Just a general question about homeschooling -- do kids at home miss the other kids, (that they'd normally see if in a regular school classroom)? I'm just trying to figure out if that part of the learning experience is as important, of if (after either the homeschool day, or regular school day) kids still get together--either in sports at a school or town sponsored league, or in other social venues such as clubs, etc. I'm only asking because I only went to regular schools, and I don't know anyone that had homeschooling, when I grew up.
I homeschooled my daughter from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
We have two very large homeschool groups in our area. Our group had an elected board running the group. We had a monthly newsletter. We had several park days per week, full sporting activities --including playing against regional teams, we had spelling bees, geography bees, science fairs, study groups, tons of field trips, a beautiful yearbook, dances, game nights for the teens, a talent show every year, classes to learn piano, violin, guitar, a full choir, drama classes who were allowed to put on productions at a local family theatre with paying audiences, and more.
Many in our group were certified teachers. We helped the parents who were new to homeschooling. We had parent meetings with guest speakers from all areas of education. We had speakers/parents who were doctors, lawyers, authors, etc.
My son went to public school and didn't get one-tenth the socialization, nor anywhere near the variety of activities as my homeschooled daughter. It wasn't even close. My daughter graduated from college in May with a 4.0.
I will be the first to admit that not all areas have what we have in our community. However, more and more communities are starting homeschooling groups and co-ops.
People need to understand that parents homeschool for all kinds of reasons including health issues, behavioral problems, religious reasons, academic reasons, etc. So, many times that poorly-behaved homeschooler was a poorly behaved child in public school first.
There are "bad" homeschooling parents and excellent ones just as there are "bad" teachers and excellent ones in public schools.
I just don't see how a public school child can possibly get the expansive education and experiences as a well-taught homeschooled child. And, this is coming from a long-term public school teacher.
