A homeschool co-op can provide support and friendships for you and your children. Plus the mix of parents means that you can offset some of your own weaknesses as a teacher with the strengths of others. Ximena and DeeDee met in a homeschool co-op, so of course, they've had a great experience and want you to glean the benefits from them, too.
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QUOTABLES
Ximena: "If you've homeschooled for more than a year or two years, you realize that it doesn't really get any easier because your kids are always changing."
DeeDee: "Other parents can offer fresh perspective for us and they're not as emotionally tied to our children as we are. So they're able to give us maybe some relief that it's going to be okay."
TIMESTAMPS
04:02 What is a homeschool co-op?
04:46 DeeDee and Ximena started their friendship in a homeschool co-op, so they are biased towards these groups!
06:04 How to get co-op support in the pandemic.
06:49 Members of the co-op can provide curriculum advice and stories.
07:37 Community is self-care! Co-ops provide socialization for the kids and the parents.
08:36 Being part of a co-op can make up for your own weaknesses as a teacher.
09:15 The potential cons of homeschool co-ops.
12:02 While an introvert may cringe at the idea of a co-op, do consider the needs of your children.
15:33 How to choose a co-op that suits you.
17:11 Consider what enrichment you want for your homeschool when choosing a co-op. For example, Ximena doesn't like science experiments, so she loves science camp co-ops.
18:25 Consider your children's personalities. Maybe a smaller or larger co-op would suit you — even teaming up with just one other family.
19:28 Give your co-op time. Be open to new experiences.
20:01 Maybe start your own co-op if you can't find one that suits you well.
20:14 DeeDee and Ximena started a book club for their kids! Then they tried oil paints together. Then they created a YouTube channel together.
22:55 DeeDee and Ximena's tea and poetry co-op meetings.
26:22 DeeDee and Ximena took an amazing co-op trip to Washington D.C.
SPECIAL SEGMENTS
01:09 Self-care Your Way
24:01 What We’re Reading
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Thanks to show sponsor BookShark. Request a homeschool curriculum catalog or download samples at bookshark.com.
