Children who attend local public school enjoy years of Boxerwood programming, but what about homeschoolers? This fall we’ve found a way to connect with these learners too, thanks to a new partnership with an area homeschooling cooperative, Raw Learning.
The parent-led group, called Raw Learning, coordinates enrichment opportunities for homeschoolers in Rockbridge and adjacent counties. It is one of several homeschooling cooperatives active in the area. Earlier this year Raw Learning sought and received a community grant for connecting homeschoolers to arts and environmental education. Discussions with Boxerwood ensued, and by this fall the two groups had a plan in place.
“Basically it’s a subscription program,” explained Elise Sheffield, Boxerwood education director. Based at Boxerwood, the pilot features a series of 7, two-hour programs offered every other Thursday afternoon throughout the fall. Boxerwood educators design and facilitate the activities while Raw Learning advertises and recruits homeschooling families and takes care of paperwork. Raw Learning also subsidizes the cost of the program to ensure it stays family friendly for those enrolled.
“We set the enrollment at 20 children,” said Elise, “and invite two parents each week to help chaperone.” Designing and leading the program is Boxerwood educator Caroline Coons, with help from colleague Madeline Fuentes. “Caroline herself has experience as a homeschooling parent so it has been a great fit,” said Elise. The new program this fall introduced children to a different animal species each week as part of a larger investigation about animal habitats and behavior. “It’s gone from beavers to ants and everything in between,” said Caroline, who has also introduced community experts into the mix, further enriching the children’s experiences. “Plus pumpkin carving and nature crafts!,” she exclaimed.
“Learning how to meet the diverse needs and expectations of homeschooling families is a bit tricky,” remarked Elise, “and we’re really grateful that Raw Learning stepped up so we can figure it out. We’ve learned a lot together.” Another series of programs is already in the planning for spring. For more information, contact Caroline at caroline@boxerwood.org
