10 Tips for a Smooth Day at Co-op

For homeschooling families, a day away from home at co-op classes can be both rewarding and exhausting. Preparation is key to making the day smooth. As a homeschool veteran of 16 years, I’d say I have a bit of experience, and I’m dying to share it with you!

Whether you’re teaching or assisting in classes, these tips are for you:

1. Wait until the first week of co-op to prepare your class supplies. It’s even better if you wait until the night before. This ensures that you will dream all night about your class topic and you’ll be well-versed in your subject for the next day.

2. Stay up as late as possible the night before. Midnight or later is preferable. This shows true dedication.

3. Assemble a collection of junk foods around you as you cut, glue, type, copy, stack, and pack your supplies. This will give you a quick rush of energy, and then you’ll have that crash you need to fall into bed later.

4. Get up at least 4 hours early on co-op day. This will come in handy when you think of a few more great ideas requiring internet searches, new craft projects, and a last-minute stop at the craft store for glitter.

5. Feed and clothe your children. Bonus points if they get out the door with shoes!

6. Don’t make your bed before you leave. You’ll want it nap-ready in the afternoon!

7. Save make-up application for the drive to co-op. You want your look to be as fresh as possible when you get there, while giving the other moms the impression that you’ve got it all under control.

8. Stuff your purse with granola bars to inhale as you run down the hall to your first class. Do not bring bananas. I think we all know what happens to forgotten bananas in the bottom of a purse.

9. Post expert Instagram photos so that the whole world will get a glimpse of your homeschool-supermom status.

10. Pick up a pint of ice cream on the way home and eat it secretly in your bedroom as you consider ways to make next week even better!

Here’s hoping your homeschool co-op experience is all it can be!

NOTE from Hip Homeschool Moms: Obviously this post is meant to be an amusing reminder NOT to do the things listed above. All of us, though, from time to time probably find ourselves guilty of some of these “offenses.” We all need to keep in mind that we’re not in a contest for Super Mom! We hope that all of you who are involved in homeschool co-ops (and even those who aren’t) have a wonderful school year!

 

Nicki is a 2nd-generation homeschooler, mom of 5 kids, a lover of books, freedom, and quilts, and  she blogs about all of this at nickitruesdell.com. You can also find her on Facebook  and Twitter.