Friends or relatives who’ve heard of your homeschooling plans may have already asked, “But what about socialization?” If you’re thinking about homeschooling, you might have even wondered this yourself. This continues to be one of the most commonly asked questions of homeschooling parents, despite decades of academic research and anecdotal evidence showing that homeschooled children are generally significantly better “socialized” than their institutionally-schooled counterparts. Each family will answer the question differently, but here’s some food for thought as you form your own views on socialization.

Research your ancestors, look up historical documents, or learn more about Alabama history at the Alabama Department of Archives & History located in Montgomery.

While the Wetumpka Depot Players have been thrilling audiences with comedies, dramas and musicals for three decades, that was not the only intent of the founders. The group actually formed, in part, to save a building. The old Wetumpka train depot was deteriorating and needed a new purpose to survive. In the spring of 1980, a small group of local residents with varied skills and diverse occupations decided to form a community theatre to fulfill that need and put on the show, Nine Girls. The early years were challenging to the members of the Depot troupe and their audiences. In the winter, the building was cold, so preparing to go to see a play included dressing in layers and packing blankets to stay warm. In the summer, patrons wore shorts and brought fans. But the shows were entertaining and the audiences came back again and again. Though its history is rich, the Depot’s best days are in the future. Original plays, moving dramas and Broadway favorites will continue to be staged in the intimate setting of the Depot. There are those who have visions of expanding the current space, improving the technical capabilities, and adding rehearsal facilities. But one thing is certain: The Depot will always offer those who are passionate about theatre the chance to perform and leave audiences hungry for more.

A 2003 survey details and categorizes the reasons give for homeschooling their children. The reason most often cited was concern about the environment of other schools, followed by a desire to provide religious or moral instruction and dissatisfaction with academic instruction at other schools.

This is a chart that explores the differences between traditional and natural learning. It compares how the child and parent are viewed, how learning occurs, the role of textbooks and curriculum, how learning disabilities fit in, and how various school subjects are viewed.

Established in 1955, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. NMSC conducts the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an annual academic competition for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships.

There is nothing like the summer break to step back from the madness and take a good, long {and honest} look at your previous year of homeschooling. It can be difficult in a large family to accommodate everyone’s individual desires, but you can at least listen to them and try!

This scholarship contest is sponsored by Beautiful Feet Books and Hewitt Homeschooling Resources. After reading The Daisy Chain by Charlotte M. Yonge, write a persuasive essay examining Yonge's position on ambition and duty as it would relate to educational and career choices for today's homeschooler. The deadline for this scholarship competition is April 30, 2006.