Co-ops in Homeschooling=

Summer Fun for Teens

Co-ops in homeschooling play a valuable role throughout the year. Those lazy days of summer provide the perfect opportunity to recuperate, refresh and relax! It's great until endless boredom sets in. Although peace and quiet is good, too much is not. Co-ops to the rescue!

With a minimum of planning, the summer schedule can be sprinkled with interesting, beneficial activities for teens. These give the youngster something to look forward to, to plan on. A calendar of events with friends provides a feeling of security, which as we all know, is essential to raising a happy, contented teen-ager.

Support group Moms or older teens can briefly check out others' ideas and plans, pick dates and outings, then spread the word ASAP so all can mark their calendars. If each chooses to lead just one project of particular interest to that family, then there is little work for each. Summer remains laid back.

There is always the question of younger siblings. Through trial and error (emphasis on the latter!), it is better to define "Teen Activity" as activities for those whose age ends in the word "teen." Teen means 13-19.

Also we have discovered that, as much as we wish to cultivate loving family relationships, teens do need time to just be with their pals. That is, younger children must wait their turn. Having seen my younger ones mope as the older ones excitedly raced off to an exciting co-op activity, I found it could be an excellent character building lesson in humility and justice. "Pay your dues." "Your time will come." It works out well for all concerned.

The following co-ops in homeschooling ideas are proven and popular:

• Obvious Field Trips: amusement parks, ball games, bowling, swimming, miniature golf, boating, picnics... Take advantage of--and add a little culture with--free community events, Theater in the Park, Fourth of July celebrations, outdoor concerts. (Of course, first check the program to see that it's appropriate.)

• Bi-weekly Volleyball: Perfect for summer!! The game accommodates either large or small numbers of youth, boys and girls, large and small, no amount of skill needed. (Remember, this is for recreation only. Obviously, competitive volleyball depends on lots of skill, talent, practice, etc.) Find a near-by park, with a volleyball pit if possible. But even that's not a requirement. Equipment is really cheap so just set up in a large grassy area. Evening is the best time because it's cooler and more teens may be off work. Two hours is sufficient. Each should bring a water bottle. Have pizza before some of the games.

• Co-ops in Homeschooling Yearbook Meetings: This is the ideal time to get together to assemble the co-op yearbook. Again, evenings work best. Each student should bring pictures, scissors, tape, glue, markers, colored pencils and any specialty items on hand (scrapbooking tools, special-edged scissors, paper cutter). It may require 3-4 get-togethers at the moderator's home. The initial activity?? Pizza Party!

  Let these co-ops in homeschooling suggestions fire the imagination. Conjure other ideas and share them. They'll appear in the monthly newsletter. Our homeschooling teens will reap the rewards.

  Field Trip Ideas

  Support Group Games

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