Natural Elevation - My Answer to Socialization

Natural Elevation

Aug. 2, 2006

My Answer to Socialization

As Confirmed by My Ducks

This is not to say I feel ducks are exactly like human beings. However the other day my ducks reminded me of an old principle. My answer to the redundant question, “What about socialization?” in reference to homeschooling was always:

If my boys can get along with each other 85% of the time,

they can get along with anyone.

The Boyer family of Virginia illuminated my thinking in this area some 10 years ago.

I have 3 male ducks. One is the dominant leader. The other 2 are brothers. Before we left for a 3 week trip, they had free roam of the property during the day, and could give each other space. The dominant male chased the 2 brothers whenever he could.

While we were away, all the fowl were fenced in a yard during the day, forced to interact with each other.

When we came home and loosed the ducks, all 3 males reclined together on the lawn, and there was peace in the kingdom.

They learned to work out their problems while living in close proximity to each other all day for 3 weeks.

As I’ve said, I don’t equate ducks to children, but it was very interesting to see this change in the ducks’ behavior.

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!

Comments

Aug. 11, 2006 - Ducks

Posted by genevieve1642

That's amazing about the ducks. On the other hand, I used to have chickens and they would never have done that. They tried to Hen Peck a little one to death, and I saved the little one from harm by having to put him in a separte cage near the others so they could all get used to each other. I also saw a little boy have the same "hen pecking" experience in Daycare, and his mother had to remove him, because the adults were not caring for him. But it is really great that your kids are more like the ducks!

• Permanent Link

About

We homeschool our 6 children in rural Vermont. Our horse family consists of a black pony and an off-track Thoroughbred. We give Jesus the praise and God the glory for all the victories in this life. I have an eye on and my heart in eternity.

My Mission Statement

Our Homeschool

Materials In Use

My Beautiful Sister Dawn

Murdered Nov. 25, 2006

Rememberdawn.org

Precious Dawn Category

Dawn's Favorite Post

I love Vermont because of her hills and valleys, the scenery and invigorating climate. But most of all because of her indomitable people. They are a race of pioneers who almost beggared themselves for others.

If the spirit of liberty should vanish from the rest of the Union, and our institutions should languish, it all could be restored by the generous store held by the people in this brave little State of Vermont.

from Calvin Coolidge Address
Delivered at North Bennington, Vermont
September 22, 1928