Co-op in Review: December 3, 2015

This was our first of three weeks studying the Protestant Reformation.  This week, we looked at the life of Martin Luther, the issues he raised and the course of the Reformation in Germany.  The Rhetoric class discussed complex theological issues in great detail this week.   The Dialectic kids made an ornithopter, a fascinating lying machine invented by Leonardo DaVinci.  The Upper Grammar class made illuminated letters out of thin bronze sheets.  The Lower Grammar painted portraits out of paints made from egg yolks!  The FIAR class read the classics, "The Cat in the Fiddle" and "Pat-A-Cake."  They then made yummy little "chocolate cakes" of their own!

Co-op Christmas Party!

On December 3, Tapestry of the Desert held it's annual Christmas Party.  There were some super fun games, yummy treats and good times together celebrating our Savior's birth!  Merry Christmas, everyone!

Co-op in Review: November 19, 2015

This week, the classes learned about the Northern Renaissance.  Though many people don't realize it, the northern Renaissance (France, Germany) was quite distinct from the southern Renaissance(Italy, Mediterranean).  Many of the leading men of of the northern Renaissance also became leaders of the Protestant Reformation, and it is that they are most celebrated.  The northern Renaissance developed in the Germanic lands, that were more separated from Rome and the center of the Catholic Church, and therefore it's artists have more independence of thought and tended to celebrate nature instead of religious scenes and icons.  The Rhetoric class discussed these distinctives of the Northern Renaissance, in order to lay a foundation for our upcoming studies of the Reformation. They also made an awesome Renaissance sculpture.  The Dialectic class made webbed gloves, an intriguing invention of Renaissance man, Leonardo DaVinci.  The Upper Grammar class made quill pins and practiced writing script with them.  The Lower Grammar class learned all about color composition and made Aztec sun paintings with cool and warm colors.  The Five in a Row class read the book, "We're Going on a Bear Hunt."  A father and his four children head out on a fictitious bear hunt, as they chant along together.  The kids then made a cute project depicting the scenes from the story.

Co-op in Review: November 12, 2015

We have been discussing the Age of Exploration, and this week, we learned about the lands that were explored and conquered by the Spaniards and Portuguese.  Our studies now take us to South America and the native peoples and cultures found there.  We learned about the geography of Central and South America, but also studied the Conquistadores, the Spanish soldiers who lead the conquest of these lands.  The kids also learned about the strange and wonderful plants and animals of these regions, as well as the religions, customs and food of the Aztecs, Incas and Maya.  The Rhetoric class discussed the conquest of South America in the context of the Renaissance movement and made a beautiful fresco with paint and plaster.  The Dialectic class completed their explorer pumpkin projects.  The Upper Grammar class made beautiful and colorful Aztec Suns out of clay.  The Lower Grammar class weaved baskets out of yarn.  And, the FIAR class read the book, "The Snowy Day."  This classic tale captures the magic of the first snowfall of the season.  The kids then made adorable marshmallow snowmen!