Homeschool Socialization - Biblical Classical Community

Being social is God’s idea and it’s beneficial in many ways. He wired us for connection with Him and with others. It’s common for new-to-homeschooling parents to wonder about social opportunities for their children. Social homeschoolers have the benefit of being around multiple ages throughout the day, unlike their government school counterparts. Plus, there are several outlets for homeschool socialization.

For some reason, the question of whether or not homeschoolers are socialized continues to be asked. It’s interesting that homeschooling and the question of socialization is revisited on a seemingly regular basis.

Today’s education system is a result of Horace Mann and it’s rather new and experimental in history. In fact, it’s rather unnatural for people of the same age to be in a classroom for eight hours a day and taught by a complete stranger. Also, sitting in classrooms for several hours a day doesn’t equate getting to know individuals and practicing good manners.

Encouragingly, a return to the home education lifestyle has been increasing over the past few decades. The history of it proves that homeschoolers are well-adjusted, overall social, and engaged in civics.

Strong Social Minds

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”

Homeschool social opportunities enable parents and students to converse about ideas and events—giving them various perspectives to consider.

Discussions and Life Centered on God

Eleanor Roosevelt’s statement is an excellent motto to live by. However, it’s important to recognize that one’s personal relationship with God affects his or her relationship with others. Reading His Word and learning from it regularly helps guide our discussions and intentions.

Biblical Classical discussions, for example, are didactic in nature. They involve discussing God, Scripture, and they develop minds that discuss ideas as well as events. These kinds of conversations add meaning and depth to relationships and help form connections with others. They help equip us to reach out to a lost and hurting world and find ways to problem solve issues Biblically. Especially, but not limited to:

politics (think of the four spheres of government)
econcomics
education
religion
social issues

As Christians, we are to be salt and light. That has to do with standing on the absolute truths of God’s Word—speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Teaching and Learning Social Skills

It’s also essential for students to learn proper social skills. That includes learning how to be a good listener and how to “bounce the ball back” in conversation.

Conversation entails asking questions that aren’t simply yes or no questions. Plus, it involves listening to understand and ask questions based on what is being discussed. Genuine inquiry after another’s concerns and interests is way of showing brotherly love and kindness.

Being social involves a few dynamics:

social interests or concerns
social pleasures
social benefits
social happiness
social duties

Discerning Why and How to Be Social

It may be wise for families to determine the Biblical ideas behind being social. Taking time to do this can help direct families toward profitable social activities and spending time wisely.

Some Biblical ideas for starters are:

building up others
encouraging others
loving and supporting each other
practicing loving-kindness and respect toward others
developing and sharpening the art of good social manners
enjoying good companions
sharing the Gospel with others
curbing gossip by example
growing together in the Christian walk

A wonderful opportunity to practice all of the above is to start a Biblical Classical community. Why not illuminate your local area with inspired teaching and learning. Biblical Classical Community’s self-paced, online courses are great support for homeschool groups. Contact us for licensing for homeschool groups and Christian schools.

Types of Social Relationships

An important thing to consider is the quality of character when it comes to companionship. Scripture warns that bad companions will corrupt good morals or character (1 Corinthians 15:33). That being said, some options for socialization will afford various types of relationships.

just being around others in general
acquaintances
good friends
close friends

Finding Opportunities to be Social

Several different kinds of opportunities exist for socializing:

quality family time
quality time with friends
corporate worship and fellowship at church
spiritual and intellectual activities like Bible and Biblical Classical literature studies and discussions
ministry activities like serving neighbors, shopping together for food to donate to the local food bank, etc.
Bible Bees/quizzing
physical activities like sports, group hiking, square dancing, English Country dancing, etc.
geocaching or letterboxing
hosting board and card game days
hosting art and craft days
homeschool co-ops or homeschool groups
nature clubs and other types of clubs
field trips
summer camps
just getting together for hot cocoa,/tea time, lunches or dinners and talking
gardening side-by-side
work

Each kind of opportunity gives families a chance to practice various levels of social skills.

Create Homeschool Socialization Opportunities

If a family has a homeschool socialization need it’s likely others do as well. This is a great opportunity to step in as leaders and create something to meet that need. With creativity and resourcefulness, a local homeschool community can be blessed.

Keep in mind that solutions don’t have to be expensive or extravagant. They can be as laid back and down-to-earth as the leader determines. It all depend on the kind of homeschool socialization experience the leader wants to create.

In Summary

Homeschool students tend to live a more natural lifestyle of socializing with mixed ages. There are several ways they interact with others as they do life. Each option gives homeschool students varying levels of experience and social interaction. As a family unit, members can determine the frequency of peopling and kind of activities in which to participate. Relationships are a two-way street in families as well as with others outside of a family.