Giveaway: Homeschool Co-Ops

Posted by Karin | 0 comments

**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.