**The winner are Donna and Phyllis.
If you believe in the old adage of “there is strength in numbers” or “many hands make light work” then you are probably a good candidate for a homeschool co-op and if there isn’t one in your area then maybe it’s time you start one yourself!
Homeschool Co-ops: How to start them, run them, and not burn out by Carol Topp (Aventine Press; 2008) is just the book for anyone who is interested in starting or running a successful homeschool co-op. Successful in the sense that it meets the goals of the members and doesn’t burn out the organizer in the process.
Homeschool C0-op: a group of homeschooling parents that voluntarily unit together to educate their children. Comes in all shapes and sizes.
Written by a homeschooling mother and Certified Public Accountant the book is packed with both encouraging words and useful information.
Chapters include:
Benefits of Co-ops
There are many advantages to co-ops but two of my favorites from this chapter are socialization and sharing special talents and skills.
Disadvantages of Co-ops I think it’s great that Carol included a chapter on disadvantages because like homeschooling itself, one size doesn’t fit all and for some the disadvantages may outweigh the advantages.
Different types of co-ops
At this chapter I knew I was interested in co-ops but I was definately nervous about whether or not what I wanted really was infact, a co-op. After reading this chapter I was relieved to see that co-ops can be as diverse as the homeschoolers who join them!
Your first planning meeting
Okay, so you’ve learned the pros and cons and (hopefully have) determined the type of co-op that interests you, now what? This chapter is like a mini workbook that gets you on track with outlining and planning your co-op.
What’s in a name? Names, Missions and Purposes
For some this is the fun part but it’s also a crucial one. Contains everything you need to know about choosing a name, mission and purpose.
Leadership
If you are the type of person to think about starting up a co-op chances are you are a leader. But you cannot do it alone and this chapter tells you why.
Co-op Offerings
This chapter is packed with ideas taken from homeschooling co-ops across the country. There are lists of classes by age, topic and even curriculum. Get your highlighter ready!
Money Management
Everything you would expect from a CPA…
Managing Volunteers and Conflict
Unfortunately many great ideas never make it to fruition because of conflict. This chapter speaks specifically to the issues that cause many co-ops to fail.
Ready for the next step?
Though this chapter may never apply to you, it does tell you the basics of what you need to know about gaining 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Avoiding Burnout
An encouraging chapter on what you can do to avoid burnout and keep yourself and your co-op on track.
I can think of no better book to read this summer to get you excited about the upcoming school year and co-op opportunities. To kick off a great summer of planning, TWO lucky Heart of the Matter readers can receive this book free!
To enter, simply leave a comment. Comments will be closed on Friday, June 12th at 10:00pm EST and the winners will be notified by email.
Visit Carol Topp’s website: HomeschoolCPA.com for more useful information and resources.
Always wanted to learn more about homeschool co-ops. This book looks like a great resource. Thanks for offering it as a giveaway.
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Sounds like a great book! Please enter me.
Lisa V.’s last blog post..Tackle It Tuesday – Birthday Party
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I have wanted this book for a long time. Please enter me. I love the thought of putting together a co-op.
Ellen’s last blog post..Make Way For Ducklings….Part 5
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I have been in a few co-ops and thought of starting one in my home since we do not have two cars and so are “stuck” in the house all week. This would be a big help.
Debbie’s last blog post..Lies Women Believe Chapter 1
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Thank you for this giveaway! I could REALLY use this book, as I have been thinking of starting a Charlotte Mason co-op, since there are none in my area. I could definitely learn from this book, rather than tripping over issues myself and learning the hard way. =)
Jenn M
Jenn M.’s last blog post..A Friendly kind of day!
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I’ve always been curious about co-ops, and this book looks like just the thing to explain them to me.
roseinthemorning [at] gmail [dot] com
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As leader of our local homeschool co-op, I am always looking for new ideas. This book sounds great. I am particularly interested in the chapter on Avoiding Burnout! Please enter me.
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This would be a great book to have. We started a co-op last year and I’m sure this book would come in handy with some of our challenges.
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Love to win!!!!
Terri Sue’s last blog post..Walking in Faith
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I’d love to have this give-away! Thanks for offering it!
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Thank you for the offer. It sounds like a good resource.
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WOW I would love to read this! There is a nice HS group 45 min from us. We have joined in at times but I would like to start something for all the smaller towns near me. Great review! Thanks
Susan’s last blog post..Diane Birch Discover and Donate
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I have benefitted from Carol’s seminars and would love to have a copy of her book in helping better organize our co-op. Thank you for reviewing it.
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I’m actually thinking about starting a co-op in my small town. So many of my friends drive SO far for the big coop in the next town. But there are plenty of us here to start our own. The very thought is overwhelming, but I’m praying about it.
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I just became co-leader of a local group, I would love to win your book. It sounds like the perfect summer reading!! =)
Phyllis@Aimless Conversation’s last blog post..Poor Blog is feeling a bit neglected…
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I’ve considered buying this on several occasions. We are re-structuring our existing co-op and are always looking for more great ideas to make us better. Avoiding burnout is also quite necessary, and I’d love to be able to share that info with the rest of our group.
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We are in the process of beginning our own local support group and having this book as part of our library would be wonderful!!!! Please enter us in your contest. Thank you.
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Looks like a great book, thanks for the entry & chance to win it.
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I have received a lot of helpful advice from Carol Topp when I went through the process of applying for tax exemption for our co-op last year (successfully!) I would like to win the drawing for her book because she has lots of practical and helpful tips.
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I would love this book….I’m trying to start a co-op in our area, and I’m about to give it up!!! I need help and advice!
~liz
~liz’s last blog post..those loveable little cows!
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Would love to read her helpful information about co-ops.
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Your book sounds very informative and helpful to everyone already involved in a Co-op as well as people desiring to start a Co-op. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book!
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This book would be helpful. I am already burned out on our two-year old co-op, and am considering bowing out. This is not without guilt feelings. I’d love the opportunity to win this book. Maybe I can figure out how to make changes.
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Thank you for offering the book give away. This book would be an encouraging and helpful resource for our co-op. The timing is perfect for our group as we are seeking answers to questions.
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Our co-op completed its first year of operation and I wish I had seen this book two years ago! Getting it off the ground has been a big undertaking. Burnout is knockin’ on our door already. Please enter me!
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Oh, PLEASE, oh, PLEASE! I would love to win this book! My comment is this: I love your website and all the information it provides! Thank you for such a great resource….Blessings!
Alison Goodwin
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I would love to have a copy of this book. I am a board member of a homeschool support group that tries to have two 8-week co-ops each year. Thanks!
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I think coops can be a huge help when home schooling. Thanks for offering this as a prize.
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This book sounds very informative! I have a lending home library and I think this would make a great addition. Please enter me in the drawing and thank you!
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I am the leader of a Co-Op but it would be nice to have a resource to refer to to make sure I’m doing things correctly! Sounds like a great book!
christy’s last blog post..Dance Recital ’09
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This book looks like a great resource for those who want to start or have been involved in a co-op. I am currently a board member of a co-op that has tripled in size in two years. I am very interested in the don’t burnout section!!
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Some friends and I have been kicking around the thought of starting a co-op in our area. This book would be a great help to us as we begin our path to this new adventure.
We are in great hopes!,
- TristA
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We’ve had much more success with our schooling while being involved in a co-op. Thank you for sharing your information with others and providing us with an opportunity to receive a copy free.
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Well, we finally decided to go for it! Our homeschool support group is moving to a co-op this fall and what an eye-opener it has been so far! This book would be a blessing to those in the planning process as we are or for a group just thinking about it. Hoping for something “resource”-ful to read this summer! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of it.
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Would love a copy of this book for two friends who have started a homeschool co-op. Glad to have found your site as well. Thank-you!
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Oh! When I heard about this book, I so wished I had it when some friends and I were starting our cooperative a few years ago. It is on my “Get and read” list for the summer! Thanks so much!, jb
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I have homeschooled since 2003 and have struggled with finding just the right group. One group disbanded, others have told me they have no room, and others don’t have quite exactly what we want. I would love to read this book and glean knowledge to apply!
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I am trying to organize a co-op for this coming school year and would love to win a copy of the book. :O) It is on my to buy asap list. LOL
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Sounds like a great read. I have not found a coop nearby that fits our needs. I have been thinking of starting one and this would be a huge help.
Thanks for the chance to win!
Sweet Serendipity’s last blog post..A Thousand Words Thursday
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I have just started organizing a co-op and this would be a great help!
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We have a co-op in the making, and although I am not in charge, this book would be a tremendous resource in order for me to come along side those who are organizing it!
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Thank you for being such an encouragement to me. May God bless you and your endeavors.
Please include my name in the drawing for the book.
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This book sounds like it has some great information to encourage co-ops. I would like my name included in the drawing. Thanks so much!
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This book sounds interesting! Thanks.
gahome2mom at gmail dot com
GAhome2mom’s last blog post..The King’s Legacy by Jim Stovall
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