Home-schoolers find

strength in numbers

JOEL DAVIDSON/Frontiersman reporter

WASILLA - A small band of Valley parents have taken charge of their children's education. They brainstorm academic topics, plan out lessons and take turns teaching.

The Mat-Su Homeschool Academic Co-op consists of about 75 kids from 20 families. Their grades range from kindergarten through high school and each Friday they gather at the Multi-Use Sports Complex in Wasilla to explore hands-on topics in math, science, writing and theater.

Throughout the winter, teams of parents pick themes and then each age group explores the topics differently. Every parent is required to participate in teams which come up with activities for each age group.

Earlier this year, the co-op held a seven-week math session, covering everything from engineering to multiplication. Currently, the high schoolers are studying life skills and learning about buying cars, health insurance, and using and paying for credit cards, while the middle school and elementary school students are in the midst of another seven-week session, exploring the natural environment.

The nature session, called "Our Big Back Yard," allows kids to study Alaska animals and ecosystems, as well as outdoor safety and survival.

Last Friday, an instructor from the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage brought out a live kestrel hawk and talked with kids about hawks, magpies, ravens and a host of other Alaska birds.

The Friday gatherings last about two hours - one hour of academic instruction and one hour of physical activity on the artificial turf.

Terina Lochner is the coordinator for the group. She said a home-school academic co-op has existed before, but there's been nothing substantial for about seven years.

"I've been home-schooling for a long time," Lochner said. "Years ago we had day-long co-op days. We got away from that and over the years we lost the sense of a strong home-school community."

Home-school parents recognized that they were missing something important and decided to revive the co-op. The only problem was finding a location large enough to hold 75 to 100 kids and their parents. Once the sports complex became available, they decided it would be a perfect place to meet.

The group atmosphere provides home-schoolers a chance to socialize, which Lochner said is important for both the kids and their parents.

"You get a chance to connect with others who are doing the same thing," she said.

Like most everything else in the co-op, funding is also a group effort.

"We all share the work and responsibility," Lochner said. "Supplies are donated by parents. People bring crafts and stuff."

Parents and volunteers were busy last Friday, leading games, facilitating discussions and organizing activities. In March, the current session will end with a final day of presentations, theatrical skits and art displays.

The third and final session of the year runs April 2 through May 20 and will likely cover topics in either Alaskan or American history. Day care is available for young children, so parents can help instruct the older kids.

The seven week sessions are open to anyone and the cost is $35 per child, to cover renting the building.

For more information about the group, people may contact Lochner at terinalochner@yahoo.com or join the e-mail list of Valley Christian Home Educators at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vche/ to find out about more home-school events, including swimming clubs, mom's nights out, educational field trips and sports opportunities. According to Lochner, VCHE is not affiliated with any religious organization and is open for anyone to join.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.