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United Nations Day 2014

Oct. 24, 2014By: Joel Reasoner

The students started the morning of UN Day with a passport and a sense of anticipation.  There were lots of places to go and only one day to fit it all in.

In the morning, the students traveled to five countries—Angola, Puerto Rico, Mexico, France, and United Arab Emirates.  In each country, the students learned interesting facts, made a craft or two, and tried some of the local food.  Some of the countries had very strict rules, only letting in the students who were sitting quietly while waiting in line.  Once inside each country's room, the fun began.  There were interesting facts to be learned, fun crafts to make, and new foods to taste.  By the end of the morning, each student’s hands were full of souvenirs from the places they had visited.

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In the afternoon, different classes presented a cultural dance from each of the countries.  Angola won Mister and Miss UN Day and they were thrilled.  The day ended with a quiz game about the countries.  It was a fun day from beginning to end.

Conferences: Sharing about the Students

Oct. 11, 2014By: Joel Reasoner

Twice every school year, the teachers meet with the house parents, child care team, and other staff members to share how each student is doing in school. The small class sizes and many hours spent together make the teachers experts about the children. The teachers know how to inspire the students. They know how to explain the lessons. They know how to meet the children where they are at.

Recently, the first teacher conferences of the year were held. It was great to hear about the strides the students are making. The teachers shared some anecdotes about the children, giving insight into the mind of each child.

  • One teenage boy loves drawing and is good at it. However, sometimes he spends too much time on the drawings for an assignment and does not leave enough time for the writing part.
  • A preschooler was described by his teacher as having "a lot of potential to learn a lot this year."
  • One first grade student recommended a comic book to his teacher. "If you read this teacher, it is funny," he said.
  • After a day of vacation, a student confessed to his teacher, "I don't like no class. It is boring to have no learning."

The teachers also shared some of the school work the children of have been doing. The drawings by the kindergarteners and first graders showed how much they have improved in just the first few months of the year. The more difficult books the upper elementary students have been reading show how much they comprehend. It is encouraging from preschool on up!

Here is one student's work "The Lion and the Worm" read by the author, Lerma.

Morning Meeting: Animals

Oct. 9, 2014By: Joel Reasoner

Animals fascinate people of all ages.  Kids four, five, and six years old are no exception.  Many times the third or fourth thing you learn about a kid that age is their favorite animal.  Name, age and possibly favorite color come before their favorite animal.

Preschool and Level A were excited to lead morning meeting because it was all about animals.  They had fun singing and performing a few songs about animals.  They did well and stayed focused throughout.  The Animal Game Show finished off the morning meeting.  Several kids were asked about their favorite animals and gave cute answers.

Check out the highlights of the morning meeting here:

Babies in God's Hands

Oct. 8, 2014By: Joel Reasoner

When a new baby is being cradled lovingly in the arms of the person caring for him, we are given a glimpse of being held in the hands of God.

Two weeks ago, a two day old newborn boy came to CSC. This week, a little baby girl joined CSC at about one week old.  They are both in good health, but still they need constant care, just like any newborn baby.  They are fragile, demanding, beautiful, and completely dependent. 

We are babies to God.  We need constant care even when we are in the best place in our lives and doing the very best we can.  With God’s hands to guide and protect us, we can do amazing things.  Actually, God does amazing things through us. 

It is humbling to care for a newborn baby.  A baby's potential is vast and we can be a part of fulfilling that potential.  God wants to use us to fulfill His plans. 

Morning Meeting: Risk and Consequence and Astronomy

Sep. 30, 2014By: Joel Reasoner

The Level C1 students have been reading about risk and consequence while C2 class has been reading about astronomy.  They came together to lead morning meeting. Each class helped the other to show the other students what they have been learning.

The highlights of the morning included reciting Bible verses which dealt with promises and consequences from God, reenacting the moon landing of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, and preforming the song “Outer Space” live—complete with guitars and puppets.

Check out the “Outer Space” song here.