Session 7: Year 6, WeeK 32 In Review
Check out this week’s updates…
spark studio
Welcome to a week of discovery in Spark, where music, art, fashion, and farming collide to create a harmonious blend of creativity and learning. We are grooving to the beat as our week kicks off with a bang. Expert visitors introduced us to a kaleidoscope of music genres, from punk to funk. Inspired by the rhythms, we found ourselves dancing like James Brown, embracing the coolness that music brings. It's incredible how music intertwines our lives, shaping our emotions and experiences. Have you ever tried singing when you're mad? We explored the cathartic release it provides, changing our moods and soothing our souls.
As we dove deeper into our exploration, we discovered the symbiotic relationship between art, fashion, and music. Experimenting with different styles and mediums, we expressed ourselves creatively, mirroring the diversity of the genres we encountered. From punk-inspired ensembles to indie-chic accessories, we found freedom in self-expression.
Venturing outdoors, we embarked on a journey of agricultural exploration. Tending to our garden, we learned the value of patience and hard work as we nurtured our plants to fruition. Our first harvest, a handful of strawberries, symbolized the rewards of our labor and the joys of connecting with nature.
With our bounty in hand, we faced the delightful challenge of transforming our strawberries into bite-size tastes, even sharing them with our sweet bunny friends. Then came our field trip to Southern Belle Farms exploring strawberry fields forever. It was jam-packed fun! We thank our wonderful chaperones for keeping us safe and helping us discover the transformative power of becoming one with nature and understanding how food can change our mood. Harvesting is hard work! It was joyful to witness and be a part of a community, and generosity came to life.
As we approach the end of the school year, we are reminded of the importance of resilience and determination. We prepare to finish strong by focusing on core skills like time management and problem-solving. Like the seeds we planted at the beginning, we have grown and flourished, ready to tackle whatever challenges come our way.
lower elementary studio
What happens when you learn about the preamble and constitution through songs and staining paper with tea bags? Or, what about discovering the law of conservation of energy through making working stomach models and yummy snacks? It means you had a fun, crafty, and action-packed week in lower elementary!
This week, lower elementary learners embarked on a journey of discovery about the foundational documents and people that shaped America. From Thomas Jefferson's eloquent words to Benjamin Franklin's inventive spirit, our learners discovered each Founding Father’s unique role in shaping the course of history and pioneering democracy as it exists today! For story arts, we continued to learn about journalism through preparing and sharing stories and reports of inspiration.
The focus of Quest was on fueling our bodies like an Olympian and learning that no energy is created or destroyed, but how we fuel our bodies has an impact. The most important thing we learned is that eating healthy can be tasty, and when we fuel our bodies well, we can accomplish incredible feats!
upper elementary studio
This week, our learners have been incredibly upholding our Studio values during the "Speed Demon Challenge." They've shown amazing improvements in how they work, take care of our Studio, and treat each other with kindness.
Don't forget to chat with your learners about how they're embodying our Studio values. Your encouragement helps their motivation as the end of the year approaches. If you'd like to add to the Speed Demon prize store, just contact Gage.
In civilizations, we've finished modern history through the 21st century. Next week, we're diving into a review of The Story of the World. This review will end with a writing challenge where learners sum up what they've learned about world history. Our history curriculum is on a three-year rotation, so we will begin with early ancient history next year.
As we near the end of the year, it's time for our heroes to set goals for their platforms and challenge submissions. Guides will offer advice, but it's up to the learners to make these plans happen. Be sure to talk to your learners about their progress and goals. If you have any questions, contact Gage.
Have a fantastic weekend!
middle school studio
This week in Quest, we went from writing detailed Character Analysis pages for Stage Acting by hand to practicing combat for film. Heroes chose scenes from their favorite action movies and then choreographed similarly in slow motion. We gave them feedback on 1) safety, 2) feasibility, and 3) thrill. The cherry on top this week is a visit from the stunt double of Dwayne the Rock Johnson, Myles Humphus! He will coach actors in their fight choreography and share his experiences in film. We're geeking out!
When it came to Civilization, we hosted a commemorative ceremony for the victims of 9/11. They read poems, described those who passed, played music, and shared photos. Heroes rated one another in their seriousness, level of thoughtfulness, and performance.
In Story Arts, the Editor-in-Chief of Good Grit Magazine, Shelly Brown listened to heroes pitch their updated news reports in “the bullpen.” She gave them helpful feedback on improving their reports, and the heroes added more details and revised further to prepare for sending our work to “Writable,” an online writing feedback website.
In a week, we will be headed to the Alliance Theatre to get even more expert coaching on our acting scenes. We are also stoked about the Forest School Talent Show hosted by two middle school heroes. It’s full steam ahead for the end-of-the-year festivities!
high school studio
A Week of Heroic Endeavors at Our School
Greetings, fellow adventurers, and welcome to another exhilarating week at our esteemed institution, where our heroes embark on quests of knowledge and creativity. Join us as we journey through the realms of learning:
Quest: This week, our heroes delved into the art of organization as they crafted pre-production books for their upcoming shoots. A pre-pro book serves as a vital tool for orchestrating any photography session, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned and executed. With their newfound knowledge, our heroes are well-equipped to tackle any photographic adventure that comes their way.
Civilization: In the realm of civilization, our heroes explored the art of storytelling through recreation. Drawing inspiration from masterpieces of the past, they embarked on a quest to recreate famous artworks in their own unique style. By reimagining these timeless classics, our heroes not only pay homage to the masters but also forge their own artistic identities.
Story Arts: Armed with brushes and creativity, our heroes embarked on a visual odyssey as they brought their artistic visions to life. With each stroke of the brush, they breathed new life into the canvas, infusing it with their passion and imagination. From vibrant landscapes to mesmerizing portraits, their creations stand as testaments to their artistic prowess.
End of the Year Wrap-Up: As the school year draws to a close, it's time for our heroes to prepare for the final chapter of their journey. With deadlines looming, they must ensure that all their hard work is completed and submitted on time. Seniors are reminded that all final submissions are due by May 10th, while underclassmen have until May 17th to turn in their work. Let us rally together to support our heroes as they cross the finish line and embark on the next chapter of their adventures. In this epic saga of learning and growth, our heroes continue to inspire us with their courage and determination. As they prepare to bid farewell to another school year, let us celebrate their achievements and cheer them on as they embark on new quests and adventures. Together, we stand as a community of learners, united in our pursuit of knowledge and creativity.