HOD and Co-op Question

[gmhaynes]

I just got out of a planning meeting for a co-op that I am joining next year. I am excited about the co-op, as we have been searching for a while to find one in our area. I have a dilemma and I am hoping that some of you have faced the same things and can help me figure this out. Next year I am planning on using Bigger (dd 8-2nd grade) and LHFHG (ds 5-K) for my two older children. I LOVE HOD and really don't want to deviate much from it. Our co-op is teaching a 4 year history cycle with Biblioplan and this year is Middle Ages. Then they are also doing Science using Answers in Genesis. So we meet every Friday and they will have their history and science class at the co-op. I have talked to several moms there and they all say that they do not do any other history or science except the assigned readings, etc in preparation for Friday classes at the co-op. I am trying to figure out how I make this work. I know that math, language arts, phonics, etc. are not tied into the history lessons with HOD, but I love how the history ties into everything else. I am just not sure how to incorporate the co-op lessons without overwhelming me or the kids with too much to do. Has anyone else done this sort of thing and how do you do it? Any suggestions?

[mamabeavabjo]

I, personally, would probably not join a co-op that dictates the history and science I teach. It would just not be my personal choice, but I'm sure others would like it. I am getting ready to begin my first year of HOD next year, but it seems like it might not be worth it to use HOD if you won't be using the science and history since the readings are tied to them.This was one of the things that initially drew me to HOD. Perhaps you could use your co-op for some enrichment to what you are teaching at home and just not go in depth. Our local co-op offers generic, elective type classes like PE, drama, Narnia study, art, etc. Last year, there was a focus on Greek lit. since many in our co-op use TOG and were studying ancient history. My kids loved it even though we didn't use TOG nor were we studying ancient history. I'm not sure if this is what you are looking for so hopefully others will post with more helpful experiences.

[rockhouse]

We are in a co-op this year where the history and science are introduced using a certain curriculum each week, then you work on it at home until the next week when you get new topics. I started out the year trying to do our own thing at home and just using the co-op as enrichment, but I found out pretty quickly that it wasn't going to work. In fact it was a mess! My dd was starting to hate homeschooling and the co-op, so my advice to you would be choose which one you want more: HOD or the co-op. Go with that decision for the year.

We are joining a different co-op next year where everyone is expected to do their own thing at home and then meet once a week to do true enrichment classes (art, music, speech, writing, foreign language, etc.). I like this much better since I don't want to be tied down as much as I have felt we were this year. Just my opinion on the matter.

[holyhart]

We will be in our 4th year of a co-op. There are many in our co-op who choose to have the history/science/math (possibly other) classes as their whole curriculum for the year. While my dc have taken some of these classes, I have not used them as a substitution for our own HOMEschooling with HOD. I have been up front with the ladies teaching the classes that my view of co-op (especially at this age) is enrichment or extra and that if we can get to the assigned homework for the week we will and otherwise I am not going to stress my dc or myself out trying to get it done. If it is a problem for the teacher, we don't take that class (it hasn't been a problem yet and often there isn't much assigned homework anyhow, often we can get it done on a Saturday in an hour). As they get older, there may be classes that I will NEED someone else to teach (like computer graphics or some such thing...I would know NOTHING on that subject!). As for now, that is what works for us.

I have also been a teacher, I taught early American history last year and will be teaching American Revolution (3-5th) and Transportation (1-2nd) this coming school year. I rarely assign homework in my own classes (although I have had one mother who was horrified that I don't assign homework). I personally think that we do enough at home with HOD, and that it is so rich and fun, that I don't want to loose anything, nor do I want to take our entire day doing school work. Isn't that just one of MANY reasons that we choose to homeschooling our children??? So that they have time to BE children and play and explore the world around them and not just do school work all day at school and then come home and do more hours of busy work and have no time to use the wonderful imaginations GOD gave them?

My dc's favorite classes have usually been classes that we can't or don't do at home. Chourus, lapbooking etc. This coming year looks to be very fun....baking, PE and a Little House class are being offered! A co-op can be a LOT of fun and a nice way to meet other families who homeschool as well (my previous church was NOT supportive of homeschooling...they pushed that our dc should be sent out as "lights" in the public shools, my current church is the church that hosts our co-op). If it's going to be stressful on you and your dc, then somewhere GOD's peace is missing. Follow HIS leading and it will be perfect.

Anyhow, I don't know if anything in this helps you at all, but I do want to say that you should pray about where GOD is leading you and then be bold and confident in that decision.

[creativemommy]

I'm dealing with a similar problem with my co-op that just decided to offer elementary science curriculum each year beginning in the fall. It leaves my son without a class to take during that period of the day. This is a great option for families who use that particular science and who don't want to do science at home. However, for HODies like me who use HOD's science (I'm excited about Bigger's science for my son this fall), there aren't any other solid enrichment class options.

I'm currently debating about not returning to that co-op this fall and beginning my own that is truly a co-op for the enrichment classes only. I feel this would suit our needs better.

I've typed all of this to encourage you to really think about what you want for your family. If it's the history & science, then go for the co-op. If not, possibly consider looking for another one in your area or beginning your own that is what you'd like to see in a co-op.

[Juli]

This year we did not join our co-op and just met together once a week for play and fellowship. My kids have been so happy and so have I. I love the Mommy time, not having to prep for co-op, or figure out to do homework for something that is not part of our homeschool. My kids have loved being with their friends (which is the main reason they liked co-op) and actually getting to play with them. Much more fun and sooo much less stress! I am definately not against co-op it served a purpose for us at one time, and probably will again (like....High School ). It is just not for us right now.