As we walk in to public facilities, many people often question my daughter, Shachaamah, as to why she's not in school. She proudly proclaims, "I am in school. I'm homeschooled." For those that inquire further, we get the usual questions: "Don't you think that your children need to be around other children?" or "But what about socialization?"

Despite the research and evidence the nation still seems to be on this question about homeschooling. Why? This question never crossed our minds when my husband and I decided to choose the path of homeschooling. For the past two years we have been homeschooling and loving it! My daughter, has created a world of learning for us and it is a reciprocal relationship where we teach and learn from each other and others outside our family unit.

My husband, Abasi, and I decided to homeschool after learning about Florida's disparity cases of which children of color are behind the learning curve and continue to be so through high school where they receive certificates of attendance in lieu of a diploma of graduation. We decided we could do a better job, provide an African centered curriculum, and expose her to more.

Many think that homeschooling is lumped into one category. There are actually different styles of teaching. Homeschooling is more traditional where the child learns in a setting which is set up as teacher and student, with subjects. Unschooling is learning that is lead by the child, of which the child dictates what they want to learn. A typical day of learning at our house varies. We incorporate homeschooling and unschooling with our daughter. Our homeschooling day starts at 9a.m. and "ends" at noon. Learning does not begin and end at a certain time as seems to be the norm in public schools. Learning occurs around us in many forms. If Shachaamah wants to learn more about a bug she just saw outside we make the time to learn about this bug.

We teach math everyday and include other subjects throughout the week. Some topics include writing to pen pals, playing chess online, recycling, knitting, composting, animal care, and just being 7 years old with songs and make- believe. Some of Shachaamah's other activities are piano, tennis, chess, and daily visits to the library. Despite all of these activities, people continue to ask if she has friends or if she socializes.

Shachaamah also participates in two cooperatives. At the cooperatives she is learning sign language and participates in hands on learning about holistic health, safety, and whatever else the children want to learn about. This is not done individually, but with a group of at least 100 other children from all walks of life. How can she not socialize?

Socialization and having friends is a given in homeschooling - and a more realistic setting. Shachaamah is not only learning how to communicate with children her own age, but people of all ages. Where in life, besides school, are we separated by age? On the job and at play, we become closer because of our common interests.

Every year we evaluate what Shachaamah wants to learn and each time we include the necessary lessons she will need in order to obtain life skills. We do not have to write in socialization because without it she would not learn realistically and wholistically. It is important to have a variety of experiences and be exposed to differing opinions and views. In this way a child is able to form her own opinion and think for herself. Perhaps a better question to ponder is, If you don't homeschool your children how will they ever truly be socialized?

Latoya Brown lives in Florida with her family, dog and cats. She homeschools, enjoys hobbies of knitting, composting and everything in between. She is an entrepreneur and a Public Speaker.