mirth Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 New to all this, I want to ask if WTM hs'ing followers widely participate in co-ops where the group does not follow classical format education? We are involved in a K-1st co-op (we loose adopt the MBtP curricula, but the adaptation is so loose, one could just say we are simply using the table of contents as a guideline), but the fit is feeling less and less right. Last year, many times it seemed like a total waste of time in terms of learning but was excellent for the making friends part. This year, I intuitively do not have a good feeling about what's to come. Any BTDT advice? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyNellen Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 No co-op here. I would say if it's not your cup 'o tea, go ahead and drop it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurelia Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 No co-op, we just joined a group that gets together for play days and field trips, and it works for us so far. I looked at one at one point, but we had already covered nearly all of the material for the next 2 grades by the time Ariel was old enough to join their kindergarten class. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garga Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 We're backing away a little bit from the co-op this year. For the past two years I've been sending my little guy to classes but he hates them. He hates learning in a classroom environment (hence the homeschooling :D). I even taught his class last year hoping he'd like it better. Nope. We go to some of the park days. Maybe next year we'll try again with classes. Mostly we were hoping to form friendships for the kids. It didn't happen in a classroom setting. No time for the kids to get to know each other. I'm thinking the park days will better meet our needs. I was also hoping the classes would supplement, sort of like an elective. They meet that purpose, but I don't expect a co-op to actually teach my kids the core knowledge they need. So whether I do WTM or something else, co-ops are good as electives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hsmamainva Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 No co-ops here this year. We've taken advantage of them over the past few years for art only...but the art teacher decided not to do it this year and no one else has stepped up to the plate. (I draw stick people, so I wouldn't have made a good substitute!) I'm actually getting school accomplished in a more timely fashion now that I'm not running out the door every other Friday! (My kids are heavily involved in sports, so that's where their friends are). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 No co-op here. :seeya: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
japhmi Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Our support group has enrichment classes - Ballet for example - but we don't do a full-on co-op, no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hsmomto4 Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 No co-ops here for us, I'm a snob when it comes to teaching my children LOL I want it to be what I want them to learn and in a total classical form. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 no co-ops for us. There are nono...and I mean NONE!!!! But, I probably wouldn't do them anyway.... Faithe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidbits of Learning Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 We are trying a co-op this year but it is for music, art, drama, and p.e. Things that I would never get done or umm.. I am not particularly talented at (LOL-very musically challenged!). I am hoping that it will be a good fit for us. My neighbor accross the street chose to only join the homeschool group for field trips and park days and that sort of thing. She decided against the classes this year. I think you have to weigh the good with the bad and see whether the co-op fits your needs with classes offered and time scheduled and whether your kids are liking it and making friends. What does MBTP stand for? I couldn't find it in the abbreviation sticky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Moving Beyond The Page What does MBTP stand for? I couldn't find it in the abbreviation sticky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirth Posted July 31, 2009 Author Share Posted July 31, 2009 What does MBTP stand for? I couldn't find it in the abbreviation sticky. Oops sorry, MBtP = Moving Beyond the Page. It seems to be a sort of catch-all curriculum, for lack of a better word (I'm sure there is a better word too). Thanks everyone for your input. The whole co-op, if needed, for things like art, p.e., does seem to make more sense to me knowing my skills. Yup. (You all are so smart!) :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nutmeg Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Who does not participate in co-ops? Many people don't. Many people do. Many good reasons on both sides. We follow WTM probably 75% of the time. We do not participate in a full day or multiday co-op. We do participate in a science co-op, meeting once per week doing Apologia science with mom's taking turns leading. It depends on how long the co-op meets, how much of our day/week is taken up. But if I had k/1st graders again, I would not necessarily turn my back on a co-op only because it wasn't classical. If the social aspect is good, and you're talking about a couple hours one day per week, I would consider it a worthy use of my time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tree House Academy Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 We did co-op last year. This year, I am a member, but I will not be taking the kids to classes for at least the first semester. To be honest, I want to see what the swine flu is going to do before I throw my kids into the main stream. I also enjoy the savings. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjones Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 I found the co-ops I attended involved a LOT of work on my part, and the quality of teaching was poor to average. It seemed like a reproduction of a low-quality traditional school -- inexperienced teachers, not enough supplies, discipline problems, high class sizes, poor to average leadership. I do 'belong' to a very informal Friday field trip group. We do trips, holiday parties, and general fun stuff. But it's only 5 families, and we're all just friends -- not 'teachers' or 'board members' or anything co-op-ish at all. I know some folks love their co-ops, but it just isn't my cup o' tea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prudent Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 We don't participate in a co-op. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moni Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Who does not participate in co-ops Decade-plus of homeschooling here, never have done a co-op. :seeya: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncmomo3 Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 We tried one a couple of years ago. It was not a good fit for us. They have never asked to go again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brindee Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 We have done a couple of co-ops, both of which I felt were VERY good! The first one was run by a Nazarene church and accepted any homeschooler, and had a fun program! The other one was at a non-denominational church, and also accepted all homeschoolers. The first one just ended after we'd been going for a year. The second one we went to for 3 years (one day/week Oct.-May). It was run by a fabulous lady who had a heart for helping homeschoolers succeed. She ended up not being able to do it anymore after our 2nd year, and her sister took over, who ran it like a business. The kids didn't like it anymore, and I did not like how she began to force what SHE felt, instead of working with everyone (LONG story)! So we didn't return after that. Besides, the kids said they WANTED to be at home more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blessdmommy Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Plenty of co-ops in the area but we just aren't interested. Maybe sometime in the future but not at this stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MariannNOVA Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 I really liked the people and the kids that we met, and so did my kiddos, BUT I really want to be in control of the curriculum. We are following WTM fairly closely. I will probably sign them up for 'activities' through the County - which actually runs a great program. DD10 took an art class last winter and she loved it, and the teacher was excellent. I'm also a former classroom teacher and I have a very definite idea of what my kids should be taught....and how. Finally, my twins (3rd grade) DO NOT do the 'get in the car, go someplace, and get back in the car and go back home' thing well -- they have never been good at 'transitions' - so if I make our schedule and have ultimate control (there's THAT word again :glare:) over it, I can make sure it works for them. Gosh, I sound SO anti-social....and I'm not --- but I do like just being with my kids and dh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
razorbackmama Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 I haven't done a co-op. If I would, it would be for something like art and for the purpose of making friends/meeting people. Ditto. I wouldn't use a co-op for core subjects, just the extras. But we've also just never done it due to the Time Factor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loupelou Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 We never have, but then I too am a snob when it comes to how and what my kids are taught. I also just don't have the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 No extra $ for one right now, but I'd like one for art, science, and maybe a language (that would have to meet more than once a week for it to be effective, I think). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 We hsed before co-ops were "invented," and we did just fine. I would probably not participate today because it would be a time sucker for me. :-/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 I stopped cooping because it was a waste of our time. I now offer some single classes on my own (sometimes in tandem with others) to fit with the things we're doing. It's a much better use of our time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 I have tried three different co-ops. I think they are flawed by design. I would not participate in one again. We are involved in Classical Conversations instead. You will probably find that you will feel less and less of a fit in a co-op as your dc get older. :bored: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herbalgirl Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 This makes me feel a lot better about not joining one when we move away from here. There is one here that is really nice for meeting people (me at least, the kids didn't seem to make any lasting friendships there due to there not being enough time for them to interact). We're mainly not doing this semester as I am pregnant and due right in the middle of the semester and don't feel like hauling the kids I have there every Friday. I do understand where some of you are coming from with the quality of teaching, too. I never had any worries before (I have just been a helper) until toward the end of last semester. I had to help a mom out who was teaching U.S. geography and I was the one who had to correct her 50% of the time as to where states, etc, were! :001_huh: Thank goodness all my kids are young and didn't have that class, but it does make me wonder what WAS being taught in my kids' classes! :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardening momma Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 Here's another thread about who doesn't do co-ops and why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dangermom Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 Nope. And if I actually had the chance, I'm not at all sure that I would. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kindermommy Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 We tried one last year and left after 3 months. The only reason we stayed that long was because I was teaching one of the classes. I knew after 2 weeks that it was a mistake. I am a former elementary school teacher - and it was *just* like being in the classroom. 16 kids, LOTS of misbehavior (some was just because kids had never learned how to behave in a group setting - "yes, you must raise your hand because I can't hear you all at once!") And of course the "regular classroom" experience was what I DIDN'T want my kids to have! Now I have to say that the teachers were FANTASTIC (all were former elem ed teachers - not that you have to have been a PS teacher to be fantastic, but clearly they had done this before!) but the director was very odd. It also was an ALL day co-op and it was just too much, especially for my little K'er and me being a first year HS mom! We considered one again this year (but it was only going to be half a day) and even though I went in with a very open mind, I knew after the first preliminary meeting that it was not going to work. Then the light bulb went off that we don't really need a co-op, for all the reasons others have stated (can't control what they learn, takes up too much time/energy, etc) Now, I've stopped looking and honestly, don't plan to do one in the future unless the perfect opportunity presents itself and falls right in my lap :) (and what are the odds of that?) We have a nice small group of homeschooling friends and that's plenty for us, at least for now. Most people really only have a small group of really close, meaningful friends, even as adults (or maybe that's just me?) ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 I was in a co-op that was not a good fit. I did find a couple of other mothers who also didn't fit that co-op. We now get together once a week when it works for us to let our kids play and to give us a chance to be with other homeschool moms. It is good for me to know real-life homeschooling mothers and share with them. The co-op just became a burden on us and not worth the amount of time we were putting into it. Since then, one friend and I both have put our kids in a once-a-week enrichment, and the other friend is joining k12. We are still meeting for playtime and chats. We have found something that works for us. The only thing we need is one more family that has girls instead of boys. Go with your instincts and make the opportunity that you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverMoon Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 We haven't and won't be joining a co-op. I'm very protective with our time and don't want to over-expend us. Between scouts, children's museum membership, etc., etc., I think a co-op would be overkill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Cindie2dds Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 We haven't and won't be joining a co-op. I'm very protective with our time and don't want to over-expend us. Between scouts, children's museum membership, etc., etc., I think a co-op would be overkill. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 We've participated in co-op but I don't see us doing so again in the future. I much prefer relaxed park days and informal gatherings with other HSers to the rigidity of co-op. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mirth Posted August 1, 2009 Author Share Posted August 1, 2009 (edited) Thank you all for your replies. It has helped me see that my motivations, though well-meaning, are probably not setting an example I would want my kids to follow later in life (taking a class that's boring or too easy just because their friends are in it). In our area of univs and colleges, there are 1001 things for kids to enroll in year-round. Surely we will meet other nice friends studying areas (topics) that we find thoroughly satisfying and enriching. Edited August 1, 2009 by mirth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FriedClams Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 We have a music co-op/classes here but we do not participate. This will sound horrid - but I loathe being on anyone's schedule other than mine. We do take piano, ballet, sports (sports are through our HS group - but fun and informal) - but since I schedule and pay for those it is different for me. I also homeschool because I want to teach my kids - not subcontract it (and really, any part of it). I could see it for us for supplementation, but at this point we just have too much going on (and the control freak thing in me, LOL!). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siloam Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 New to all this, I want to ask if WTM hs'ing followers widely participate in co-ops where the group does not follow classical format education? We are involved in a K-1st co-op (we loose adopt the MBtP curricula, but the adaptation is so loose, one could just say we are simply using the table of contents as a guideline), but the fit is feeling less and less right. Last year, many times it seemed like a total waste of time in terms of learning but was excellent for the making friends part. This year, I intuitively do not have a good feeling about what's to come. Any BTDT advice? Thanks! I think it would drive me nuts. Only because I love teaching, making decisions on curriculum and seeing that moment when they "get it." In addition, I hate it when people don't follow through, are late or only give half effort. I decided a long time ago that my expectations would only leave me disappointed and irritable, so I just don't do them. Heather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PollyOR Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 Nope. Not enough time in the day. I appreciate you all sharing. You've given other reasons that I agree with too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 No we don't. At this point I'm not willing to give up half or a whole day for outside teaching. I'm not even sure if there are any available in our area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kckamy Posted August 1, 2009 Share Posted August 1, 2009 We are not participating in any co-ops at this time. I feel that our time at home is so much more productive than in a co-op setting. There is a lot of time involved in a co-op (drive to, participate, and drive home is the better part of an afternoon or morning). Besides the time factor there is also a money factor to consider. The only way I will consider a co-op classs is if I get to the point where I am not capable of teaching a particular subject. Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheezie Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 We've never participated in a co-op. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jlynn Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 I haven't BTDT in regards to actually doing a Co-op because I could never justify the waste of time to our education. The co-ops available seemed to always be covering stuff that we weren't that year. I've just honestly never had an interest in them. I have a few friends who find the socializing aspect and the "help" they receive with other subjects to be worth it though. Its just not our thing. If you already have a bad feeling that may not bode well for the year...follow your instincts :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Testimony Posted August 2, 2009 Share Posted August 2, 2009 I did one many years ago. I had a bad experience. I will not touch that again unless I had some serious prayer. Blessings, Karen http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/testimony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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