Some features of this Group Services section are available only to our Discount Groups and Affiliates. To register for log-in access, you will need your group’s name, the zip code of the organization you represent, and the access code provided in your Discount Group or Affiliate confirmation letter or email. If you do not have this information, please contact Group Services.

“A Checklist for New Homeschool Groups” by Carol Topp

“Media Relations” by Cam Leedahl

“Talking Tips” by HSLDA—Seven tips to help you represent home education to the media.

First Class Homeschool Ministries—Church-based homeschool co-ops with a mentoring component.

“10 Essential Elements of a Co-Op” by Joy Kita

Articles on starting and running a homeschool group by Carol Topp, CPA

Forming a Homeschool Support Group by Pete Storz

Tips for Starting a Preschool Co-op by TheUnlikelyHomeschool.com

Starting a Homeschool Preschool Co-op by Rachael

Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them, and Not Burn Out by Carol Topp —Pros and cons of being in a homeschool co-op. How to start a co-op, including running your first planning meeting. Ideas for classes and activities for all ages. Helpful advice on dealing with volunteers, setting policies, managing money, and handling conflict.

“What Is the Difference between a Homeschool Support Group and a Co-op?” by Carol Topp

Activity Days for Homeschool Groups and Families by Marcia Washburn

Interest survey with topics and activities—sample from SCHE

Activities for Group Meetings by Vicki Bentley

“Field Trip Guidelines”—sample from Shenandoah Christian Home Educators, Virginia

Field Trips 101 (with a list of suggested trips)

Graduation Activities —what have other groups done?

Co-op class ideas

By-laws and statements of faith—See Financial & Legal Issues

Homeschool Co-ops: How to Start Them, Run Them, and Not Burn Out by Carol Topp—Pros and cons of being in a homeschool co-op. How to start a co-op, including running your first planning meeting. Ideas for classes and activities for all ages. Helpful advice on dealing with volunteers, setting policies, managing money, and handling conflict.

“Overcome Common Co-op Problems” Carol Topp (guest blogger Carren Joye)

“Making Families of Handicapped Students Welcome” by Esther Mast

Servant Leadership issue of TEACH magazine (Spring 2001)

HSLDA non-member letter sample - For families on the roster who are no longer members of your group

Homeschool Co-ops: Opportunities for Children with Special Needs by Faith Berens, HSLDA Special Needs Consultant

7 Questions to Ask Before Starting a Co-op (Home School Heartbeat with Nancy Manos)

“Practical Aspects of Successful Leadership”—CHEA (CA)

“Including Children with Special Needs in Co-ops”—Newsletter by HSLDA special needs consultant Faith Berens

The following articles are only available to Discount Groups. Please log in to access these articles.

Coordinator agreement—sample from SCHE, Virginia

Yahoo groups instructions - sample from SCHE, Virginia

Interest survey with topics and activities—sample from SCHE

Activities for Group Meetings by Vicki Bentley

Dads: Men in the Gap (video/discussion) 90-minute DVD with study guide; Discussion by 7 dads of five major roles of a dad

Sample handout for Dads: Men in the Gap

“Meetings In Minutes”—help us develop speaking outlines, handouts, and other tools for the exclusive use of our Discount Group leaders.

MIM Topics

• Exploring Your Senses —Fun activity night for the whole family! This will need some volunteers and a bit of advance planning on their part, but Marcia provides all the activities, supplies list, and step-by-step instructions.
• Hobby Night—a relatively easy meeting to plan because the families provide the teaching.
• International Day—Each family represents a different country. Celebrate with food, music, costumes, and/or little-known facts about each country!
• Lesson Planning: Strategy for Success (Leader’s Guide)—You’ve heard the old adage, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Script and outline versions to help equip parents to plan for success!
  Also: Handout for meeting participants >>
• The Mercy Plant—A devotional that reflects upon God’s daily mercies.
• You Know You’re a Homeschooler When …—A devotional aimed at renewing a sense of joy.

“Meetings In Minutes”—help us develop speaking outlines, handouts, and other tools for the exclusive use of our Discount Group leaders.

“Fishing 101” by Vicki Bentley—Mentoring programs for homeschool groups.

“Mentoring for Groups” by Diane Kummer

Considering Homeschooling Non-profit organization assisting Christian parents with babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children with information on homeschooling.

The Balanced Homeschooler

Home Education 101—Mentor’s manual and parent workbook for mentoring new homeschoolers.

Smoothing the Way is a support group dedicated to serving first-year homeschooling mothers.

“Speed Mentoring” by Elizabeth Kennedy and Vicki Bentley

Speed Mentoring bio questionnaire example

“Making the Most of Your Time with Your Mentor”

“Speed Mentoring Conversation Starters”

“Five Things the Second Generation of Homeschoolers Needs from the First” by Jacinda Vandenberg

Group leader blog

“Homeschool Support Groups: Do You Need One?” by Pamela Greer (The Old Schoolhouse)

Support group helps from Kristen and Denise

“Three Reasons You Must Guard Your Heart” by Michael Hyatt

“Twenty Elements of Success in Christian Education” Reproducible chart from Teaching Home

Roster Rewards Recipients (Discount Group Honor Roll!) Fall 2013
These groups all updated their rosters as requested and got prizes!