Homeschooling with Co-Ops

One of the greatest misconceptions that people have when they hear the term “homeschooling” is that children who are homeschooled do not have the same opportunities for social interaction as children who attend school. In reality, homeschooled children have many resources and opportunities to lead a social life, including church, sports, hobbies, and educational co-ops. Recently, I asked homeschooling moms that are members of our two Yahoo groups to share some of their co-op experiences with me and I received a great response from many of them!

1. Kids enjoy the variety of resources and materials provided
2. Parents do not have to do as much research and footwork on their own; they are able to share with other co-op parents
3. Co-ops gives homeschooling families the opportunity to bond with other families in their city or state
4. Co-ops keep homeschooling families on schedule
5. Co-ops keep homeschooling families accountable for their studies
6. The extracurricular activities are fun for both the parents and kids, including football games, craft parties, theme parties, field trips, etc.
7. People who belong to co-ops sponsored by their church appreciate the opportunity to share their faith and bond with other parish families and the pastors, who sometimes participate also
8. Co-ops that offer classes or unit studies give students the opportunity to learn a broader range of topics and/or to learn a subject their own parents may not be comfortable teaching, for example higher level mathematics, music, or foreign languages
9. Students are exposed to different types of teachers
10. Students are held accountable by someone other than their parents
11. Parents provide each other with support and encouragement
12. Students have the opportunity to interact with kids of all ages, not just their grade or age level
13. People who belong to co-ops have a wide selection of experiences. Some belong to large co-ops that include over 200 families. Larger co-ops are able to teach many classes (one offers 80 different classes from preschool through high school with subjects ranging from science, math, history, art, music, foreign languages, drama, and public speaking) and sponsor many field trips and other activities. Some larger co-ops even offer courses that students earn college credits for.

Smaller co-ops may not have as large of a selection of resources, but the benefits are the same. Even a co-op with just a few families can benefit from the interaction with each other as well as gaining exposure to the different teaching and learning styles of its members.

Some co-ops meet once a week for a few hours and some meet a couple times a week for an entire school day. Many homeschoolers belong to Art, Music, or Physical Education co-ops. These organizations are a great resource to help parents include “extras” in their children’s education that they might not be offering at home. While music lessons, dance classes, soccer, gymnastics and other sports are great ways to add to a student’s regular curriculum, they can be quite costly. Co-ops that are organized strictly for phys ed give students the opportunity to learn a sport, play with other kids, be competitive, and to get their exercise.

Another great thing that many co-ops sponsor is Educational Fairs. These events are great opportunities for students to show off their work, whether it is art projects, science projects, or lapbooks! One Art co-op sponsors an art show for its students. They invite family and friends, serve desserts or appetizers, and allow kids to showcase their artwork!

In addition, some homeschoolers belong to online co-ops. Online co-ops may not offer the same social interaction or benefits to the students, but they are a great resource for parents. In addition, online co-ops are a perfect way to hold families accountable for their studies and to keep them on schedule. An online co-op is a great way for a parent living in a rural area to have the opportunity to interact with other homeschooling parents. Online co-ops are also a great idea for a first-time homeschooler who needs some guidance and support from others who are more experienced.

The biggest benefit that many homeschool moms liked about co-ops is the fact that their children (and themselves) are able to form real bonds with other children who homeschool. Whether the members of a co-op meet once a week for a couple of hours or meet several times a week for an entire day, the benefits are the same. Co-ops provide both parents and students a place to work together, support each other, and learn together!

©2007 Katie Kubesh

Katie Kubesh is co-owner and writer/researcher for In the Hands of a Child. Recognizing that hands-on projects are essential to the learning experience, In the Hands of a Child has created Project Packs that go beyond the hands-on aspect. They have taken the preparation time out of the parent/teacher job description with complete ready-to-assemble lapbook units that are available in eBook, printed book, and CD formats. Please visit their website at www.handsofachild.com.

Tags: community activities, educational fairs, Encouragement, homeschool, homeschool co-ops, Homeschool Support, In the Hands of a Child, joining a co-op, Lapbooking, Unit Studies, Yahoo

Related posts:

1. Homeschooling with Co-Ops One of the greatest misconceptions that people have when they hear the term “homeschooling” is...
2. Creative Homeschooling: Learning Centers Learning Centers for us is a great break from the monotony of the average day....
3. Homeschooling through a teenager’s eyes Hello everyone. The Heart of the Matter “meme” a few weeks ago was about seeing homeschooling...
4. Homeschooling for an Extraordinary Family – Part I How quickly things can change. This spring I was working 60 to 70 hours a...