And What of Socialization?

One of the most frequently asked questions regarding homeschooling is, “What about socialization?”
Surprisingly, that is not a frequently asked question when speaking to parents of public or privately educated students.  Why, then, is this question frequently asked of homeschoolers?
Dictionary.com defines socialization as “a continuing process whereby an individual acquires a personal identity and learns the norms, values, behavior, and social skills appropriate to his or her social position.”  If that is the case, then what do homeschoolers do that would preclude their ability to acquire socialization?
Homeschool students are frequently homeschooled so that they can pursue an individualized course of study, suited for their strengths and weaknesses.  An individualized course of study allows a student to develop to his or her personal potential, and personal identity.  But is that enough to be considered socialization?
Socialization also means that the person being socialized learns the norms, and values that are appropriate in the society in which they live.  This is another instance where homeschooled students should have an advantage over traditionally educated students.  Homeschooled students, having one-on-one attention from an adult in their society, should be getting more instruction on the norms and values of the society they will join as adults.

The reality is that often the question about socialization of a homeschooled student doesn’t really mean “is the student learning to be a functional adult in the society in which they live”, but more often “is the student learning to act like other children their age.”  The socialization question is more about whether the student is gaining social skills.
Whatever is meant by the original, “What about socialization” question, for homeschoolers it generally means proving that they are being socialized in a way that will meet with the approval of the inquiring individuals.  Homeschooling families find a variety of ways to socialize their students.
One of the many places where homeschooled students can find an opportunity to gain socialization time is at church.  This is a place where the homeschooled student is instructed in the values and behavior of the society they will join as adults.  Church is not only about religious activities but also about social opportunities such as youth group, or choir, where the student has the chance to learn with others who share their values.
Another option for socialization is found in groups that share a common interest.  This can be an athletic
group, such as baseball, football, or soccer. Interest groups, including subjects like astronomy, ham radio, remote
controlled flight, rockets, and rock collecting often allow the student to interact with others outside their own age group.  Such groups often require that a student learn social skills and behavior that are appropriate for all ages, not just their peer group.
Yet a third option for socialization opportunities can be found in community sponsored events.  These include local theater, community choirs, and activities sponsored by local arts and humanity councils.  Local museums and
even zoos often offer programs where students will have the opportunity to interact with not only their age/grade peers, but others from different age groups.
If you are fortunate to live near a state university there are often classes and seminars designed for school aged children, conducted by graduate students.  One university that I know of has a natural history museum attached to it, and through that museum graduate students have the opportunity to make presentations ranging from
weather to archeology and the local homeschool groups take advantage of these lecture series and associated activities.
Parents should not hesitate to check out county extension services, 4-H clubs, and FFA groups.  Through these groups a student can not only pursue individual interests in horticulture, animal husbandry, and agriculture, but often there are small scholarships available for students who excel.
There is a misconception that homeschoolers actually stay home all day, locked away from social interaction, and isolated from socialization.  For many homeschoolers this is far from the truth.  Many homeschooled students participate in more than one of the choices above, and many others that are not listed.  The opportunities for extracurricular activities and socialization can be so varied that some homeschool families have to very carefully balance the amount of time they spend socializing and the amount of time spent on academics.