How do you deal with being isolated from kids who go to school? Do you miss having friends? Do you miss the after school activities? These are just some of the questions people ask me. The public's view of home schooling surprises me. Although home schooling is becoming more popular there are still a lot of misconceptions to this way of education.
So, let's tackle the first big misconception that people have-social isolation. I am definitely not isolated, nor do I feel that I am. I am involved in many activities in my community and church. I"m always going someplace and doing things. I have a lot of friends from church, my community, and even kids I used to go to school with. I"m not into sports but if I was I could always be involved through community sports or join a team at a recreational center. I feel sorry for kids who have to go to public school and sit in a cramped classroom with kids they like, as well as with kids they don't. I have the option of picking my friends and deciding who I want to be around.
Another misconception people have is that we won't learn the social skills we need to get along in the world. I think we learn most of the social skills we need at home, anyway. I know how to be polite. I know how to show respect to authorities. And I even have table manners. I am able to express an opinion. I have no trouble talking to people and can ask for things I want. I am not, by far, some social idiot!.
A third misconception I would like to address-I do real school work, get real grades, and believe it or not, I have a real teacher! For some reason people think if you"re a homeschooler you don't do real school work. People are surprised when I tell them I work hard in my studies and get grades for my work. They are really surprised when I tell them I have a real teacher, follow a curriculum, have assignments to do, and take tests.
So, if you are one of the misinformed people reading this, you can now know that my home school is real, my grades are real, my life is real! I have the advantage of one on one instruction, progressing at my own pace, earning better grades, and enjoying a very active social life.