We’re a number of months into our new homeschooling setup, and I lastly really feel like I’ve skilled sufficient to speak about it. So what’s new? I’m glad you requested.
This yr we switched issues up and joined a co-op type we haven’t been a part of in years. A fast stroll down co-op reminiscence lane:
- H 1st grade: residence 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: transferring & 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 stream.
As you possibly can see, we’ve had a mixture of parent- and teacher-led setups, however our co-ops have typically been socially targeted with elective-style courses (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 yr, although, we stepped into one thing new. Our present co-op is someday per week, Charlotte Mason–primarily based, and structured in order that academics introduce the themes and assign work for every weekday at residence. The themes embrace literature and composition, science, artwork, nature research, and cultural research. Historical past and math are nonetheless on us.
Now that we’re a number of months in—and as I’m beginning to assume forward to highschool for H in fall 2026—I figured just a little reflection could be useful for me, and perhaps for you in the event you’re in an identical season. So listed here are the professionals and cons of our present setup:
The Professionals
Nice academics
The academics are partaking, talk clearly, and appear to genuinely take pleasure in main the youngsters. The ladies like their courses, which makes an enormous distinction.
Charlotte Mason basis
This philosophy facilities on a beneficiant, numerous curriculum crammed with “dwelling books” that deliver topics to life—historical past, literature, artwork, music, all introduced in a wealthy and significant method. I actually love the curriculum and guide selections. Truthfully, if I hadn’t, that will have been a deal breaker.
Different youngsters
H has a candy group of women she connects with, which makes my coronary heart so completely happy after transferring states. Ok thrives with friends round her—she’s a social butterfly and lights up with group power.
Extra psychological freedom for me
I wasn’t positive whether or not this was a professional or a con at first. I’m 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 ladies appear to benefit from the problem
H is accountable and self-motivated, so I anticipated her to do effectively, and she or he is. It’s been enjoyable watching her have interaction with topics that haven’t traditionally been her favorites (good day, science).
Ok has stunned me in one of the best ways—she’s risen to the brand new workload with enthusiasm, particularly when assignments let her be inventive (performing, baking—something hands-on and she or he shines). Even the less-fun components (dictation, writing) she’s tackling with a great perspective 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 research, 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 have to stretch previous lunch.
Much less neighborhood for the mothers
That is in all probability the most important factor I miss. Previous co-ops naturally created neighborhood as a result of all of the mothers have been there each week. Our present co-op does provide 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 excellent match for each women. A part of me wonders if I might’ve preferred another yr being the ring chief for Ok to fine-tune studying and writing earlier than shifting to this type, however there’s no method I might have been in a position to ship H and never Ok.
Now my thoughts is shifting towards the highschool years. I don’t assume fully-at-home is the proper match for H. I feel she’d do very effectively with it really, however I feel she is going to develop and profit from being plugged right into a neighborhood at this age. Nevertheless, many academically targeted co-ops transfer to 2 days per week beginning in ninth grade so we have to assume by means of that. I’m at the moment contemplating two choices: our present Charlotte Mason–type 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 targeted co-ops in our space, however attendance drops off in highschool as a result of it’s laborious to surrender a full educational 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 major aim is solely to present her the widest vary of choices as she figures out what she loves.
All of this feels surreal, actually. A part of me aches for the early days of nature walks and library books being our major focus. And but, I’m so deeply happy with what we’ve achieved collectively up to now. 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 best way, adjusting as wanted in every new stage.
If I pause to essentially see it… wow (mother bragging alert)- our women are thriving. They’re rising of their strengths and dealing laborious 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 skills, 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.
Should 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 helped a lot. When you’ve got ideas about any of those upcoming choices, I’d love to listen to them. Should you’re starting your individual journey of determining the most effective instructional path for your loved ones, belief your intestine and know you possibly can regulate as you go. And in the event you’re simply right here for the learn—thanks for listening. <3
