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Homeschool co-op groups: Beneficial or harmful?
Results so far:
| Beneficial | 75% | 61 votes | Total: 81 votes | |
| Harmful | 25% | 20 votes |
Beneficial
by Sara Mcgrath
Created on: March 05, 2010
What do you envision when someone says "homeschool co-op?" A study group. An activity club. In practice, it could look like either. A homeschool co-op which suits its members will certainly benefit them. On the other hand, I can imagine some scenarios which would not serve those involved. However, let me focus on what works.
My children and I regularly participate in activities with an all-inclusive homeschool group with a significant unschooling membership. That means we have both formal and informal activities from which to choose. The group hosts several clubs, i.e, LEGO club, Spanish club, Inventor's club, as well as special events (art show, science fair), park days and parties, and fun stuff for the parents, too.
Why do I like the group so much?
It's all-inclusive by definition and in practice. Members need not fit themselves to the group. Although, members span the homeschooling spectrum from formal school-at-home to radical unschooling, I've never seen an incident of judgment. The kids all play and learn together without any knowledge of the details of one another's homeschool differences.
The group is big. It has hundreds of member families. My children have access to a diverse community of families who homeschool, too.
What would ruin our group?
If the group imposed a value system at odds with my family's value system, we would not enjoy the group.
If the group imposed a particular homeschooling philosophy, such as strictly structured, we would not enjoy the group.
In other words, the diversity and respect for diversity that exists in our group is the key to its success. We all get more out of the group for its diversity. The homeschooling movement at large could benefit from this perspective.
What benefits do the children get from the group?
They meet a lot of people and develop friendships with people who participate in the same clubs. They learn from the expertise of the parents, i.e., Spanish from a native speaker, science from a technology professional, robotics from an engineer.
The kids get to play for extended periods of time during regular play dates and parties.
They get to share their enthusiasm for individual interests. My daughter readily tells everything she can think of about her passion for marine life.
The kids practice their social skills in a natural way. They learn about emotions, manners, etc., within the context of growing friendships.
Homeschool co-ops can significantly benefit homeschoolers. Not because they don't otherwise get out into the world, because they do, but because the co-op brings homeschoolers together.
Learn more about this author, Sara Mcgrath.
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Harmful
by Stefany Smith
Created on: July 23, 2009
Many would think that the added social interaction, community cooperation, and group learning would be beneficial to all homeschoolers. However, this is not always the case. If a family joins a homeschool co-op for these reasons only, they are sure to find the harmful consequences. Not all homeschoolers are created equally, and likewise neither are all homeschool co-ops. It is imperative to the homeschool family to find the right one, or opt to leave them alone.
Homeschool co-ops are generally constructed around specific sets of principals or ideals, or with direct aims in mind. Some of these include religion, technology, science, community service, single parent families, field trips, regional issues, and college prep. While the camaraderie and community may sound appealing at first, linking in to a group with opposing ideals or dissimilar educational philosophies may become detrimental to your family's goals.
From an unschooling or eclectic view point, settling for a co-op with a strict and rigorous schedule will inhibit the child's free exploration. Likewise, from a disciplined home educator's view point, a relaxed-come as you are-go as you please-chose your own direction setup will hinder your child's progress. For an artsy family actively involved in theatre, sculpting, music, and writing, a co-op focused on memorization and indoctrination will stifle your children's creativity.
Even if the co-op fits the learning goals and structure of the family, involvement may be harmful for the homeschool family. If the children are forced to chose between the co-op activities and other activities of their choice they could end up becoming contentious about the arrangement. If the other activities are fulfilling and inspire the children to grow and mature, than there is no real necessity for the co-op activities. Also, forcing the children to participate in the co-op and neglect their personal interests and goals will stifle their creativity and natural desire to explore their interests. A parent cannot expect a child to let them know if and when any of this is going on. They are more apt to do what they think their parents want them to do. This can also lead to contention between the children and the parents.
While all co-ops are not for all homeschoolers, and some arranements can be harmful, active participation in a homeschool co-op can benefit the family. Its just up to the parents and the children to discuss and consider wether joining a co-op would be the best decision. Do your research and talk to your kids to avoid joining a co-op that will take away from the encouraging learning environment you've worked so hard to create.
Learn more about this author, Stefany Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
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