9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
We cannot be all things to all people!, July 19, 2008
This review is from: Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out (Paperback)
"I learned that, regretfully, we cannot be all things to all people--only Jesus can."
With this insightful refrain, Carol Topp urges leaders of homeschool co-ops to identify their purpose and define their target.
The opening chapters of Homeschool Co-ops provide a levelheaded assessment of both advantages and disadvantages of participating in a co-op. For example, Topp tackles a significant issue by admitting: "Some people are extremely reluctant to discipline another person's child. Granted, I would never lay a hand on a child, but I do let them know if they are out of line. If you do not like assisting other parents in this way, or if you are very sensitive about other parents verbally disciplining your child, then you had better think carefully about a co-op commitment."
Speaking of interpersonal matters, Topp points us to The Peacemaker by Ken Sande for conflict resolution, and summarizes the key aspects to successful peacemaking: overlooking an offense, reconciliation, and negotiation.
Topp addresses general issues including the double-edged nature of co-op distinctives, as well as specific matters including how to evaluate space and facilities. Valuable checklists, surveys, and links support the author's recommendations.
Quick references sprinkled throughout the text direct readers who seek more in-depth coverage of a topic discussed. Sometimes readers are directed to another chapter within the text, other times they are referred to an outside source, website, or book.
Detailed suggestions for co-op offerings are provided, including classes and activities based upon students' ages, topics, clubs, or curriculum. As a fellow writer, I particularly appreciate her admonishment for homeschoolers to purchase curriculum whenever photocopying violates copyright restrictions.
Fellow home-schoolers' stories and testimonies are woven throughout the book.
Although insights from others who have led or participated in co-ops are valuable, one of this book's greatest strengths comes from Carol's insight as a CPA with personal experience in home school co-op business matters.
Carol presents clear explanations regarding the various non-profit organizational structures and by-laws. She explains how to prepare a budget, bookkeeping basics, and the benefits and disadvantages of the coveted 501(c)(3) status. A more detailed treatment of these matters as well as guidelines regarding hiring teachers and other employees may be found in her eBook titled, Money Management for Homeschool Organizations (see her website for ordering details).
In the last section of her manuscript, she underscores an obvious but too often neglected reality: a co-op is not a solo venture! Fortunately, she provides concise instructions on how to avoid burn out: "Strive for a co-op that lives up to its name..."
Carol closes her counsel with the ABC's of successful homeschool co-ops: "A Board" (establish one), "Bylaws" (write them, and include a clear mission statement), and "Create a Budget."
In summary, this title brims with wise counsel and practical resources for those who lead or attend or are simply considering participating in a homeschool co-op.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent co-op resource, June 28, 2008
This review is from: Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out (Paperback)
This book is a must have for any one wishing to start, maintain, or save a dying co-op.
I would have loved to have had this book years ago when I joined my first co-op. Being brand new to home schooling, the other moms and I knew nothing on how to get a co-op off the ground. We forged a path through uncharted territory, figuring it out as we went. Though we gained friendships, fellowship, and a shared learning experience, we weren't without our struggles, personality conflicts, and growing pains. That's when a book like this is invaluable.
Anything you want to know about cooperation of families working together - small co-ops, large ones, mission statement and purpose, leadership and volunteer roles, handling conflict, potential class topic ideas, location, and even tax-exempt issues are explained. It's all there in this well written 170-page book.
The author writes:
It may not be problem free to start or run a home school co-op, but most homeschool parents find that co-oping is worth the commitment and expense! Homeschool co-ops are becoming more and more popular because they are meeting the needs and expectations of homeschooling families.
There is no stone left unturned! No matter what your need or group size, this book is a great help to start and keep your Co-op healthy.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thorough resource for anyone who has even thought about starting a Co-op, June 22, 2008
This review is from: Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them and Not Burn Out (Paperback)
While I have never been a member of a co-op, I was thinking about getting together with one or two other families to have either an art class or science class-- the two subjects that have sadly fallen by the wayside in our homeschool. Carol's book came at the perfect time!
Let me tell you some of my favorite things about her book:
-Carol's writing style is very easy to read. It didn't take extra energy (that I did not have) to just get through the book-- I actually enjoyed reading it!
-Included in her book are real life stories and situations. Not only does it make things more interesting, but you can tell the book contains her personal experience with co-op's along with the experience of other homeschoolers.
-As you would expect from a CPA, the book is very well organized. Nothing irks me more than a book with no flow and no sense in the order of chapters.
-The book is very thorough and divided into three main sections: Starting a Co-op, Running a Co-op, and How to Avoid Burnout.
-Examples of various forms, mission statements, etc. are included. She also has very pointed questions to ask yourself in each chapter. Not one to just convince you that a co-op is for everyone, Carol helps you to see the many benefits of a co-op as well as to count the cost.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that has even thought about starting a co-op! This has encouraged me greatly and I plan to pass this useful resource on to others.
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