The Surprisingly Social Side of Homeschooling
Kathryn Hawkes
| 2 min read
It’s a common misconception that home-schooled kids miss out on opportunities to socialize. Many people think that being stuck at home with a parent doesn’t provide a lot of opportunities for kids to interact with other children and develop social skills.
However, there are many social groups and activities geared specifically toward home-schooled children. These programs give parents the opportunity to be involved with their children, be familiar with who they are associating with, and help the child interact with multiple age groups in real-life social settings.
Allowing home-schooled children to enroll in groups activities of their interests allows them to further develop their passions.
There are a variety of social groups and activities that allow home-schooled students to connect with one another and share common interests.
Here are just a few programs:
- SEA Life Aquarium offers a monthly home-school week where students and parents will receive discounted admission and have access to special educational stations. Children can learn about ocean life and habitats, as well as 25 to 30-minute lessons with take-home resources. SEA Life even offers group pricing for pre-kindergarten through 12th graders, with free parent or chaperone tickets.
- The Detroit Institute of Arts hosts regular events featuring ‘An Afternoon of Creativity for Home-school Families’ where artists/instructors help students create pencil drawings to take home. No experience is necessary, and all the supplies are provided.
- Michigan Science Center has ‘Home-school Learning Labs’ held the first Wednesday of each month October – June. Each lab has a different topic. Sessions run 35-45 minutes, accommodating both lower/upper elementary times and middle/high school times.
- Oakland Home-school Music is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide families of home-schooled children access to a music education program, and the opportunity to develop musical talents and appreciation. It is open to students in grades kindergarten through 12th.
- Homeschool Connections gives kids access to classes on topics like technology, math, science, and art plus the chance to socialize with other home schooled kids. Homeschool Connections also assists with connecting families with educational opportunities, connecting parents with other parents, children with children, and people with resources.
In addition, there are also community and home-school sports programs, dance and gymnastic classes, 4-H clubs, and other opportunities for home-schooled children to interact and engage with peers who have similar interests.
Photo Credit: A Healthier Michigan
