Session 1: Year 6, Week 1 In Review
a new school year and a new chapter
Check out this week’s updates…
spark studio
Team Building/Sparkwood Derby Looks like we made it! The first week is in the books.
It turns out learning is fun. We played team-building games, interviewed each other, and created self-portraits. We learned that we have a lot of commonalities and differences. Onward we moved into Rules of Engagement while in school. Returning heroes led the way and guided us through their remembrance of what it takes to become a leader in the Spark Studio. They even added a few new thoughts and ideas to help us become even better.
Our first Quest challenge was a Lego design challenge. Learners were grouped together to collaborate, design, and create. It was beautiful to watch the challenge unfold. If we allow learners to have uninterrupted play in early childhood, they grow to be more self-sufficient learners because they develop better focus, problem-solving, social-emotional skills, and so much more. Their creations were impressive, and we look forward to more design-thinking challenges in the upcoming weeks.
Specials also began this week. It was fun getting to know Coach Fantasia and Coach Austin for some big movement fun. Art with Ms. Shelly was thoughtful and creative. All of that being said, throughout the week, learners kept asking, “when can we do core skills”? Do you think we have eager learners? Which, in turn, makes us wonder if we will be in flow sooner than later.
We have enjoyed getting to know everyone and hope everyone feels welcome. It’s going to be a peaceful year.
“Education is the best weapon for peace” ~ Maria Montessori
elementary studio
Start Your Engines!! The Elementary Studios had an awesome first week of school and are off to a great start. This week was all about building our Studio tribe.
Heroes were excited to meet and socialize with their Guides and peers. Our first-morning carpool had heroes enter the “road to success” and snap photos at the photo booth to make memories. Part of our tribe building not only includes fun, get-to-know-you games but also thought-provoking activities to build the culture of the Studios.
We discussed Contract creation, Rules of Engagement, and Studio Maintenance in each Studio. These key guardrails will give voice and clarity to our young learners. We jumped right into learning and introduced our “Phoenix 500” Pinewood Derby Quest, where heroes will navigate the world of physics in race cars!
Our StoryArts challenges will be tied to Quest, as we will master letter writing and plan a “Flat Stanley” project, sending letters to famous race car drivers throughout the country. If you have any family members or friends you’d like your hero to send a letter to, please send in their info.
In Civilization, heroes are on a journey through America. As we build the tribes in our own Studios, we’re learning about what it takes to be a successful community!
It has been a wonderful first week! We are so proud of both new and returning heroes and trilled with the excitement shown by our Elementary heroes this year!
middle school studio
This week we kicked off a new year with excitement, fresh paint on the walls, and 38 heroes in the Middle School!
We set up Studio expectations for the year, discussing rules of engagement, consequences, Studio Contracts, and lots of brainstorming to make this a vibrant and engaging year of learning.
We broke down the Badge Plan over a couple of days to soak it in and are revisiting it frequently. We began discussing what it means to give and receive feedback with truth and sensitivity, how to listen to understand, and how caring for one another and our space speaks volumes of our Studio identity. We played a “password” game to review The Forest School lingo and even worked together to create “human machines” with smaller groups.
We also dove into our first Quest: Creating Intentional Culture. We started off with the first piece of our Studio culture: our stories. Heroes began to articulate their experiences thus far by illustrating and making life timelines and bios.
In Story Arts, heroes created themed timelines and are beginning to brainstorm content for their individual reels. As guides, we are seeking to design real-world deliverables that heroes can use beyond the walls of our Studio, and that starts with heroes beginning to dive into who they are and what they contribute to our learning community.
high school studio
Welcome to the 2023-2024 High School Studio Week 1!
As the new school year dawns upon us, we welcome you to an exciting adventure that transcends the boundaries of learning. We are thrilled to embark on a journey of building a culture that celebrates each individual's uniqueness, where you, our heroes, are the architects of your destinies. Together, we shall embrace Quests that challenge and inspire, unleashing your potential and fostering your resilience. Buckle up!
Creating a Culture of Heroes
Within these hallowed walls, a culture of heroism thrives. Heroes possess the power to make a difference, not only in their own lives but also in the lives of others. Our mission is to cultivate an environment that encourages self-expression, celebrates diversity, and upholds the values of compassion, integrity, and perseverance!
The Quest of Waterwheels
In our inaugural Quest, we built waterwheels to harness the force of nature. Worked together to discover the joy of collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving. The journey shall be arduous, but with every turn of the wheel, they witness the fruits of your labor (or not), a testament to the strength of unity and determination.
The Power of Punctuation: A Storytelling Adventure
Punctuate your creativity! Using every punctuation known to the English language, heroes weaved tales of valor and wonder. Commas, periods, exclamation marks - each one shall serve as a brushstroke on the canvas of their imagination. The unfolded stories were a testament to the richness of language and the limitless boundaries of their minds.
A Civilization of Mythology
We stepped into the realm of mythology, where gods, goddesses, and ancient legends await our exploration. Learn from the wisdom of the past, as mythology teaches us timeless lessons of morality, courage, and the pursuit of truth.
Building a Compassionate Team
As we delve deeper into the fabric of this heroic journey, we understand the power of open-mindedness, empathy, and respect. Together, we shall construct a team that thrives on kindness, where heroes lift each other to great heights. Differences shall be celebrated, and every voice shall find its resonance, for it is within unity that our strength lies.
Conclusion
This new school year brings endless opportunities to flourish and grow. High School Studio, remember as we stand on the cusp of this transformative journey, remember that you are not alone. Together, we will create a culture that nurtures the hero within each of you, embarks on Quests that challenge and inspire, weaves tales that celebrate the beauty of language, explores the realms of mythology, and builds a team bound by compassion and respect.
Embrace this year with open hearts and minds, for you are the heroes of tomorrow, and your destinies await. Let us embark on this adventure together, for it is through unity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge that we shall triumph and soar to unparalleled heights.
Welcome back, and thanks for a great first week! (Even all of the jumping jacks, lol)
-Onward!