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| Swinging Alone at Cabler Park |
That's the most frequent, nagging question homeschooling parents, grandparents ask themselves.
They may know, that, academically, homeschooled kids out-perform, in standardized testing, students in public education, by 39% in a 2009 study, but how do homeschooled kids adapt socially?
Nena and I have worried about this, with grandson Jack present in our home M-F from 7:00 AM till noon.
OK. Let's look at the alternative. Most six year olds sit in a lunch room daily with 5 or 6 kids of exactly the same age, who also happen to live in the same school district. Their "friendship" is mere happenstance.
Homeschooled kids, like grandson Jack, interact with people of different ethnicities, ages, etc., on a daily basis. We require Jack, for example, to be courteous, yes, "friendly" to Winter Texans in our RV park from Canada and the northern U.S., interactions he would not get in public school, BISD. This is an absolute part of his learning, education.
We extended the classroom to Burger King. I watched a short distance away as Jack waited in line between two P.U.B. workers, grown men with reflective vests. The 45" boy ordered an apple pie, paid with two dollar bills, accepted his change and waited.(I forgot to take a pic.) A few minutes later, the cashier handed Jack a tray with his pie.
After our meal, Nena suggested Jack take the tray with paper wrappers, cups, napkins, etc. to the trash. More acquired skills.
At Valero, I explained to Jack how to pump gas. Noting the pump number, he went into the store solo, paid for the gas and returned to help with the pump. I explained that we always opt for the lowest octane, in this case 87, since its the cheapest. He inserted the nozzle while watching the meter on the pump, then placed the nozzle back into its receptacle. Another skill.
Previously, I tended to leave Jack's "education" to the school system. Now, as his primary "teacher," I feel moved and authorized to use every minute to add to his knowledge, understanding and accomplishment in this world.
Socialization, acquired skills, the three "R's." I stay up nights thinking about what more this boy needs.
Exactly everyday experiences that he is encountering will enhance his overall knowledge. Besides learning life skills he is being taught manners and respect which is something the school district doesn't offer on the contrary kids pick up many bad habits and are more concerned with what is on their ass or feet than what is being taught in the classroom
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