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!

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.

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!

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! 

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!