homeschool, part II

This is the time of year I get the "are you going to send your kids to school?" questions.
What many people do not, or refuse to understand is that homeschooling is not non-schooling. It is a choice in the educational process and educational environment. (There is a fraction of homeschoolers that practice unschooling but that is another discussion)
"What about socialization?" is the other most popular question. People who ask that question do not realize that socialization occurs in many settings. Most children who are homeschooled learn to be social with different age groups all at the same time. Many homeschooled children are not separated solely based on age, ability plays a great part in determining grade level. The ability to be flexible in pacing students is a much appealing component in homeschooling.  This flexibility is not as common in a public setting.   Many times when a group of homeschoolers get together, the group will vary in ages. It can be then be said that homeschoolers are socialized to interact with different age groups as opposed to only being surrounded with same age peers.
Many homeschoolers are also involved in a variety of activities.  They are involved in many extra curricular activities such as music, sports, theater, 4-H, and many other activities much like their public school counterparts.  I would even venture to say many children who are homeschooled are more well-rounded than their public school counterparts. 


...to be continued.