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| Guess who the artist is this semester? |
Our homeschool co-op, Truth, Beauty, Goodness, met last Thursday, kicking off the new semester. This is our fifth semester together and it has been such a blessing that I thought I might write a few posts about it. Generally speaking, I am not the co-op type. I have participated in a few different groups over the past 16 years and felt that I didn’t have the time or energy to give up a day every week for something that may or may not be worthwhile. Don’t get me wrong – I love all the friends and their children, but inevitably the load was carried by only a few individuals. Also, I can only relate personally to so many children at a time and I’m pretty certain of the philosophy behind the methods I want used, which oftentimes was in conflict with the methods being practiced.
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| Girls tasting and seeing in the Yoder’s garden. |
Then one day, while I was preparing a Shakespeare lesson, a composer study, a picture study and a million other things for my homeschool, I thought to myself, “What if I could find some other families that wanted to study these same subjects?” What if we split the teaching up and I would only have to teach one of these subjects?” “What if it would enhance and augment what we do at home, not replace or substitute?” “What if…” – you get the picture.
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| Nature notebooks |
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| Handicraft – veggie cupcakes! (crushed oreos and molded starburst) |
I kept thinking and praying while bouncing some ideas off of family and friends. Out of this process Truth, Beauty, Goodness Co-op was born. TBG is a bi-monthly co-op that covers Shakespeare, poetry, composer study, picture study, nature study, hymns and folk songs and handicrafts. The teaching philosophy behind it is based on the writings of Charlotte Mason.The pictures on this post are from our first meeting this semester. (Thanks, Bobby Jo!) I refer to this group often, so I thought I might write about how we go about some things.
Before I ask any moms to participate, I give them some beginning considerations to help them decide if the group would be a good fit. Here are the questions I ask them. I hope this may give you some ideas to work with and maybe try a group of your own. I will be sharing more details over the next few weeks.
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Turnips! Time to read Down, Down the Mountain…
Having recently begun a local HS support group, "this" that you described is my vision. It'll take time, but I believe it will work out. Thank you for this encouraging post.
Tammy
Philippians 4:8 (King James Version)
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
What's the verse again? Bobby Jo
Great questions, Nancy. We have a similar document for our coop. Being in the right coop makes all the difference in the world. My children thrive there – and so do I!
That is odd-cuz I am about to launch the first Trek Session for the Ambleside Oaks HS Co-op that has been on my mind for many years…CM based! Good minds think alike I guess-we too will only cover those things like you mentioned, with a tad of lapbooking and FIAR thrown in for good measure (younger kids)…we have a Shakespeare class, a Music Appreciation and of course Nature Study with art lessons for the older kids. Sorta like what you all have! But we meet for a 6 week trek this fall-then not again til winter….
I cannot tell you how many folks were giddy over there being a CM related co-op to go to. There is a need and a welcomed one at that…so best wishes with your co-op dear CMer. :0)
I am definitely following you! So please post what you do so I can "steal" your ideas, and I will post about mine-:0)
Blessings-
Sheri
the web I did is http://www.amblesideoaksco-op.weebly.com
We literally are going to be starting in mid-Sept. of this year-very new here! :0)
It was more like Taste Beauty and Goodness when we are at the Yoder farm!
Judi,
When the email notices were sent out, I had the doc set to "private", so no one could see it. Live and learn! So, try coming to the blog through your browser and not through the email links. The page is "public" now and you should be able to see it, but not if you go through the email links.
If it still doesn't work, just email me privately at kellynk@msn.com and I'll send it to you.
Sorry about that.
-Nancy
Help!!! I'd like to see your Beginning Considerations questions, but when I click on it, I'm told that it is set to private, and isn't publically available. Hmmm…looks like others are seeing it. I don't get it!
Judi
We started our AO enrichment class this past Thursday as well. We had seven 6-8 year olds with bright shining faces which made for a lovely class. We mixed Durer, Beethoven and Worms into our lesson time. How nice to think we are doing this the same time in different parts of the country!
That is SOME turnip!
Must have BLACK soil up there in MINN.
Clay down here in the south.
Hope it is a wonderful year full of wonders.
Looking forward to hearing.
I always learn from you.
Love it! You have made the co op of my dreams, AND thought ahead to keep yourself un-stressed, AND more;you give the ones who participate some written thoughts on the commitments they will be taking on. Bravo.
Pam,
Thanks for letting me know about the document! It should work now for anyone who wants it.
-NK
Love the concept of your co-op, gotta admit I love the name even more. Going by Truth, Beauty, Goodness—what better guides?
Oh, what a great co-op. I agree with you. The reason why I don´t always like them is that a few end up working a lot, and many times they want to 'cover much' and end up not being meaningful.
Those things you'll be engaged in at your co-op are perfect to be studied and enjoyed in the company of other moms and children. (I'm a CM kind of mom, I'm biased!)
Congratulations!