Homeschooling used to be just that, homeschooling. Home was the center. The goings-on at home determined the rhythms of the day. The people at home were most influential in the lives of the children that learned there. This is still the way I homeschool. I am now in my 11th year of homeschooling–with one daughter who’s graduated and another to graduate this spring–and I have never enrolled my children in a co-op. I share that to emphasize that a co-op is not necessarily an essential component to the success of your homeschool.
Before I go any further, I must say that I am not saying that all co-ops are inherently a bad choice. I am simply saying, you don’t have to join one in order to homeschool your children. If you love your co-op and see great value in it, then just understand this is only a different perspective.
When we removed our daughters from public schooling 11 years ago, we were bombarded left and right about whether or not we would join a co-op. We declined; we wanted to focus on educating and cultivating our children on our own terms. We noticed that many co-ops began to move away from being an outlet for fellowship and maybe working on a few special projects as a group. Instead, co-ops (tutorials, as well) have become likened unto traditional school settings. There are teachers, grade reports, homework assignments, uniforms to wear, scheduled days and times to keep, attendance taken, curriculum pre-selected, class periods and the like.
This just wasn’t our idea of homeschooling. Exchanging one school environment for another.
My husband and I wanted to determine the curriculum that worked for our family. We wanted to teach our children at a pace that fit their learning, on our own terms as a family. We just weren’t eager to try to “fit-in” with another group of strangers who were telling us what materials to use to teach our children. So in that sense, a co-op or tutorial was not an attractive option.
But what about the fellowship? Is this not the age-old socialization question, just wrapped up in a different word.
The reality is, homeschoolers are first free to build and strengthen the relationships within their own homes. Connecting siblings and teaching them first how to relate to one another and then the community. Secondly, not joining a co-op doesn’t mean that you can never leave your home to interact with other homeschooling families. You can plan all sorts of things with other families like field trips, nature hikes, art projects, crafts, cooking experiences, lunch-n-play days and more. You can agree to meet as often or as infrequently as you like. You can cancel/reschedule without the threat of being kicked out of the group.
There are a myriad of opportunities where our children can connect with others. There’s the church body where we come together corporately to worship and serve. Most church fellowships are bursting with activities and groups that homeschoolers can participate in. There are community events, volunteer opportunities, music lessons, foreign language tutoring, and sports teams. And of course, there are extended family members–grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins-that our children can further build relationships with.
With all of that said, I want to leave you with a few final thoughts:
It is okay to actually be at home.
It is okay to actually teach your own children yourself.
It is okay to have home as the basis and foundation of your child’s education.
Have you decided to decline the use of a co-op for homeschooling? Why or why not?
