Go here for a great article on Age Segregation
more stuff from Peter Gray here
never heard of him before today but I kinda like this guy!!!
I'd have to say that this is one of my concerns about our culture in general. In churches, in neighborhoods, in school, etc... And not just with kids but with adults too.
We segregated color and now we're segregating age?
It's not keeping me up at night or anything but I am glad to be aware of it so as to maybe raise my children around all ages of people. To give them the best understanding of others, whatever stage of life they may be in.
and another tid bit here:
But what about socialization?
Lack of socialization is one of the first criticisms raised by many home school opponents, but psychologist Linda Silverman notes the important distinction between socialization and social development. Socialization is the ability to adapt to the needs of a group, the ability and desire to conform. Social development, on the other hand, is the process of getting to know and be comfortable with oneself and one’s beliefs so as to better contribute to the needs of the group. The difference is between going along with the crowd and not making waves or standing out (socialization) and cooperating when necessary for the common good but also being willing to stick one’s neck out to make a positive difference (social development). As Claire puts it, "To me, a good education allows you to live life and not just get by. I just really want to know things and make a difference."Extreme isolation is not an inherent aspect of home schooling. Many home school families participate in community classes, home school groups, library book groups, impromptu play dates, learning co-ops, and field trips shared with other families. When home school children do have time alone, it is often welcome, allowing for uninterrupted hours devoted to reading, daydreaming, writing, playing, and time to be a child. A normal school schedule plus extra-curricular activities and homework allows the classroom-schooled child little time to hear much less follow her own internal drummer.
(from a larger article written here)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
One of my favorite statements on this subject is one of the big reasons we homeschool is to AVOID the socializing into the current culture. If I wanted to socialize into this culture I could turn on MTV for them and they'd "fit" right in! (Michael Pearl...super controversial guy but very wise!) Isn't one of our goals as Christians to look different than the world?
Great post, loved the difference between socialization and social development. I'm really enjoying Fantastic Fridays, thank you!
:) MJB
Great link to the age segregation article...gonna bookmark that guy! I enjoyed the article so much I'm going to put a link on my blog too :)
One of the best things I get to experience is my 4 kids playing together, helping each other out and just enjoying each other...beautiful!
~Rose
Post a Comment