Homeschool Coop Central

We've begun our homeschool coop and I must admit I was anxious as to how it would go having a possiblilty of 24 kids under the age of 8 plus their parent running around my house weekly.  Bud goes to the house of another mom who will be teaching them geography as well as a few other parents pulling in things such as bookclubs, music and science.  Technically Bug is eight but her eyes have struggled to converge properly so that she can read independantly so she lacks confidence in doing tasks on her own, particularly when her eyes fatigue so we've kept her here with me.

We start with a prayer, saying the pledge of allegiance, doing our calendar and then the 5-7 yr olds split up for a small informal lesson upstairs while the littles are free to roam the few stations we have inside and outside the home.  The first week was bubble wands, chalk, water balloon target and playdoh.  The second week was ice blocks with frozen plastic bugs and salt on the patio and diluted vinegar and baking soda in our sensory bin.

After the older group is done the younger ones head upstairs to do their lesson.  Then it's all about play, snacks and clean up. The moms have been wonderful to help vacuumed and clean as I take everyone to the front room and we do show and tell as well as learn some sign language and read a story.

my biggest concern was how Bubby would repond to so many people and so much noise.  Perhaps it's because is in our home, or maybe it's because his siblings are always nearby but I am pleased to say he has responded much better than expected.  He does retreat occasionally but now that we have a new respite worker I hope he can get out for a walk with her and that she can help engage him into observing and possibly playing with the other kids.

Pumpkin and Bug love it!  There's always something new to explore each week as we rotate between the families who bring and implement different activities.  Then there are all the friends (which is what Pumpkin calls them since she can't seem to remember names well) that make it fun and social learning can be practiced.  I must admit I am rather tired after the day but it is satisfying to be a part of a community working and learning together!