Thursday, June 3, 2010

To Co-op or Not to Co-op that is the question

Well, not really because from everything that I have researched it is a pretty nice way to get your child involved with other homeschoolers and have the ability to learn from other adults (this aside from church activities). Now, when you live in a small area that doesn't have a "Homeschool" Co-op, it is a bit intimidating to start one. We do have a Co-op Stay-at-Home Mom program, but this would be geared towards maybe a unit study or a direct lesson plan for a field trip.
Here is part of an article I read:

How To Start A Homeschool Co-op

If you do not have a homeschool co-op in your area, you can start one. Here is a general list of what you will have to do to get a homeschool co-op started in your area:
  • Find a location for your homeschool co-op. This could be your local community center, church or even your home. Once your location is decided it will help you determine how many families can be involved.
  • Decide what kind of homeschool co-op you want to have. Your homeschool co-op may be faith based, age specific, subject specific -- such as a reading co-op or math co-op. Write down the goals and expectations of the group and make a folder or information sheet with the pertinent information to give to interested homeschooling families.
  • Advertise the homeschool co-op. You can do this by posting fliers at the library or running a small ad in the newspaper. Be sure to state that there is a screening process for the group if you have implemented one. Be sure to also note if enrollment is limited and if it is on a first come first served basis.
  • Meet with the interested families and brainstorm ideas for the homeschool co-op. This is when parents will talk about their education philosophies, behavior expectations of the children and what they are looking for in a local homeschool co-op.
  • Plan a second meeting with families who are still interested in joining your homeschool co-op. This is when you actually plan out your homeschool co-op schedule and parents volunteer their time to lead classes, watch younger children and more. Keep in mind that some parents are not comfortable leading a group of children. These parents could be in charge of refreshments or being in charge of a monthly newsletter.
  • Start your homeschool co-op under the expectation that kinks will arise and that rules, policies and procedures will have to be put in place as the group grows. 
I will be praying about this. I sent an email out to the other moms in my area. We will see how it turns out. 

3 comments:

  1. Thank you for the follow!! Following you right back!! :)

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  2. Hii! I am your newest follower!!! I would love a follow back! http://stashmama.blogspot.com/ Thanks :) Happy Friday!!

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  3. Hi, I am following you from FF!!! I am your newest follower! I have been thinking about joining a co-op lately. Funny that I found your blog. I hope that you have a great weekend! Nice to meet you.
    Bonnie

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