We’re a couple of months into our new homeschooling setup, and I lastly really feel like I’ve skilled sufficient to talk about it. So what’s new? I’m glad you requested.
This 12 months we switched issues up and joined a co-op fashion we haven’t been a part of in years. A fast stroll down co-op reminiscence lane:
- H 1st grade: house full time
- H 2nd grade: 1 day/week, teacher-led
- H third grade: 2 days/week, teacher-led
- H 4th grade: 1 day/week, parent-led
- H fifth grade: 1 day/week, parent-led
- H sixth grade: 1 day/week, parent-led
- H seventh grade: shifting & then 1 day/week, parent-led
- H eighth grade: 1 day/week, teacher-led
- Ok joined in round H’s 2nd grade and adopted the identical movement.
As you possibly can see, we’ve had a mixture of parent- and teacher-led setups, however our co-ops have usually been socially centered with elective-style lessons (PE, common science, artwork) and little or no assigned work from home. I’ve all the time chosen the curriculum and acted because the “ring chief” for all core topics.
This 12 months, although, we stepped into one thing new. Our present co-op is someday every week, Charlotte Mason–primarily based, and structured in order that lecturers introduce the topics and assign work for every weekday at house. The themes embody literature and composition, science, artwork, nature examine, and cultural research. Historical past and math are nonetheless on us.
Now that we’re a couple of months in—and as I’m beginning to suppose forward to highschool for H in fall 2026—I figured just a little reflection could be useful for me, and possibly for you for those who’re in the same season. So listed below are the professionals and cons of our present setup:
The Execs
Nice lecturers
The lecturers are partaking, talk clearly, and appear to genuinely take pleasure in main the children. The women like their lessons, which makes an enormous distinction.
Charlotte Mason basis
This philosophy facilities on a beneficiant, numerous curriculum full of “residing books” that deliver topics to life—historical past, literature, artwork, music, all offered in a wealthy and significant manner. I actually love the curriculum and e-book selections. Truthfully, if I hadn’t, that may have been a deal breaker.
Different children
H has a candy group of women she connects with, which makes my coronary heart so pleased after shifting states. Ok thrives with friends round her—she’s a social butterfly and lights up with group vitality.
Extra psychological freedom for me
I wasn’t certain whether or not this was a professional or a con at first. I’m now not working the present; as a substitute, I really feel extra like an assistant coming alongside the women. It felt unusual initially, however… dare I say… I’m beginning to prefer it? I feel that’s partly the women’ ages and the elevated rigor, and partly the belief I’ve developed within the work being assigned.
The women appear to benefit from the problem
H is accountable and self-motivated, so I anticipated her to do nicely, and she or he is. It’s been enjoyable watching her have interaction with topics that haven’t traditionally been her favorites (howdy, science).
Ok has shocked me in one of the simplest ways—she’s risen to the brand new workload with enthusiasm, particularly when assignments let her be artistic (appearing, baking—something hands-on and she or he shines). Even the less-fun elements (dictation, writing) she’s tackling with a very good angle most days.
The Cons
I miss morning time
I’d actually like to deliver this again, however with the women desirous to dive into their co-op assignments, it hasn’t naturally match. I’ve shifted some issues like read-alouds to lunchtime, however I’m hoping to reestablish a rhythm in January that brings artwork examine, historical past, self-development, and Bible time again to the forefront.
Becoming in math
SO glad we began math sturdy in August, as a result of becoming it in constantly with the brand new workload has been tough. That is actually simply on me being firmer about priorities, so I’ll tighten that up in January now that we’ve adjusted a bit. Realistically, our college days—particularly for H—will in all probability must stretch previous lunch.
Much less group for the mothers
That is in all probability the largest factor I miss. Previous co-ops naturally created group as a result of all of the mothers have been there each week. Our present co-op does supply mother nights, however I haven’t been in a position to attend one but.
Total, the professionals outweigh the cons, and I’m genuinely grateful to be a part of this co-op. I feel, developmentally, it’s an awesome match for each women. A part of me wonders if I’d’ve preferred yet another 12 months being the ring chief for Ok to fine-tune studying and writing earlier than shifting to this fashion, however there’s no manner I’d have been in a position to ship H and never Ok.
Now my thoughts is shifting towards the highschool years. I don’t suppose fully-at-home is the fitting match for H. I feel she’d do very nicely with it really, however I feel she is going to develop and profit from being plugged right into a group at this age. Nevertheless, many academically centered co-ops transfer to 2 days every week beginning in ninth grade so we have to suppose by means of that. I’m at the moment contemplating two choices: our present Charlotte Mason–fashion co-op, and one other that’s extra like a college mannequin college—in all probability as near mainstream highschool as you will get within the homeschool world. I’ll know extra after the open home.
There are nonetheless one-day, socially centered co-ops in our space, however attendance drops off in highschool as a result of it’s arduous to surrender a full tutorial day for electives. For us, the time-to-benefit ratio simply isn’t there.
I’ve already emailed a number of faculty admissions workplaces to be taught what they search for in homeschooled candidates so I can map out a common plan for H’s highschool years. My essential purpose is solely to present her the widest vary of choices as she figures out what she loves.
All of this feels surreal, truthfully. A part of me aches for the early days of nature walks and library books being our essential focus. And but, I’m so deeply pleased with what we’ve completed collectively to date. I by no means supposed on homeschooling, but for quite a lot of causes it’s the trail we took. We dedicated to figuring it out alongside the way in which, adjusting as wanted in every new stage.
If I pause to actually see it… wow (mother bragging alert)- our women are thriving. They’re rising of their strengths and dealing arduous of their challenges. However past that, they’re my favourite individuals to be round. They’re sort, attention-grabbing, humorous, and succesful. They’ve hobbies and abilities, are respectful, and are rising in confidence on a regular basis. It’s such an honor to be by their aspect and assist lead them. Whereas I really feel like I’m all the time questioning and determining what our greatest subsequent step is, I’m so grateful for the chance to get to do it.
In case you’re nonetheless right here studying this lengthy diary-style ramble, I’m impressed. 😉
Getting all of this out of my head and onto the display screen helped a lot. You probably have ideas about any of those upcoming choices, I’d love to listen to them. In case you’re starting your individual journey of determining the most effective academic path for your loved ones, belief your intestine and know you possibly can modify as you go. And for those who’re simply right here for the learn—thanks for listening. <3
