Homeschooling has grown from a marginal practice to a mainstream option for parents, who look for ways to provide the best education for their children. While homeschooled students tend to perform better on standardized tests, thrive in extracurricular activities and graduate from college at much higher rates than their peers, homeschooled people are often accused of being socially inept or awkward.
This article looks into why this is the case, exploring the impact of socialization, isolation, and lack of role models.
1. Socialization in a Structured Environment
While homeschoolers are able to engage in learning experiences that more traditional students may miss out on, they tend to lack the same opportunities for socialization that other students get. Homeschooling eliminates the invaluable experience of learning to interact within a consistent and structured environment with a variety of people. This often deprives some homeschoolers of essential communication skills as well as the opportunity to practice self-control within a larger community.
Homeschooled children also miss out on the countless teachable moments that come from being around peers of all ages from multigenerational families, different backgrounds and cultures, or a variety of learning styles and intelligences. Classroom activities, for example, provide an excellent opportunity for students to practice problem-solving and collaboration, as well as to develop social skills such as working together on shared projects, addressing issues when conflict arises, and more.
As a result, many homeschooled students do not get the same opportunity to experience and hone these essential skills that traditional students get.
2. Isolation from Extracurricular Activities
In addition to missing out on the same socialization opportunities that traditional students get, many homeschoolers miss out on important extracurricular activities. By taking part in activities such as playing on a team, performing in theater productions, or doing volunteer work, traditional students are exposed to a variety of people, learning to engage with them and form meaningful relationships.
Unfortunately, homeschooled students are often unable to access the same social and enrichment opportunities their peers have. Without the ability to take part in activities outside of their homeschooling, some homeschooled students may feel unprepared or even intimidated by social interactions, thus exhibiting awkwardness in certain scenarios.
3. Lack of Role Models
Having role models can be incredibly helpful in maneuvering peer interactions, especially when it comes to roles such as developing friendships. Unfortunately, many homeschooled students lack the opportunity to interact with and observe other peers, which further exacerbates the sense of isolation and awkwardness they may feel.
Too much of a structure or too much freedom can be harmful to homeschoolers, as both aspects should be carefully balanced. As parents, teachers, and mentors, it is essential to ensure that homeschoolers are receiving the necessary support to practice balanced self-discipline. By providing a safe and regulated environment for homeschooled children to engage in social activities and have access to a variety of role models, they can be given the opportunity to flourish mentally and socially.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homeschooled students often exhibit signs of awkwardness due to a lack of the same socialization opportunities that traditional students get. This can be due to the lack of access to activities outside the home and a lack of role models that can help them in navigating peer interactions.
Homeschooled students can benefit from guidance and support as parents and teachers should ensure a balanced and regulated environment in order for children to learn essential social skills.