Co-op in Review: August 25, 2010

This week, our history studies took a turn back in time. We have completed a three week mini-unit on Ancient Egypt, the life of Moses and the Exodus. Now we are studying the history that Moses recorded while in the wilderness--the history of creation, the fall of man and God's plan of redemption through Noah. The Upper Grammar Class read a book together on the true story of Noah's Ark. They learned how massive the ark was--and how it could REALLY hold all those animals and could stand up against the torrential rains and floods. They then made and laminated bookmarks with facts about the Ark. The Lower Grammar boys were busy learning about Noah and the ark as well. They made awesome ark and rainbow crafts. Downstairs, the little ones read the book, "Owl Moon." It's the story of a girl and her father who go looking for owls on a moonlit winter night near the farm where they live. Afterwards, the kids made adorable stuffed owls out of newspaper and paper plates!

Co-op in Review: August 18, 2010

This week was our third and final week studying the wonders and marvels of Ancient Egypt. Both upper and lower grammar students learned in their reading about the religion and mythology of the Egyptians. While the Egyptian stories we read are amusing, it really should bring us somber thankfulness to God for His revelation to us in His word-the Bible, which is truth. In co-op both Tapestry classes made beautiful, Egyptian-style jewelry. The Upper Grammar students made linked bracelets out of straws which were spray painted gold. While the Lower Grammar boys made embossed cuffs--using puffy paint for texture and gold spray paint to give them an authentic look. Downstairs, the Five in a Row class was busy reading the book "Yellow Ball". This story follows a yellow ball that is forgotten at the water's edge and is pulled into the ocean by the tide and is eventually washed up on another shore. The kids did some neat activities--learning about circles and the color yellow--including lovely water color paintings of the yellow ball at the shore.

Co-op in Review: August 11, 2010

This week, we welcomed a new member to our co-op family: Anabelle Christie Fender was born at 7:29am on Tuesday, August 10. She weighed in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces. Welcome to the world, little Anabelle!

Our weekly gathering started with something special this week. The kids learned about an awesome place, The Sunshine Acres Children's Home. Mrs. Roberts taught the kids all about Sunshine Acres--it's a safe place for children to go when their parents are unable to care for them. Afterwards, the kids wrote letters and drew pictures for the children living at Sunshine Acres and then we prayed as a group for the kids and their families and their home. We also collected school supplies to help these kids get a great start to the new school year! What a privilege it is to serve and bless others! In our classes, both the Upper Grammar and Lower Grammar kids discussed the book of Exodus, talked about pyramids and mummies and completed their salt mapping projects by painting the maps they made last week in co-op. Downstairs, the younger kids read the book "Wee Gillis". This story is about a Scottish boy who is not content to be a hunter like his father's family or a farmer like his mother's family. Eventually, Wee Gillis finds his own place in this world as a bagpiper. The kids made cute sheep from cotton balls to celebrate the spirit of Scotland.

Upper Grammar!

The oldest kids in co-op are called the Upper Grammar class. These kids also use the Tapestry of Grace curriculum. Each week we gather, they dig deeper into the week's history topics with discussions, sharing, activities and crafts. As we are studying Ancient Egypt this week, the Upper Grammar class also made salt maps of the Nile River, which they will paint and label next week in co-op. In addition, they made lap books about the Nile.

This class consists of of nine smart and sweet kids: Abigail, Amberly, Cameron, Cayman, Cheyanne, Connor, Daniel, Elli and Justin.

Lower Grammar!

The early elementary class is called Lower Grammar. They use the Tapestry of Grace curriculum and each week, they do activities and crafts related to what they are studying in history. This week, they are learning about Ancient Egypt. They made maps of the Nile River out of salt dough and did a history pocket activity on Egypt.

This class consists of 10 curious and clever boys: Benjamin, Benji, Brayden, Caleb, D.J., Evan, Gavin, Jadon, Jonah and Josh.