Co-op in Review: October 23, 2014

This week, our Dialectic class started a project on Ancient World Religions.  Each student was assigned a religion, and they are to research the history, founder, beliefs and geography of that belief system.  The final product will be a display board project.  Additionally, the kids are also working on scrapbooks that highlight each of the religions that their classmates are researching in depth.  The Upper Grammar and Lower Grammar classes are both studying Ancient China.  Ancient China boasts one of the oldest civilizations in the world and like many other civilizations, sprang up along a river--the Yellow River.  The kids learned about the early dynasties, religious beliefs, and the building of the Great Wall.  The Upper Grammar class made kites, with long tails.  The Lower Grammar class made Chinese bamboo scrolls.  The Five in a Row class read the book, "The Finest Horse in Town."  The story takes place in Maine, and is about a horse, owned by two aunts who are busy caring for their store.  Nobody knows who takes care of the horse while the ladies are busy working!  The kids then made a cute turkey leaf craft!

Tapestry of the Desert Annual Art Show and Sale

Tuesday, October 21 was Tapestry of the Desert's 5th Annual Art Show and Sale.  It's a highlight of the year for the kids because they get to display their artistic talents and they get to serve another family and show them God's love in a tangible way.  This year's sale benefited the Thompson family.  Leah Thompson is a single mom of three special needs kids, whom she adopted.  The money we raised will help her to make improvements to her home and yard for the kids.  This year our grand total was just over $2200!!!  Way to go, Tapestry Kids!!!

Co-op in Review: October 2, 2014

This was our last week of co-op before Fall Break.  This week, the Israelites are still wandering in the wilderness, as a punishment for their disobedience.  During this time of wandering, our classes have learned more about the Jewish holidays and feasts.  The Dialectic/Rhetoric class had a special guest speaker this week, Mr. Joe Simon.  Mr. Simon is a practicing Jew, and he loves to talk to others about his faith.  The kids had a very respectful and informative discussion with him this week!  The Upper Grammar class completed their models of the tabernacle.  They look great!  The Lower Grammar class learned more about Moses and the Exodus.  They made awesome models of the Red Sea, including the Israelites who crossed it!  The Five in a Row kids read the book, "Andy and the Lion."  It's the retelling of the old tale of a boy who meets a lion and takes a splinter out of his paw--winning his friendship for life!  The kids then made adorable lion faces out of paper plates!

End of Unit One Celebration!

On Tuesday, September 30, our co-op celebrated the end of a very busy, very fun unit.  In this unit, we learned all about Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Noah's Flood, the Patriarchs, the Exodus and as we take a break, the Israelites are wandering in the wilderness waiting to enter the Promised Land.  The Dialectic and Rhetoric class performed a Christian Passover Seder for all of the kids and families to watch.  They did a great job!  And, all of the families brought projects and work to share and display!  Great job, Tapestry of the Desert families!