recess

[Thegoblinchief]

I have considered homeschool but really want her social world to include people outside our nuclear family. [...] If we didn't live in Podunk-ville where we have almost never seen anyone outside their house except to mow or get in a car, we would probably try homeschooling.

Homeschool families are magical: You can't see us until you join us, and then we're everywhere! If you ever feel like this might be a path you want to go, look for homeschooling groups in your area. When we homeschooled, there were easily 30 hours a week of group activities to choose from. Hiking, science, games, etc. I imagine this does vary from region to region, but it can be worth investigating. An area's homeschool community is often one of its best kept secrets.

+1.

I cringe whenever "socialization" is brought up as an argument against homeschooling. Not only are there tons of options available, have you not heard of something called playing outside with other kids? Neighborhood or park? My kids have had no problem making friends.

Another benefit with homeschooled kids is that the kids break off by personality type/interests instead of the artificial division of what grade they're in. I think that's healthier and closer to the way adults work anyways.

But people keep believing that argument, so whatever.

[Mongoose]

I'm sorry my comment didn't come across well. I don't mean to get into the whole "socialization" debate about homeschooling. I personally don't think schools are great agents for normal socialization anyway...since, post-school, I have never been restricted to a narrow age range of individuals for projects, learning etc. Date of manufacture is a weird way to sort people IMO.

I was commenting on the weird situation that we found in this small town. We have kids in the neighborhood...in the last year we have seen them outside exactly 3 times. My kids and I are outside all the time, many times all day. The other neighbors' kids have been out maybe 4 times. Park? Yes, I've heard of it. We go multiple times a week. Grand total number of times other kids were there...3. In the last year. People in the town we are in watch TV and play video games. My kiddos have no interest in either. Do kids where you live actually play outside? Because for sure, it's a rare thing here. I'm happy to hear it may be the norm elsewhere. So, yes, I have heard of all those things...and I'm happy to hear they still exist.

This town is kind of spooky and very insular. I wasn't aware there were places like this and sure will be more careful the next time we move. We are committed to getting out of here as soon as possible. School is the only place here where people gather.

I looked into homeschool groups and we found the closest one is an hour drive away at the nearest decent sized town. Kids can be found in the park there and my kids play with them. There are art classes, other lessons and a co-op there but we, unfortunately, can't currently afford to drive that far very regularly. So, except for rare trips to "the big city", my kids would be very isolated here except for the admittedly poor school.

I do wish there was a way to put free play back in schools. My DD isn't up to the grade the OP is dealing with...I'm not looking forward to the time she gets into more testing.