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.

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