Explore Year 6. Session 4. Week 2.

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In week 2, Explorers embraced challenges and found flow during Work Cycles, Art, and Quest.

WORK CYCLE

During Work Cycles, Explorers set ambitious Session 4 Big Goals they’d be proud to achieve by the session’s end. To make these goals attainable, they broke them down into smaller, weekly objectives. In Typing Time, a focused 10-minute sprint dedicated to typing practice, learners challenged themselves to boost their words per minute—and many hit their stride, finding moments of deep concentration.

ART

Session 4 has brought collaboration between Explorers and Discoverers in both Art and P.D. In Art, learners are diving into the world of songwriting! Last week, Heroes began crafting lyrics for their songs. This week, they created egg shakers and experimented with digital tools to build instrumental backings for their compositions. At the week’s close, musicians from both studios came together to showcase their progress and celebrate their creative journeys.

QUEST

In Chess Quest, learners in both Explore and Discovery studios were introduced to chess clocks this week! Their first challenge? Play a 30-minute timed chess game and compare it to the experience of playing without a clock. Many shared that the timed games felt more thrilling and intense. During Socratic Discussions, Heroes explored topics like sacrifice in chess, the dynamics of fast vs. slow thinking, and the critical role of rules in games.

Hoping everyone is staying warm!

For more from Session 4 Week 2, click here: Explore Session 4, Week 2 photos & videos

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!



Discovery Year 6. Session 3. Week 1.

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Discovery learners brought energy, intention, and momentum to the first week of Session 3. Here’s how the Studio kicked off Work Cycle, Quest, and Writers’ Workshop. 

WORK CYCLE

Learners were eager to resume working toward their big goals after the break. During SMART goal reflection, learners discussed their Work Cycle experience in Week 1. One learner shared, “I feel like I am getting a lot done and I think the new spot I chose to work in helps me get into flow.” Another Hero reflected, “I was feeling frustrated when my badge was denied, but today I got support, and I think I know what I need to improve on now.” 

QUEST

What does it mean to be a good citizen? Have you ever wondered what Ellis Island was like in the late 19th century? How far back in your family tree can you trace? These questions represent just a couple of the ideas that learners will explore throughout Citizenship Quest! Heroes in Discovery started Session 3’s Quest by creating a timeline of immigration in the United States from 1820 to the present. On Friday, learners presented their findings to the community!

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP 

This Session in Writers’ Workshop, discoverers are pitching a studio pet! Writers in Discovery researched a pet of their choosing, started to write a persuasive pitch using their research, and will present their pitch to the community for a vote. Animals selected ranged from iguanas to blue whales to gerbils and many more. Week 1 was the prewriting stage, where learners brainstorm, fact-find, and organize their thoughts. 

We are so excited to see what is next for the Studio in Session 3!

Discovery Year 6. Session 2. Week 6.

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Discovery learners landed Session 2 powerfully. The Studio showcased its hard work through reflection, celebration, and an Exhibition of Learning. 

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING: E-SHIP QUEST 

Discovery and Explore entrepreneurs came together on Thursday to host an outdoor Trade Show. Learners presented the business ideas they developed throughout E-Ship Quest. Exhibition guests heard pitches, explored prototypes, and evaluated prices and profit margins. Learners competed to win categories such as Most Eco-Friendly Business, Best Branding, Most Original Business, and more!

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING: LETTERS TO A HERO

Learners welcomed their guests into the studio to glean insight into this Session’s Writers’ Workshop: Letters to a Hero. Discovery Writers highlighted the changes between their first, second, and third drafts while sharing the peer critiques they received. Next, Discoverers participated in a Socratic Discussion for guests to observe, reflecting on why they chose their Hero and how they imagined their Hero might respond. 

WORK CYCLE + BADGE CEREMONY

This Session, learners were asked, “What could you accomplish in this Session in the Work Cycle that would make you feel proud of yourself?” Discoverers shared badge goals, learning program goals, and Montessori goals they hoped to achieve, as well as how their perception of their capabilities would expand once they achieved the goal. On Friday at Closing Group, Discoverers celebrated a Fellow Traveler earning their first badge. 

Have a restful fall break, Discovery community!

Discovery Year 6. Session 2. Week 5.

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With Session 2’s Exhibition of Learning on the horizon, Discoverers focused on the future and prepared to finish strong. 

QUEST

In Quest, Heroes sailed to Selling Island! Discovery entrepreneurs learned about the building blocks of a perfect pitch while analyzing examples of young people pitching their products and services. After drafting, learners rehearsed their pitches aloud and received warm and cool feedback from Fellow Travelers before coming together to elect an Exhibition Planning Committee. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

In Writers’ Workshop, learners moved forward in the writing process to begin editing. Working in small groups, Heroes participated in the Community of Editors. In these collaborative conversations, Discoverers become editors, each with a particular grammatical focus. Discoverers worked together to ensure each Hero received an excellent letter. 

ART

In Art, Discovery learners found flow in the artistic process. Learners supported one another in managing time and overcoming obstacles in order to complete their canvas paintings. Artists in Discovery also expressed themselves in written form by creating an “All About the Artist” sheet, detailing their personal style and artistic influences. 

We can’t wait to see what’s next for Discovery! 

Discovery Year 6. Session 2. Week 4.

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In Week 4, Discoverers collaborated in Work Cycle, learned about Unit Economics in E-Ship Quest, and met a guest Hero alongside Explore learners! 

WORK CYCLE

Discovery learners reflected on the reasons they chose to work hard at school. In discussions, learners shared reasons such as “to gain knowledge,” “to experience accomplishment,” and “to be prepared for the world.” Discovers continued to set excellent goals in the challenge zone and concluded the week by sharing their proudest moment in Work Cycle. 

QUEST 

Discovery learners sailed to Unit Economics Island in E-Ship Quest this week! Entrepreneurs tackled challenges that supported them in identifying how to break even and how to earn a profit based on how much of their product or service they could produce in 1 day. Discovery learners also created pricing posters and practiced making change!

HERO’S JOURNEY 

On Friday, Discoverers and Explorers gathered together to hear the story of a real Hero in the entrepreneurial field. Learners inquired about obstacles, allies, and transformation on the Hero’s Journey while heeding a call to action from the Hero on their business ideas: “Don’t wait until your idea is perfect to share it. Just get it out there.”   

Discovery Year 6. Session 2. Week 3.

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This week, Discovery learners sailed to Identity Island in E-ship Quest, began first drafts in Writers’ Workshop, and celebrated the fall season in Art. 

 QUEST

Entrepreneurs in Discovery focused on the branding and advertising of their businesses during Quest this week. Heroes explored the feedback they received from potential customers before tackling challenges to create logos, design booths, and make advertisements. On Friday, Discoverers joined Explorers for an entrepreneurial experiment in which they stepped into the role of customer to understand a consumer’s mindset better. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

In Week 3 of Writers’ Workshop, learners began writing the first draft of their Letter to a Hero. As a Studio, Discoverers researched the structural elements of formal letters and reflected on the best practices of letter writing. Learners started drafting for excellence using the standard they created and the research completed on their Heroes. 

ART

In Art this week, learners carved pumpkins with their squads while harvesting the seeds for a sweet treat to share at the campus pumpkin party. Sparks, Discoverers, and Explorers gathered in the Spark Play area to celebrate the Fall season. On Thursday, Discoverers participated in a learner-led launch about Diwali! After Socratic Discussion, Discoverers created rangolis and mandalas using a traditional Indian art supply: colored rice!

Just like that, we are halfway through the Session. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Discovery Studio!

Discovery Year 6. Session 2. Week 1.

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Learners launched Session 2 with energy and excitement. Here’s how the tribe started in Work Cycle, E-Ship Quest, and Writers’ Workshop! 

WORK CYCLE

Discovery Heroes brought focus and motivation to pursuing their goals in Work Cycle. Learners held meetings with Fellow Travelers who were at a similar point in their badge plan progress. Discoverers shared what they hope to be their first or next badge of the year before making a plan and identifying their first step to earning the badge.

QUEST

What is a need you see in the world? What is something you love to do? What are your natural gifts and talents? These are the essential questions Discoverers will be asking themselves in E-ship Quest! Throughout the session, learners will become entrepreneurs running their own businesses. In Week 1, Discoverers sailed through the challenges of Motivation Island, including business research, brainstorming and money based board games. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

This week, Discovery learners launched Letters to a Hero! In Session 2’s Writers’ Workshop, Discoverers will be researching a living hero before writing and sending a letter to them. Discovery writers will think carefully about stories from their own Hero’s Journey, ultimately deciding what is relevant to share with the Hero they choose. Discoverers will also work to craft thoughtful and unique questions to ask to get a letter back!