The social development of the home educated learner in the primary school phase

Abstract

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the need parents who are home schooling may have for knowledge and assistance to enhance the social development of their children. Findings from an initial investigation into the literature indicated that peer relations and extra-curricular activities may provide opportunities for socialization in children. Informal rating scales measuring social developmental trends and relationships with others were used to obtain data from parents and children regarding the social development of the children. Furthermore, data were obtained during focus group and individual interviews, from questionnaires and children's drawings. Results from the literature study and empirical investigation resulted in a body of knowledge that would assist home schooling parents to provide opportunities for the adequate social development of their children. It can be concluded that home schooled children would find interaction with peers and participation in extra-curricular activities beneficial for their social development.