The Roanoker July/August 2024 - 66

Education
Classical is one of many homeschool philosophies.
Others include Charlotte Mason, Unschooling, Eclectic
and Unit Studies.
Megan Saben and her husband agreed when they married
to homeschool their children. She says they homeschool
their five boys, ages seven to 17, because " we want
them to know God, to read lots of books, to think, to
explore personal interests and to have plenty of free time. "
They enjoy having discussions throughout the day and
addressing character issues as they arrive.
Saben was homeschooled through elementary school in
Iowa in the 80's and 90's.
" For a while, it was illegal, and I remember picketing
on the Capitol steps when a pastor was put in jail for
homeschooling, " says Saben. " We were in the local news
now and then because my parents were pioneers in the
movement. "
Brittany McPherson, Outdoor Education professional,
was homeschooled in elementary school then attended public
school and was an honor student. Despite graduating
from college with two degrees and feeling she did all the
right things, she didn't know her passions or plans. She
wanted something different for her children and began
homeschooling 10 years ago because she believes it is the
right path for her children, now 10, 12 and 15.
" We have the time and flexibility to pursue individualized
paths, " she says. " Each child can go at the pace that
works for them. "
They participate in Great Valley Homeschool House,
a co-op that meets weekly, and Valley Forest School, a
supplemental drop-off program that teaches nature skills
like foraging, fire building and water purification and a farm
program that teaches gardening and farm skills.
Kathryn Keefer began home instruction with her daughters,
Hailey, 15, and Makayla, 13, during COVID when
public schools implemented virtual learning. After school
reopened, the girls went back but it was not a good environment
for their mental and emotional health, especially
since they experienced bullying.
" I wanted them to feel safe, heard and loved - which they
were not feeling in public school, " says Keefer.
After trying a private online school, they switched to
Time4Learning and started participating in a Circle Group.
Keefer emphasizes, " You know your kids best so do what
you know is right for you and your family, knowing that
everyone's experience will look different. "
Wilson homeschooled her children after discovering her
son was deaf and qualified for cochlear implant surgery
which required multiple trips to UVA. To accommodate
his needs, the family stayed home and helped him to hear
and be verbal.
After homeschooling for nine years, " chasing classes all
over " and trying some co-ops, she polled other moms to
find out what they wanted in a school for homeschoolers.
In September 2015, TRLT opened its doors offering a
variety of pre-K - 12th grade classes. In the last few years,
approximately 70 families with 200 students attended the
Monday classes.
Unlike a co-op, parents are not required to teach a class.
Instead, they pay a small fee for their children to attend and
be taught by people passionate about their subject.
Students may attend all day or come just for a class or
two. Plans include adding a second day of the week for theatre
arts and choir as they gain access to the Old Colonial
Elementary building.
Local homeschool academies and co-ops offer opportunities
to learn together and classes cover a wide range of
topics. Some families join for the classes while others join
to broaden their social circles.
The concern about socialization arises when considering
homeschooling, but many experienced homeschool mothers
say their children interact with people of all ages through
co-ops, apprenticeships, conversations with neighbors and
everyday life situations. There are homeschool recreation
leagues, social events, dances and field trips.
Saben says her boys bond with each other and friends
over video games and they host a book club at their house,
and hike with other families.
" We get compliments on how the kids engage with
people of all ages, " McPherson shares. " They are exposed
to a broader range of social situations because they are
homeschooled, not in spite of it. "
For families considering homeschooling, McNeil offers
programs at Franklin and Bedford County libraries where
she covers the how-to's of getting started. Renee Campbell
offers these in Roanoke.
McNeil suggests finding a support system that includes
those who encourage you and a seasoned homeschool
parent.
" Even now I need one and I've been homeschooling
for 11 years, " she says. " You need others who understand
everything you're doing and can lift you up on those days
you feel like you might want to put them on that yellow
bus (we've all been there), to bounce ideas off of, to be
excited with you about new curriculum or something your
family is doing. "
Other moms agree a support system is invaluable. They
encourage becoming familiar with different philosophical
approaches and curriculums and visiting local co-ops.
" Homeschooling is about so much more than school...
it's about doing life together as a family and cultivating that
love of learning, " McNeil emphasizes. I
66 july/August 2024
TheRoanoker.com
COURTESY OF CHRISSIE MCNEIL
http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker July/August 2024

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