In her book Creating a Cooperative Learning Center, Katharine Houk tells the story of how her family and a small group of fellow homeschoolers came together to create a cooperative learning center (or, as the ones I grew up in were called, a “homeschool co-op”). Though she defends the concept of home education incidentally throughout the book — in the face of common stereotypes, it’s almost impossible not to feel the need to do that — it isn’t the main focus. Rather, this is a story told with the purpose of helping others who are considering the same route.

The story of the learning center that Houk founded is fascinating, and I really appreciate how she included form letters, questionnaires, and how-to tips (like how to determine local interest and advertise your learning center) right along with the story. The first half of the book is primarily the story of The Alternative Learning Center, with helpful tidbits scattered throughout. The second half of the book contains extensive organizational documents that will be invaluable to anyone wanting to start a co-op group.

“The home education movement is slowly growing up, and the move away from an initial “turning away” and individualism to a more inclusive interdependence and community is part of that growth. Homeschoolers, through support groups, conferences, and learning centers, are combining autonomy with connectedness” (6).

Houk makes a convincing case for why home educators need to consider finding a homeschool co-op, but she is also very honest about the challenges of trying to get many homeschoolers to work together. One coordinator compared it to “getting thirty entrepreneurs to work on a project together” (53). The nature of homeschooling tends to draw independent-minded people, and diversity can be viewed as either a liability or an asset. Much depends on the attitude of the people involved.

I love how Houk calls homeschooling “learning at home and in the world rather than in school.” So many people miss the fact that homeschooling takes place in the context of everyday life, in interactions with many people and organizations outside the home. I could have cheered for her discussion on what homeschoolers call “the S word,” socialization. Houk presents a very balanced and fair view of socialization, noting that it begins at home.

I really appreciate Houk’s positive, you-can-do-it attitude and her interest in families who are creating cooperative learning centers. She even includes her address so you can write to her and tell her about your homeschool co-op! To me, that says that she really cares about homeschoolers and wants to support them in any way she can.

I had the privilege of being homeschooled from kindergarten through high school graduation, and over the years my family participated in a number of homeschool co-op groups. Looking back, I can see how much work and planning went into the activities and courses that were offered, and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to be a part of those groups. I plan on homeschooling my own children in the future, and this book has really encouraged me to look into joining or starting a homeschool co-op when the time comes. This is a great resource and I highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking about starting/joining a homeschool co-op, or who is looking for ideas to improve a current center.

Thank you to LibraryThing for the opportunity to review this book through the Member Giveways program. ( )