Any Disney Homeschoolers?

[rae519]

As parents we must choose what is best for our child and it is up to us to pick and choose the materials and programs then individualize them to fit our child.

I think that regardless of our education or ability, we do a much better job of preparing our children for life than the public schools do - apologies to teachers, administrators but one teacher can not put in the time to give each child individual attention and assistance one on one as a dedicated parent can.

The question I am sick of hearing is "How does your child get socialization?" I have a bunch of answers but would like to hear what some of you are saying when asked that question....

Rae

 

[GladysK]

This has been a very interesting thread. I had never heard of unschooling before,either.But I doubt my kids would have learned the amount of History, algebra and science on their own as the school taught them.

Can a child who has been "unschooled" atend college?

 

[poober25]

Originally posted by rae519
.

The question I am sick of hearing is "How does your child get socialization?" I have a bunch of answers but would like to hear what some of you are saying when asked that question....

Rae

Rae,

I have two wonderfully funny articles regarding socialization that I will send you if I can find them again. They are hilarious, but also very true. One of them is a homeschooling mother having a conversation with a public school mom which is not just about socialization, but learning as well. The other is about how life we would be if we, as adults, we treated the way we treat children in school, re: age segration etc. If others are interested, I will be glad to post them here when I find them.



Also, regarding unschooling. Yes, a child who is unschooled can attend college. It is not that you don't ever "teach" anything to an unschooled child, but that you, for the most part, allow to the follow their own interests, and they will learn more than if you try to impose a strict curriculum on them.

Personally, my son is starting Kindergarten this year. I will be using very little curriculum for this year. I am using Hooked on Phonics and will be using Saxon Math. Other than that, our main text will the Bible, and our classroom the world. I do plan to have him tested probably every year and to try to stay fairly current with what he would need to know if were entering public school. He will be using first grade math, this year, because he is already very good at math. I gave him the Saxon placement test and that is what was indicated to use.

 

[*Robin*]

socialization article 1

Number 2

Number 3

Number 4

Number 5 (from what I think is the best homeschooling site on the web...

Number 5

A good one...

There's some interesting stuff there...I have hundreds if you want more...(I did LOTS of reasearch before taking this on...)

And here are a few funnies!!

Top ten answers when someone asks YOU:
What About Socialization?
by Pam Hartley

10. We're training him to like isolation so that he can be an astronaut.

9. Socialization? We're Republicans!

8. Don't worry. We get together with other kids twice a week so he can learn how to spit on them and treat them disrespectfully.

7. We do Unit Studies on Socialization, and also Hair Washing, Clothes Folding, and other completely redundant subjects.

6. I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. I was mentally planning her week of Girl Scouts, 4-H, dance class, karate, and soccer. What were you saying about socialization?

5. If I could get him to stop planning so many group camping trips and book fairs, I'd be able to convince him to socialize!

4. Huh?

3. Please, just for a change, ask me about college, okay?

2. Squeak, dive under the nearest object, peek out, and mutter "who are you and what do you want?"

1. Oh, I know what you mean! That's why we're homeschooling, for the socialization!"

 

[*Robin*]

I thought you guys might like this too...

Top 10 Answers You Should NEVER Give to the Question "What?! No School Today?"

10. Well normally yes, but this time of year I need help with the planting and plowing.

9. Goodness, no!!! I graduated 18 years ago, but thanks for the compliment!

8. No, we homeschool. We're just out to pick up a bag of pork rinds and some Mountain Dew, then we gotta hurry home to catch our soaps.

7. What?! Where did you guys come from?! I thought I told you to stay at school! I'm sorry. This happens all the time. (sigh)

6. There isn't? Why, you'd think we'd see more kids out then, don't you?

5. We're on a field trip studying human nature's intrusive and assumptive tactics of displaying ignorance and implied superiority. Thanks for the peek!

4. On our planet we have different methods of education. (Shhh! No, I didn't give it away... keep your antennae down!)

3. Oh my goodness! I thought that today was Saturday...come on kids, hurry!

2. Noooooope.Me 'n Bubba jes' learns 'em at home. Werks reel good!

And the number one answer we should NEVER give to the question: "What? No school today?"

1. "What? No Bingo today?"

 

[*Robin*]

Alright, last one I promise...I've just got too much time on my hands this morning...

14 Days of Homeschooling
To the tune of "Twelve Days of Christmas."

On the first day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can you homeschool legally?"

On the second day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the third day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fourth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the fifth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "YOU ARE SO STRANGE! What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the sixth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How long will you homeschool, YOU ARE S0 STRANGE, what about P.E. , do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the seventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?"

On the eighth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E. do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?"

On the ninth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "They'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E. do you give them tests, are they socialized, do you homeschool legally?"

On the tenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "What about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE!, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the eleventh day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "I could never do that, what about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, what about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the twelfth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "Can they go to college, I could never do that, what about graduation, they'll miss the prom, why do you do this, look at what they're missing, how long will you homeschool, YOU ARE SO STRANGE, What about P.E., do you give them tests, are they socialized, can you homeschool legally?"

On the thirteenth day of homeschool I thoughtfully replied: "They Can go to college, yes you can do this, they can have graduation, we don't like the prom, we do it cuz we like it, they are missing nothing, we'll homeschool forever, WE ARE NOT STRANGE!, We give them P.E., and we give them tests, they are socialized, AND WE HOMESCHOOL LEGALLY!

On the fourteenth day of homeschool my neighbor said to me, "How can I get started, why didn't you tell me, where do I buy curriculum, when is the next conference, WILL PEOPLE THINK WE'RE STRANGE? I think we can do this, if you will help us, can we join P.E. and we'll homeschool legally."

 

[KathyTX]

Originally posted by rae519
I think that regardless of our education or ability, we do a much better job of preparing our children for life than the public schools do - apologies to teachers, administrators but one teacher can not put in the time to give each child individual attention and assistance one on one as a dedicated parent can.

Rae, not to pick on you personally, but I think this statement illuminates a common theme in the HS vs. PS debate that is totally misleading and unfair to those parents who do not homeschool. It seems to imply that a child that goes to public school is educated exclusively by that school...

My child attends PS. This does not mean that I've delegated his education entirely to the school! Education certainly continues at home, and I strongly feel that WE are the ones preparing him for life. His primary education comes from us, his parents. The PS is supplementary, and I appreciate the things he learns there. We monitor, support, and extend their standardized curriculum.

He attends PS, and he flourishes there. But at home, we have many opportunites to to encourage his interests and educate that way. For example, he's always been interested in science and engineering... this leads to lots of trips to museums, homemade experiments, books about "how things work", informal weekend building projects and things of that sort. Although we don't call any of these activities "school", they are absolutely a part of his education.

When it comes to instilling personal values and learning how to treat and get along with other people, he takes his cues from friends and family, not from PS.

My point is just that his education takes place at home *and* at school. Some HS families (not you!) have implied that PS kids are not as loved nor given as much attention as HS kids, and I strongly disagree with this characterization.

We are all teaching our kids at home, whether we also send them to PS or not.

 

[crazymomof4]

Originally posted by KathyTX
My point is just that his education takes place at home *and* at school. Some HS families (not you!) have implied that PS kids are not as loved nor given as much attention as HS kids, and I strongly disagree with this characterization.

We are all teaching our kids at home, whether we also send them to PS or not.

I thoroughly agree. Even when I homeschool (I've done 1 yr so far) I add to the curriculum that we purchased for the very reasons you stated. I really hate the whole HS vs PS rivalry that exists. It makes me as uneasy as the breast vs bottle thing. I chose to breast feed and we HS after 6th grade but I truly do not think any less of parents who chose to bottle feed and use public school. (after all I'm a bottle-fed, PS person myself!!) Life is about choices and it's up to parents to make good choices for THEIR kids and not judge others who make choices that are different. One of the most important things we can teach our children is to be accepting of ALL people not just those who do as we do.

 

[Dancind]

Robin, that was hilarious! I especially love the top 10 responses, I'm going to save them in case we get to home school again. I'm letting my DD have a say in this, but I do keep reminding her of all the good reasons to HS. A serious answer to the socialization question: my DD is not learning socialization in PS, she's learning how to deal with aggressive, disruptive, and sometimes downright mean peers. Especially since she's in mid-school. I think she's had all the education in that area that she needs.

The things I do like about PS: the science classes have labs, something I can't duplicate at home. And when she has an assignment, she has a firm deadline (meeting deadlines is an important life skill, and something I'm not so good at enforcing), and an objective person grades her writing, etc. Looks like a program such as Laurel Springs would help out with most of that.
The ability to go to PE classes is way at the bottom of our list, that's where most of the bullying takes place. Diana

 

[crazymomof4]

Originally posted by rae519
The question I am sick of hearing is "How does your child get socialization?" I have a bunch of answers but would like to hear what some of you are saying when asked that question....Rae

Like most homeschooling parents I am presented w/ this question/"challenge". During my DS's 6th grade year both my son and his parents agreed that the "socialization" he was getting in his school was no longer making a positive impact on his life. He said, "I'm starting to feel different. The kids are doing things that I know I don't want to be involved in." (his words, I swear it). In May of last year any uncertainty I had about HS'ing was resolved when a boy brought a knife to school and threatened to use it (he showed it to my son but the threat was not toward him). Several other kids had seen it and went to their parents. Even though the kid had a history of violent behavior, all the superintendant would say is, "We really can't do anything until we actually see the weapon" OK, so call me weird, but THAT'S not the kind of kid I want my son "socializing" with.
Also, how much socialization are they really missing? How much are kids REALLY allowed to socialize in school? Maybe a little during lunch or a bit here & there doing in-class group projects. Is missing that going to have a major impact on their social maturity as adults? Will they be forever condemned to remain outsiders? Somehow I doubt it.
So how much socialization does my DS get? Well, we have 4 kids.....lots of social interaction going on under this roof! In addition to that he has cousins and freinds from church who are his age. He also has 2 freinds (one lives nextdoor and one 2 blocks away) that were in his grade in PS that he sees after school hours (Coincidentally, they both transfered to a local private school.) He never complains of being lonely or bored, so I'm not worried.

 

[poober25]

Rae,

Here is one of the two articles I talked about.


What ABOUT socialization?
Two women meet at a playground, where their children are swinging and playing ball. The women are sitting on a bench watching. Eventually, they begin to talk.

W1: Hi. My name is Maggie. My kids are the three in red shirts -- helps me keep track of them.
W2: (Smiles) I'm Terri. Mine are in the pink and yellow shirts. Do you come here a lot?
W1: Usually two or three times a week, after we go to the library.
W2: Wow. Where do you find the time?
W1: We home school, so we do it during the day most of the time.
W2: Some of my neighbors home school, but I send my kids to public school.
W1: How do you do it?
W2: It's not easy. I go to all the PTO meetings and work with the kids every day after school and stay real involved.
W1: But what about socialization? Aren't you worried about them being cooped up all day with kids their own ages, never getting the opportunity for natural relationships?
W2: Well, yes. But I work hard to balance that. They have some friends who're home schooled, and we visit their grandparents almost every month.
W1: Sounds like you're a very dedicated mom. But don't you worry about all the opportunities they're missing out on? I mean they're so isolated from real life -- how will they know what the world is like -- what people do to make a living -- how to get along with all different kinds of people?
W2: Oh, we discussed that at PTO, and we started a fund to bring real people into the classrooms. Last month, we had a policeman and a doctor come in to talk to every class. And next month, we're having a woman from Japan and a man from Kenya come to speak.
W1: Oh, we met a man from Japan in the grocery store the other week, and he got to talking about his childhood in Tokyo. My kids were absolutely fascinated. We invited him to dinner and got to meet his wife and their three children.
W2: That's nice. Hmm. Maybe we should plan some Japanese food for the lunchroom on Multicultural Day.
W1: Maybe your Japanese guest could eat with the children.
W2: Oh, no. She's on a very tight schedule. She has two other schools to visit that day. It's a system-wide thing we're doing.
W1: Oh, I'm sorry. Well, maybe you'll meet someone interesting in the grocery store sometime and you'll end up having them over for dinner.
W2: I don't think so. I never talk to people in the store -- certainly not people who might not even speak my language. What if that Japanese man hadn't spoken English?
W1: To tell you the truth, I never had time to think about it. Before I even saw him, my six-year-old had asked him what he was going to do with all the oranges he was buying.
W2: Your child talks to strangers?
W1: I was right there with him. He knows that as long as he's with me, he can talk to anyone he wishes.
W2: But you're developing dangerous habits in him. My children never talk to strangers.
W1: Not even when they're with you?
W2: They're never with me, except at home after school. So you see why it's so important for them to understand that talking to strangers is a big no-no.
W1: Yes, I do. But if they were with you, they could get to meet interesting people and still be safe. They'd get a taste of the real world, in real settings. They'd also get a real feel for how to tell when a situation is dangerous or suspicious.
W2: They'll get that in the third and fifth grades in their health courses.
W1: Well, I can tell you're a very caring mom. Let me give you my number--if you ever want to talk, give me call. It was good to meet you.
--Author unknown



The other is number 5 on Robin's list (the 2nd number 5). I think that one is the funniest I've ever read, especially the part about the grocery store.

 

[jimmytammy]

I wanted to answer your question about socialization for homeschoolers. We get asked that question a lot. In fact, that gets asked more than how are the kids doing academically.

My answer after 1 year of homeschool is this: Our kids have come out of their protective shells. Their social skills are better now than ever before. I say this because it is true, we have seen it firsthand. They are around kids of all different ages, not just their age group. And they interact with adults of all ages a lot better than before. Understand, I am not pointing fingers at PS. I dont know if HS had that much of a profound impact on their change, but I have to believe that it did make a difference.

We are in 2 homeschool groups in our area, and one in particular, Tammy and the kids are very involved in. They meet at a local church twice a month for 5-6 hrs, have class time, lunch and playtime together. I personally think this time with that particular group may have developed them socially more than anything. The group is small, approx. 15 families, and it is set up like a co-op. This group stands on Christian beliefs. They have devotion time. They have learning time, they have physical activity. They have fun!

Jimmy

 

[sha_lyn]

We about to start our 3rd yr HS 14yr DS (starting 9th grade).
It is our second yr with 5 (almost 6) DD.

I'll post more later, I've got to go to bed, but at least this will bump it up so I can find it later.

 

[sha_lyn]

LOL ... I thought I was over the anger with socializtion BS. Then today I read on the AJC online (atlanta journal constitution) some idiot who says that all home school kids are spoiled and can't handle not getting their own way, don't know how to share and can't function in a group.

Yep, my poor DD... She is having such a hard time with the guest list for her Brithday party. I finally made her stop when the guest list reached 30 kids LOL. The list is about 1/2 PS and 1/2 HS kids. she invited all of the kids in her karate class and all the kids from our HS area group. We are in a huge group but thankfully it is divided into geographic areas. If she had weekly contact with all 200 families, we would have to take out a loan for the B-day party LOL.

In the past I've tried to answer the socialization question, but have found that those who usually ask really don't care what your answer is. They will try to rip it to shreads. IE right here on the DIS I was told I made a bad choice by letting my DS wrestle. This was on the local youth wrestling tean that was associated with the local high school team. Yet I was a bad parent for teaching my child that fighting is OK. Humm.. the same poster didnt' have a problem when parents of PS kids talked about their children who wrestle.

Now I really tend to just ignore the question, or if it is someone who won't let up, or has asked me several times I'll give a BS remark like "yep my poor kids, they aren't forced into the artifical age/ability/geographic separation that is in PS. Poor things have friends of all ages and learning abilities, that live all over the atlanta are. Just how will they survive not spending 8 hrs a day with kids who are only their own age and learning ability that live within a 15 mile radius of the school."

As for what socialization they are really getting ...
Karate 2x per week
Park day 1x per week
filed trips 1-2 per month
book club 1x per month
story time at the library (5 DD only) 1X per week

Starting in Sept they will also have....
Science co-op 2X per month
Drumming (DS) weekly
show choir (DD) weekly
Art class (? if there are enough interested in the class)
and possibly brownies for DD (once again trying to start a homeschool troop)

Park day, book club science co-op, art, drumming, field trips and show choir are made up basically of the same group of kids, or in the case of field trips, those kids plus the other area groups in our support group.


As for curriculum....

14 DS
For 7th grade we used SeaScapes . Hated it, no support what so ever. We never received his final grades and I finally gave up on them after constant e mails for a yr. The use PS text books and do not send a teachers copy. We spent lots of extra $$$ on materials so I could teach DS.

8th grade... Just finished up Great Books Academy. I must say I am very happy with great books. Lots of support, but it is expensive.

9th grade... if GBA was accredited we would continue to use them .Since they are not we decided (well DH decided) that DS needs a "real" diploma. So we will be using
American School of Correspondence. It is actually a much easier program so we will be suplementing with extra science (the co-op mentioned earlier), Spanish (they offer spanish, but we already have a wonderful program that he can get credit for) music (HS drumming that was mentioned earlier)and art.

5 DD

We were using Calvert K but it just isn't a good fit for her. She is way ahead of their math, but just could not learn reading using their methods.

For 1st grade We are using Golden Beetle Books and suplmenting with Math (haven't decided which yet, probably developemental math), spanish, art, choir, science co-op, US history (Golden Beetle is from Autralia so it does not contain US history),color phonics (a computer reading program) and Handwriting Without Tears.

both kids also have various educational computer games they enjoy and can earn time for. if DS finishes all his weekly work by Friday, he gets a free day and can pick anything educatinal to do.

For DD I try to do they same but she struggles to get her weekly work finished (or did with calvert) so she had a free 1/2 day on Wed. She really needed the break in the middle of the week. Calvert was too work sheet based for her.

My child attends PS. This does not mean that I've delegated his education entirely to the school! Education certainly continues at home, and I strongly feel that WE are the ones preparing him for life. His primary education comes from us, his parents. The PS is supplementary, and I appreciate the things he learns there. We monitor, support, and extend their standardized curriculum.

Bravo for your familly. I really wish all parents had that attitude. If so we would have the best PS in world. I really really do not blame teachers as a whole (I've had problems wiht a few but they are the exception I hope) but the admistration and parents for the problems in the PS system. I have several examples but my best is a former neighbor. When the boys (DS and her DS) were 4 I sent DS to a private 1/2 day preschool. She sent her DS to be tested for the public headstart program. He was put into headstart and some other classes because he was so far behind. The teachers and thearipist kept telling the parents what to work on at home. Their answer "we aren't the teachers, and we aren't getting paid to teach him. It isn't our job to teach him. That is why we pay taxes". Poor kid never owned a book. He didn't know anything about ABC's, how to count, shapes colors etc at 4 yrs old. Thye finally moved back to Virginia "where the teachers do their job and dont' expect parents to be teachers". I'm sure (or at least I hope) that they were in for a rude awakening).

 

[rae519]

I just love you homeschooling families - not only do you make me proud to be one of you but you make me laugh so hard that I know I can do it!

Bless you all!!!!
And thanks for all the wonderful answers and sites!!!!!

Rae

 

[KathyTX]

It really is about us doing what we think is best for our kids, and preparing them for life.

There are lots of really good PS systems and lots of troubled or ineffective PS systems.

There are great teachers and horrible teachers.

There are families who are well-equipped to HS, and some who really shouldn't.

There are kids who will academically thrive in any educational environment, and kids who need customized help.

I think the biggest shame with this topic (and many others today) is the vocal minority with extreme viewpoints on both sides: the PS families like the one sha_lyn described, who have no clue that they are part of their children's education. The extreme religious examples, where kids are HSed to shelter them from the real world. The capable HS families who are subjected to clueless questions and challenges from those who don't accept or understand that they've chosen a valid educational path for their children. And the involved PS parents who are bombarded with guilt by rabid "HS for *every* child" proponents.

And, of course, those on both sides who arrogantly feel that anyone who doesn't choose the same path that THEY'VE chosen is ignorant and wrong.

It's really about our kids, isn't it? ALL of them. And choosing the path that fits each individual situation best.

 

[crazymomof4]

Originally posted by sha_lyn
9th grade... if GBA was accredited we would continue to use them .Since they are not we decided (well DH decided) that DS needs a "real" diploma. So we will be using
American School of Correspondence. It is actually a much easier program so we will be suplementing with extra science (the co-op mentioned earlier), Spanish (they offer spanish, but we already have a wonderful program that he can get credit for) music (HS drumming that was mentioned earlier)and art.

We're planning on using American this coming yr (9th). I've heard their program is widely accepted by colleges. From friends who used American last yr. I heard that they only send you 1-2 courses at a time. When I frowned on that my friend told me to ask if we could rec'v more courses. I plan on contacting them in about 2 weeks. In the meantme, I was wondering if you could offer insight on this. Have you started w/ American? Have you rec'd your materials? How many courses did you get? My DS is used to 6 subjects at once. Even though we supplement, as you do, I'm afraid he will get bored w/ doing just one subject at a time.

Originally posted by sha_lyn
The teachers and thearipist kept telling the parents what to work on at home. Their answer "we aren't the teachers, and we aren't getting paid to teach him. It isn't our job to teach him. That is why we pay taxes". Poor kid never owned a book. He didn't know anything about ABC's, how to count, shapes colors etc at 4 yrs old. Thye finally moved back to Virginia "where the teachers do their job and dont' expect parents to be teachers".

How pathetic!!! I feel sorry for those kids. Here I am, worried that we will be questioned by Disney CM's at the entrance bc. my 2 yo DD is so advanced for her age. I'm not kidding, she has the vocabulary of a 4 yo, knows all of her colors, most shapes, can count to 10, etc. Also, for some reason, insists on telling people that she is 3 years old!!

 

[crazymomof4]

Originally posted by KathyTX
I think the biggest shame with this topic (and many others today) is the vocal minority with extreme viewpoints on both sides: the PS families like the one sha_lyn described, who have no clue that they are part of their children's education. The extreme religious examples, where kids are HSed to shelter them from the real world. The capable HS families who are subjected to clueless questions and challenges from those who don't accept or understand that they've chosen a valid educational path for their children. And the involved PS parents who are bombarded with guilt by rabid "HS for *every* child" proponents.

And, of course, those on both sides who arrogantly feel that anyone who doesn't choose the same path that THEY'VE chosen is ignorant and wrong.

It's really about our kids, isn't it? ALL of them. And choosing the path that fits each individual situation best.

Well put! My feelings precisely!

 

[Dancind]

Crazymom, she sounds like a cutie! Better take a copy of that one's birth certificate. Diana

 

[sha_lyn]

here's 2 great ones on socialization... I don't think they were posted yet


No thanks we don't believe in Socialization




How to Answer The Socialization Question Once and for All

by Christine Smith
February 24, 2001

I am beginning to tire of the many articles, essays and responses I keep
running across on what has become known as the "socialization question."
Homeschooling families, please listen carefully: What people refer to as
socialization is a non-issue! It has become a buzz-word among the Official
Homeschool Nay Sayers Society. When someone asks you the question ("What
about SOCIALIZATION!?"), I suggest you begin by asking them, "What do you
mean by socialization? "They will like proceed with some variation on the
following theme: "You know, having your kids spend time with other kids
their age. Hanging out with their friends. Stuff like that." At this point,
do not, under any circumstances respond with, "Oh my little Susie gets
plenty of socialization! She's in 4-H and Awanas, and Sunday School & Home
School Band & she volunteers every14th Tuesday of the year at the nursing
home etc. etc. etc. In fact she has so many opportunities for socialization
that I hardly have time to teach her some days. Yadda yadda yadda. "Why not?
Because this is not what socialization really is! Here is a more appropriate
response: "Oh, I think the word you are looking for is socializing.
Socialization is actually defined as the process by which the norms and
standards of our society are passed from one generation to the next. I've
never really thought that a complete stranger's six-year old child would be
a good source of information on the correct standards of behavior in our
family and in society as a whole. As for socializing, I remember from my
school days that it was something you weren't supposed to be doing during
class! "We do not have to defend homeschooling based on false assumptions,
false accusations and false information. Please stop telling others about
all the opportunities your kids have for "socialization" and start gently
exposing them to the real issue here -- a lot of what kids learn from other
kids in social situations is simply living according to "The Law of the
Jungle." In our family, we have a higher set of laws to follow and I bet
your family does, too.


__________________