Co-op in Review: January 22, 2015

This week, we studied the unfortunate consequences of King Solomon's divided heart--a divided kingdom and a people who had turned away from their God once again.  Solomon's actions and heart dishonored God and he righteously judged him and his kingdom, which would become divided after his death.  Additionally, we also studied one of the wickedest kings of this era, King Ahab of Israel and his even more detestable wife, Jezebel.  As a highlight, we also learned about two of God's mighty prophets to His people during this chaotic time, Elijah and his successor Elisha.  The Dialectic class dug deep into these topics during their discussion time, followed by a chance to finish their Phoenician trading ships.  They look amazing!  The Upper Grammar class made an altar, to remind them of the altar Elijah constructed when he challenged the prophets of Baal.  In Lower Grammar, the kids also studied Elijah's life, making ravens out of paper plates, that give a gift--much like the ravens that gave Elijah food, as God promised they would.   The Five in a Row class read the book, "Mrs. Katz and Tush."  It's the story of a young boy who befriends his elderly Jewish neighbor, and the two form a precious friendship due to their mutual love of a very special cat.  The kids made cat faces out of bits of colored yarn--and they turned out fabulous!

Co-op in Review: January 15, 2015

This week, we learned all about King Solomon.  Solomon was the son of King David and Bathsheba.  David helped establish Solomon's kingship before he died and Solomon was able to build the temple that David was not able to build because he was a man of war.  Under Solomon, the boundaries of Israel were expanded and the economy was strengthened through trade.  Solomon received much success in glory in his life, but Biblically he was not a success and we can learn much by studying Solomon's life.  The Dialectic kids discussed these lessons from the life of Solomon and much more.  And, they continued working on their Phoenician trading ship project by stitching together the sails.  The Upper Grammar class built models of Solomon's temple out of cardboard and card stock.  In addition, they made scales--like those that would have been used by wise King Solomon to check weights of precious materials.  The Lower Grammar class made models of Solomon's temple out of popsicle sticks.  And, they had a blast reenacting the story of Solomon showing his wisdom by determining the true mother of a baby by ordering the baby be split in half by his sword!  The Five in a Row kids read the book, "Play with Me."  It the story of a a girl who goes to the meadow to play with the animals, but they all run away.  Until, she stays still, and then the animals come out to greet her!  The kids made turtles out of paper plates and grasshoppers out of clothes pins.  So cute!!

Co-op in Review: January 8, 2015

Happy New Year . . . We're Back!!  Thursday, January 8 was our first day of co-op in 2015.  And, it was a great day!  The kids were excited to be back with their friends and the moms were excited to start teaching (oh yeah!).  This week, we finished our look at Israel's neighbors, by focusing on the Phoenicians--their culture, government, economy and military strength.  Additionally, we also took an in-depth look at the life and lessons of King David.  His life shows us what a heart that follows after God really looks like.  And, even more, shows us the forgiveness that our Father bestows upon his beloved children.  The Dialectic class talked about this and more.   And,  they were able to spend time working on their project--an awesome Phoenician trading ship.  The Upper Grammar class also made a Phoenician trading ship--on a simpler scale--but they were awesome, too!  The Lower Grammar kids learned about the artistic achievements of the Phoenicians, and emulated them by making beautiful batik paintings.  The Five in a Row class read the book, "Owl Moon."  Through reading this book, the kids got a fascinating look at the forest at night.  They then made adorable little owls with their own handprints!