I’ve written this post in my head and rewritten this post in my head about 10 times….it never seems to come out the way I want……so I’m going to give typing a chance and see if the thoughts flow better!
I love that homeschooling has become more “main stream” and that we have so many choices…..WAY more options now than when I was homeschooled several many years ago. But sometimes even the options are VERY overwhelming.
The very best advice I can give you about co-ops…..find what fits your family! If one “type” doesn’t work……don’t be afraid to ditch it and try another “type”.
We’ve been involved in two “types” of co-ops…….a curriculum based co-op and a unit study based co-op. I’m sure there might be others “types” out there…..…….but I’m only going to write about what I know!
A curriculum based co-op is basically a group of people who meet together because they use the same curriculum. When Carlos was in first grade we attended a curriculum based co-op (Carlos was 7, Jeremiah 3, Natalie was 16 months and Ben was 6 months old). I learned a very valuable lesson that year……if more than 50% of your kids are not “benefiting” from a co-op, it probably is not the right time for your family! I will say however that the kids LOVED “church school” (they called co-op “church school” because we met in a church building) and asked MANY times if we could go back after our year was completed.
If you really, really like the curriculum and want to commit to it for a significant amount of time, like a year……go for it………this kind of co-op is perfect for you!
A unit-study based co-op (really that’s for lack of any other imaginative name) is basically a co-op based on a shorter timer period……6 or 8 weeks during which each class does a unit study…..music, art, cooking, etc. The focus usually is on the “fun” subjects…….and where group learning is more interesting than one-to-one learning……..for instance……a one-man band is really not that much fun, but 16 people tooting horns and banging drums……now that’s fun 
If you feel comfortable with your “core” curriculum (the basics like math, history, language arts) but want to give your children an opportunity to learn something you might not otherwise teach and give them a great social outlet……unit-study based co-op is perfect for you!
Take-a-ways:
If participating in a co-op produces major stress for you……wait a year or two before getting back into it! Your family might just need time to grow-up a little.
If you are committed to a co-op don’t view that day as a wasted school day. Adjust your expectations for the remaining 4 days…..don’t try to cram 6 school days into 5……let co-op be it’s own school day!
Remember the beauty of homeschooling……Teaching YOUR child in a way that is best for YOUR child. Not everyone will have the same degree of educational expectations, so be flexible and don’t loose focus on what is important in YOUR school!
House of Smooches 