I’m starting to feel really interested in homeschooling, but with apologies for frankness, I have to admit I’ve never met a homeschooler who didn’t struggle socially (most of those I’ve met through church or work have no friends from childhood or adolescence, for example, whereas me and my traditionally schooled friends are all still in touch). I know I’m not getting the full picture, but it does make me nervous. I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about this concern, but do you have any articles that you recommend on this topic?
Good question. I know this is a common stereotype but hear me out: think how many kids who were public schooled now struggle socially! We tend to just ignore that angle though. In her new book, Becoming Homeschoolers, Monica Swanson considers this and other stereotypes. Basically, most of the negative stereotypes associated with homeschoolers (esp socialization issue) are just as true for plenty for public schoolers, but because homeschooling is stereotyped as different/weird, people tend to attribute any weirdness in those who were formerly homeschooled to the fact that they were homeschooled.
The reality is, plenty of people are the way they are (whether socially adept or not) not because they were homeschooled or public schooled, but because of personality, family, etc.
There are definitely pros and cons to both homeschooling and public schooling. I would suggest you make a list of your top priorities in your children’s education, and then see which fits what you want for your own family the best. Maybe having childhood friends throughout life is a top priority for you— if so, then develop an environment where those friendships can flourish. That may help alleviate some of your fears.
Nadya's reply is really the correct answer. I'll offer myself as an example, I went to both public and private schools, and I never really knew how to socialize. Then I realized that I have a touch of my mother's social anxiety. Then I reconnected with my dad after a few decades and was stunned by how similar we were - we spent three days together and only spoke for maybe 45 minutes total because neither of us felt any need to break a silence.
I met a girl who was the poster child of a weirdo homeschooled kid; every interaction with her reinforced any anti-homeschool perspective I still had. Then I met her mom and wow. Yeah. That's where it came from.
Love your list and the fact that Wendell Berry occupies #1 ! Thanks also for sharing your homeschooling essay. I am currently working on a homeschooling piece in response to many readers asking about "lessons learned" and will include a link to yours as well:)
I’m starting to feel really interested in homeschooling, but with apologies for frankness, I have to admit I’ve never met a homeschooler who didn’t struggle socially (most of those I’ve met through church or work have no friends from childhood or adolescence, for example, whereas me and my traditionally schooled friends are all still in touch). I know I’m not getting the full picture, but it does make me nervous. I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about this concern, but do you have any articles that you recommend on this topic?
Good question. I know this is a common stereotype but hear me out: think how many kids who were public schooled now struggle socially! We tend to just ignore that angle though. In her new book, Becoming Homeschoolers, Monica Swanson considers this and other stereotypes. Basically, most of the negative stereotypes associated with homeschoolers (esp socialization issue) are just as true for plenty for public schoolers, but because homeschooling is stereotyped as different/weird, people tend to attribute any weirdness in those who were formerly homeschooled to the fact that they were homeschooled.
The reality is, plenty of people are the way they are (whether socially adept or not) not because they were homeschooled or public schooled, but because of personality, family, etc.
Thanks for the rec, I will check it out!
There are definitely pros and cons to both homeschooling and public schooling. I would suggest you make a list of your top priorities in your children’s education, and then see which fits what you want for your own family the best. Maybe having childhood friends throughout life is a top priority for you— if so, then develop an environment where those friendships can flourish. That may help alleviate some of your fears.
Nadya's reply is really the correct answer. I'll offer myself as an example, I went to both public and private schools, and I never really knew how to socialize. Then I realized that I have a touch of my mother's social anxiety. Then I reconnected with my dad after a few decades and was stunned by how similar we were - we spent three days together and only spoke for maybe 45 minutes total because neither of us felt any need to break a silence.
I met a girl who was the poster child of a weirdo homeschooled kid; every interaction with her reinforced any anti-homeschool perspective I still had. Then I met her mom and wow. Yeah. That's where it came from.
The top 100 list was a fun thing to think about!!
Thank you for contributing to it!
indeed!
Thank you for the list. Several of the books I've read. I see number 30 is a Joan Didion book! I plan to read this book soon.
Love your list and the fact that Wendell Berry occupies #1 ! Thanks also for sharing your homeschooling essay. I am currently working on a homeschooling piece in response to many readers asking about "lessons learned" and will include a link to yours as well:)
Yeah, I was realizing what a fighting statement we were making my putting Berry at #1. Definitely stand by that decision.
And I'm very much looking forward to reading your homeschooling piece!
They’re runnning mine as a complement to yours next week, I believe. Looking forward to reading yours now!
I was surprised that Fleming Rutledge's The Crucifixion wasn't on the list but glad to see A Secular Age in the top ten.