Discovery Year 6. Session 5. Week 6.

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Heroes landed the Session powerfully by setting big goals for the end of the school year, hosting a camping Exhibition, and celebrating Fellow Travelers who reached milestones in their Discovery Journey.

WORK CYCLE

In Work Cycle, Heroes began setting long-term goals for the next two Sessions. During check-ins with guides and Fellow Travelers, Discovery learners imagined what they could accomplish, if they dreamt as big as possible and worked hard along the way. Discoverers shared goals to finish challenging books, unlock new levels in online programs, and rise to new mountains within the Discovery badge plan. 

ART

Discovery and Explore artists joined this week to create nature collages and leaf stamps. After collecting materials from across campus, Heroes headed inside to find flow in their creative process. Learners worked, played, laughed, and designed together as a community and displayed their art in the studios. 

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING

Friday’s Exhibition of Learning showcased the skills learned and practiced in Survivor Quest. In a mini campout on campus, Discovery survivalists pitched tents with their guests. Learners took pride in displaying their fire-making techniques, tying bear bags, and applying pressure bandages. Once learners successfully lead guests through the campsite challenges, they enjoyed smores with their friends and families while celebrating their hard work in Quest this Session. 

Have a wonderful break; see you in Session 6!



Discovery Year 6. Session 5. Week 5.

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Discoverers continued raising the standards of their space and creating systems to make their studio even more learner-driven. In Week 5, They overcame obstacles through tribe-building challenges and community work. 

WORK CYCLE

In Socratic Discussions before and during Work Cycles, Discoverers reflected on how they could step in as solution-minded leaders to further own their Hero Buck system and the peer approval process for badge submissions. Learners found flow through collaborative work and solo focus through their online programs, Montessori works, and badge books. 

QUEST

Last week, the Studio worked together to tackle safety challenges during Survivor Quest. Learners explored nature dangers, wildlife protection, and first aid. This week in Quest, Discovery Heroes reflected on the importance of identity as a basic need for human survival. Discoverers and Explorers have joined together to hear stories of Hero’s journey’s related to the themes of Survivor Quest. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

Writers in Discovery wrapped up their research reports on Heroes in environmentalism and began exploring famous survivalists. The studio found facts online and in books before starting their first drafts. After drafting, learners receive feedback on their research and writing from Fellow Travelers and make changes accordingly. 

Next week, the Studio will focus on finishing Session 5 strong!

Discovery Year 6. Session 5. Week 3.

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This week, Discovery learners discussed how their studio could be EVEN more learner-driven and the kind of leaders they hope to be in the community. Heroes continued working hard in Survivor Quest, Work Cycle, and Writers’ Workshop. 

WORK CYCLE

In Thursday’s launch, Discoverers learned about an obstacle that many Heroes may face on their journey: procrastination. The Studio discussed the science behind procrastination and why our brains do it, even when we know it isn’t helpful. Learners reflected on how they procrastinate in the studio and what small steps they can take to build better habits. 

QUEST

In Quest, learners focused on shelter as a basic need for survival. Heroes worked alongside their squad members to create shelters from minimal materials: 6 bamboo sticks and a roll of twine. Discovery survivalists called upon their creativity and resourcefulness to complete the challenge. Later in the week, learners practice pitching tents, designed identity maps, continue their firemaking challenges.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

In Writers’ Workshop, the Studio displayed effort and collaboration as they worked to complete their first research reports of the Session. Discovery writers finalized their first drafts on a Hero in the field of environmentalism. Fellow Travelers gave and received peer reviews before making edits and starting their final drafts. 

We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the second half of Session 5!

Discovery Year 6. Session 5. Week 2.

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In Week 2, Heroes made their first moves in the new studio game: Discovery Mountain! Through Socratic Discussion and Discovery Mountain challenges, learners reflected upon their responsibilities, their habits, and their studio systems.

WORK CYCLE

In Math Power Hour, Discoverers reflected on their progress toward their math goals for the Session. Learners who are on track toward their goal discussed their choices they’re making that are leading to success and celebrated their hard work with the community. Discoverers also collaborated with Explorers during the Montessori work cycle and found flow in DEAR.

QUEST

Week 2 of Survivor Quest centered on water and identity as basic needs for survival. Discoverers researched parts of the Water Cycle and created water filtration systems from coffee filters, rocks and gravel. In Socratic Discussion on Friday, Heroes shared their defining traits before painting their traits onto stones. To land the week, learners discovered their love languages!

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

In Session 5’s Writers’ Workshop, Discoverers will be researching Heroes in environmentalism. Learners completed a K.W.L. chart as a studio to share what they already know and what they want to learn about the environment before beginning research on the environmentalist they selected. At the end of the week, learners completed their K.W.L. chart, sharing what they’ve learned so far.



Discovery Year 6. Session 5. Week 1.

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Learners returned to campus with intention and momentum. Here’s how the Studio launched Quest, Art, and Work Cycle in Session 5. 

WORK CYCLE

Discovers started the Session by forecasting what they hope to achieve by the end. On Monday, Heroes updated the Math Power Hour and Montessori Works tracking posters to reflect their accomplishments and highlight the work that remains on their Discovery journeys. The studio leaned into tools like focus boards and a silent Work Cycle to support the community in finding flow and focus. 

QUEST

Food. Water. Shelter. Safety. Identity. These are the five basic needs that Discoverers will be investigating during Session 5’s Survivor Quest. Week 1 was all about food. From completing research on foraging in Texas to edible insects, Heroes explored the idea of nourishing yourself in a survival context. Learners also created humane mouse traps, practiced tying knots, and tried their hand at making fire!

ART

The theme of environmentalism continued in Art. Artists in Discovers have taken on the role of natural sculptors. Week 1 creations included rock towers, stick structures, and more. Stay tuned to see what the Studio builds next!



Discovery Year 6. Session 4. Week 5.

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In Week 5, Discoverers utilized creativity and collaboration in Work Cycle, Quest, and Writers’ Workshop. 

WORK CYCLE

During Work Cycle, learners reflected upon what they hope to achieve in the final days of the Session. The Studio found flow in both Montessori and tech work. Explorers supported in reviewing completed Montessori challenges and providing feedback. At the end of the week, in SMART goal reflection, Discoverers shared triumphant moments of overcoming obstacles and experiences of pride in their work. 

QUEST

In Quest, Heroes continued to walk along the checkered road, sharpening their notation skills in preparation for the final rounds of the tournament. Learners had the opportunity to play human chess, online chess, and traditional games on a board. This week, many Heroes received awards to place on their shields, honoring effort and improvement in their gameplay. 

   

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

Writers in Discovery started their final chess story, the story of the King and Queen!  This Session, the Studio’s focus trait is word choice. Learners kept this in mind while drafting and editing their stories and the stories of Fellow Travelers. As writers approach the end of the creative writing process, they prepare to share their stories aloud with the community.

 

The Studio has had an epic five weeks of curiosity, learning, and creativity; one more to go!



Discovery Year 6. Session 4. Week 4.

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This week, Discovery learners displayed adaptability and initiative in the face of change in their studio. Continue reading to hear how Heroes found flow in Quest, Work Cycle, and Writers’ Workshop. 

Work Cycle

Discovery learners are working hard to complete Montessori math and languages with excellence in the Work Cycle. At this week’s badge ceremony, discoverers reflected on experiences of pride, collaborative work, intrinsic motivation, and overcoming challenges. One Hero shared, “I am most proud of myself for not giving up on my goal,” when asked what she was most proud of after earning her badge. 

Quest

Last Week, Discoverers and Explorers competed in the first round of their five-round chess tournament. They practiced proper tournament etiquette while playing against one another. This week, learners challenged themselves with online puzzles and retrograde analysis with a chess buddy. 

Writers’ Workshop

Learners finished writing their first fictional chess piece, The Story of the Pawn. In the process, they received peer critiques, added illustrations, and designed covers. They then bound their work using construction paper and colorful string. Discovery writers will base their next story on a different piece: the Knight! 



Discovery Year 6. Session 4. Week 2.

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This week, Discoverers found flow and focus in Work Cycle, Art, and Quest. Here’s a glimpse into the Studio’s Week 2 experience. 

WORK CYCLE

In Work Cycle, Heroes participated in a Socratic Discussion on the badge submission process in Discovery. Learners identified the most important parts of this process as completing challenges with excellence, documenting their work, and receiving feedback from Fellow Travelers. In Math Power Hour, learners challenged themselves to set a tougher goal than last week, and in the Montessori Work Cycle, many learners found flow in the challenge of selecting a new work. 

ART 

In Session 4, Explorers and Discoverers collaborate in both Art and P.D. In Art, learners are becoming songwriters! Last week, Heroes from both studios started creating lyrics for the song. This week, learners created egg shakers and began using digital tools to create backing instrumentals for their song. At the end of the week, Discovery and Explore musicians joined together to share their songs so far. 

QUEST 

This week, learners were introduced to a new tool in Chess Quest: chess clocks! Their first challenge was to play one 30-minute timed game of chess and compare the experience to an untimed game. Learners shared that their timed games felt more exciting and nerve-wracking. In Socratic Discussion, Heroes shared their thoughts on sacrifice in chess, fast thinking vs. slow thinking and the importance of rules in a game. 

Happy MLK Day, enjoy the weekend! 

Discovery Year 6. Session 4. Week 1.

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Learners returned to campus after winter break with energy and intention. Here’s how the Studio kicked off Work Cycle, Quest, and Writers’ Workshop in Session 4. 

WORK CYCLE

Learners displayed excitement and, naturally, some uncertainty for Math Power Hour and the Montessori Work Cycle on Monday. To set long-term goals for the Session in these two areas, learners first audited their Montessori progress and set benchmarks in their math programs. As a community, Heroes reflected on the experience of publicly tracking Montessori work and challenging themselves in math. 

   

QUEST 

What if you learned there was a way to increase your focus, strengthen your mathematical abilities, improve your memory, and elevate your time management skills? What if you learned that way by playing a game? Could you guess the game? If you said chess, you’re right! Ascent Heroes have set out to travel the checkered road in Session 4’s Chess Quest. In Week 1, learners memorized the names and abilities of each chess piece, practiced notating games, and played games! 

 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP 

The Studio continued the chess story on Tuesday when launching Writers’ Workshop. This Session, Discovery authors will explore creative writing. To start, Heroes learned about the structural elements of a story and plot diagrams. During Socratic Discussion, the Studio collaborated to complete a plot diagram based on the prompt of bringing an inanimate object in the studio to life. After practicing together, Discoverers focused on drafting their first fiction piece: The Story of the Pawn. 

And the Session is only getting started!

Discovery Year 6. Session 3. Week 2.

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In Week 2, Discoverers wrote pitches in Writers’ Workshop, practiced block printing in Art, and prepared for their naturalization tests in Citizenship Quest. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

In Writers’ Workshop, learners entered the Pitch-a-Pet drafting, editing, and revising phase. Writers in Discovery learned about the 3 types of rhetorical appeals: logos, ethos, and pathos. As the Studio created outlines and drafts of their pitches, Discoverers challenged themselves to incorporate all three types. Afterward, learners organized themselves into pairs to provide peer reviews.

ART

Discovery Artists have tried their hand at a new form of art in Session 3: block printing! Working alongside Explore learners, Discoverers have experienced the process of creating a print. In Week 1, the Studio sketched out potential designs and practiced craving prints into potatoes. This week, the Studio carved their prints into rubber pads and used ink and handmade paper to create their final product. 

QUEST

This week, in Citizenship Quest, Discoverers began their journey toward naturalization. On Monday, each learner drew the name of one country out of a jar. In doing so, they adopted the identity of an immigrant from that country seeking United States citizenship. Learners completed challenges this week, like memorizing the Pledge of Allegiance, creating skits based on the Bill of Rights, and labeling US maps with states and capitals. Next week, learners will take the naturalization test! 

The tribe came together to support one another through challenges and to celebrate success. Thank you for a powerful week, Discovery community!