Ok so we homeschooled last year and this summer and we are continuing this fall. We have three daughters 13, 11, and 5, with the 11 being an aspie. We moved last winter halfway across the country to a place we love but know few people. We have met many people at church but are looking to make friends and such. We decided to join a co-op this fall so we could meet people and the kids could make friends ect. We picked one out that met Friday afternoons and had things like art, gym, drama, and music- non academics. Perfect!! Friends and no pressure. Well the class is full for the 5 year old so we are waitlisted. Great. Now I'm looking for another one. I found one that sounds like a decent fit- academic but uses similar materials that I use and I get a good feeling about it. We are waitlisted there too. Next up is a Classical Conversations co-op. I know nothing about Classical Conversations and the idea of it is causing me much anxiety. We use a Charlotte Mason/eclectic approach. Someone please tell me about classical conversations. Can you jump in with older kids? Or have they missed some sort of earlier base that is essential? If my only choice is Classical Conversations should I try them or skip a co-op or now? I am so torn and so stressed. I'm trying to lay this issue at the cross and trust that what we need will happen but I am having a very hard time with that. Advice please. And thank you.
Classical Conversations is not just a co-op. It's a full-time curriculum. Judging from your post, I don't think it's what you are looking for. I think you're probably best just being on the wait list of the co-op you really want. Would it be terrible if you didn't get into one this year?
Alice, thank you for that. I just can't get my mind around what CC is but I have a feeling that you are right. It would not be the end of MY world but the kids are really wanting to be in something other than what we already have established. I've been doing some looking around and I may have found another co-op to try out- if there isn't a wait list. :lol:
Is there a way that you can be added to extra activities with each of the co-ops that you are on the waiting list for? Like field trips or park days with the families involved so your kids get the chance to begin making friends. In our co-op we have that option for people who are curious about the co-op or are waiting. They can come to field trips, picnics, park days- as a time of fellowship with the group. MT3
I also have an aspie. We were able to sit in on a day at CC (open house sort of thing), and we decided it wasn't for us. My aspie couldn't handle all the chaos during certain times of the day, and he's such a quick learner that he was bored to tears during the calm parts of the day. It's something that you "could" join at any time, but yes, you miss out on a lot when you don't join in the beginning. It's a full(ish) curriculum (some people use it as their only curriculum, but I don't think it's enough). There is a lot of rote memorization required... a LOT ... and there is quite a bit of homework, too.
CC also very expensive (at least for my budget!!). Its VERY popular where I am, but would not fit my needs.
Can you maybe just look for a play group? Homeschooling is not popular here, but there is a "play group" that goes on field trips and things... they aren't super close, but within an hour drive and they try to vary where they go... they will go to a park or museum or whatever in one direction from them, then another time try to go the other way so everyone has something they can do (though in the 2 years since I found them, we never have..lol).
Perhaps your local library system, or a museum or a community college or the public school system has some opportunities. When we lived in a city, there was a nationally known art museum that had art classes for kids. It was only a few dollars a week and held on the same day as free admission day. Our local school system offers continueing education classes very affordably that range from computers to arts, to karate, to cooking to music lessons. These classes are typically intended to be a survey of a subject and don't have the stress one finds when taking them from a dance or music studio. Some community colleges have drama and other opportunities for kids. Some areas have youth symphonies and other musical options.
I have a super awesome update!!! I just got an email from the original co-op that we really wanted to join and they have a new opening so we are in!!! I am so excited! Thank you all for the plentiful advice. <3
Very glad to hear it. I was about to post that I don't think CC would be the way to go either. I hope things work out for you at this co-op. I've moved a few times while homeschooling and it can be tricky. A nonacademic co-op sounds like a good start!
