Homeschool Co-op Ideas-Before You Join
Homeschool Co-op Ideas, There are multiple benefits when you join a homeschool cooperative such as student interaction, joint teaching, assistance, motivation, and fun! But possibly you are asking, "Are there limitations to belonging to a cooperative?" Joining a cooperative is a little like making a marriage married. Following the nuptials and the honeymoon comes the living together. Matrimony is undoubtedly a blessing, but it is helpful if you are well equipped and progress with it with your eyes wide open. The same is accurate with a homeschool cooperative. The process is exceptional for a while in your union with a friendly crowd, answering your questions. You are in the early phase of the experience. Little things may start to annoy you as time passes. You could become disappointed with the way things happen. Or your child may have a difficult time adjusting to the situation.
Never fear. Like being wed, the problems of a cooperative can overcome if you know what to expect. Unmet expectations are the one complaint of former collaborative participants.
Homeschool Co-op Ideas-Expectations
Like a spouse, no co-op will meet all your expectations. Before joining a homeschool co-op, you should examine your motivations and desires in joining a co-op. Ask yourself, "What is most important to my family and me? What do I want most out of this co-op experience?" Perhaps you most desire social relationships for your children. Then when you are dissatisfied with the start time, the amount of homework or the lack of singing for preschoolers, focus on your most active desire. Is that expectation being met? If so, release the other, lesser expectations.
When I joined a homeschool co-op, I wanted group cooperation for my boys and lessons I was unable to teach due to lack of experience. Because the cooperative met this need, I was successful. Unfortunately for some co-op participants, they were not happy with the experience. Among co-op members' different expectations, some may be obvious and clear, while some of our hopes go unstated and often misunderstood.
Homeschool Co-op Ideas-Abandoning Control
Giving control may look like an asset to some families who will willingly give it up for specific subjects like algebra, biology dissection, or foreign language. Of course, turning over teaching responsibility for difficult issues can be a relief. In fact, access to advanced classes may be the reason you sought out a co-op, to begin with, it!
While granting teaching responsibility to others may seem beneficial, turning over control is another matter. Face it: homeschoolers like control! We like to direct our children's environments, their exposure to the world, and their friendships. We pick carefully the curriculum they use. I once met a woman who wanted every subject her child studied to be firmly grounded and rooted in Scripture, including Bible verses for every chapter of science, etc. While this woman may have found her perfect curriculum for use at home (there are several to choose from), she would not have enjoyed a co-op because she would have had to relinquish some control.
When relinquishing control over specific subjects is an issue for you, then you can do one of two things: Release your hold, praying frequently, or find a co-op that will use the curriculum you desire.
Homeschool Co-op Ideas-Too School-like
Many co-ops are very school-like in their structure. My co-op met in an in an old classroom at our church. The classes had chalkboards and desks, making it much like a school. Many of our parents liked the proposition rooms it was useful to conduct courses in a schoolroom. If you are a free soul or an unschooler, you may not feel happy in a school room. Before registering, tour the co-op at work to get a taste of the surroundings and the atmosphere. You may decide that the advantages surpass the negative attitudes of a structured situation, or you may determine that you can relish a little structure once a week.
Homeschool Co-op Ideas Time Constriction
In a co-op class, you might not be able to spend as much time on a subject as you might like. The one lesson I teach with the expectation that the students stop their work and proceed to another workstation when I turn off the light. I refuse to use a bell since I believe that it will take away from the situation.
Homeschool Co-op Ideas Summary
Going to a homeschool co-op can have some difficulties, but challenges can bring advantages. What is a disadvantage to co-oping for some parent, such as yielding control, can be a bonus for another homeschooling mother. Some co-ops may seem too structured for one family, while another family could benefit from more organization in their lives. Joining a homeschool co-op will take commitment, but hopefully, it will be time and money well spent.
