First Day of Co-Op

Our first day of homeschool co-op was FABULOUS!! The kids were excited and full of energy as we got everyone dressed, packed lunch boxes, grabbed backpacks and double checked my "items to bring" list to be sure we were ready. On the way we picked up breakfast, which was a nice distraction for the overly eager kids.

Kellan (4), Sadie Quinn (23 months) & Brooklee (6)

The kids started out in assembly where one of the moms talked with them about the Fruits of the Spirit. Several of the children already knew the fruits and were able to name them, but mine had never heard of them so they listened attentively and soaked it in. I think we'll find the Fruits of the Spirit song and try to implement it into our group time each morning.

After morning assembly, all of the kids broke up into their 1st block classes. Brooklee has Bugs during her first block and she came home with a folder full of terminology and information to memorize. She learned the parts of the bug and had to label a diagram. Throughout the semester she'll be responsible for collecting bugs and bringing them in for  a bug collection.

During the second block Brooklee takes Amazing Artists, a class in which she'll learn about a specific artist and then do a painting that reflects that artist. She thinks that she remembers that Damien Hirst was the first artist they learned about, but the main thing she recalls is that they learned how to paint in dots.

Brooklee takes Creative Cupcake for her third and final block and hasn't stopped telling me about the beach-themed cupcake she made!

 

Kellan's first block class is The Sensical Side of Dr. Seuss. This class was super cute as they all got to wear Cat in the Hat red and white hats listened to their teacher read the book. Then they made the Cat's nose and whiskers to take Cat in the Hat photos and used paint to finish a Cat in the Hat photo. 

During his second block, Kellan has Natures Explorers. All he could remember to tell me was that he learned about his "body, skin and...... all the other things they talked about." His favorite class was P.E. where he was able to play games and exercise. They used empty milk jugs and put small balls inside them to toss back and forth. They also used hula hoops for a game. All I really know is that he had a blast! 

Sadie Quinn had a hard time right at drop-off time, but less than a minute after I left she was better. I am told that she had a great time and that everyone enjoyed her. She is the only girl in a class of five kids, so she's going to have to be tough to hang in there all semester. During the second block I had the opportunity to serve as the assistant in her class and was able to help teach her and the other kids some sign language and practice inside/outside with a plastic bin and plastic balls. I always love watching her little face light up as she learns new things. She's a very smart child and is determined to figure out everything around her - even to my frustration at times!

On the way home I loved hearing the kids tell me about what they did in class and what they learned. Brooklee, my social butterfly, told about her classes, the kids in her classes and how she can't wait to plan a playdate with some of her new friends. Kellan, my shy and reserved child, was thrilled to tell his sister about the Cat in the Hat craft he made. The confidence I heard in their voices and saw in their faces as they shared with pride about the projects they made, friends they met and favorite parts of the day makes any efforts it takes to get there and get our stuff together well worth it. I'm so glad that we signed up for co-op this year and I look forward to the progress and fun they'll make this year!