Co-op in Review: January 9, 2014

Happy New Year!  This was our first gathering of 2014 and in all the Tapestry classes, it was a celebration of India.  The kids all read about the turmoil in India after World War 2, where India won it's independence from Britain, which had ruled it as a royal colony for decades.  They also read about the life and philosophy of India's revered leader, Gandhi.  Gandhi encouraged his people to protest peacefully, that more could be won with peace than with war and violence.  The Dialectic class made posters comparing the life and beliefs of Gandhi and Jesus.  They then had a feast of vegetarian Indian food:  lentils and curry rice.  The Upper Grammar kids were busy making batik t-shirts.  They learned about this Indian painting style and then were able to create their own original batik designs.  The Lower Grammar class actually spent their time previewing the next week's lessons by making Chinese lanterns and envelopes.  These kids will be prepared to learn about China, next!  The Five in a Row class read the book, "The Story About Ping."  This spirited little duck has an adventure on the Yangtze River in China, getting lost from his family.  Fortunately, all ends well for little Ping and he is reunited with those he loves by the end of the book!  The kids made adorable paper plate ducks, to remind them of Ping!