Ultimate List of 25+ Ways to Socialize: Middles Edition
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Hey there, hip homeschool mom! We hope you and your family had an amazing summer. As we get into the full swing of normal routines again, you may be thinking of how to juggle your child(ren’s) education with a rich, social life. Because the truth is, even if others call us “unsocialized,” we homeschool families are quite the opposite. We are very intentional about socialization! And as a homeschool mom, I think both aspects of that are important: the intentionality and the socializing.
Essentially, we know that socialization is a vital part of our children’s lives, friendships, and education. The ways we choose to socialize our kids matter!
With that in mind, we’re sharing an Ultimate List of Ways to Socialize for each of the following age categories: Littles, Middles, and Bigs! Today’s list is all about the Middles!
So, what’s a “Middle?”
Middles refers to children who are upper elementary-school age, or about 8-12 years old. In terms of socializing and friendship forming, these are prime years!
Children in this age range are old enough to have developed a growing sense of self and independence, but they are also young enough to still need (and appreciate) parental support and direction on where and how to make friends.
Children in this age range may already have some great friends. And if they don’t have friends that they see regularly, they may start expressing a desire for a best friend or core group of besties.
Unlike younger kids who are mainly looking for play opportunities, Middles are on the lookout for true friends who share their interests and who will be there for them. (And we happen to think that homeschooler friendships are something special. Check out this article on How to Spot a Homeschooler by Our Friendships.)
There are so many ways for Middles to get involved in social activities, participate in a variety of endeavors, and make lasting and important friendships. Some activities may involve you, the parent, being involved as well. However, many options to socialize for this age range are a little more independent!
For any age, the best way for most homeschoolers to make friendships and socialize is by connecting with others who enjoy the same things they do! This gives children consistent experiences that can be enjoyed over time, creating opportunities to make deeper friendships. Many of the ideas on this list play to those specific interests, so allow your child’s natural inclinations to lead the way as you consider this list of 25+ fun, hands-on ideas and activities to help your homeschooled “middle” socialize and find their friends!
The Ultimate List of Ways to Socialize for Homeschoolers: Middles Edition!
In this list for children in the “Middles” range, we’ll break socialization ideas into two sections. The first section is all about “Family Friendly Ideas.” Many children in the Middles range may still feel more comfortable having family available in social situations, and their parents (and siblings) may also want to be part of the fun or involved in community or homeschool activities, especially if you’re all trying to meet new people! These ideas take that perspective into consideration and offer some fun ideas to socialize that can engage the whole family.
The second part of the list is all about “Solo Opportunities.” Children in this age range are so much fun because they are really starting to get more confident in their personalities and interests. This list includes a variety of extracurricular, independent activities that offer fun, engaging, and even educational ways for your homeschooled Middle to shine in independent activities!
Family-Friendly Ideas for Socialization with Middles:
1. Local Library Activities –
Libraries are awesome about providing fun (and free) opportunities for kids to connect over a love of books, writing, STEM, crafting, and even video games! Many libraries have special activities just for kids in this “middle” age range. Plus, you can bring the whole family to hang out at the library while your “Middle” does his or her thing, semi-independently.
2. Museum or Art Gallery Children’s Events and Homeschool Days –
Art museums and galleries often have special programs and classes that homeschoolers can participate in to learn about a particular period of art history and learn in a hands-on and fun way! This is a great way to let your whole family take in some art while your “Middle” gets to learn something special and socialize with other kids who love art.
3. Connect with Your Local Aquarium, Zoo, or Nature Center –
Check with your local aquarium, zoo, or nature center to find out about children’s programs and homeschool days for your animal-loving Middle! Children in this age bracket may be able to participate in an ecological study or junior zookeeper program that goes throughout the year, allowing them to connect with fellow animal lovers. Plus, younger and older siblings can find ways to be involved, too!
4. Local Co-ops or Homeschool Group –
If you specifically want to meet some homeschoolers, a local co-op or pre-existing homeschool group (like a Montessori-based group or Classical Conversations group) can be a great way to socialize. This allows you to meet other homeschooling families in a structured environment, making connections for future friendships that go beyond the group!
5. Language & Culture Club –
Foreign languages are perfect for group learning, and are something that many different ages can practice together! See if any of your homeschooling friends and their kids would like to start a “language club” to focus on a specific language and culture. You could get together to practice new words and phrases and learn something about that language’s culture. You could even rotate who brings what!
6. “Framily” Game Nights –
Kids in this age range are able to play most classic board games without help, which (as we know) can be both fun and educational! Why not make it a social event? Consider hosting or organizing a “framily” game night with 1 or 2 other families with “Middles!” This is a great way for the kids to socialize and spend time together and for families to connect and get to know each other better, too.
7. Ninja Warrior Fitness Club –
Meet up with some other families that you know who have Middles (and probably older or younger siblings too) to walk, play sports, or just play at the park or local playground. Middles love a fitness challenge, and the chance to be a “ninja warrior!” It’s social time and PE, all in one!
8. Visit Science Centers & Kids’ Museums –
Many children’s museums and science centers offer fun camps and special days to play and connect, as well as homeschool days throughout the school year! Getting involved now can be a great way to have fun, explore new learning, and find some friends with similar interests. There may be a variety of ages involved in these activities, so bring the family.
9. Participate in a Homeschool Road Trip –
Going on a big, group road trip with other homeschooling families is an awesome way to travel, make memories as a family, and form deeply meaningful friendships, too!
10. DIY Science Experiment Days –
Pick a day with some homeschooling friends to get messy with some science experiments! Parents can all chip in on supplies, and experiments can be done outside or even at the park! Kids will love learning and laughing together over simple activities like Mentos + Coke, Elephant Toothpaste, or the classic Baking Soda + Vinegar volcano.
11. Baking Group or Supper Club –
Baking and cooking are fun, hands-on learning skills that many homeschooling families already utilize whenever we can. But baking or cooking with friends can be even more fun. If you have a kitchen you don’t mind sharing, plan a simple menu that kids could bake/cook, and invite some of your Middle’s friends over for a culinary arts experience—occasionally or on a regular basis! If they share a love of baking, consider helping them host a bake sale to fund a cool field trip or cause.
12. Interactive History Days –
If you have some homeschool friends that you want to spend more time with, create events where children can get together, dress up, and have “history days” to bring homeschool learning to life (a different parent can plan each time). You could incorporate art, music, food, famous historical figures, and storytime—making it fun for the specific group of Middles you have!
13. Community Service Projects –
Kids are never too young to learn to serve others, and doing so with friends can show them that kindness is cool (and fun)! Organize a give-back project you can do with another family or families. They can socialize with a purpose.
14. Nature Hikes Group –
If you live in an area with plenty of natural beauty, consider getting some of your child’s friends together for a “hiking club.” For Middles, this could be focused on exploring local trails and learning about nature. Don’t forget the nature journals and some snacks for a picnic!
15. Start a Crafting Club –
Crafting clubs are a wonderful way for kids to explore their creativity while socializing with friends. Whether it’s scrapbooking, knitting, or DIY crafts, organizing a club gives Middles a chance to work on projects together and share ideas, all under the guidance of a host parent.
Solo Opportunities:
16. Get Involved with Local 4-H Programs –
4-H is America’s largest organization for young people, offering programs for all kinds of ages and interests. Checking out your 4-H organization can be an awesome way to get your Middle more experience in an area of interest, whether it’s STEM-based or more agricultural.
17. Trail Life (for Boys) or Frontier Girls (for Girls) –
Finding a local troop of outdoor lovers can be a great way to get your child together with other kids in their age bracket, get involved in service projects, and learn about nature and character-building!
18. Dance Classes –
The dance world is a great place to make meaningful friendships, often with peers who value movement, music, and self-discipline. If your child is interested in dance, it’s not too late to start as a “Middle.” It can be a great chance to develop some wonderful friendships!
19. Martial Arts –
Much like dance, martial arts also involve movement and discipline, making it a great elective for kids in this Middle age group! It’s also a great way to socialize and meet friends!
20. Group Art Classes for Children –
Local studios and artists sometimes offer group art classes for different age groups. It can be a more affordable option than private classes and a great way for your artistic Middle to learn more about art and meet friends who share that interest. If you don’t have a club like this near you, but have a friend who is artistic, it never hurts to ask if they’d be willing to teach a group class!
21. YMCA Programs –
Did you know the YMCA has programs just for homeschoolers—from physical activities to sports clubs to all kinds of different electives? What’s offered may vary from place to place, so check with your local club to see what may interest your Middle!
22. Sports Teams –
If you have an active child, enrolling them in a local sports team can be a wonderful way to hang out with the same children multiple times a week, learn about teamwork, and get some energy out! Whether it is basketball, soccer, or swimming, there are often community groups that meet outside of the school system, which is great for homeschoolers.
23. Children’s Theater Productions –
Do you have a local playhouse or theater group? Chances are, they have a summer camp, children’s plays, or even drama classes for elementary and middle school-aged children. Getting involved in a theatrical community is something that many homeschooled children can enjoy from a young age all the way up to adulthood, making lifelong friends along the way.
24. Homeschool Choir –
Homeschool choirs provide a fun, collaborative environment for kids who love to sing. Joining a choir allows your Middle to develop their vocal skills while making friends with others who share their passion for music.
25. Book Club Discussions –
For kids who love to read, joining or organizing a book club can be a wonderful way to discuss favorite books, explore new genres, and connect with other young readers. Check your library for this, or help your Middle start his or her own bookclub! (What a great opportunity to foster leadership skills!)
26. Group Music Lessons –
Whether it’s learning an instrument or playing in an ensemble, group music lessons can be a fantastic way for Middles to explore their musical interests while building friendships with other young musicians. Plus they will feel like they are “in a band”!
27. STEM/Robotics Club –
STEM and robotics clubs offer a hands-on approach to learning about science and technology. These clubs give Middles the opportunity to work on exciting projects and collaborate with peers who share their enthusiasm for tech. It’s a great way to develop teamwork, too.
28. Chess Club –
Chess clubs are a great way for kids to challenge their minds and develop strategic thinking skills. Plus, they can meet other kids who enjoy the game, leading to friendly competition and new friendships.
This is just the jumping off point, but we hope this list of 25+ ideas for ways to socialize gives you some inspiration for ways to help your Middle homeschooler(s) make deeper friendships, learn, and discover more about their unique interests. As you can see, there are many options for this age range, whether you decide to facilitate as a homeschool host parent, join together with other families, or give your Middle more solo opportunities to shine.
Katie Gustafson has been a member of the world of “weird, unsocialized homeschoolers” for a long time–first as an alumnus and now as a homeschooling mom to a fiercely fun little girl! She’s very into anything creative, especially writing, dancing, and painting. She’s also particularly passionate about literature and owns more books than she will probably ever be able to read. However, she reassures herself with the belief that, in the event of a digital apocalypse, she’s cultivating a much-needed physical library for future generations. Katie is happy to contribute articles to Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers, Hip Homeschool Moms and Sparketh. She also has a personal blog on writewhereuare.com.