Happy Thanksgiving! - Year 3, Week 14 in Review
The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us. - James E. Faust
spark studio
The week was spent preparing for the 'Sparking Curiosity in Nature' Quest. During Exhibition, it was awesome to observe each group come together and encourage one another, problem solve, guide the adults, and execute the challenges. Reflection is a time where we come together to think and talk about ways in which we can improve, what went well and give thanks to one another.
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the harvest and other blessings of the past year. What are you thankful for? How will you celebrate? Our wish for you is peace and harmony. Stay safe, happy, and healthy and enjoy your week.
elementary studio
Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. -Marcel Proust
This session we focused our attention on Physics during Quest, but during Civilization we stepped into the shoes of Native Americans and empathized with their plight over land possession. During Storytelling, we created personal narratives describing an important moment that happened in our lives. Both of these experiences helped heroes to look at themselves, the experiences they have had so far, and to think deeply about what and who they are thankful for.
As we embark on this break, elementary heroes were encouraged to think about the things in their lives that they are thankful for, as well as how they can show gratitude for them. We are all on a hero’s journey, and meet people along that journey that guide us, help us and even challenge us to make us better. Who is it on your journey that has made a difference in your life, and propelled you forward? How can you show them appreciation? Our celebrations may look different this season, so what better way to connect whether virtually or in person, than by sharing your thoughts with others. The small moments can make a difference in everyone's life. What will your moment look like? Have a great break!
middle school studio
Our school year moves in learning arcs. We divide our calendar into seven sessions — each focused on solving a particular problem and developing a particular set of skills. The session starts with a "launch" or a "hook," a narrative that pulls learners into the story of the Quest. Over the course of the session, learners engage in a number of challenges and learning experiences, individually and in groups. The session ends in a public exhibition — a moment for learners to demonstrate their newly learned skills and problem solving abilities live. After the exhibition, we reflect on our experiences and summarize our learning. And then, we take a break.
In this way, learners are able to move in sprints. They put all of their energy into a particular project for a short period of time (usually 4-6 weeks). Then, they take a week off from school and rest. This past session was our Physics Quest. It was math intensive, with concepts that were new and challenging to most middle schoolers. Learners showcased their skills in a live exhibition with representatives from Caterpillar, Inc., where they had to develop a proposal about which heavy equipment was right for a particular project. They received feedback and reflected on their experience over the course of the session. Now, they're heading into a well-earned break.
Next session, we will launch into something new.
high school studio
What an exciting week for The Forest School! As we continue to build creators and storytellers, this session heroes expanded their creative writing abilities as they created a piece using only left brain skills, wrote 999 words using one single picture, and wrote about themselves in the context of a place.
During exhibition, heroes tackled the harsh and real social topics of hunger, sex trafficking, elder isolation, academic pressures, and mental health while tasking parents and experts to also find solutions for these issues. Each group received world class feedback from a number of experts with a consensus that each group used active listening skills, were not only knowledgeable about the topic at hand, but demonstrated true passion, and taught experts about 6 new brainstorming techniques. It was an honor for them to receive such great feedback!
As a studio, we ended the week with an extravagant game of flag football. What a time to be alive and to show gratitude for those around us! Happy holiday and safe travels for you and your loved ones!
-Onward
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