Co-Op in Review: December 2, 2009

In co-op this week, we learned about a twentieth century artist, Charles Sheeler. Sheeler is recognized as one of the founders of American Modernism and was also considered to be a master photographer. He coined the term "precisionism" to describe his work and his style--which was hard, flat, big and industrial. His art is defined by what it is lacking: anything organic, including plant life, people and animals. In large group time, the kids are working on new memory work. The Tapestry of Grace classes are memorizing a portion of Franklin D. Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address and the Five In A Row kids are memorizing the poem "Work." In their individual classes this week, both Tapestry of Grace classes made bridges as group projects. The Upper Tapestry class made a suspension bridge out of paper towel rolls and pizza boxes--much like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. While the Lower Tapestry boys made a bridge out of popsicle sticks, to learn about the transportation and construction projects of the New Deal. Downstairs, the preschool kids were having fun. They read a book called "The Lord Is My Shepherd"--all about the 23rd Psalm. They talked about how God protects us, like he protected David as a young shepherd boy. Then to demonstrate our Lord's protection over us, they built a cave and the kids were able to play in it with flashlights and they even ate their yummy snack in their special little hideaway!

A Thanksgiving Feast!

We sure did enjoy God's rich blessings this week at co-op! To celebrate Thanksgiving, we prepared a wonderful, traditional feast and gathered together as families to eat together in room 100 at church. Turkey with all of the fixings was served. After feasting, all of the adults were ready for a nap, but the kids were full of energy and ready to play! During our co-op classroom time, we ready a story on thankfulness and each child stood up to say one thing he or she is thankful for. It was precious to hear what is on each of their hearts! The kids then worked hard on a Thanksgiving craft. We have so much to be thankful for, thank you God for EVERYTHING!

End of Unit Celebration: November 13, 2009

The kids of Tapestry of the Desert have worked hard for the past three months and we had a wonderful evening celebrating their achievements! The Roberts family hosted a delightful "Roaring 20's" themed evening. The kids dressed in 20's era clothing or World War I costumes and smooth jazz music played in the background. Each of the seven families had a table to display their school work, art projects, books and activities. We all enjoyed seeing what the other families have learned and done in their own home classrooms! To kick off the festivities, we had a time of family worship, singing "Jesus Paid It All". Then we sang the Star Spangled Banner. The Tapestry Grace kids recited "New Colossus" and then the Five in a Row kids recited "The Caterpillar." The evening was concluded by some wonderful desserts, fellowship and fun games in the backyard.

Co-op in Review: November 11, 2009

We had a jazzy time in co-op this week! Both Tapestry of Grace classes learned about the Jazz Age and about some great American jazz musicians--Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. The kids mellowed out and listened to some smooth jazz while painting along to the music. Then, they made guitars out of shoe boxes and rubber bands, so that they could make their own groovy tunes! The preschool kids meanwhile were busy reading the cute story "Katy No Pocket". Poor Katy, she wants so badly to have a pocket to carry around her baby kangaroo! When she finally gets an apron with many pockets, she is so happy to be able to carry around many animal friends! The kids made aprons just like Katy's, and colored pictures of baby animals to place in their pockets!

Co-op in Review: November 4, 2009

This week, both groups of Tapestry kids learned about Eric Liddell. Eric was a Scottish athlete and a mighty man of God. He was born to missionary parents and became a missionary to China himself. However, God gave him great athletic abilities as well. He was an Olympic gold medalist, but more important, he dedicated himself to God, always giving Him the glory. He even missed the Olympic trials for his best event because they were held on the Sabbath. And, God blessed him by allowing him to medal in his less strong events instead. His trust in God and his outspokenness about Him makes him a role model still today. After taking some time to review what they had learned about Eric Liddell, the kids were off to the racetrack! Well, really the church lawn! The teachers measured out 100 meters (Eric's best race!) and the kids all competed for Olympic gold. When the gun sounded they were off!! They were all champions because they did their best and gave God the glory! The Five in a Row kids were busy as well! Their story this week took place in China, too! They read the delightful "Story of Ping". Ping is a little duck who ventures out onto the Yangtze river alone, when he is left behind by his family. After reading the story the kids made cute little ducks out of coiled and bended pipe cleaners and did a duck coloring page.