Homeschooling Socialization: A Very Full Life!

Author: Jennifer
Many people opposed to homeschooling think that homeschooled children suffer from a lack of a social life. Surprise! Many homeschooled children have a busier activity calendar than public schooled kids. There are communities of homeschoolers that get together, offering students socialization among kids of all ages. There are also many extra-curricular activities to take part in.
Online Homeschooling Groups



One of our best sources of information is the Internet. Do a search on your favorite search engine for "homeschooling groups" in your area; you'll find a wide variety that will meet your needs.
Searching without your town or city name will provide you with a list of national groups. You'll often find great national educational opportunities for homeschoolers by joining these national groups.
Local Home School Groups
No matter what state you live in, there will be local home school support groups that offer great social activities including co-op classes, field trips, fun gatherings and even team sports.
Parents benefit from joining these local home school groups just as much as the children do. Parents can get questions answered, and discuss any roadblocks or successes and the children get valuable socialization with other kids. It's a great way to learn about local laws, special homeschooling events and find resources you may not otherwise find.
Co-op Classes
A lot of homeschooling support groups offer co-op classes, which are usually taught by volunteer parents. If there is a subject (or maybe 2!) that you either know nothing about, or just don't like, this is a great way to add it to your child's curriculum.
4-H Clubs
Modern day 4-H clubs offer so much more than they used to. They now have technology, public speaking, gardening, animals, sewing, science and much more. 4-H clubs offer a wide variety of activities, making it a perfect selection for children with a variety of interests. Once your child is in high school, he or she can take part in the community service projects, which will look impressive on college applications.
Community Sports
Participation in team sports provides children with exercise, helps them learn how to be part of a team and good sportsmanship. It's hard to find a homeschooling group that offers competitive sports. If you can't find any, check local recreation centers; they often have community sports that are open to anyone.
Scouts
Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have forever been a symbol of fun, challenges and team building. Many children make lasting friends in the scouts programs, and they offer a lot of activities that help prepare children to succeed in life.
Venturing is a co-ed adventure oriented scouting program through The Boy Scouts offered for teenagers. It's about more than just badge earning; participants learn about and practice survival skills, receive a lot of outdoor training and take camping trips.
Contrary to popular belief, homeschoolers are not socially deprived; there are a lot of activities available for homeschooled children and their families. Often, homeschooled students are actually more prepared for the real world, where they will be forced to interact with people of varying ages. Public schooled kids are socialized with children of their own age, while homeschoolers have the benefit of many different aged friends.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/homeschooling-articles/homeschooling-socialization-a-very-full-life-3507567.html
About the Author
Jennifer is a writer for Loving Learning in the Home, a free homeschooling resources site. She is a SAHM, and has a family of seven. You can read more about her family on her large family blog.