Making Boys Manly Men via Co-ops

If you have boys, then consider starting a co-op like the one Linda, here in Dayton, Tennessee, is organizing. Her son enjoys using both his mind and his hands and, at this point in time, desires to go to welding school instead of college.  She has a vision for a fall co-op that has many parents excited in this area.  Arriving at our meeting with a stack of books Linda shared her idea of having retired men in the area teach our sons (daughters are not necessarily excluded) how to do things like repair small engines, tune up a car, replace the inside workings of a toilet, build a computer, do wood working, replace screens on iPods, and more!

As you can imagine the moms are quite excited.  People began throwing out names of retired men who would probably love to be a part of this co-op.  One mom, who only has a daughter left at home, suggested having a co-op at the same time for the girls who aren't interested in learning those particular skills.  The idea was shared that the young ladies could prepare home baked goodies for the men who will be volunteering to help with the boys co-op.

Although I am a huge fan of co-ops that include a variety of ages of students, both male and female, there are definitely situations that call for separating ages and genders and this is one of those cases.  Not only will this co-op be blessing to the retired men, the men will be blessing our families and we will be raising boys who will be able to bless their families with the skills they learn!!

Better together -- co-operative learning at its best!