Co-op in Review: September 12, 2013

World War I is over and America is starting to return to normal.  This week, the classes studied a variety of post-war topics.  The Dialectic class studied the art form known as art deco.  Art deco was a bold,  visually stunning art form which originated in France after the War and spread to the US soon afterwards.   The kids made note cards using this style of art.  The Upper Grammar class studied the musical influences that popped up after the war, namely jazz.  The kids made awesome, working guitars out of shoe boxes and cardboard.  The Lower Grammar class learned about post-war fashions and made beautiful paper dolls.  The Five in a Row class read the book, "Night of the Moonjellies".  It's the story of a New Englander boy and his grandmother who venture out into ocean after dark to see the amazing moonjellies sparkle in the blackness of the night.  The kids then made their own shimmery jellyfish out of bowls and streamers.

Field Trip to Gilbert Historical Museum

On Thursday, September 5, our Co-op had the privilege of visiting the Gilbert Historical Museum in downtown Gilbert.  The tour of the museum taught our kids not only about Gilbert's rich history, but they also learned about our state and our nation.  The kids enjoyed some special exhibits such as a cowboy bunkhouse, antique cars and an Arizona classroom from 1872.  We all had a great time and learned a ton!  Thanks Gilbert Historical Museum!

Co-op in Review: August 29, 2013

This was our third week of studying World War I.  And this week, we studied the later part of the war and the awakening of the sleeping giant--the entry of the United States into the war.  By 1917, both sides were depleted and weary.  But, the entry of the US provided the man power that the Allies needed to win.  In addition, this week, the classes focused on learning about espionage and spying.  The Dialectic class wrapped up their three week long unit.  They finished up their file folders and conducted their simulation of the peace negotiations.  The Upper Grammar class had fun with a spy game where they had to solve secret codes and find clues.  The Lower Grammar class made fake trees, like the ones used during the war as spy towers.  They also wrote secret messages with lemon juice.  the Five in a Row class read the book, "Make Way for Ducklings."  It's the story of a duck family that makes their home in Boston's public garden.  The kids then made duck masks and had some fun ducky adventures!

Co-op in Review: August 22, 2013

This week, our Tapestry kids studied the middle of World War I.  They learned about technological advances and developments in communication that took place in the war.  They also learned about some of the key, strategic battles of the war.  The Dialectic class continued with their World War I Unit Study.  They painted their awesome penny whistler planes that they made last week.  They also worked on their World War I file folders.  The Upper Grammar class got out their sewing needles to make awesome Garrison hats, like the soldiers would have worn in the war.  The Lower Grammar kids learned about the role of airships in the war and they made their own airships (or Zeppelins) out of paper plates, foil and boxes.  And, then they played a fun trench warfare simulation game.  The Five in a Row class read the book, "Miss Rumphius".  It's the story of a little girl who is encouraged by her grandfather to make the world a more beautiful place!  The kids then did their part to make the world beautiful by making wildflower seed pods and flower artwork.