Co-op in Review: January 19, 2011

This week, the Upper Grammar kids discussed the division of the Kingdom of Israel. Solomon died and his son Rehoboam became King of Israel. Rehoboam was an unwise leader and soon Jeroboam, who was also unwise and disobedient, came on the scene and convinced 10 tribes to follow him. Israel was now a divided Kingdom. However, during this time, two great prophets of God were working miracles and turning hearts back to the one true God: Elijah and Elisha. After learning about these historical figures, the class got creative by making jewelry in the style of the ancient Israelites. The Lower Grammar class also focused their studies on the lives of Rehoboam, Jeroboam, Elijah and Elijah. They did a mapping project of the Divided Kingdom and then made adorable paper bag raven puppets--to remind them of the ravens that God used to provide food for Elijah while he was in hiding. Downstairs, the preschool kids read the story, "Mr. Gumpy's Motor Car". Mr. Gumpy takes a day trip in his red car, and accidentally gets stuck in the mud! None of his animal companions is willing to help, each offering an excuse. Thankfully, the tale has a happy ending and Mr. Gumpy's friends do indeed come to the rescue! The kids then made little motor cars of their own out of shape cut outs.

Co-op in Review: January 12, 2011

Happy New Year! 2011 is off to a great start for the Tapestry of the Desert Co-op. The Upper Grammar class talked about the Wisdom of Solomon. They dug deep and learned about how we can be wise in our lives. They discussed where we can find wisdom today--in the word of God, of course! And, how can God's word make us wise? It can if we hear it, read it, study it, memorize it and meditate on it. After this spiritual discussion, the kids made royal crowns like Solomon would have worn. When wearing their crowns, they remember that we have a King who reigns in our lives today: Jesus! The Lower Grammar kids also learned about Solomon. They talked about the building of the temple. And, how Solomon was tempted and fell into sin--repeatedly. They compared Solomon to themselves and were able to find some distinct similarities! The boys then made models of the temple and cool crowns to wear. The Five in A Row Class read "The ABC Bunny". It's the classic story of a bunny finding its way home and learning the alphabet along the way. The kids made cute bunny cups to hold their own ABC cards!

Books of the Bible Video

Here is a video to help us with memorizing the books of the Bible!
Go Team TOD!

End of Unit 2 Celebration: January 4, 2011

We learned so much during Unit 2 of Year 1. We studied ancient civilization such as China, India and Greece. We also learned a lot of Bible History. We learned about Joshua and Caleb, Hannah and Samuel, the Judges, Ruth and Naomi, King Saul and the life of David, both as a boy and as Israel's King. We learned about the sinful nature of man and God's overwhelming capacity for forgiveness and love. We learned what God looks for in a leader. He does not look at appearances and outward strength, he looks at the heart! To celebrate all we did this unit, our co-op families and friends gathered together on the evening of January 4. The kids recited their memory work. The Tapestry Classes recited "Angels from the Realms of Glory" while the Five in a Row kids said the poem, "The Candy Cane." Afterwards, the kids displayed the work they accomplished over the past two and a half months. Way to go, Tapestry of the Desert families!

Co-op in Review: December 15, 2010

Following our great Christmas party, co-op classes went on as scheduled! In Upper Grammar, the kids learned about the Phoenicians. They were great sailors and constructed amazing boats. They founded colonies throughout the Mediterranean and as far out as the Atlantic. The Bible refers to them as Canaanites and the Israelites disobeyed God by failing to eliminate them. The kids then made awesome Phoenician boats out of clay! The Lower Grammar boys studied the life of David, focusing on the time before he became King of Israel. They learned about David's epic battle with Goliath, and how he demonstrated true faith. The boys then made cool sling shots, wisely using cotton balls instead of stones. They also made shields. The Lower Grammar class is ready for battle! In Five in a Row, the kids read the Tale of Peter Rabbit. They discussed Peter's disobedience and consequences for disobedience. We are not safe if we don't obey! They then made cute little bunnies out of white wash cloths!

Co-op Christmas Party!

The Tapestry of the Desert kids had a great time celebrating the birth of Jesus together. For this year's Christmas party, the kids ate yummy snacks, made a cute snowman craft and participated in a gift/book exchange with their classmates. Merry Christmas everyone and Happy Birthday, Jesus!