Co-op? Pros? Cons? « SCM Discussion Forum: Charlotte Mason Method Homeschooling

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Co-op? Pros? Cons?

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Started 2 years ago by 3babygirls
Latest reply from Shawnab

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3babygirls
Member

What are the advantages and disadvantages to participating in a co-op?

My girls are 6, 4 and 18 months. We did the electives last year, but not the classes. The deadline for joining is the end of June, and I am not sure about it.

The co-op is all morning on Fridays, and then we do the electives, which are afternoons. That brings me down to only 4 days a week for lessons. The co-op classes even have homework for the students from my understanding.

I am also required to help in at least 2 classes (or teach, but I am not up for that).

Since my girls are still pretty young I was thinking about just doing the electives again and save the classes for another year, but my husband is wanting me to do the whole thing. (He will go with whatever I decide, however)

Any experience in co-ops with younger children?

Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
my3boys
Member

We are part of a home school group that has co-op classes as well. I would say that it all depends on the co-op and what is expected of you and if you are able to commit the group or if you even want to. My kids long to be a part of the classes, but my kids are 11, 7 and 4. My oldest has the most desire for obvious reasons, my 7yo has voiced some of the same reasons in the past, but has changed his tune a bit.

Our last years experience will not be repeated this coming year if I can help it, so this is what I did to help keep that from happening. First of all I limited the amount of classes they could be involved in (surprisingly my 7yo didn't want to do as many anyway) and I made better choices. If the classes could not fulfill a subject we're covering then they couldn't sign up or if it was way too un-CM friendly:) Second of all, I am teaching a class this year for my 4 and 7 yo (they'll be 5 and 8, by the fall) that will be CM friendly then they'll head to their grandparents for the rest of the day:) I may give them time to play in the yard of the building we utilize and possibly get some nature study in, but we'll see. My 11 yo will only have 2 classes and they are covering subjects we would've done at home and will give him an oppprtunity to cultivate friendships.

Last year we were so overwhelmed (my fault) with the classes that it made the co-op day very stressful. I don't want to not be involved, but at the same time I had to really think about the pros and cons. Like I said, though, it all has to do with how your group works and what is expected of you; our group is very flexible, but there are some expectations which are not unreasonable.

One thing I wish I would have thought out more last year was how the classes fell during the day/weeks and how I could've made it better for us, but that is hindsight:) We have classes that fall every other week and for my littler boys that would have been a better fit for us, but then I have my 11 yo whose classes fell each week so we still would've had to be there. It would've been less stressful if I had thought it out more.

Just FYI: In our hs group being a part of the co-op classes is a big deal, didn't use to be but it is now. We have ample opportunity for field trips, craft days, etc. but for some reason it has turned in to a social outlet for the kids (and maybe the moms too, I don't know). Also, I am the membership coordinator so I have to be involved (on the co-op day) and in other areas of the group throughout the year, so I was really looking for a way to be there but not be overly involved if it wasn't going to be a benefit to our CM homeschool.

I hope that helps, but not sure if I even answered your question or confused the issue:) I will say that the CM part of me wants to forgo the classes altogether, but there is a part of me that really enjoys the friendships we have made through the classes (for all of us). I just had to really consider our goals and not cave to the "Oh, that would be so fun!" comments from my friends or my kids. I'm not an ogre, but there's only so much a person can take in one day. (My kids had 10 classes combined last year plus pottery and music after the co-op day and trying to fit in the grandparents, what was I thinking?? Oh, I know, I wasn't)

Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
missceegee
Member
Hi 3baby girls,

I run a CM inspired co-op - RCHA - that is going into its 2nd year now. Not all members school CM style, but most do and our classes, seminars, etc. reflect the CM philosophy. I left a much larger, more eclectic group that desperately wanted members to start new groups. The leader of that group has been my mentor for how to run this group.

Our group has 2 levels of membership - limited and full. Limited members can join us for park play days, field trips, seminars, Mom Chat evenings, basically anything we offer, except for classes. Full members participate in weekly co-op classes (2 hours of classes, once per week, 15 weeks fall and 15 spring). I strongly recommend those with just little ones to join our limited group. That way they are making friendships under parental supervision and the moms get encouragement and support from one another, in a very easy way. Now, with that said, our classes are very nice and help meet the needs or requirements of our families without just being an extra thing to check off, each class is 1 hour. This fall we will have the following:
- Nursery (infant - 2s or 3s)
- 2s & 3s Preschool - Storytime Adventures (story, classical music, art projects, play time, Bible verses)
- 4s & 5s Preschool & Kindergarten - Alphabet Adventures (book of the week, fingerplays, songs, simple science experiments, Bible verses)
- 1st & 2nd Grade - Geography & Missions (8 wks), 101 Things Kids Need to Know (7 wks - practical life skills) and Science Fun w/ Experiments (15 wks)
- 3rd - 8th Grade - Jr. EMT (one dad who is a fireman & paramedic is leading this very hands on and practical class)
- 3rd - 5th - Apologia Botany
- 6th - 8th - Writer's Workshop (Written narration will be explored through a variety of activities that will help the children utilize writing skills they already possess by writing on topics that interest them. We will focus on the natural development of writing through the use of verbal narration, dictation, written narration and analysis of good literature. Most writing will be done in class)
- 9th - 12th - Yearbook and Apologia Chemistry (outside teacher teaching college style, this is our big deviation from CM to give these kids a small taste of what to expect if they go to college)
Our other events include weekly playtime at the park (for those interested), monthly Mom Chat evening with mini CM lessons, 1 monthly field trip option, group specific events every other month or so (tonight the elem. girls had game night w/ the moms). I have offered SCM seminars twice, as well. We connect service projects to our other events (Christmas Dessert and Shoeboxes for Kids in Need). We have about 3 special events per term (Ice Cream social kick-off in Sept, Thankful Feast in Nov., Christmas Cookie Party in Dec., Family Field Day in Mar, Spring Banquet and Talent Program in Apr.)

We meet weekly from 9:30 - 12:00 during the school year and afterwards those interested head to the park for lunch and play. We require each adult to teach or assist during one hour of classes with the other hour free for fellowship with other moms (unless a substitute is needed). We also ask that everyone help out with something extra (either planning an event, setting up weekly, something).

Our group has ~ 35 families in full membership w/ ~ 80 kids. Our max enrollment is 100 and at this time, we're only taking families that have at least one middle or high school student.

Has starting and running this group been a lot of work? Yes, but it has been richly rewarding as well. My kids are meeting other families with similar values and beginning to form some meaningful friendships. I get to encourage and help others newer to homeschooling or CM than I. I am encouraged by having like-minded families to fellowship with. I wouldn't trade it at this season in life. However, if my oldest was 6, I would most likely have formed a support group (like our limited option) instead of a full fledged co-op.

I read somewhere recently about the many choices we have and though they may all be wonderful, we must be willing to say no to some things in order to say yes to what is best in that season of life. For example, I may have the opportunities to: teach a women's Bible study, take my kid to cub scouts, take another to gymnastics, help with kid's Sunday school, etc, etc, etc. All are fine activities, but what would God have me to do in this season of life? For me, it's being His disciple, a loving wife & homeschooling mom and leading my homeschool group. This means that I have said no to many other good things, but I'm at peace with that because I'm doing what He wants me to do right in this season.

So, my suggestion...stick with the fun stuff and then join the classes in a couple of years if they help you cover something that you want to cover, after praying for His will first.

Blessings on your journey,

Christie
Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
Misty
Member

I have little co-op experience, and this is why. We only have 2 main co-ops in our area. One was a littler group that meet 2 times a month, expected you to take turns with snack which was like 2 times a year, volunteer for a certain number of hours (not mcuh), and was for about 3 hours. The 2nd is to me more like a school. They have great teachers who really know what they are doing, there is a cost involved, and a lot of volunteer hours to put in.

Here's why we didn't do the 1st one: One reasons was the hours fell somehow during quiet-time/nap-time. This is a very important time to me and my kids (all boys). We need that time to calm down from the morning. Also, after meeting with the group 2 times I didn't find the teachers/classes to really fill any gaps or extras I could see my kids needing. Cost not an option as there was non. Volunteering no biggy is it was very little. The 2nd group: Really there are 3 main reasons why we didn't join: 1. The cost for these very well instructed classes was high if I was to put 3 kids in a class (and dh and I agreed if I was to need to volunteer and drive a min. of 3 kids would make the most sense)2. The number of volunteer hours was high and they didn't want you to use it all in the nursery (I had 2 little ones who would be in there) 3. We couldn't seem to get all 3 kids into a class at roughly the same day or time.

That all siad the co-ops haven't fit our lifestyle yet. Now if the 2nd group ever could give my kids classes that would work on the same day/time I would look at joining that one. Otherwise when my oldest is in 8th grade (I tihink) there is a Catholic group (which is what I am) that would meet and they do things like science, Latin togheter and I will have to rethink my options then.

You really need to makethe list of pros and cons for your group and your desires and than decide if that will work for you. Hope my thoughts helped you in any way. Misty

Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
botanicalbecky
Member

So would you say for younger children (under 6 or whatever) it could be too much of a hassle? I'm on the fence because I think the social aspect could be important for the kids, but I'm afraid of having to be so committed to one day/week including volunteering/helping when I really don't know what I'm doing yet . We did a sports "class" and swim lesson at the YMCA last spring and I was really ready for it to end because of how it interfered with other stuff. But I recognized it was really good for my son, and he enjoyed it thoroughly. BUT we didn't sign up for another one during the next term. Mind you, we have our own small business which I also work for part-time so our time is limited somewhat. Idk.... any thoughts?

Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
missceegee
Member

If my oldest were only 6, I wouldn't be as interested, though my 6 yo and 3 yo love co-op. Routine and habits are more important to me at that age, but the difference is that with multiple kids, the younger ones are often pulled along with the older, good or bad.

~ Christie

Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
fivestones
Member

We have been a part of a co-op and I now run more of a support group with clubs.

We did a co-op one year and I felt way to stretched. You had to teach classes, had to stay present even if you weren't teaching, but not allowed in the classroom. So basically I would sit in my car for 3 hours. It was very "clicky". It was expensive and even after paying for your membership, you were also required to fundraise another amount of money.

A year later, I decided it was time to meet some other children and moms and we joined a very small support group that only met for park days, parties, nature walks, field trips, etc. We met once a week and there was no cost. The only requirement was to show up to something once a month. The group has grown to 65 families. We have added clubs. These are led by moms who have had something put on their hearts, never mandatory, and most meet once a month. For example, we have a geography club that meets once a month. We share area specific food and the kids share something that they learned about that specific place. Can be simple or elaborate. When we did France, one child built the Eiffel tower out of legos and gave us some facts. This is for all ages. We have added a $20 fee per family to help pay for party supplies and club supplies.

After doing both, I prefer the support group over the co-op.

HTH,

Vanessa

Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
missceegee
Member

Some new discoveries re. CM co-ops that I am exploring-

http://sageparnassus.blogspot.com/p/co-op-posts.html

http://amblesideoaksco-op.weebly.com/

Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
Shawnab
Member

Great thread! Co-ops vary so much, and it's interesting to hear about other's experiences. 3babygirls, you are defintely asking good questions.

I've been involved in a variety of co-ops and small group classes over the last 6 years. Here are a few things that I have discovered about myself and my family as it relates to cooperatives.

1. As we have become more CM, I find that I really need my mornings at home. For us, CM requires consistancy, rhythm, quiet, and chunks of uninterrupted time at home. For that reason, morning outing really don't work.

2. I find that a once per week commitment to almost anything is usually too much. Exceptions are Church, Family Bible Study, private piano lessons. That is all I can do without sacrificing the peace and quality of our home education.

3. Committments that do not allow me a lot of flexibility do not work. When the kids have fevers, my mother in law wants a visit, or the dog barfs in the kitchen, I may need to cancel, even last minute. Making lots of phone calls, scrambling for a sub...or WORSE...taking sick kids out because someone is counting on me to teach a class...does not work.

4. I have yet to find a small group class that can teach a subject better than I can using CM methods at home. I'm sure there are exceptions, but in general I find that the academic benfits of co-oping are, for me, overrated.

All that said, some things that ARE working for us co-op-wise. We attend a a once-per-month, afternoon homeschool family fellowship. This is a show-up-if-you-can, somewhat-organized play group. We rent a local gym in the cold months where we play games, and set up tables for free choice board games, crafts, legos etc.In the warm months, we choose various outdoor locations, such as the city pool, the park, etc. This has been great fun for my kids.

Also, I have found that an afternoon small group class, usually hosted in my home, for a short period of time (6-8 weeks) can provide opportunities for fun, cooperative learning. My oldest is 10, and we have hosted a group to learn writing skills, and to explore a few science units. It's been nice...not academically necessary...but very enjoyable.

Hope this help!

Shawna

Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
botanicalbecky
Member

So how do you find or start these support groups? I'm not sure how to reach other families to see if they would be interested or if there is something here for me to be involved with. Shawna - your points ring very true with me. We have been working very hard on having a routine and I also have felt that once/week committments are just too much. Christie - thank you too for your good advice re: littles and also mentioning the importance of routines. I know our family is on the right track in that regard - we've made good progress and I can see the improvements in our family life. But I also know my kids are yearning for some friendships besides each other and their grandparents. I don't know how I should handle this. I am not the most socially motivated person - dh either :). I like hanging out with people and all, but just not too often - ha! No, it just wears me out (I'm more of an introvert I guess), so I don't seek it out. But I don't want to deprive my kids, ya know?

Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
missceegee
Member

Botanicalbecky,

I was a part of a large eclectic co-op for about 3 years when the leader was begging for people to step up and start new groups. I prayed about it and RCHA began as a support group in 1/09 and a co-op in 9/09. I say it is CM styled and we have succeeded in making the classes somewhat CM, but I am really thinking hard right now, b/c I personally desire what you read about at Sage Parnassus blog. I do feel a bit school like at times, not the classes really, but the structure required to manage so many kids (100) and families (35 at co-op). We charge $25 per year for full membership + class fees (nominal at btw. $5-$20 per class for the semester) and $15 for limited membership (no classes). Field trips are extra, of course.

My group grew from 4 families who all left the other group simply by word of mouth and there are now 50 families involved. As for finding groups - is there a state organization of homeschool families you could ask? Here we have the FPEA and they have listings by district. Also http://www.homeschool-life.com has group listings. My group, uses this web service and I HIGHLY recommend it. You can see our public page athttp://www.homeschool-life.com/fl/rcha. Oh, there are yahoo groups dedicated to CM, too.

There is a HUGE need for support on this journey and it is sometimes hard to find the right fit, but I do think the rewards can be great if you get it right. Word of mouth has been the biggest thing, really, to attract people. One good way is to find out if anyone is interested in learning more about CM and then start a study group that reads either the original CM volumes or a modern translation or repackaging together - those people will be the most interested and then your group could grow from that.

I am going to try to attend the Child Light USA conference in NC in June, too. I think it will be great for ideas.

I hope that helps.

Christie

Posted 2 years ago # Report Post
Shawnab
Member

I both found a co-op and started a co-op! Our community had a homeschool co-op that I heard about from another homeschool friend. That would probably be the best place to start if you are looking to find something that already exists. Do you know any other families who homeschool in your area? Also, if you are in a populated area, I would Google homeschool support groups in your area. I am in podunk-ville, so we are not "googleable" here. Word of mouth is how we still desiminate information here!

I actually did not join the exisiting co-op because it was geared more towards academic enrichment and met every week. I was looking more for fellowship and less commitment.

So, I grabbed another couple homeschool mommy friends, and we started meeting together at the park. That morphed to meeting monthly at a church for play time, then to improving our play time with better activities, then to renting a better space, then to eventually forming a "Google Email Group" and a "formal" defination as to the purposes of our group. We've gone from a handful of families to over 30, representing a nearly a dozen churches, just by word of mouth.

As for small group classes, again, I just network with a few friends. When I decided to do a science group, I called a few friends with kids who I thought would be a good fit.

My co-oping has developed fairly "organically" and information.

Posted 2 years ago # Report Post

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