Today we have Friday Forum. It is a Homeschool Co-Op that meets once a month. There are around forty families or so that participate. Some of the classes that the March girls participate in are cooking, karate, drama, speed stacking, painting, and science. This doesn't even begin to cover the list of classes that are available.
For us this is a very special day to get together with friends and enjoy learning experiences together. It is also a nice way to sample classes that are offered in the community. If the girls find something they really enjoy we can then sign up for more involved classes.
One of my favorite parts of Friday Forum is the mom's break room. I get to be in a room with a bunch of other homeschool moms and some really yummy snacks with no kids! It is a blast. We talk about resources, challenges we are facing, and celebrate our triumphs. I love listening to stories the veteran moms share. Some of these amazing ladies have been homeschooling for fifteen to twenty years.
I also enjoy teaching classes. This year I teach the Jr. and Sr. High School Cooking Class and assist with the Karate Class. It is very interesting to be teaching my friends kids without their moms around. I get to see a different side of them and they develop a relationship with me outside the mom's friend stereotype. I guess we become real people to each other. This is really important when you understand that these are also my children's best friends. I really enjoy getting to know their true personalities.
If you homeschool I hope that you have a co-op that you can participate it. They are and invaluable resources.
If you don't belong to a co-op look around and see if there is one you can join.
If that's not working out start your own. The number of homeschoolers who would like to be in a co-op is far higher then the number of co-ops available.
Starting your own co-op is not that hard. The first step is to find a location that is willing to let you meet. Try different churches in your area. Sometimes granges work out as well. If you have a fairly small co-op that is just getting going you can even meet in some one's home.
Invite a few homeschoolers you know to join you. You may need to run an ad in you local support groups newsletter or post on a local homeschool e-mail group.
Have a planning meeting with the other interested parties. You will need to decide how often you group will meet and what your focus will be. A small group that is just starting out may just focus on science or history. I hosted a small Latin and Art group for a year in my home. We would get together twice a month and do different Latin activities. Then we would have an art class. There were three moms and twelve kids ranging in age from thirteen years to three months. This was really wonderful accountability to keep us getting our Latin done.
Make sure that ALL parents understand what their responsibilities are. One person may be the lead teacher and the other keeps an eye on the younger ones. Or you may plan to alternate the teaching responsibilities. Then make sure to be accountable for what you have agreed to do. Nothing will kill a co-op faster then parents who don't follow through on their obligations. (Yes, this does happen!)
The more adults you have participating in your co-op the larger your talent pool is. Mrs. Tosetsofbooks used to be an accountant and would be willing to share her skills with a math class. Mr. Blownheadgasket is a mechanic who is willing to teach and automotive class. Mrs. Hiphop is willing to teach a dance class. You get the idea. Just because we are parents doesn't mean we don't have other useful skills to draw on. After all, I'm sure Mrs. Blogger would love to take over your writing class.
Over time you may need to have someone act as treasurer. Supplies cost money and a very small amount paid out by the co-op members can go a long way for purchasing for the whole group.
Snacks are also an important thing to consider, especially if you have younger children participating and you will be meeting for more then 45 minutes. We are so blessed to have a retired Chef who is also a homeschool dad. He provides wonderful snacks each month and even keeps track of all of the food allergy information.
I hope this gives you some ideas for forming your own co-op. If you do start one post about it. I want to hear how it's going! If your all ready in a co-op that is doing some amazing stuff make sure to post about it. I'm always looking for new ideas!
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