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 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!

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.”   

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! 

In Week 4, Discoverers developed rhythms in Work Cycle, created self-portraits in Art, and reflected on trust and safety during Socratic Discussions. 

WORK CYCLE 

Discovery Heroes strove for clarity and rigor in their daily SMART goal-setting practice this week. The Studio is starting to see the effects of their strong habits in Work Cycle. One learner reflected, “That was my most successful Work Cycle so far this year.” When asked what made it successful, the learner said, “The studio was quiet, and I actually got into flow. I finally exceeded my goal.”

ART

Self-reflection is an important part of life in Discovery; however, this week, we mean that literally! Throughout Session 1, Discovery Artists have practiced techniques like shading and contouring. The culmination of this practice is using these skills to draw their faces and a still life recreation of a fruit plate. Heroes then displayed their final pieces to receive feedback from Fellow Travelers.

TRUST WALK 

Discoverers partnered up to participate in the trust walk this week, in which one learner wears a blindfold while their partner is seeing. The goal of the trust walk is to lead your partner through the orchard safely. In a debrief afterward, Heroes connected to other aspects of studio life when they rely on others to navigate new territory and remain on course.