Co-op in Review: November 21, 2013

This week, we wrapped up our studies of World War II.  The kids learned about the Allies attack at Normandy France on June 6, 1944--known to us today as D-Day.  This was the Allies's secret plan to attack the Nazi troops in France, go ashore and into Nazi occupied lands and liberate Europe.  Thanks to the sacrifice of many men, D-Day was a turning point in the War, the Allies liberated France and defeated the forces Hitler and his Nazi political and military regime.  The Dialectic class spent their time mapping out the D-Day invasion.  Each student came prepared with information about one of the five beaches that the Allies landed upon and that information was put into maps.  The Upper Grammar class learned a lot about technology and innovation.  They made homemade flashlights out of batteries.  And they worked!  The Lower Grammar class celebrated the heroes of World War II by making medals to honor the brave men and women who were willing to make the greatest sacrifice to ensure the freedom we know today.  The Five in a Row class read the classic Thanksgiving book, "Cranberry Thanksgiving".  They then made adorable turkeys out of paper bags.  Awesome job, everyone!

Co-op in Review: November 14, 2013

This week, our classes learned about the American involvement in World War II, and how our involvement really started to turn the tide of the war.  We learned about the utter brutalities of the war, the lives that were lost, the battles that were fought and the atrocities of the war--including the torture and killing of millions of Jews in concentration camps.  The Dialectic kids got out their sewing needles and made Garrison caps, like those the American soldiers wore.  The Upper Grammar class made propaganda posters, showing support for our troops and the Allied war effort.  The Lower Grammar class dug deep into the events of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, by making salt maps of Oahu, showing where each damaged battleship was located.  And, the Five in a Row class read the book, "Warm as Wool."  It's the story of a pioneer family and how they had to work hard and be very patient just to get a small amount of wool to keep their family warm.  The kids then made cute lambs out of cotton balls!

Co-op in Review: November 7, 2013

Before our classes , our co-op had the privilege of serving the community by putting together Blessing Bags.  These bags are filled with necessities such as water, snacks, toiletries, and socks.  They are to be kept in our cars and given to homeless or needy people that we run into around town.  What a great way to serve the community and be the hands and feet of Jesus!

This week, we are in the midst of studying World War II.  The history classes all focused on the military advances that both sides achieved during this time.  It was a period of great innovation and production.  The classes also discussed the event that led the US to enter the war,  the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor Hawaii.  Before this event on December 7, 1941,  America was officially neutral.  But, the bombing awoke a sleeping giant.  Both the Dialectic and Upper Grammar classes were very busy constructing and painting tanks, like those used by the allies and axis powers during World War II.  The Lower Grammar class made cool suitcases out of cereal boxes.  They then discussed what they would pack if they were in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked and had to make an emergency evacuation.  The Five in a Row class read the book, "A New Coat for Anna."  This story takes place after World War II.  Anna's family has no money, but Anna needs a new coat.  Her resourceful mother trades her few valuables for the services of a spinner,  a weaver and a tailor to get Anna the coat she needs.  The kids then made a cute sheep craft,  because the sheep gave Anna the wool for her new coat.

Co-op in Review: October 31, 2013

This week, our older Tapestry kids studied the beginnings of World War II.  They learned about some world leaders who were gaining more and more power and becoming more and more evil.  Namely, Adolf Hitler in Germany.  The Lower Grammar kids studied the life and achievements of female aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, whose doomed flight around the world still remains shrouded in mystery.  The Dialectic class made World War II notebooking pages and timelines, to help them get an overview of the war.  The Upper Grammar class worked on making sets for a fireside chat.  President Roosevelt used these chats to communicate with the American people, giving them information and gaining their trust.  They will be performing their fireside chat skit at the upcoming end of unit celebration.  The Lower Grammar class made airplanes out of styrofoam, in the style of Amelia Earhart's plane.  The Fife in a Row class read the book, "The Little Red Lighthouse."   The little Red Lighthouse is tucked under the great George Washington bridge in New York.  He learns that even though he is small, he is mighty and does important work!  The kids then made adorable little red lighthouses out of cups!

Co-op in Review: October 24, 2013

This week, our Tapestry classes focused on the life and early years of Franklin Roosevelt's presidency.  Roosevelt had a fairy tale-like childhood.  Growing up as an only child in a prominent and wealthy New York family.  He had the best education money could buy and traveled the world.  He knew three languages.  He married his distant cousin, Eleanor, and at their wedding, she was given away by her uncle and former president, Theodore Roosevelt.  But, things weren't always rosy for Roosevelt.  He was crippled by a painful and debilitating disease called Polio.  And, when he became president, he inherited a disaster known as the Great Depression.  Roosevelt went to work, and with the help of Congress, passed more legislation in his first 100 days of office than most presidents pass in eight years!  Most Americans had faith in Roosevelt and thought he was putting the country back on the right track.  The Five in a Row class read the story, "Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel." Mike and his steam shove, Maryann make a great team, but they have a lot to prove when gas powered steam shovels start taking all the jobs.  But, Mike and Maryann prove with hard work and creativity that they are as useful as ever!