Mega List of Homeschool Co-op Class Ideas

Field trip groups, nature troops, enrichment co-ops, STEM leagues, book clubs, university model classes, PE & Park meetups--after fourteen years of homeschooling, I've participated and/or led every type of homeschool co-op imaginable. 

The problem with homeschool co-ops

Some of these groups became like the bread and butter of our homeschool. These co-ops were indispensable to us. They offered engaging classes that filled in the holes of our homeschool. They were packed with friendly and generous people--families willing to invest in each other. And they gave us all an opportunity to learn subjects and skills that we'd otherwise never be drawn toward.

(This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for full details.)

But then there were co-ops that were profoundly underwhelming. These were groups that stole our time, energy, and financial resources and offered very little return on investment. To be honest, some of these gatherings felt more like pirate uprisings than educational partnerships. They were disorganized, offered only the low-hanging fruit of learning opportunities, and left my entire family feeling quite fragile by the end of the school year. 

Don't get me wrong, there were wonderful folks in both camps. The people were never the problem. The main difference between the successful groups and the ones that were more a bit wackadoo was whether or not the parent volunteers were given any sort of direction when choosing class topics. 

One solution for struggling homeschool co-ops

Admittedly, no one ever likes to be voluntold what to do. But I've noticed that many moms feel overwhelmed when they're asked to teach a class, not because they're unwilling or unable, but because they can't decide what to teach. Decision fatigue leaves them feeling paralyzed. With no clear guidance, they eventually settle on a class topic they are not interested in or that doesn't fit their natural gifts and abilities. When this happens again and again in the same group, co-op quickly begins to feel like the junk drawer of educational opportunities for all involved.

That's why when I launched a brand new co-op in our area two years ago, I put together a list of age-appropriate class ideas that potential teachers could refer to when selecting what to teach. For some, this index freed them up to eenie-meenie-miney-mo their way to a decision without having to expel any mental energy. For others, it acted as a jumping off point, reminding them of passions they've enjoyed exploring in the past but had long since packed away and forgotten about or inspiring them toward a new one. 

Today, I'm offering that same list to you!

Homeschool Co-op Idea List

 

While I've divided all the ideas into appropriate grade levels, most, if not all of the activities, can be tweaked to fit any age group. A few will require the parent volunteer to possess a certain aptitude or skill in order to teach the topic well, but the rest can be taught by anyone willing to explore and learn right alongside the kids they're assigned to look after.

If you are a co-op leader, hope to teach a co-op class in the near future, or are looking to add some enrichment to your own homeschool, you're invited to grab this mega list of homeschool class ideas. Print it out, tuck it away, and continue to refer to it anytime you need your next big idea.

Do you participate in a homeschool co-op? What classes have you really enjoyed teaching or your kids have enjoyed taking? Share your best suggestions in the comments for others to add to their lists.

Set your homeschool day on autopilot!

Thank you! Your task cards will be sent to your inbox shortly.

Set your homeschool day on autopilot!

No more nagging your kids to do their work. Grab my free Task Cards today.