Hi-- I'm brand new to this forum, so forgive my cluelessness. I think I want to homeschool next year, and it's a good thing I have a year because I have so much to learn! I'm hoping some of you can point me in some kind of direction. My kids are in preschool right now, but next year my daughter will be 5, and my son will be 4. My biggest question, I guess, is this: I think, ideally, I would like my kids to have a combination of homeschooling and formal group instruction. I'm happy to do the majority of the schooling, but I want my kids to spend 2-3 hour stretches with other kids and with another authority figure leading them. I guess we could do organized sports and art classes and stuff like that, but I was thinking something more like 2-3 hrs of classes 2-3 times per week with the same kids and teachers. Is there such a thing? Some people have recommended I look into a co-op. (How do you find out about them? What's the etiquette on getting to know a group before committing?) I've also been looking into University Model. It sounds pretty close to what I'm looking for, but I still know very little about it. Is it good for young kids? My first impression is that Univ Model schools seem a little strict (uniforms, discipline, etc.). It seems that most families around here choose to homeschool for religious reasons. I'm not anti-religious or anything, but I would prefer to take a secular approach. Is my idea about combining HS with a little bit of group schooling unusual? In a related question, what curricular programs do you all recommend for K? Is there a good website that compares the various curricular options out there? (I'm assuming most of you use a formal curriculum. Maybe that's not the case...) Any pointers for me at this early stage of my thinking? Thanks in advance! Christine
Wow, Are you my alter ego? Nice to meet you! I think what youare talking about is called a co op. This is when the differnt mom/teachers get together and team teach, some have mixed age groups some don't. The I go to is one day month this year, but they also have classes once a week, twice a week etc. it depends on the group of course. CHeck in your area for homeschool groups. it is always good to plan ahead, most groups have a park day that you can visit and ask questions too so check that out too.
Yes, you're looking for a co-op. Each one will vary. They can be really large, or really small. They can range from being VERY religious to being secular. Some are expensive, with "real" teachers and others have moms take turns doing the teaching. Cost can range from minimal, to several hundren dollars. It all depends. Do you know any other homeschoolers in your area? Ask them about co-ops.
I have 1 subject that we "co-op" which is American Sign Language. I pay $350 for the year for 2 children. There are other classes I could do as well and I might pick some of those up later - but right now I choose not to. The ones I have found around here are a little more religious than I would like to be. Or actually with more of a "my way is right" viewpoint and well - becoming a Catholic this year myself I feel like I want a LITTLE control over what is said on religion to my kids. So check around - look for yahoo email groups (I belong to a bunch and they are great points of reference and a lot are in my area or at least state!)
I saw your user name after I'd chosen mine. Sorry about that! I thought about changing mine, but I hadn't gotten around to that. I hope it doesn't confuse anyone. Great minds think alike, huh?!
ya, hey it is what we are right? hehe re the name thing, if you do change it just put a 2 next to it or make it 1teachermom something like that I like that someone has a simlar name, cause look there are TONS of JENS on this spot! haha!
you might also want to check out homeschooling.about.com and click on the left link for support groups. You'll be able to do a state search and find all of the support groups and co-ops in your area. Best of luck, welcome and hope you find this group as helpful as I have!!!!
Many state homeschool organizations will know of support groups and/or co-ops in your area. We participate in a rather small co-op at our church. It' is only $20 per year per family because all the mom's pitch in and teach/assist.....it's not a drop-off co-op. It's once a week from 11:45am-2pm and includes PE for all grade levels (except the nursery). The other classes change each session (3 sessions per school year). We have about 40 families I think. There are larger ones in the area that are lots more expensive (but are drop-off, etc). Welcome! My best advice is to read every homeschool book you can get your hands on. That's what I did (and continue to do). It's nice to see so many options and pick and chose what works best for your family. Rhonda C.
