Co-op in Review: April 16, 2015

This week, the Tapestry students learned about Rome's transition from a Republic to and Empire.  And, they read all about one of Rome's most famous and interesting characters--Julius Caesar.  Though Julius Caesar was never an emperor, he acted like one, and ushered in an era, where his adopted son and heir, Caesar Augustus, would become Rome's first emperor.  The kids also read about Rome's battles with the Celts of Western Europe and about a very famous woman in history:  Cleopatra.  The Dialectic class had deep and meaningful discussions about Rome's victories in Europe and about Rome's transition from Republic to Empire.  They also had time to continue working on their unit-long building projects.  The Upper Grammar class learned all about the Roman calendar--which we still use today!  They then made their own calendars, with Roman numerals, of course!  The Lower Grammar class made clay tablets that they could use to practice writing their Roman numerals.  And, the Five in a Row class read the book, "Pumpkin Runner."   It's the story of a rancher who enters a race and comes dressed in overalls, munching on a pumpkin to give himself energy!  The kids then made adorable little pumpkin books.

Co-op Service Project

On April 2, our co-op participate in a unique service project.  The kids each made a paper bag--decorated to encourage people to care about our planet.  This was done to celebrate Earth Day.  The bags were then displayed at a neighborhood Basha's store, for all to see!

Co-op in Review: April 2, 2015

This week, our history students learned about Rome!  Specifically, they learned about how Roman power was established on the Italian peninsula and how the Roman Republic was founded and established.  While the Republic form of government did not last in Rome, it was a very stable form of government and lasted over 500 years.  That's longer than the Republic in the United States has lasted . . . so far!  The kids also learned about everyday life in Rome and about some of the Roman advances in building and architecture.  The Dialectic class started a unit on Rome that will take them through the end of the school year.  The kids were divided into pairs and each assigned an element of Roman architecture to construct, using any materials they would like--and creativity encouraged.  It will be excited to see finished products like the Colosseum, a Roman villa or an aqueduct.  The Upper Grammar class learned to build like the Romans as well.  They made layer models of Roman roads--which were famous for their durability--some even exist today!  The Lower Grammar class worked together to build a huge aqueduct out of paper towel rolls.  They had fun rolling ping pong balls down their aqueduct to check if it worked!  The Five in a Row class read the book, "God Gave us Easter."  This book really prepared the kids for the upcoming celebration of Jesus's resurrection!  The kids then made beautiful Easter eggs out of brightly colored paper.

Co-op in Review: March 12, 2015

Sometimes, God uses generations of people to further His plans.  Other times, he raises up individuals and uses them in mighty ways to accomplish much in very little time.  This week, we learned of an individual that accomplished a lot in his very short life.  Alexander the Great was a young Macedonian king, who became a great Greek general.  And, in 10 short years, he had conquered the known world.  His empire did not last long past his death at age 34, but he managed to spread Greek ideals, philosophies and governments all over the world, including Palestine.  This week, the Dialectic class continued its unit on the Greeks.  They delved into deep discussions on the life and legacy of Alexander the Great.  They then had a celebration to mark the end of the unit, and the fact that all of the kids had earned the maximum amount of participation points over the past six weeks.  The feast included chips, pizza, jelly beans, chocolate chip cookies and even Mrs. Fender's amazing cinnamon rolls.  Wow!  The kids also played a review game to get them ready for the upcoming unit test.  In the Upper Grammar class,  the kids celebrated achievements in Greek architecture by making really neat Greek temples.  The Lower Grammar class switched gears a bit and talked about Hanukkah.  They read about the Maccabean revolt and the miracle of the oil keeping the temple lit, which is why Hanukkah is celebrated by Jews today.  They made menorahs out of macaroni and Stars of David out of popsicle sticks.  The Five in a Row class read the book, "Amber on the Mountain."  It's the lovely story of a lonely little girl who lives on a mountain.  Her world opens up when a friend teaches her how to read!  The kids then made beautiful fabric quilts like those the girls would have used to keep warm up in the mountains!