Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Sharing the session’s success

Last year we didn’t have an opportunity to take classes at a homeschool co-op because unfortunately they lack this vital resource in North Dakota.  So, with our academic vacation in Ohio, we decided to participate in two co-ops.  I have to admit it was quite time consuming – taking up one full day and half of another, but I wouldn’t take those experiences away from the kids.

At the end of each co-op session the students and teachers get an opportunity to share what they learned or accomplished in class during the session.  This collective presentation is an awesome display of the gifts the teachers have shared with our youth to help them develop into a well rounded and educated student.  

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Last night Cornerstone Co-op wrapped up the fall session with the Christmas Showcase.  When we walked into the gathering area of the church there were tables displaying all kinds of students’ tangible work – edible art, doll clothes from a sewing class, artwork, etc.  We gathered in the worship area to hear the various choirs, orchestra, guitar class, American Sign Language classes, and theatre classes perform.

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Look at Mrs. Fisher’s choir class!!  It is huge, but in a previous conversation with her I have learned it has decreased from one hundred kids to around sixty.  Still – what a great group and what beautiful noise they made!!!

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We were excited to go and support our friends that were performing.  Here is the only shot we could get of Jenna.

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Also performing in the concert choir are Meredith and Alyssa.

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Look at that big brother, so proud of his little sisters and catching every minute on video.

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The concert choir performed three songs.  The last song was ‘Axle F’ and in the spirit of the 80’s some of the girls pulled their hair up while some of the guys put on black shades (those 80’s sunglasses – must have raided the parents stash).

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The theatre class spent the session learning about theatre history and theatrical practices. Kassi wishes she had been a part of this class, too, but with various reasons she wasn’t which is okay because with her previous experience and background she is familiar with a lot of the stage terms and practices.  She is very excited and looking forward to the Drama Production class next session which will be a full length production from day one receiving the script, performing a snippet at Showcase, and then the full production another night. 

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Last night, the students performed a part of a screenplay written by a student.  All the students did an excellent job!  Meredith was great in portraying her character, who apparently loved French fries – she even brought real fries to shovel in her mouth & share with others while performing.  It was too funny!!

We also went last night so the girls could observe the orchestra.  Kassi and Mackenzie both will be a part of it next session.  Mackenzie is a little anxious about it especially since she is only 5th grade and it starts at 7th grade.  After talking with Mrs. Fisher, she expressed age or grade is not a concern of hers.  If Mackenzie can play and she wants to try then she is fine with it.  So, they have an agreement – she will go the first two weeks and then they will decide if it is a good fit. 

Well, we are officially done with co-op classes till the spring.  We will start classes in January.  Kassi is not looking forward to the career directions class -  I’m making her take to make sure we are on the right path academically in her high school credits for what she wants to pursue, but she is excited about the drama production and the orchestra.

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