Socialization

[rhonda_wahm]

My kids are attending an Online Public School for the first time this year. They seem to be doing well but I just worry about the socialization. How do you all deal with this part of the home schooling? I really love the school they are attending and think it is best fit for our family right now. So how can I feel better about them missing out on the interaction of their friends etc.???? Any recommendations?

We just closed on our new house and I think once we get moved and settled in then I may look at letting them have sleep overs and slumber parties. Things like that with their old friends from their previous school. That may help ...

[HomeschoolingMom]

What I did was enroll my son in extra curricular activities that interest him so he could meet friends and interact with people his age. He goes to karate class, plays soccer, and we all bowl on a league. He is also my youngest child that I had in my second marriage all my older kids are all grown and have children about his age so we always have kids around spending the night and coming over to play.

[rhonda_wahm]

Originally Posted by HomeschoolingMom

What I did was enroll my son in extra curricular activities that interest him so he could meet friends and interact with people his age. He goes to karate class, plays soccer, and we all bowl on a league. He is also my youngest child that I had in my second marriage all my older kids are all grown and have children about his age so we always have kids around spending the night and coming over to play.

That is very reassuring! Thanks so much! My kids are around there cousins alot, spending the night etc. But I want them to also be able to meet people, as they get older of course they will want to date etc. I just worry about them meeting people if they are home most of the time. But this is reassuring.

Thanks!

[blessings2all]

We're in an online school too and we go on some of the field trips hosted by our school. That's how we meet people. My kids also interact with the other kids in their class in the online class sessions held by their teachers.

HomeschoolingMom had some great suggestions. You might want to look into some extracurricular activities that match your kids' interests and talents. I did a post on my online blog with some suggestions for socializing. If you are interested, here is the link: Ways to Socialize Your Homeschooled Child

[earlyknowledgeforkids]

Online Public Schools usually do park days and other outings. They often offer classes as well. Ask your assigned teacher about available options. Involvement in a couple of activities should help as well.

[rhonda_wahm]

Originally Posted by blessings2all

We're in an online school too and we go on some of the field trips hosted by our school. That's how we meet people. My kids also interact with the other kids in their class in the online class sessions held by their teachers.

HomeschoolingMom had some great suggestions. You might want to look into some extracurricular activities that match your kids' interests and talents. I did a post on my online blog with some suggestions for socializing. If you are interested, here is the link: Ways to Socialize Your Homeschooled Child

My kids attend online Live Lesson's as well for their classroom, they do get to briefly talk to the other students but most of that time is for the teacher to go over things so that time is limited. I think they should have some times set aside each week for free chat or something for the children to have a chance to go in and chat with other students during that time, maybe swap emails etc. Maybe thats something I should bring up to their teacher.

We do have field trips too, although we havent been to many of those because I am babysitting too. So I am normally not able to plan in advance because of me having someone else's child or children.

Thanks for the tips, I am going to check out your blog too! Thanks again

[KamaWilson]

We haven't worried about socialization at all, actually. Because of it, our kids will make friends of anyone--a kid at the park 10 years different in age than themselves, a receptionist at a hotel, someone at the store, any person, any age from church, the elderly neighbors, etc. We like it that way. When they get to be adults, most people they interact with won't be their age anyway However, there are often local homeschooling groups that do activities together that you could join. Take a look at Yahoo Groups.

[ErinJoiJoi]

I sure don't mean to be disrespectful.

I have homeschooled my kids for their whole lives (15 & 16 now) and I have never understood the concern about them being "socialized".

They get out and interact a LOT with all types and ages of people. They have tried many different "rec center" classes, activities, etc., and if they don't find people they are interested in hanging out with, they create a club.

I have never actively sought out friends for them. They just try new things, meet new people, and create their own environments.

Socialization has never been a concern for us, and it won't be for your kiddos either!

[maryalene]

Hope it's ok to share this, but here is an article I wrote on the subject. If you scroll down to the last section, there is info about a 2009 study that found online students had just as good if not better socialization skills than their peers in a traditional classroom.

Socialization through a Screen: How Online Students Can Be Social Butterflies | Online Schools

[badenglishmajor]

I was home schooled and grew up on a farm. I constantly had people ask me "Don't you wish you had friends?" The truth is that home schooling is a different world than public schooling. Your child might not have 30 friends the same age, but they will meet older friends and younger friends everywhere they go. I would highly suggest that you get together with other home schoolers, maybe join a home school support group, or just take your kids out in the community. They'll meet new friends at the park or even while volunteering. You guys could visit a nursing home or even encourage your kids to make friends online.