Bring in the Speakers!

Homeschooling parents often feel inadequate to teach certain subjects and, fortunately, there are resources at our disposal that include tutors, videos, specialized classes, and more!  When our children become teenagers the co-ops we organize include subjects that are more challenging than the basic reading, writing and arithmetic of earlier years.   In order for our teens to begin thinking more critically about the world in which we live, it is good to include subjects such as current events, philosophy, world religions and worldviews, apologetics, logic, and debate.  Meeting together as a group enhances the information presented.  Co-ops also provide a great opportunity for the students to hone their public speaking skills.

In order to address these subjects adequately we use curriculum and Philosophy Adventure, mentioned in another blog, is a great example of a useful publication.   We also use resources found on the internet (presentations, videos, and more), but one of the most effective additions to a co-op is the inclusion of guest speakers!  This is especially true when the subject matters are unique or when they are too difficult to understand (much less teach).

In Dayton, Tennessee this fall there is a co-op for teenage boys that will teach the students basic skills such as small engine repair, toilet repair, ipod screen replacement, and more.  Most of the fathers of the boys in the co-op work during the day and cannot participate in the co-op  Most of the moms are willing to do what they can, but few have the skills necessary to teach these classes.  The common sense solution is to utilize retired men who are willing to teach these subjects!  This particular co-op has found enough men to help and the co-op will begin soon.

In Tallahassee, Florida there is a co-op that is focusing on theology, character, and the Constitution.  What joins these subjects together?  Glad you asked!  Ben Carson's newest book, American the Beautiful, is perfect for this co-op!  That is just one of several books the students have been assigned to read.  In addition to meeting together once a week to discuss the books, current events, character, and more, there are men scheduled to come in periodically to teach theology, economics, and character issues.  Not only are the speakers qualified to teach the subjects in depth, but having a variety of speakers helps hold the interest of the students.  And, since in most cases the parents who participate in the co-ops are usually the moms, it is nice to have men come in to teach when possible.

If you find a speaker perfect for the theme of your co-op, but he/she cannot be present during the time your co-op meets, then schedule an additional time for co-op in order to take advantage of that speaker!  Most speakers do not require a fee for their services, but some do so be sure you come to an understand beforehand.  And, if the speaker does not require a fee, consider presenting him/her with a gift of some sort in order to show your appreciation.  Two years ago we were honored to have a local man come in every week and speak to our co-op for 45 minutes to an hour.  We were more than appreciative of his willingness to take time away from his schedule to invest in the lives of our students and as a way to show our appreciation, we took up a monetary offering for him.  The students, who were also appreciative, contributed monetarily as well, and some even organized fund raisers in order to add to the amount given to the speaker.

Are you part of a co-op or are you planning one for the future?  Then consider bringing in the speakers!