Susan Wise Bauer, co-author of "The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home," discusses the pros and cons of Co-op groups. For more information and resources on home education, visit www.welltrained....
The thing I like about Susan is how eloquent she is, in an educated way and also practical way at the same time. Clearly; a teacher, a writer (and a mother).
Thank you very much for this. We have attempted to join a coop twice (due to peer pressure) but didn't really feel the rightness about it, so both times our family didn't push through. Still standing here, and pouring all my energies where I think they mattered the most, the homeschooling of my son. And still praying also for friends we can grow up with.
I agree with everything you said, and am so glad that my husband and I came to these conclusions before we invested any time, money, or energy into co-ops. We did attend an open house for two co-ops a few years ago, but realized that neither was a fit for our family. In the end, it seems that simple, DIY-at-home homeschooling is the best investment of our resources. Thanks for posting this video. I think you're right in noticing the increasing trend of newer homeschoolers to think that it's the norm to "join a co-op." Perhaps people think a co-op will lighten the load on the mom? Or provide quality socialization? Or higher-level academics in a subject that is not the teaching parent's strength? It's good food for thought, to push back those assumptions.
I am so incredibly glad I came across this. We'll be starting K in the fall, and have already been feeling the "join a co-op!" pressure. I'm not totally opposed, but just may take your advice of doing a solid year on our own first.
Susan- I have been a fan of yours for years...WTM gave me the structure I needed to get started homeschooling years ago. Bravo for being the voice of reason on co-ops! I have 6 children, 3 with special needs....when I “only” (ha) had 4, I looked into a Co-op when my then youngest was about a year old. It was going to cost me over $200 for one SEMESTER...between paying for the insurance (it was at a church that required this fee) and all the books and supplies...I was exhausted even just thinking about trying to gather everything and get out the door. I never joined and never looked back...but I did always have nagging little voice in my head thinking my kids missed out on not doing co-ops...I feel like I just lost a huge burden! Thank you for all you do for homeschoolers! Nanci
I thought I was the only one thinking like this. I have never joined a co op and I felt I was the odd one. I think co op should mean let kids play together. Thanks
I gave up on co-ops three years ago, for all the issues you mentioned. One thing that particularly bothered me is how hard I would work to offer an interesting class and my kids would end up with teachers that were doing the bare minimum. And as far as Classical Conversations, mentioned in another comment, it has its problems too. I know many people who have quite it.
