LEAD YOUR HOMESCHOOL CO-OP | Community Building, Servant Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Policies and Procedures

It may not seem like the time to be talking about progress reports or conflict in the classroom, but actually this is the perfect time! Setting up your co-op for success begins with your teacher training over the summer. We all want to help our mentors and students succeed in class, and giving feedback is an essential part of that. How do you give and receive feedback in a way that doesn't feel like shame or blame? We need to share information to help kids have the tools to be successful! Stay tuned as we share a simple tool that will motivate mentors and encourage parents in the process. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/  

Today, we are going back to the basics. We know how hard the struggle is to round up the courage to start a community from scratch. If you have listened to our podcast for any amount of time, then you have heard us talk about conflict resolution and all the many frustrations and problems that challenge us as leaders. Why is it worth it? Join us as we unpack why building a close knit community is soooo worth the effort! John 15:12-13 "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/

Have you ever needed to tell a family that they are not a good fit for your co-op, but then they don't seem to get the message? Maybe this family is just hard of hearing, or could it be that you are approaching the situation with the wrong end in mind? Listen in today as we discuss how we can learn to communicate well as leaders so that everyone is in the loop and understanding one another in our communities! Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/ Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/

Is the end of the year hitting hard? The to-do list is long, the days are short, and challenges seem to be around every corner. In their latest Q&A, Molly and Pam revisit the book of Nehemiah, sharing lessons in leadership, perseverance, and faith. Tune in for a dose of encouragement and wisdom to help you finish strong! Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/

One of the things that homeschoolers are notorious for is saving money! We all know secrets to getting things either free or at a great bargain! It's our super power. What if I told you that you could get college courses for free! Well, maybe not FREE but you could literally save thousands of dollars on your kids' higher education! Stay tuned because we have a special guest, Christine Kastens, to show us how! Christine's resource: Early College Super Saver Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/ Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/

Once you've finally got the courage to start your co-op, the next steps can be daunting. There are so many decisions to make!! What website platform should we use? How will we communicate? How do we register people? How do we keep track of it all! It can throw you into a black, spinning swirly of confusion and delay! Stop right now! Take a breath and go to your happy place because we have a very special guest, Renee Hogan, from Homeschool-Life, joining us with a solution to all of those overwhelming questions! Get a pen and take notes! You're not gonna wanna miss this!  Homeschool Life Website Link https://www.homeschool-life.com/sysfiles/member/?memberid=0000 Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/

So you've finally taken the plunge! Started your very own homeschool co-op and are in the depths of planning and establishing the close-knit community you have always dreamed of. Now what? How do you ensure that it runs without a hitch? How do you remember what needs to be done and how to do it all? The answer? It's all in the systems! Once you create a system for recording processes you will be smooth sailing on co-op days! Stay tuned to find out why systems are so important and how to create them!    Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/

Are you weary and tired as we come to the end of our school year? Are you overwhelmed with the upcoming events like graduation, recitals, finals, and the last day of school? Do you wish for a little refreshment or encouragement in your day? We want to share with you some easy ways that you can renew your minds and bodies. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/ Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/  

Do you have a co-op with hard-working parents leading your classes?  You know your community would not exist without the commitment of these wonderful parents, and they usually have little to no pay.  How do we show our appreciation for all that they do to love and support the kids in our communities?  Today we are going to talk about some brilliant ideas to show our mentors and teachers some love! Listen in and don't forget to thank your teachers! Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/

Have you as a leader, had families wanting to join your co-op that have students who have special needs or learning difficulties?  Maybe these families have suffered in a traditional school setting and are homeschooling because their student did not “fit the mold”.  Are you equipped to welcome them into your homeschool community?  You don't want to just say “No, you can't join our community,” but you are also nervous about what it will look like on a practical basis.  We want to show you a path forward so that you can welcome students of all learning styles and even neuro-divergent learners into your community.  Listen in today for some principles that we have discovered after having some of these special students in our communities!  Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact  

Are you picking curriculum for next year for your co-op?  Do you struggle trying to figure out what to use? Today we want to encourage you to consider and use Great Books as a foundational part of your curriculum.  There are so many reasons that reading great books serve your community.  Listen in to hear our discussion. Links to books and podcasts we discussed in this episode: Read Aloud Family- Sarah McKenzie Teaching the Classics Cathy Duffy reviews Honey For A Child's Heart Tending the Heart of Virtue Books Children Love Timeline of Classics by IEW The Literary Life podcast Close Reads podcast Read with me by Lisa VanDamme (app and podcast) Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/ Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/

Have you ever taught a class that felt out of control? Kids talking over you as if you weren't even in the room? Maybe it's the opposite, and you try to engage students only to receive blank stares and crickets. How do you make your class less boring and more engaging? You don't have to be super creative or spend hours on Pinterest planning amazing classes! Today we are going to share some practical, easy ways to connect with your students and get them involved in truly learning on co-op day.    Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/

Are you looking for ways to build a close-knit community and get parents involved?  A well-executed graduation ceremony can be a great  way to draw people into your community, as well as helping to create a vision for the future for your younger families.  Today we are going to talk all things graduation . . it's not too late to start planning for one even for this year! Especially if you have a small group. We are here to help you think through all the logistics and help you get organized.     Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/ Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact/

Are you frustrated trying to manage responsibilities of leadership along with the rest of your life? Do you feel like you're letting others down because of your lack of efficiency, which is causing you to waste time? Do you long for a day when you no longer feel like you are always missing something? What if I told you that you could actually lead from a place of peace, where the right systems and resources help you feel confident, save time, and get things done?  In this episode, we are going to talk about organization and efficiency leaders! We know how frustrating it can be trying to manage the responsibilities of leadership along with the rest of your life. You know that feeling like you're letting others down because of your lack of efficiency, which is causing you to waste valuable time? If you are like us, you long for the day when you don't feel like you are always missing something. Get ready to take notes on strategies and resources to help you get organized and work out the kinks of your day-to-day operations. Next Steps:  Episode 57: Five Questions to Ask to Get Ready for the New School Year!   Schedule a coaching call:  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com  

Leaders, are you feeling like you are always fighting to get parents to participate? How do you get all members to contribute?  Just getting people to show up seems hard, and then you want to ask them to pull their weight?  What should you do?! We have definitely been in those shoes and it is a recipe for burnout because we as leaders tend to pick up the slack.  That is just not sustainable! Stay tuned today to hear some tried and true principles to help your families get motivated to pitch in and make your community thrive! Bible verse 1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.   Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

It's February—this time of year, which is notorious for the "blahs.". Are you feeling worn out? Ready to throw in the towel? Feeling alone? Wondering if what you are doing is even worth it? Maybe you're feeling that life would be so much easier if you just gave up on this co-op/homeschool group idea and just started homeschooling on your own. We have all been there! In fact, if we are honest, we are feeling it too. We are here today to help you remember your “why” and give you a little boost to get through the February doldrums. We hear you, mama! We are here for you, praying for you!    Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

When you are a parent-led co-op and your parents make up close to 100% of your teachers, what are things to consider if you want to hire someone from the outside of your co-op to come in and teach a class?  Sometimes, we as leaders feel desperate to find teachers to teach the things we want to include in our co-op and we don't have the parents to do it.  Is it wise to bring in outside help?  When might it not be the best idea?  In today's episode, we are discussing many things that you should consider when planning your classes for your co-op. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

What ages of kids should be in classes together? If you span all the ages, how many classes do you need, and how do you get all the parent volunteers?  Are there different considerations for academic vs enrichment classes?  What are the benefits or drawbacks of combining age groups?  Today we are going to answer all these questions and more!  Bible verse  1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.   Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

Have you felt isolated and lonely and wondered if there are other like-minded families out there . . . somewhere? Are you ready to build a close-knit community of believers because you have not found a co-op that fits the needs of your family? Are you ready to step out in faith, but you are wondering how you can find those families that fit your vision for a homeschool community? Today, we are going to give you some actionable steps to help you grow your community—whether you are just starting or are already going but have been struggling to attract families.    Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

 Are you in a parent-led co-op and finding it hard to get your registrations done?  You need to plan for classes, but the parents want to know what the classes are, but you need to know who is enrolling in order to plan classes! What is a co-op leader to do?  This is a common issue that homeschool co-ops have, but we think you can apply 2 important principles that will give you success this year! Listen in today for those principles, plus a sample class grid that you can use for your planning. Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. Next Steps:  CHEC Leadership Conference: Feb. 1st https://chec.regfox.com/2025-homeschool-group-leaders-conference Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

With Christmas behind and the new year ahead, it's a good time to do a mini audit and make sure that we are keeping Christ at the center of our co-op.  If we want to grow together in our faith as a community, we must be intentional. In order to be intentional, we as leaders must go first. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com  

Do you get to December and wish you had more time to really focus on meaningful activities related to Advent and Christmas?  Are your kids instead studying for midterm exams and your family is missing the joy and peace that this season is all about?  What if you could get out of the rat race and truly focus on celebrating the true reason for the season?  Well you can, and we have done it! Listen in for our ideas on implementing a more peaceful December in your co-op NEXT YEAR! 1 John 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/contact

In our last episode we talked about burn-out and how to know whether it's time to pass the torch and step down or to buckle down and step up. This week we want to share some strategies to help you fill your cup so you can thrive as a leader.  Leadership is all about serving and oftentimes we forget that not only are we serving our co-op but we are serving our families, churches and communities as well.  It's super easy to neglect ourselves and end up in an energy deficit. Add any length of time to that and you can almost guarantee burn out.  Let's not do that! try these 4 strategies that can help.   Luke 2:14: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”   Craig Groeschel - Leadership Podcast - Manage Your Time https://tinyurl.com/ye74dsvt   Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

Are you feeling mentally and physically drained from leading your homeschool group?  Are a few bad apples spoiling the bunch for the entire community? Wish you knew whether or not it was time to throw in the towel and close the doors for good? Ask the right questions and figure out feasible solutions to get your co-op excited and energized once again! Psalm 34:4   I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.  Faith over fear is a decision we make before the struggles hit. It's seeking the Lord knowing He hears, and trusting Him knowing He will deliver and help. Sometimes we forget He helps. We forget He is the deliverer. So we wrestle with trying to figure everything out on our own. All along God is waiting and ready to hear our cry and our prayer. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com Fundamental Needs Workbook  https://chelsijo.co/myprioritiesworkbook

Last week we discussed ways to set your co-op up for success when dealing with learning differences in the classroom.  Today, we will be talking about what to do when those learning differences cause disruptions on co-op day and in the classroom.  How can we create cultural practices and learn methods that help students succeed in the classroom?  How do we get teachers and parents on the same page when it comes to scaling the work to the students' needs?  We hope today's episode will give you some practical tangible ideas to help your co-op! Bible verse: Exodus 17:12 When Moses' hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.   Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com CHEC Group Leaders Conference: https://chec.org/events/homeschool-group-leaders-conference/

Are you looking for wisdom on helping students with learning differences succeed in the classroom?  Are you at a loss as to what policies you need or how to create a culture that supports students' success?  Do you wish you knew how to communicate all this to the parents and teachers?  Join us for a two part discussion on how to plan for learning differences in the classroom, and how to see this challenge as an opportunity for growth and transformation in your community! Bible verse: Romans 12: 4-6 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.   Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

In many of our episodes, we tackle how to handle challenges that come up in our homeschool communities. In honor of Thanksgiving Day, we wanted to continue in the tradition of a “thankfulness” episode. This is our 2nd annual! Are you overwhelmed with the planning that it takes to run your co-op? Are you feeling burdened with the conflict that has surfaced or behaviors that are hard? Does it seem like a close-knit community might not be worth all the effort? Today, we would like to focus on a few of the things that we as leaders are thankful for and that you too can look forward to, even in the midst of the hard. We hope this is an encouragement to you today! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.   Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com  

Are you a new listener that is looking for great information on leading your homeschool co-op? Are you motivated to build community, but need ideas, guidance, wisdom, and accountability? You don't have to do it alone, you've come to the right place! We want to share what we have learned with you from our experiences of starting and running homeschool co-ops, and we are so glad that you are here with us on this journey! Today, we are kicking off Season 2 with reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the year ahead. Like you, we have big dreams and we are excited to have you along with us in this next chapter! Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

Are you intimidated and overwhelmed with the planning that comes with starting a new co-op? Are you struggling with different visions within your leadership team? Are you looking for advice, support, and encouragement for building your board? We get lots of questions about roles on the board, how to make good decisions on the board, who should be doing what, etc.  We know that as new leaders, you may have left a previous group due to poor leadership, disgruntled members, or conflict, so how can you start your co-op out on the right foot from the get-go? Would you believe us if I told you that there are four basic principles in an easy-to-follow plan that can equip you to build your dream-team board. Stay tuned for an introduction to our leadership course! Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com  

It seems we can never talk too much about how to handle conflict!  In today's episode, we wanted to review some of the nuggets that we heard from our friend Trisha Kroll last week as well as continue to glean from Trisha in the Q&A segment of our time with her.  She talked to our listeners about a mindset shift that can help us approach conflict in a more healthy way.    Learn more about Trisha! Visit her website: www.mindofachampiontraining.com Watch Amy Gallo's TedTalk:  https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_e_gallo_the_gift_of_conflict?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High https://a.co/d/0PhwDME   Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

How do you approach conflict? Does just hearing the word “conflict” give you a sick feeling in your stomach? Does your heart race just thinking about it? Sweaty palms, anxiousness? Any of this sound familiar? These reactions come from messages in our brain. In this episode we have a special guest, Trisha Kroll, who will share with us about how God created our amazing minds and give us some new tools to deal with conflict. Trisha is a mental toughness coach with Mind of a Champion Training; she is a mentor and a good friend of Pam and Molly for going on 15 years now. To learn more about Trisha, visit her website: https://www.mindofachampiontraining.com/. You don't want to miss this mind-blowing episode!   Here is the Ted Talk that Trisha recommended https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_e_gallo_the_gift_of_conflict?subtitle=en   Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

So you're up and running and solidly into your school year. Now what? What ways can you be proactively caring for your community? There are things you can be doing now to prevent unforeseen problems down the road. Listen in to what Hannah and Pam shared during our live Q&A in September and get a head start on creating that community you've always wanted for you and your family. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com  

Do you want to offer a time for the kids in your community to have a recess and get their zoomies out? Are you worried that in doing so you will be opening Pandora's Box of bad behavior or conflict between kids and parents? Join us in this episode as we answer this question from our Facebook live Q and A.  Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com  

Do you have a unique question and don't know where to go to find the answer?  Maybe you have a question about laws, record keeping, online classes, or just need advice and want to know what others are doing, but no one seems to have a similar situation to give you sound advice.  Look no further, the HSLDA (Homeschool Legal Defense Association) has free resources and advice for homeschool leaders!  Tune in for part 2 of our interview with HSLDA's homeschool leader advocate, Darren Jones. HSLDA Website: https://hslda.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu-63BhC9ARIsAMMTLXRi3zrqYcK04NZKUxOZyrenuvu0_lLVvScD5njOwAjOPztS8KyaLgYaAv39EALw_wcB   Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

Are you worried about legal issues with your co-op or with your families?  Do you need advice on documents, legal entities or other issues?  Today's interview with HSLDA lawyer, Darren Jones will be so encouraging for you! Listen in to find out all the ways that HSLDA can support your co-op and support you as leader! I'm sure you will hear something that you didn't know before.   Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. – Psalm 62:5-6 Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com HSLDA email: groupservices@hslda.org  

On our last live Q&A in facebook Hannah led us in a conversation about insurance for your co-op. If it is feeling like an overwhelming mystery. Take a breath, relax.  Help is on the way. Here is a recap along with some resources to get you started. theeventhelper.com (community day) https://www.eventsured.com (dance) https://ncginsurance.com/ NCG Insurance   Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

Are you wondering what you should be prepared for when planning a field trip? Are there things you should think about in advance in order to make the whole process and trip a lot smoother? If you have never planned something on a larger scale, you may be feeling a little anxious about your first field trip. Today we hope to give you the confidence you need to plan and enjoy your first field trip with your community. Ecclesiastes 1:13  I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens.  Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

Have you ever been in a situation where you need to have a crucial conversation, but opinions are strong, stakes are high and emotions are rolling like Niagara falls?  We try to handle conflict God's way using Matthew 18, but how many times does it seem like our approach fails miserably and we either can't solve the problem? We make it worse by hurting others or by trying to keep ourselves from being hurt. In today's episode, we are doing a review of the book Crucial Conversations - Tools for Talking When Stakes are High. by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler.  Listen now to find out why you should add this tool to your leadership repertoire!   James 1:19-20  Be quick to listen, but slow to speak. And be slow to become angry Find it here on Amazon - https://a.co/d/7iy42lo   Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.   https://www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com/  

Do you lack committed board members on your leadership team? Is your board lacking unity? Are you wondering why your board is not functioning smoothly? In today's episode, we want to focus on the characteristics that are necessary to develop as a leader. These biblical principles are characteristics that God calls all Christians to, but especially as leaders, we need to intentionally consider how these principles can help us serve those who are in our communities and also function as a board in a manner that is worthy to be emulated.   Integrity - Titus 2:7 ESV Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity Courage - Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Respect - Philippians 2:2-4then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,  not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  Humility - Ephesians 4:2   Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

Leaders - have you ever had the experience of hearing about problems in the classroom AFTER the school year is over? You might find out that your teachers are frustrated, your students are misbehaving, your parents are in the dark, and you were totally unaware until it was too late to do anything about it.  That is a very frustrating moment.  It really might be because you are missing this one crucial piece of the puzzle.  What is it?  Open lines of communication.  If you can promote a culture of open communication between parents and teachers, your co-op will reap great rewards.  Stay with us to hear about how you can set up your co-op to promote communication! Proverbs 19:20: Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com  

It's August, and it is time to close registration for your homeschool co-op, right?  Or do you keep it open because you have families that are interested but have not yet made a decision? Do you allow more people to join at the last minute or even after classes have started?  If you are not bursting at the seams, and you want to bolster your numbers, and be available to accept homeschoolers jumping on at the last moment, do you leave your registration open?  Today we would like to discuss some of the things you might want to think about when deciding how to manage your registrations and those wishy-washy families that can't seem to make a decision! Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person's heart,     but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com

It's mid-August! Can you believe the summer is winding down and it's almost time for school to start and our co-ops to begin meeting again? That means it's time to be thinking about your first day of your community meeting together! The first couple weeks will set the tone for your community, so it is important to try to have a successful start. You will have new people joining you, so we thought it would be fun today to give you some ideas of great ice breakers you can do to kick off your first day of class.  If you, as a listener, have more ideas, please post them in our facebook group.   Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! – Psalm 32:11   Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://lead-your-homeschool-co-op.gr-site.com/  

Are you waking up in the middle of the night in a panic with all the things you need to add to your to-do list to get ready for the first day of your co-op? Are you panicking because you don't even have a list and you know you should, but you don't even know where to start or what should be the priority? The clock is ticking and you want to be ready. Take a deep breath and relax. Here are 5 simple questions to get you organized and help you think through this process. It doesn't have to be overwhelming or perfect right out of the gate. Give yourself grace to make changes over time and adjust your expectations, knowing that this is an ongoing process.  You are building a community to grow together in faith and it takes time. 1 Corinthians 14:40 Let all things be done decently and in order. Proverbs 30:25 The ants are not a strong people, but they prepare their food in the summer Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03  Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  www.homeschoolcommunitybuilders.com  

Are your teachers overwhelmed and lacking confidence in their ability to teach at your co-op? Is your community struggling with inconsistencies among your teachers? Are your teachers burnt out due to spending massive amounts of time planning for their class(es)? In today's episode, we are talking about teacher training- why it's so important and how it serves your community to do it.   Educate, Equip, Encourage, Expect Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://lead-your-homeschool-co-op.gr-site.com/

Are you struggling to motivate parents to stay involved?  Do you wonder how you will ever find and train your replacements as leaders?  Do you have student behavior problems that you are having a hard time handling?  All these problems can be mitigated by being a parent-led co-op. Today we are excited to talk about all the benefits that you can experience as a co-op by having parents present and engaged on campus.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://lead-your-homeschool-co-op.gr-site.com/

Wish you and your teachers had more insight on how to teach to different learning styles? What if you had the key to unlock your own child's best way to learn? Today, we have a special guest, Dawn Jackson who is an expert on learning styles and personality dispositions to give us some tools to help all the kids in our co-ops thrive. Want to connect with Dawn? Email her: dawn@solimaracademy.com or visit her website: solimaracademy.com Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call with Molly, Pam and Hannah:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://lead-your-homeschool-co-op.gr-site.com/

Investment! As leaders, we all want and need the families in our co-op to step up, to volunteer, to stay invested.  But how do we achieve this?  How do we motivate parents to stay involved and to step up and willingly volunteer their time and effort to our co-op?  Two weeks ago we talked about the absolute must of intentionally creating a culture of LISTENING to your families.  Today we are going to talk about another way you can walk that out - by encouraging your families to teach unique classes.  If you haven't listened to Episode 51 yet, make sure you go back and listen to the why and how to make sure you are hearing from your families.  And stick with us today - we hope this discussion will spur some great ideas for you for your own co-op!  Bible verse Ecclesiastes 8:15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://lead-your-homeschool-co-op.gr-site.com/  

Are you ready to get started building a community where you can grow together in faith?  Are you feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start? Creating a mission statement that will serve your community over the long haul is worth the time and effort you put in up front.  Your mission statement is the cornerstone for the foundation of your co-op and one of the most valuable tools you will utilize time and time again. In this episode we will take two samples of real co-ops and audit them, so that you can have practical ideas to get you started right now! Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://lead-your-homeschool-co-op.gr-site.com/ Additional Podcasts - Episode 8: Mission Statement Part 1: Determining Who You Are https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-8-mission-statement-part-1-determining-who-you-are/id1689867945?i=1000632661686   Episode 10: Mission Statement Part 2: Determining What  You Do https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-10-mission-statement-part-2-determining-what-you-do/id1689867945?i=1000633437962

How many of you leaders out there feel like you are doing ALL the work for your co-op and it is completely overwhelming?  Why is it that 20% of the people do 80% of the work? What is it that inspires the families in your co-op to step up and take on extra tasks and truly INVEST in your community?  Today we are going to talk about one big strategy that will help you increase investment and excitement in your community - are you ready for this?  Stick around and we will share with you the magic solution for getting your families involved.  James 1:19 ESV Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://lead-your-homeschool-co-op.gr-site.com/

Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03 Do you have families that feel disconnected from your community? Are families doing their own thing all of the time, except on community days? Are you and your members desiring deeper relationships and stronger connections? Now that you have found families to join your community, your work isn't over! You need to continue to cultivate those relationships for the health and strength of your community. In this episode we are going to talk about 3 ways to nurture the families that are in, or wanting to be in your community. Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://lead-your-homeschool-co-op.gr-site.com/ Episode 15: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-sghgi-1501f77 Review "The Way of the Shepherd: 7 secrets to managing productive people" by Kevin Lemann and Bill Pentak Get the book: The Way of the Shepherd: 7 secrets to managing productive people by Kevin Lemann and Bill Pentak  https://a.co/d/fIT92AK

If you have found your leadership team and set up your co-op then you are ready to start inviting families to your community.  How do you create a close knit culture that shares your values and mission?  How do you ensure that families will fit? We've done a couple of episodes on the importance of doing new family interviews. Today we are going to help you refine the interview process by giving you 6 questions you must ask to make sure you are accepting families that will thrive in your community! 1 Peter 5:12 NIV Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; Next Steps:  Schedule a coaching call:  https://calendly.com/leadyourhomeschoolco-op/coaching-call?month=2024-03   Join our Facebook group- Lead Your Homeschool Co-op https://www.facebook.com/groups/72507320516066 Become a Lead Your Homeschool Co-op Insider and get first dibs on valuable resources to help you lead, organize, and connect your community.  https://lead-your-homeschool-co-op.gr-site.com/   Episode 39: How to Find Families That Fit - Master the Interview Process https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-39-how-to-find-families-that-fit-master-the/id1689867945?i=1000651390347