Co-op In Review: May 10, 2012

Our first president and our last day of co-op!  This week, we learned all about our first president, George Washington.  General Washington lead his troops to victory in the American Revolution, he had won the hearts of the people of the United States and he was our only unanimously elected President.  After presiding over the Constitutional Convention, George Washington was ready to retire to his beloved estate, Mount Vernon, but he heeded his country's call, and served yet again.  Washington was also our only president never to live in the White House, but he did oversee it's planning and construction--as well as the development of a capitol city, later to be known as Washington D.C.  The Upper and Lower Grammar kids completed their liberty bell projects from last week.  And, the Upper Grammar kids made some awesome Napoleon-style hats, while the Lower Grammar kids made traditional tri-corner hats, like those worn by our country's founders.  The little ones downstairs read the book, "Sunflower House." It's the charming tale of some inventive children who plant some summertime fun!  The kids then made a sunflower picture and planted some sunflower seeds!

Co-op In Review: May 3, 2012

We the People of the United States . . . . decided it was time to scrap the Articles of Confederation and write a Constitution.  This wasn't an easy decision, but it ultimately was the one decided in Philadelphia during the long, hot summer of 1787.  Eventually, through many compromises and much hard work,  a document--our Constitution--was created.  This amazing document continues to govern us today, just as it has for over 200 years.  This is something that had never been seen in history, and is a huge credit to our founding fathers that the Constitution lives on today.  Both the Upper Grammar and Lower Grammar classes worked on a Liberty Bell project.  They carefully sculpted model Liberty Bells out of clay--which they will let dry and will paint next week.  The Five in a Row bunch read the book, "Over in the Meadow."  It's a traditional counting rhyme about animals living in a meadow together.  The kids then made cute paper bowl frogs!

Co-op In Review: April 26, 2012

This week, we learned about an amazing frontiersman, Daniel Boone.  He is one of the most famous pioneers in American history.  He devoted his life to exploring and settling the frontiers of his growing nation. He journeyed through the rugged wilderness of the Appalachian Mountains and finally reached and settled a previously unsettled area that became known as Kentucky.  He is credited with clearing the Wilderness Road, a trail that provided a route to the West for thousands of settlers.  The history classes also discussed what life was like in America under the Articles of Confederation.  Fresh off of our victory over the British, the Americans were scared of a strong central government.  The Articles loosely bound the 13 states together, but were really powerless and ineffective.  During this time, America was in trouble.  The Lower Grammar kids made awesome powdered wigs, like the founding fathers would have worn.  The Upper Grammar kids made delicate ear harps, harps that made such a soft sound, you would have to hold it close to your ear to hear it.  The Five in A Row Class read the book, "Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?".  In this book, all of the animals who are looking after each other are endangered species.  The kids then made an adorable panda bear paper plate craft!

Co-op In Review: April 19, 2012

This week in co-op, we are studying the heart of the American Revolution.  The Upper Grammar kids and the Lower Grammar kids both learned about key battles of the War, and they specifically learned about the leadership qualities of George Washington.  Finally, they studied the vital role Valley Forge played in the American Revolution.  It truly was a turning point. What could have been devastating for the Americans, was turned into a military masterpiece by General Washington. The cold, sick, starving soldiers rallied around their leader and in the most desperate of times, they found the strength to continue, to surprise the British and ultimately win the War for Independence.  The Upper Grammar class played a fun game, where they learned to identify key characters of the time period.  They then made cool almanacs, like the ones that were popular in America's early years.  The Lower Grammar kids focused on the military this week, making cool rubber band muskets.  The Five in a Row class read the book, "Jesse Bear, What Will You Wear?"  Silly Jesse Bear, not only wears his shirt and pants, he also wears the sun on his legs, sand on his arms and sleep in his eyes!  The kids then made and dressed their very own Jesse Bears and had a yummy Teddy Graham snack!