Our course adaptation suggestions based on your co-op's meeting frequency:
For K-5th graders meeting once a week:
Teachers should purchase a course pack and select one book per unit to use in class. They can choose to do 20%-30% of the hands-on activities during class time. If a download student packet is required for the course, a $3/student license fee may apply. Students need to bring a notebook and either order or borrow any books assigned by the teacher. On co-op days, students will read one picture book per unit, have a brief discussion, engage in hands-on projects, and work on mapping or timelines. At home, they’ll have extra video links and book suggestions for further exploration. This setup allows students to explore subjects more deeply at home while the co-op handles the main activities and discussions, benefiting from teacher enthusiasm and group learning.
For 6th-12th graders meeting once a week:
Teachers should get a course pack, select one book per unit, and choose 20%-30% of the hands-on activities for class. Once the books are selected, teachers will inform the class which books to order. If a download student packet is required for the course, a $3/student license fee may apply. Students need to bring a notebook or portfolio and order all assigned books. During co-op, they will discuss readings to enhance critical thinking, complete hands-on projects, and work on mapping assignments. At home, students should finish all readings and written assignments, with the option to explore an additional book on a favorite unit. This approach ensures that core concepts are covered in co-op classes while providing additional resources for students who want to explore further at home.
For K-5th graders meeting 2-3 days a week:
Teachers should order a course pack, select 1-2 books per unit, and complete 40%-60% of the hands-on activities in class. If a download student packet is required for the course, a $3/student license fee may apply. Kids should bring a notebook and order or borrow any teacher-assigned books. Co-op days will involve reading several picture books together, discussing them, doing hands-on projects, and working on mapping and timelines. At home, they’ll have extra video links and book suggestions for further exploration. This setup allows students to explore subjects more deeply at home while the co-op handles the main activities and discussions, benefiting from teacher enthusiasm and group learning.
For 6th-12th graders meeting 2-3 days a week:
Teachers should get a course pack, select 1-2 books per unit, and complete 40%-60% of the hands-on activities in class. Once the books are selected, teachers will inform the class which books to order. If a download student packet is required for the course, a $3/student license fee may apply. Students should bring a notebook or portfolio and order (or borrow) all assigned books. In co-op, they’ll discuss readings to encourage critical thinking, complete hands-on projects, work on mapping and timelines, tackle writing assignments, and explore an additional book on a favorite unit together. At home, students need to finish most of the reading and written work, including the “rabbit trail” book. More class time allows co-ops to cover a wider range of information and ensures core concepts are taught while providing additional resources for students who want to explore further at home.
For a quick view, see our chart below:
