One of the benefits of sending children to school is helping them learn how to cope with different social situations, and home school often prevents this learning in a formal classroom environment. While it is not a goal of schools to teach socialization, it does fall within the experience of children who attend classes and extracurricular activities. Home schooled students are not required to attend classes, but they are allowed to join in the activities that are part of their school district’s normal schedule.
Participation in extracurricular activities is never required, but it is one of the more important social functions of any school environment. It assists children with the concept of getting along with others as well as pursuing a hobby or talent they enjoy. It gives them a less formal atmosphere in which to learn, and it helps them fit into the social structure in an enjoyable activity whether they are attending regular classes or learning at home.