Co-op in Review: January 27, 2010

This week in co-op, the Upper Grammar kids learned about President Harry S. Truman. Did you know Truman's mother taught him to read using the Bible? Did you know Truman read all 6,000 books in his local library by the time he graduated from high school? The Upper Grammar students explored these facts and many others as they took a sneak peak into Truman's footlocker, with artifacts representing important events in his lifetime and US history. Then, the Upper Grammar students focused their learning on Truman's Whistle Stop Tour. They labeled and colored a map showing all the states Truman won in the 1948 election, when he won a surprise victory over Thomas Dewey. Finally, the kids shared artifacts about their own lives from their shoebox footlockers. Meanwhile, the Lower Grammar boys were having a blast learning about American icon, Walt Disney. They read a book about Walt's life, learning about his life, dreams and the art of animation. Then it was time to try their hand at cartoon making. Each boy made their very own flip book where each page is slightly different from the previous page. And, when flipped really fast, it looks like it's moving. Afterwards, they did a review quiz, answering tough questions about their previous history assignments. Downstairs, the preschool kids read "The Clown of God." In this retelling of an old French legend, a juggler offers to the Christ Child the only Christmas gift he has-juggling! Then, the kids made juggling balls out of balloons and rice. They loved trying their hand at juggling, just like a real clown!

Co-op in Review: January 20, 2010

We're back from Christmas Break! The kids were all happy to be back with their friends at co-op! In our studies, we wrapped up World War II this week. The Upper Grammar kids learned about the German bombing raids on London, also known as the Blitz. They talked about the different types of bomb shelters that were used and then made models of the Anderson Bomb Shelters. They also discussed rationing and the impact it had on what people ate and did. With limited food, gas, and other raw materials, people made do without a lot of luxuries. They also made Ration Books like the ones used in America and ate Ration Cakes made with no sugar, eggs, butter, or milk!! The Lower Grammar kids also discussed the end of World War II, and what life was like on the home front during the war. The boys made Victory Pins. These pins were worn during World War II to show support for the war and the American troops fighting overseas. Many of these pins were home made and had on them a "V" for Victory. Downstairs, the preschool kids read "Caps For Sale". It's the story of a peddler who walks around selling caps from a tall, tottering pile on his head. Unable to sell a single cap one morning, he walks out into the countryside, sits down under a tree, checks that all the caps are in place, and falls asleep. When he wakes up, the caps are gone--and the tree is full of cap-wearing monkeys. The kids enjoyed making trees full of monkey-fingerprints, monkey masks. And then as a special treat, all the little monkeys in the class ate bananas for a yummy snack!

Commemorative Air Force Museum Field Trip

On Wednesday January 13, Tapestry of the Desert took a field trip to the Commemorative Air Force Museum at Falcon Field in Mesa. It was amazing! We were able to view planes that were flown in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Our docents were so knowledgeable and patient with the kids and all of our questions and comments. The highlight was being able to walk through a real B-17 Bomber that was used during World War II. It's sobering and humbling to realize that so many men and women risked their lives for our freedom. It was great to give the kids a chance to see some of the realities of war up close and personal. We pray that they came away with a renewed sense of thankfulness for our great country and for the men and women who serve and have served so bravely.