Co-op in Review: November 17, 2011

This was a very busy week for the Tapestry of the Desert Co-op!!  The UG kids have been working for 2 weeks on an explorer research and mapping project.  Each student was assigned an explorer to research--either looking at that man's life or his explorations.  Today in class, the UG kids presented their reports to the students in the Lower Grammar class.  They did a fantastic job--not only exhibiting poise and confidence, but an in-depth knowledge of their explorer.  In addition to making presentations, the UG class weaved mats in the Aztec style--and they turned out beautifully!!  The Lower Grammar class also studied the Aztecs--decorating Aztec style masks.  They then had a yummy treat as they cooked tortillas--the type of bread that was a staple in the Aztec diet.  Downstairs, the little Five-in-a-Rowers read the book, "Thanksgiving is for Giving Thanks."  We all know that Thanksgiving is all about turkey and pilgrims.  But the kids this week, learned that the most important thing about Thanksgiving is giving thanks for our family and friends.  They then made some very special Thanksgiving place mats.

Field Trip: Sun Serpent by Childsplay

On Thursday, November 10, Tapestry of the Desert took its second field trip of the year.  This time, we saw the beautiful Childsplay production, "The Sun Serpent".  This play depicts the Spanish conquest of the natives in Central America.  It was perfect timing for our co-op, as we studied the Aztecs this week in our history studies!  Afterwards, we had lunch together at the Tempe Beach Park.  What a great field trip!

Co-op in Review: November 3, 2011

This week, we continue to discuss the explorers, the Age of Exploration and the Southern Renaissance in our history classes.  Last week, the classes focused on the early explorers such as Henry the Navigator, Christopher Columbus, Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama.  These men made huge discoveries and opened up trade routes not known before.  Now, we enter the golden age of Exploration and conquest--with countries competing to colonize, control and capture.  The fight for control of the seas was primarily between Spain and Portugal--with other countries such as England, France and the Netherlands entering the battle as well.  This era was highlighted by the epic, round-the-world journey of Ferdinand Magellan.  The Upper Grammar kids continued to work on their Exploration Maps--mapping out the routes of some of the most note-worthy explorers.  They also made awesome spyglasses which will come in handy as they navigate the stormy seas of life!  The Lower Grammar class made some great lacquered, wooden plaques, with the poem "1492" inscribed on them.  These will look great hanging on the wall, as a reminder of the Age of Exploration.  Downstairs, the Five in a Row class read the hilarious counting book, "10 Fat Turkeys."  Then they made cute pictures of turkeys sitting on a fence--using their thumbprints.  They also made beautiful "T-H-A-N-K-F-U-L"banners by tracing letters.  Finally, Mrs. Stenhoff served the kids a yummy treat out of her adorable paper "turkey".

Co-op in Review: October 27, 2011

This week in our history studies, we entered the the age of exploration.  This was an aggressive and competitive time, where European countries were chasing after faster trade and travel routes, new land and of course gold and riches.  The Upper Grammar class started a two-week-long Explorer Project.  Each student was assigned an explorer and will research and present information on either that explorer's life or explorations.  This week, the kids were busy making their maps.  Each kid brought in an enlarged map from home and in co-op they worked hard to complete it--drawing in routes of exploration and coloring in the continents.  The Lower Grammar class was also busy exploring the Explorers.  They learned all about a navigator's most important tool:  the compass.  They even made their own compasses out of corks, needles and magnets.  The Five in a Row class read the story, "Little Blue, Little Yellow".  This simple book tells the story of friendship between two colors--blue and yellow.  They get into trouble, disobey their parents, end up accidentally combining into green--but in the end it all gets sorted out!  The kids went on a yellow and blue nature hike around campus, had a yellow and blue treasure hunt around the classroom and then made art work out of blue and yellow dyed bubbles!

End of Unit 1 Celebration: A Medieval Feast

Our End of Unit 1 Celebration was held on Tuesday, October 25 at Arizona Community Church.  It was a fantastic time of friendship, fellowship and food!  Each family brought food that was somewhat-like the food that would have been served during the middle ages.  It was a lot of fun to try some new and interesting dishes!  After eating, the Upper Grammar kids had a time of sharing--where they told the group about their favorite thing they learned during this unit.  Then the kids showed off their amazing memory skills, by reciting their memory work from the Unit.  The two Tapestry classes recited An Oath of Christian Knighthood, while the Five in a Row class said their two Bible memory verses.  All of the kids were then able to show off the projects and assignments they have been doing the past three months--each family had a table in which to display their kids' finest work!