Homeschool Cooperative

Finding Support

Need support? A homeschool cooperative might be for you. Joining a group has benefits for parents and students. It is good to join in with like-minded people.

Today there are many different homeschool groups. Some are large and others are small. Some are formal and other groups are not formal. You should be able to find one that fits your needs.

Can’t find a group? Look below for some ideas on setting up your own group.

Reasons to Join

There are different reasons to join a co-op. Here are seven reasons that I have come up with.

Sometimes we need ideas on how to teach something. Maybe our children do not understand math or are having trouble with reading. We can find parents who have had similar struggles with teaching. From them we can learn teaching techniques.

• Sometimes we need ideas on how to teach something. Maybe our children do not understand math or are having trouble with reading. We can find parents who have had similar struggles with teaching. From them we can learn teaching techniques.
• We can find out about curriculum. You can find out what other families are using. Sometimes you can buy and sell used materials.
• Some groups have fun activities such as field trips or interesting classes such as mountain climbing.
• You and your children can find friends.
• Your child can have a classroom experience.
• You like to teach others what you know.

Types

There are as many types of homeschool cooperatives as there are homeschoolers. Some are small and meant for support and fellowship.

When I first started teaching my children I belonged to a small group. The moms met once a month to discuss upcoming events and different homeschool issues. We usually met at night so that our husbands could watch the children.

During our meetings we talked about how to teach math or another subject. We also talked about the advantages and disadvantages of the curriculum that we used.

As a group we went on field trips and had family picnics. On year we had a Keepers of Home group for our girls.

There are also large groups that are a lot like school. Some of the larger groups have academic classes. There may also be enrichment classes such as dance or sports.

Some groups are Christian, others are more secular. There are also co-ops that use a particular teaching method or textbook.

Many groups today charge yearly dues. They may also expect the parent to be involved. The parent might have to teach a class or be responsible for organizing a field trip.

Making a Homeschool Cooperative

If there is no co-op in your area you can make your own. Here are some ideas.

First find at least one likeminded homeschooling friend. With the friend discuss if you want to invite others. Discuss the goals and philosophy of the group. Develop your plan;

How often do you want to meet?

What activities will you do? Do you want to have classes? Do you want to go on field trips together?

Will you have a yearly fee for joining the co-op?  How will the money be used? Do you need to pay for a meeting room?

Where will you hold the meetings?

If you are inviting a lot of other people you will want to have a general planning meeting. At this meeting you will want to review the goals and philosophy of the group. See if anyone has any other suggestions. You will also want to talk about the responsibilities of the parents and children.

Disadvantages

As with anything there are some disadvantages to belonging to a homeschool cooperative. One is that we can get so involved with outside activities that we don’t teach our children. Each family is different and needs to adjust their time according.

Sometimes the local co-op does not fit our worldview. Sometimes we can’t find a group that uses our teaching philosophy. If you still want to be a part of a group then find some likeminded friends and make your own.

A homeschool cooperative can provide support for parents. They can provide friendship and educational opportunities for children. 

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