It's That Time Again!

It’s that time again. Biannually we ask for help with co-op.  To make it a success we all need to pitch in.  There are classes to teach, baby room to assist in, and clean up to do.  To keep our fees low we all need to pitch in and help.  Kristie, our Co-Op Coordinator, will have her hands full with a new location, so the more we can do to help her, the bigger our success.  

I know it is daunting, the thought of teaching a class, but really it’s not as scary as you think.  Come up with an idea or ask around.  I know we need classes for the younger age groups right now, so feel free to step up.  Every class has an assistant so you are not alone and there are some moms with some great ideas.   

I am always amazed with the wonderful class selection, as well as the hard working families that help with all aspects of this event.  Set up, break down, clean up and teaching.  There is a lot of work to go around and plenty of members to share in the tasks.  

I myself will be teaching a life skills class for the older kids, sort of a fun take on manners and etiquette. This is something that was requested by my last class of kids so I am looking forward to seeing how it goes.  I have also taught a class in how to get a job and money management.

It is hard for me to believe that this will be my third co-op teaching and the 4th one I have attended. Seeing it grow and watching the new families add their own touch is an exciting adventure to me.  With Kristie’s organizational skills and everyone pitching in we can make this the best co-op yet.

Have questions, need help?  Send a message to Kristie.

Thanks in advance for all your hard work

Posted by Heather Garcia

Be an Ambassador

 

Even with the growing homeschool community, there are still some very negative connotations that go along with our choice to homeschool our kids.  We hear: “unsocialized”, “uneducated” and “unambitious”. We’ve heard we are “lazy parents” or we are “super religious” and  we certainly  “are not teaching real science”. Or combinations of all of these statements- I am sure we have heard them all.  Even the assumptions of helicopter parenting or being that “Tiger Mom”.

Now, I am sure there is a little of this going on among the homeschoolers, but most of us are just normal people who have made what we think is the best decision for our kids.  A lot of times, we have had to homeschool our children despite an unsupportive spouse or family, or even community ridicule.

I’d like to think I am an ambassador of sorts. I don’t mind most questions; well, maybe not “what do you do all day?” But as a general rule, I say, ask away! I am an open book or as open as I can be, anyway.  I have had the whole range of questions asked of me, and mostly I just answer as honestly as I can. Sometimes I ask the same question in reverse to a parent of a public school child. Maybe this can be seen as not being very nice, but one can only answer “are you doing your child a disservice?” so often before you lose it.

Today, I was in a group that has nothing to do with homeschooling and a conversation started. I dispelled a few myths and gave some good information. Information, this wonderful woman said, she has never heard before from other homeschoolers. I don’t hide what I am nor do I shy away from what I do.  Also, I share information I have, willingly and freely. Not only did I make a new friend, but helped someone who felt lost and put them at ease.

We are blessed in our group to have some wonderful ambassadors- not only on the Board but in the membership. I have seen members giving information and sharing experiences. They help new homeschoolers and even the frustrated old timers.  The community is what matters. What we are building here matters.  

Posted by

Heather Garcia