With uncertainty surrounding the safety of kids returning to school this fall, there have been whispers among some local parents about turning to homeschooling.
Peggy McCoyle, co-administrator of local homeschooling group By God’s Grace Homeschool Friends, said she’s been hearing a lot of the concerns parents are voicing over COVID-19. She said she’s received more inquiries about homeschooling in the past few weeks than ever before.
“I’ve had four different families reach out to me for guidance and wanting to join the group in the past three weeks,” McCoyle said. “There’s going to be a huge, huge number of families pulling their kids out of public school this year based on what I’m experiencing.”
As the co-administrator, McCoyle assists parents with curriculum questions, keeps families updated on relevant legislation and organizes field trips and get-togethers for families to provide a community for students who might otherwise be isolated.
“While I think homeschooling is wonderful, that’s one of the few drawbacks to it,” McCoyle said. “Because kids aren’t physically going to school every day and interacting with other children, they can miss out. That’s why we’re here, though. To help kids connect and make friendships.”
For McCoyle, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
“I think it’s just so wonderful to have that one-on-one connection,” she said. “A lot of kids get left behind in a classroom setting when everyone is at the same pace. At home, I can work with my son on a topic until he gets it. I can see him grow in that way.”
As someone who has been homeschooling since 2006, McCoyle said another benefit is the connection a parent and child can have when they are learning and developing together each day.
“It’s so wonderful to see the look in a parents eye when they come to me and say ‘my child finally got this’,” she said. “There’s such a strong bond between the parent and child when they’re able to come closer through that learning process.”
One of the biggest concerns McCoyle has been helping parents with is choosing the right curriculum.
“I don’t ever choose a curriculum for someone else, but I definitely help lead parents toward the different options that could be best for them and their child,” McCoyle said. “We are a Christian group, but we don’t require or necessarily push families to go for a faith-based curriculum. It’s whatever is best for them.”
There are an array of curriculums, both online and paper, for parents to choose from. McCoyle said in the past she has purchased textbook and workbook curriculums for her children at Barnes & Noble, used homeschool bookstores and online.
Money is always a factor, too, McCoyle acknowledged. She said she has bought workbooks as low as $5 and a full curriculum set for about $600.
“It can range in cost depending on where you go, what company you go with and what’s best for your child,” she said.
McCoyle said By God’s Grace Homeschool Friends currently works with 15 homeschooling families in Mitchell, Yancey and Madison counties.
McCoyle added anyone who is interested or curious about homeschooling is welcome to contact her at the By God’s Grace Homeschool Friends email at bgghfriends@gmail.com.