Co-ops for Teens

One of the reasons I loved co-oping when my children were younger was the fact that they could all stay together (for the most part) in the co-op and I could be a part of this experience as well.  I love participating in my children's education and I love it even more when we can all study together.  Once my youngest child became a teen I began directing the co-op studies towards matters that pertain to teens only.  The first co-op with teens only was a ten week co-op entitled "Current Events and Persuasive Speech." This particular co-op was for boys only and we met at night so dads could join us.  The transformation from boys standing before the group, shaking in their boots as they read their presentations, to boys standing behind a podium, on stage, delivering a presentation without notes, was amazing.  And in just ten weeks time!!

We have since enjoyed teen co-ops based on the following units of study:

• The Scopes Trial that took place in Dayton, Tennessee, in 1925.  
• Foundations of Truth
• Vocation and Calling

This fall my youngest will be part of a co-op that is based on the Constitution and U S Law.

Next spring the co-op plans to include the newly published curriculum entitled Adventures in Philosophy!  I wrote a review on this curriculum here and am excited that it will be included in a co-op.  

One of our main goals with each co-op is to create a group environment conducive to asking questions, having discussions, doing research, and sharing information both with one another and in front of the group.  We have learned that dividing the students into smaller groups for break-out sessions tends to encourage everyone to take part in the discussions.   We assign student leaders for these groups, but rotate assignments so that each student has an opportunity to lead a group (whether they like it or not).  

In order to teach teens to ask questions, question answers, conduct research, and give presentations, it doesn't matter what subject you choose to study, it only matters that you have a subject to study and a plan for carrying out the study.  The subject can be something as specific as the Scopes Trial to something as general as Truth.  Don't be intimidated!  Gather a group and plan a fall co-op!  Feel free to contact me with questions, concerns, or suggestions!!  

We are in the midst of publishing and updating co-op guides so that parents can use the materials we have put together.  Check out or website, bettertogethercoop.com,  periodically for updates.