Co-op in Review: November 15, 2012

This week, the Dialectic class started a three week unit on the Oregon Trail and the Pioneers.  They are doing a simulation, where they are given roles and then play a game of chance to see what will happen to their characters.  Will either of our two wagon trains make it to the end of the trail?  We'll know in a couple of weeks!  The kids are very excited and started working on their trail journals as well.  The Upper Grammar class studied the Cherokee and the Trail of Tears.  They made some awesome punch tin lanterns, made out of tin cans.  Now, their paths can stay lit as they travel across country like the Cherokee.  The Lower Grammar class studied the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.  They made scarves and muffs so they could look like Dickens characters.  They are joining the Upper Grammar class in a production of "A Christmas Carol" to be performed at our next unit celebration.  The little Five in a Row class learned about the very first Thanksgiving.  They made thankful head bands out of construction paper leaves and did a hand-turkey-bean craft as well.

Pioneer Living History Museum Field Trip

On November 8, our co-op had a field trip to the Pioneer Living History Museum in North Phoenix.  Our group gathered at about 10 o'clock in the morning and the first thing the kids wanted to do was pan for gold.  So, we headed there first!  The kids loved it, and most came away just a little bit richer!  We then checked out the mining camp, blacksmith shop, cabins, school house, jail and bank.  Then it was time to go and watch a reenactment of a Wild West shoot out.  What a show--and thankfully the actors used blanks so nobody was hurt.  The kids did get a lesson in gun safety however.  After the show it was time for lunch and a bit more exploring before heading home!

Election Party 2012

November 6, 2012 was Election Night, and Tapestry of the Desert celebrated by having an Election Night Party.  We prayed for our nation and then had a feast of hot dogs and other all-America foods!  The kids wowed us with their memory work-- "Charge of the Light Brigade" for the older kids, and "The Duck" for the Five in a Row cuties.  Then the Dialectic kids showed off some of their work from their recent Elections Unit.  Each of the two campaigns made commercials and gave campaign speeches, which were debuted to all of the students and families.  They also made posters and buttons with slogans.  Throughout the night, Presidential election results were tabulated and announced as they came in from throughout the country.  The kids were very interested, glued to the TV as results were announced.  They colored an electoral college map as each state was decided.  Finally, we played a game of Presidential Bingo and the results were announced for our own Tapestry election.  Mitt Romney was our choice for President (though America disagreed with us!) and Bob the Crab is our new co-op mascot!  May God continue to bless the United States of America!