Co-op in Review: December 15, 2011

It's time to PARTY!  This week in co-op we started out with a party to celebrate the birth of Jesus!  And, there's no better reason to have a party than that!  The party started out with an ornament exchange, where the kids drew numbers and the picked ornaments off of a tree.  Then, the kids had a Christmas-themed talent show.  Kids played Christmas songs on the piano and did Christmas readings.  Finally, sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus and we had treats-cupcakes and awesome snowflakes made from tortillas!  What a great party!!  After our party, it was time to get serious and break into our individual classes.  The Upper Grammar class learned more about the Reformation and how it spread throughout Europe.  They made relief paintings, using yarn to create unique designs and texture.  The Lower Grammar class celebrated Christmas, European style!  The kids learned about St. Nicholas Day, which is celebrated in Europe, even today.  The kids even set out their shoes and they to be filled with candy!  They then made lovely poinsettia wreaths out of paper plates and construction paper.

Co-op in Review: December 8, 2011

This week, both history classes studied the Protestant Reformation.  They learned about the wrong-doings that were going on within the Catholic church, they learned about the major figures of the Reformation (especially Martin Luther) and how it affected all of Europe.  The Reformation was a very big deal.  Today, we should be thankful for the brave men who risked their lives to expose the truth and bring glory to God.  The Upper Grammar class made some really neat collages, full of facts and pictures relating to the Reformation.  The Lower Grammar class was busy making awesome coats-of-arms.  The kids carefully chose their colors, design and words to express the character of their families.  Downstairs, the Five in a Row class was having a blast!  They read the adorable Christmas story, "Jesus, Me and My Christmas Tree."  When reading this story, the kids learn the real meaning of the Christmas tree--from the lights to the ornaments to the star on top!  Then they made edible Christmas trees out of ice cream cones, frosting and M&M's.  And, if that wasn't messy and crazy enough--they also made precious Christmas trees by painting with their handprints.  What a messy, fun and sweet class!

Co-op in Review: December 1, 2011

This week, we spent almost all of the co-op time as a large group, completing a service project.  Bonnie Codier is a 28 year old young woman who has been stricken with a debilitating disease that keeps her bed bound and immobile almost all the time.  Our co-op wanted to serve Jesus and thank Him by doing something nice for this sweet lady at Christmastime.  Each family brought in a small gift for Bonnie and an ornament for a small tree.  In class, the kids all made Christmas cards for Bonnie.  And, then the kids all worked together to make a video of Christmas songs--sung from the heart just for Bonnie!!  We pray that Bonnie was blessed by our simple service, but more than anything, we pray that God was glorified.

Co-op in Review: November 17, 2011

This was a very busy week for the Tapestry of the Desert Co-op!!  The UG kids have been working for 2 weeks on an explorer research and mapping project.  Each student was assigned an explorer to research--either looking at that man's life or his explorations.  Today in class, the UG kids presented their reports to the students in the Lower Grammar class.  They did a fantastic job--not only exhibiting poise and confidence, but an in-depth knowledge of their explorer.  In addition to making presentations, the UG class weaved mats in the Aztec style--and they turned out beautifully!!  The Lower Grammar class also studied the Aztecs--decorating Aztec style masks.  They then had a yummy treat as they cooked tortillas--the type of bread that was a staple in the Aztec diet.  Downstairs, the little Five-in-a-Rowers read the book, "Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks."  We all know that Thanksgiving is all about turkey and pilgrims.  But the kids this week, learned that the most important thing about Thanksgiving is giving thanks for our family and friends.  They then made some very special Thanksgiving place mats.