How You Can Start a Low-Key Co-op

Several years ago, the homeschool mothers in my area sensed a need to spend more time together; but none of us had much time to spare. If we were going to form a group, it would have to compliment our homeschooling efforts without hindering them. It could not consume a large portion of our time, and it would have to accommodate a broad range of ages. After several months of brainstorming and planning, our homeschool co-op was born. The basic plan is so simple it can be adapted to just about any group.

A low-key co-op meets once a month and follows the same format each time. The co-op is designed to allow each family the freedom to choose its own curriculum. The co-op should provide an educational experience we cannot create at home, classes should require a group or require an audience.

When we started our co-op in 2007 we offered musical theater and a group learning activity, followed with a playdate at the park. Our musical moms would lead the students in musical theater and the students would give their musical theater presentation in May. The group learning activity is the key to the program’s flexibility and academic value. The academic focus of each month is different, but is consistent from year to year. Public speaking is an important part of the program. When the children give presentations, they are free to choose topics that complement their home studies. Group learning activities include history presentations, speech day, talent show, science projects, and world culture exhibits. After the students finish their presentations, the group would gather at the local park for lunch and while the students play the moms would have a mom’s meeting to evaluate the program and plan the schedule for the next year.

To start a low-key co-op, you’ll need willing moms, eager students, a place to meet, and a coordinator to oversee and organize each month. A low-key co-op is adaptable and flexible, and does not require hours of planning an organization. The co-op program enriches home studies, strengthens friendships, and keeps are children motivated and excited about learning.

Our co-op has grown throughout the years and currently offers musical theater, Service Scouts, homeschool track, homeschool bowling league, and a monthly field trip; but all activities are still based upon our original guidelines – to provide an educational experience we cannot create at home.

Date Nights

So many times, we get so busy in life, we tend to over-invest in our children and under-invest in our marriage. Your husband is your life mate. He should be your number one human relationship. Nothing just happens – including a great marriage. When was the last time you made time for your husband? Here are some fun date night ideas to help you show your husband that he is your highest human priority.

#1 Recreate the first date you had together. If you went to a movie, rent the same movie. If you went out for dinner, go back to the same restaurant or make the dish you ate at home.

#2 Take a mini road trip. Pick a destination about an hour from where you live – it could be anything from an antique mall to a restaurant off the beaten path – and just drive.

#3 Plan a food date night. This involves eating each course at a different restaurant.

#4 See the fine arts – visit an art gallery or see a play at a local theater.

#5 Play games – bowling, mini golf, or board games.

#6 Attend a sporting event – baseball, basketball, football, or soccer game.

#7 Do something neither of you have done before.

You may have to budget so you can hire a babysitter; but date nights are a necessity to a great marriage. You can be both mother and wife. But the wise woman remembers she will begin and end as a wife. Decide to make your husband your number one human relationship and plan some fun date nights!

Learning Through Literature about Valentine's Day

Every February 14, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of Saint Valentine. But who is this saint, and where did these traditions come from?

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men because he thought single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families. Valentine, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages in secret. When his actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that Valentine be put to death.

Another legend contends that an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting after he fell in love with a young girl, probably his jailor’s daughter, who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine”, an expression still used today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is still a mystery, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and most importantly, romantic figure.

My Happy Homeschool recommends learning through literature about Valentine’s Day with the following books:

 

Valentine’s Day Is by Gail Gibbons

 

The Story of Valentine’s Day by Clyde Robert Bulla

 

My Valentine for Jesus by Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton

Happy Homeschooling!