We love our local homeschool co-op! We take and teach classes there each school year. Each year, our co-op parents submit classes they are interested in teaching. Then, all parents submit feedback on which classes they would most like to enroll their kids in. The winners are slated as classes. Here is a gigantic list of homeschool co-op classes your fellow homeschool moms should consider adding to the roster.
Reasons to Join and Participate in Homeschool Co-op Classes
Joining a co-op has been a blessing in my life. In a true “co-operative,” all the people pitch in and help teach, organize, set up and clean, or watch younger children. Some people do not want the added responsibility, so I realize that a co-op is not for every homeschooling family. I truly love it, however.
It gives you a break from teaching that subject.
Your kids can learn from a different teacher.
Your kids can participate in group classes that are nearly impossible individually. (Such as singing in a choir or playing a multi-player game.)
Your kids can practice working with others in group projects.
You have a built-in homeschool support system in your fellow co-op parents to swap ideas.
You and your kids get extra friendships.
Co-op provides a safe environment where you can meet and learn with like-minded individuals.
Your kids can make messes somewhere other than your own home. (In most co-ops, however, all parents pitch in to help clean up at the end of the day!)
Your kids get a chance to pack a lunch.
You and your kids have a lot of fun!
A thought to keep in mind: to teach a class, you’ll need a teacher. If you don’t know a soul who speaks or knows Japanese, you probably will struggle with teaching it in your co-op. Figure out your strengths and ask other homeschool parents to share their strengths. A homeschool co-op is most successful when it is actually co-operative in this way!
Homeschool Co-op Classes For Preschool Kids
Preschool is my favorite age for joining together at a homeschool co-op!
Music Exploration. Singing songs and play with hand instruments like drums, cymbals, and triangles to play with and learn to love music.
Salsa Spanish 1 (No reading required!). I love Salsa Spanish, a free video program available at Georgia Public Broadcasting..
Junior Club. When we did this, a different parent took the class each week and did an activity of his/her choosing.
Homeschool Co-op Classes for Ages 5-8
Early elementary homeschooling co-op classes are super fun. Kids this age thrive on time together and working together. Focus on ideas that don't require reading, because kids at these ages read at varying levels.
Speech. Give the kids a chance to practice talking in front of each other, such as doing show and tell or preparing simple speeches.
Book Club (i.e., reading and discussing fun stories with discussion, activities, or crafts)
Introduction to Poetry. Read and appreciate good poetry and try your hand at writing it. See my picture book poetry units.
Social Studies Classes
About our Community
U.S. States and Symbols
World Geography overview
Science, Technology, Engineering, Math in Homeschool Co-op
STEM Challenge (science, technology, engineering, and math). I have a lot of fun with this class. Younger kids may want to join with the preschoolers. I gear my class for 6-12.
Hands-on Math Lab 1 or 2. For younger kids or older kids. Play math with hands-on games and activities.
LEGO Challenge 1 or 2. Practice building with LEGOS with kid appropriate challenges.
Language Classes
Salsa Spanish 1 (No reading required!). I love Salsa Spanish, a free program from Georgia Public Broadcasting.
Salsa Spanish 2 (Continuation of Salsa Spanish 1, from videos 201 to the end)
Intro to ASL.
Other languages if you have willing teachers!
Electives Ideas
Five in a Row Unit Studies
Arts and Crafts
Drama club/theater. Let kids get a chance to try acting.
Junior Club* (a different parent takes the class each week and does an activity of his/her choosing)
Homeschool Co-op Classes For ages 7-12
By early elementary, students can participate in more educational classes because they most likely have reading skills. That said, kids this age still love to play, so trick them into learning with fun-based and hands-on courses.
Language Arts Classes
Creative Writing Class (Using No More “I’m Done!”)
Beginning or Conversational Spanish (or any language you have a teacher for)
Spanish Games and Activities (or any language you have a teacher for)
Intro to ASL. American Sign Language is a fun language to learn in person.
Other Electives Ideas
Drama Club/Theater
Intro to Cooking
Intro to Sewing Class
Art Exploration
Continuing Dance
Card Game Club
Book Club
Choir
Recorder
Private Music Lessons
Homeschool Co-op Classes For 11-14
Older kids benefit from teachers with more specific expertise and experience. Middle School is not necessarily time for college prep work, but it is a great time for kids to explore what they are interested in.
Beginning or Conversational Spanish (or other living langauge)
Classical Latin
Greek and Latin roots
Elective Homeschool Class Ideas
Misc. Unit Studies
Logic
Chess
Bible Study
Debate
Health and Nutrition
How to Cook
Art History
Advanced Art
Sewing or Knitting
Choir
Private Music Lessons
Co-op Classes For 14+
After middle school, I personally find co=op classes most useful if they are college or career preparatory. Some kids still won't know what they want, so it helps to give variety. Again, it depends on what parents are able to teach! Think outside the box.
What do you think? Are you interested in joining a co-op? Are you already in a co-op? What were/are the best classes you’ve taken at a homeschool co-op?
[…] family usually use the “extra” day of the week for a co-op with friends. At co-op, other parents teach my children, while I help teach other children. It is a […]
Hey … I noticed you had a five in a row unit study listed … and just wanted to throw this out of its helpful. We’ve been using mostly Five in A Row books for the last two years at our co-op, and have followed these two curriculums. It includes everything you need for a co-op class, including handouts and lots of classroom teaching ideas, low budget games and activities. It was something I was looking for when I started teaching at co-op, but when I couldn’t find it— we started working together to create one. https://www.chroniclesofmomia.com/2018/02/fiar-five-in-row-based-kindergarten-co.html?m=1, and are almost done this one, https://www.chroniclesofmomia.com/2018/09/more-fiar-inspired-literature-based.html?m=1. Hope it’s helpful to someone. 🙂
[…] family usually use the “extra” day of the week for a co-op with friends. At co-op, other parents teach my children, while I help teach other children. It is a […]
Is there a specific source for the math lab 1 and 2?
Hey … I noticed you had a five in a row unit study listed … and just wanted to throw this out of its helpful. We’ve been using mostly Five in A Row books for the last two years at our co-op, and have followed these two curriculums. It includes everything you need for a co-op class, including handouts and lots of classroom teaching ideas, low budget games and activities. It was something I was looking for when I started teaching at co-op, but when I couldn’t find it— we started working together to create one. https://www.chroniclesofmomia.com/2018/02/fiar-five-in-row-based-kindergarten-co.html?m=1, and are almost done this one, https://www.chroniclesofmomia.com/2018/09/more-fiar-inspired-literature-based.html?m=1. Hope it’s helpful to someone. 🙂