Social Interaction
One of the biggest concerns people voice about homeschooling is socialization. However, studies indicate that those who have been homeschooled find it easier to socialize with people of all ages and have learned how to avoid the difficulties of peer pressure found in school settings. Roots graduates generally have no socialization issues when entering the work force and post-secondary education (see the latest Canadian study from HSLDA, 2009 Canadian Centre for Home Education Report). The reason for this is the great amount of opportunities for homeschooled students in Calgary to interact with others through their education.
Roots encourages our homeschooling families to interact and build community in the following ways:
1. The coordinator will send out a short publication, “Extras,” mid August or once your registration is processed. This compilation of various classes, activities and groups will make families aware of some of their options. Although these programs are not reviewed or promoted by Roots, they’ve been included because a home-schooling family has recommended them.
2. The field trip brochure will be made available at the September support group meeting. Roots volunteers organize a variety of field trip options for the year. For each field trip a contact name will be supplied.
3. Roots has monthly support group meetings which provide activities for the students and opportunity for Roots parents to discuss issues around homeschooling.
4. Christmas and Spring Roots family functions provide parents a chance to mingle and students an opportunity to show everyone some of the work they have done during the year.
5. Member churches have programs suitable for families’ needs.
6. Community programs can provide for families’ needs.
7. If you’re looking for a specific type of class or group, pray about it and ask around. God will provide great resources from very unexpected places.
8. If you discover an opportunity that you want your children to participate in, advertise it in the Roots newsletter and get a group together. We all benefit from these scenarios.