Socialization

I saw this article on Facebook. Its from a blog: homeschool diaries (its linked from my blog) I love reading things like this. Years before I started homeschooling Ben, I went back and forth about homeschooling and the socialization issue was a big reason. I only knew 2 other kids that were home schooled and they were weird. Like scary weird. I thought that was how all home schooled kids acted. I know now how silly I was and hopefully articles like this one will show everyone else too!

What About Socialization? Part Two

One of the most common questions asked of homeschool parents from friends, family and public educators is what about socialization?

Since the homeschool re-emergence of the 70s critics have perpetuated stories and myths. Proving academic success was easy. In 2009, a study surveyed over 11,000 homeschooled children and revealed that the average homeschooler scored 37 percentile points higher on standardized tests than the average public schooled child.[i]

Proving social adjustments were not that straightforward.

Last week we began to explore this familiar and often puzzling question.

If you missed the first post, be sure to catch up here – What About Socialization? Part One.

We explored a number of questions associated with socialization and today we will discuss the first of several.

Are Homeschooled Children Acquiring Appropriate Rules of Behavior, Beliefs and Attitudes Needed to Successfully Operate in the Real World?

Now, let’s put it bluntly.

Can our homeschooled kids function in the real world?

Sarcasm aside. Let’s look at a research timeline.

In 1985, social psychologists assessed a small sampling of homeschooled children. Positive traits were given to the children who scored above average in terms of social behavior.[ii]  Traits included:

• Friendly
• Helpful
• Trustworthy

This is the earliest socialization study conducted and the results based on some dubious measures; however they revealed that nothing was amiss in the world of homeschooling. Children were functioning well.

In 1986, researchers compared a sampling of homeschooled children to a group of kids attending a private school. The Roberts Apperception Test for Children was used to score the group.

Both groups scored in the well-adjusted range. There was only a slight difference between two groups. The private school group was “more influenced by or concerned with peers” than the homeschooled group.[iii]

In 1994, more research was conducted and the Adaptive Behavior Inventory for Children used. This test examines daily living skills, socialization, family and social maturity. The homeschooled children scored higher than public schooled children on subscales of family and community.

It was drawn from this research that, “socialization of children in home schools is effective without exposure to large groups of children. … Home school parents are imparting positive family socialization, which is not inferior to the public school culture.”[iv]

Most Recent and Revealing Homeschooling and Socialization Research

The most telling information is also the most current. The Canadian Centre for Home Educationstudied a homeschooled group of individuals from the age of 15 to 34. This was a 15-year study, 1994-2009, to track how homeschooled children functioned in society.

The results hushed public educators insisting that homeschooled children were not properly socialized.

• 69% of the group participated in socialized activities (organized) at least once per week, compared with 48% of those who attended public school.
• 67% of the homeschool group described themselves as extremely happy, compared to 44% of the public school group.
• 96% of the homeschool group indicated that they were prepared for life.

Interestingly, the average income for the homeschoolers was higher than the comparable population. The homeschool group received no government support or welfare, whereas 11 percent of the population among the other group did.

Critics of homeschooling were forced to rethink their stance on socialization. Homeschoolers are actively involved in community service, from voting to volunteer work. They are competing well in the job market, often beating out public educated competitors.

The professional fields vary among homeschoolers from doctors and scientists to authors and world leaders. The doors have not been closed for homeschoolers; in fact, they are being busted down with high achievement and strong social skills.

Could homeschooling be the answer to saving our public educational system? I venture to say that we are on the right track and leading the way.

Next week, we will discuss further socialization questions asked. Without going to public school, how will children learn routines? How will they function on the job and in the real world?

please share your feelings on homeschooling and socialization and if you believe your children are receiving enough social contact.

About the Author: Brenda Rufener is the author of Homeschool Diaries, a home educator of two children and freelance writer. Get more from Brenda on Facebook and Twitter.

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[i] “Homeschool Progress Report 2009,” Brian Ray, National Home Education Research Institute.

[ii] Reynolds, P. L. (1985). How home school families operate on a day-to-day basis: Three case studies.Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT.

[iii] Delahooke, M. M. (1986). Home educated children’s social/emotional adjustment and academic achievement: A comparative study. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles.

[iv] Lee, W. J. (1994). The socialization of home-schooled and public-schooled children. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of La Verne, La Verne, CA.

Zoo

We took advantage of another cooler than normal day and headed to the zoo this morning with friends.  As always, their favorite part was climbing the rocks, definitely not looking at animals!

Trouble:

One of the kids was very concerned about the camel!

The kids actually had a very busy day.  Since Jon has to work this weekend, he got the afternoon off and we took the boys to the pool.  I didn't think to get pictures, but once they got over the cold, Ben was practically swimming by himself and Sam is on his way.  If they don't sleep tonight, I don't know what it will take!

Park

I took the kids up to the park today.  I was sure to take pictures just to document that its the end of July and we're wearing sweaters.  It was in the low 60's the whole time we were there.  When the wind blew, it was actually cold! The kids didn't notice, they were having too much fun.

Ben showing off his strength:

Ellie loves to belly swing:

Sam finally mastered the pole.  He's been terrified to take the leap.

It took promising a treat to get them all to sit still.

Zach discovered the belly slide:

Sams idea of going down the slide with Ellie:

Entertainment

The boys went to vacation Bible school last week.  They had 4 nights of singing, snacks, stories and games. We only had a portion of the group there today, but they performed two of the songs they learned last week.   Ben is hard to see at times, but the cute factor is still there! 

Chair

Zach has done a great job of adjusting to his new bed and being in the room alone.  Every night we go through our night time routine which ends with Zach climbing into bed and us kissing him goodnight.  Every night before Jon and I go to bed we check on the kids.  At least 4 nights a week Zach has moved from his bed and fallen asleep in the chair. I don't know how this is more comfortable than his bed, but hes even been moved back to bed just to get up after we leave and go back to the chair.  No matter where he is, he has his giraffe with him.

Friends

We headed to the splash park with friends today.  It was a nice break from the heat and the kids love to be out with their friends.

Shoes

For some reason, the kids love walking around the house in our shoes.  They were very excited to have some extra Gram shoes to try on this weekend (see last post).  

Ellie asked to have her picture taken, but then refused to smile the minute the camera came out.

Sam got in on the gram shoe action and Ben tried out my rain boots.

Gram time

Gram came over Friday afternoon and spent the weekend with us.  She got tickets to take the boys to The Lion King and was also able to go to the Cross Point picnic with us yesterday.  

The kids were sad to see her leave this morning, but are full of Menchies, theater snacks and cupcake cones to hold them over until the next visit.

Bully

Notice anything missing from this picture?    A bed maybe?

Its no secret that Ellie was not thrilled with having Zach around the first few months of his life.  She slowly warmed up to him and while they still have a love/hate relationship, its been more love....until recently.  Ellie has a bit of a violent side.  She used to pull Sams hair all the time, she has no problem hitting anyone, or pinching, kicking or anything else that we consider unacceptable behavior. Last week, she stepped up her game.  She bit Zach so hard he still has a bruise on his arm in the shape of her mouth. Yesterday was the last straw.  I heard a strange sound on the baby monitor.  Zach immediately started screaming.  I went in to find her hitting him over the head with a toy. That was his wake up call.
As of yesterday, the toddler bed was moved into the boys room and the train table was put in the baby room.  Since Ellies sleep schedule is closer to the boys, she is back in the toddler bed with them and Zach has the room all to himself.
Zach hasn't been thrilled with even the smallest changes so I was ready for some screams, but he did great. No crying, no running around the room, no nothing.  He laid down and went right to sleep for both nap and bed time.  Once Ellie was done exploring her new room, she wasn't thrilled, but I was expecting a much bigger fight.  I think this will be a good arrangement at least until Zach learns how to fight back!

Ellie day

Friday was Ellie day.  July 5th is the day that we headed to court to make Ellie a legal Purdum.  We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than heading to Menchies.  The girl loves her treats!  

Fireworks

Its become a tradition to spend the 4th with some friends that live by Lakewood Park.  We head over around what should be bed time for the babies.  We share goodies and lots of laughs, play some games and end the night with fireworks.  Every year the party grows (35 this year and plenty of lawn space for more) and more fun is had by all. Sadly, Ellie suffered the only injury of the night (theres always one).  She was holding a sparkler and her hand got too close to the flame.  She has a couple blisters, but they don't seem to be bothering her. Ellie loved the fireworks and pointed out every color she saw.  Zach hasn't been feeling great so he fell asleep in the middle of them.  The boys were excited for about 5minutes, but were easily distracted by lightening bugs and Mr. Todd climbing on the roof!

Parade

Yesterday, Cross Point church participated in the 4th of July parade for the first time.  We had about 60 adults and kids walking the route and handing out much needed popsicles.  Even with the cooler than normal temperatures and occasional sprinkles, it got pretty hot.  The kids did a great job helping and had a great time in their first parade.

2.5

Our pediatrician's office recently added a 2.5 year visit to the list of well checks for kids.  That meant Ellie got to go hang out with our favorite doctor this morning.  She is still a peanut.  She weighed in at 23lbs 8oz. She was not on the chart, but the doctor said she was at 3% for weight.  I forgot to clarify that.  Does the official chart start at 5%???  She is 32 5/8" (2%).  The doctor assured us that its ok we can still she the bruises she got in April and we chatted about the level of stubbornness Ellie brings to the Purdum household. We got our pretzels and were out the door.  Fast, easy and painless.  I like those visits.  Of course an hour after being home, Zach developed a fever, wont eat and only wants to rest on mom.  Typical!