches the younger children
differences, how to follow rules, and respect for their elder peers.
In a a group of children dominated by one age range there is very little
growth and maturity based upon peer interaction because there are no peers
that are not older or more mature and can speak from experience. Growth is
based upon unrealistic determinations of who's the most popular one.
Schools are actually a very unrealistic social grouping when compared to
how societies and cultures really work. With groups of varied ages working
together, worshiping together, and living together.
--Dallas, Texas, USA |
