To Join a Homeschool Co-op or Not?
Homeschool co-ops are becoming more and more popular and because of this popping up everywhere. There are also so many reasons homeschool families turn to co-ops. Reasons such as the big ‘S” word, socialization. Also to help with subjects that the parents can’t teach, to even just a break in the school week. Whatever your reasons to looking into a co-op here are a few things to consider.
What is a homeschool co-op?
A homeschool co-op is a group of homeschoolers coming together to provide educational classes and social activities together. This can be at a meeting hall, or a member’s home. Some even meet in churches as well. Each co-op will look different. Some look like a traditional class room, while others look like kids are hanging out with friends are much more laid back.
Benefits to a co-op
The biggest benefit of a co-op is if you are weak on a certain subject and it’s hard for you to teach, like math, your child can learn it from someone who is great at math. They can learn it from a different angle and it’s such a relief of pressure off of you. In return you teach a course on your strong suit, such as history, to offer other parents the same courtesy.
Your kids get a ‘classroom’ feel and get to meet other homeschoolers their age, older and younger than them. Many great friendships can be formed here.
Benefits for you include chatting with other homeschool parents and exchanging tips and tricks. This is a great way to find out about new homeschool resources and curriculum. I have found some of my favorite items by talking to other parents! You can also find out about field trips or plan some yourself with other families.
Some subjects need to be taught in groups in public speaking, art, drama and in some cases PE class. This is the perfect way to do them. You can do these in a small co-op at a member house as well.
Disadvantages to a co-op
The biggest disadvantage of a co-op is the set schedule of having to be there every week and a certain time. One of the biggest advantages of homeschooling is flexibility and if you are behind and have to still make your co-op time it can be a bit stressful.
A co-op is also an additional cost for each kid. If you have multiple kids this could be an extra stretch in your budget.
Each co-op is set up differently and you may not be a fit for the one you sign up for. Educational believes may be different or even the parenting philosophies and the way the other kids behave might factor in.
If you really want to do a co-op be prepared for trial and error and testing a few out before finding your perfect fit.
What did you love or dislike about your co-op experience?
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