Discovery learners entered Week 2 with energy and determination. The Studio launched Art, elected Squad leaders, and completed the tech challenge.

As the world of online learning opened up in the studio, Heroes navigated the tech challenge, becoming equipped to accept the responsibilities that come alongside the great freedoms of internet use. Experienced Discoverers provided guidance and insight to new learners on using digital tools in Discovery. New learners courageously reached out for support. Ultimately, the Studio overcame obstacles to complete the challenge successfully.

 
In a series of tribe-uniting challenges, Discovery learners received a call to action to carry throughout the week: observe closely to see leaders emerge naturally. Heroes reflected alongside their Fellow Travelers to create Squad identities. Learners named the heroic traits they will strive to embody as a Squad this Session. Squad leaders were elected Friday and signed a contract committing to serve their Squad members.

Discovery learners launched Art for the Session: drawing! Heroes were challenged to create contour drawings of objects in the studio, their faces, and the faces of Fellow Travelers. The quiet sounds of pencils and giggles filled Discovery as the Studio found flow.

WORK CYCLE + BADGE CEREMONY 

Learners reflected on their greatest hope for themselves in Week 6. Throughout the past 7 Sessions, Discoverers have stretched themselves to set goals in their challenge zone and to strive for a standard of excellence in their work. If you walked through the studio this week, you’d hear Fellow Travelers supporting one another with a growth mindset. You could listen to the sound of Squad leaders equipping and empowering their Squad members. Early in the week, you might hear silence as the Studio found flow; later, you’d listen to celebratory cheers at the Badge Ceremony. 

 

QUEST

In this week’s Quest, learners grew their curiosity by designing a challenge for a Fellow Traveler. Working in pairs, Heroes found topics that intrigued and excited them. Ideas ranged from video game design to dance to mythical creatures. Learners crafted a 10-minute launch for their partners before diving into the challenge with energy and focus. 

CELEBRATION OF HEROES

On Wednesday, the Ascent Community came together for Celebration of Heroes. As a campus, learners reflected together on an impactful and transformative year. Each Discovery learner received a carefully determined honor reflecting this year’s wins, failures, challenges, triumphs, and critical moments in their Hero’s Journey. 

YEAR 5: MOMENTS OF MAGIC

This year, Discovery Heroes learned beautiful and, at times, hard truths about working within a community. As we reflect upon Year 5, there was no shortage of magical moments. 

Learners transformed DEAR by leaning in to listen with curiosity and wonder during impromptu read-alouds.

Discovery Heroes transformed ideas into realities at the Children’s Business Fair. 

Socratic Discussions transformed into magical moments with small group meetings in the morning. 

Thank you, Discovery community, for a powerful and hope-filled Year 5. Have a great summer, we’ll see you in September!

This week, Discovery learners participated in powerful Work Cycle launches, practiced creativity in Art, and designed one-of-a-kind 3-D models in Quest.  

 

WORK CYCLE

The Studio showcased courage and vulnerability in Wednesday’s Work Cycle launch on failure. Heroes reflected on their inner voice and what it says when a failure occurs. In doing so, learners identified the voice of a fixed or victim mindset and brainstormed ideas for transforming thoughts into a growth mindset. Suggestions from Fellow Travelers during Socratic Discussions included, “I just haven’t reached my goal yet,” “I am still practicing my handwriting,“ and “I’m not the best at math, but I can work hard and improve.”

QUEST

The Studio explored the animal kingdom in Week 4 of Growing Curiosity Quest. Learners from Explore challenged Discoverers to research an animal that sparked their interest and create a detailed sketch based on their findings. This was in preparation for the final challenge of Animal Quest: molding a clay animal. Discoverers displayed focus and attention to detail as they molded their creations to a standard of excellence.

ART

In Socratic Discussion, Discoverers delved  into the process of watercolor painting. Learners considered the reasons why human beings feel called to paint and draw. To quote one Hero’s response, “Telling stories is a human need and art is a way of telling a story.“ 

In Week 2, Discovery Heroes called upon their creativity, adaptability, and courage. The Studio came together to learn from failure and celebrate successes in Baking Quest, Writers’ Workshop, Art, and Work Cycle. 

WORK CYCLE

Learners continued their forward momentum in Work Cycle to finish the year strong. During Socratic Discussion, Heroes learned about the neuroscience behind practice. Each member of the Studio identified one skill they wanted to improve on, or perhaps even master, before committing to practicing it throughout the Session. Learners also drafted guidelines for excellent work in Discovery and discussed what it looks and feels like to work hard within a community. 

QUEST

Fellow Travelers from Explore Studio joined Discoverers to lead Baking Quest. Working in small groups, Heroes created recipes. After much brainstorming, collaborating, measuring, and mixing, learners were ready to bake. Each recipe will be bound together to create a Discovery Studio Cookbook. After this week’s Quest, the Studio enjoyed the fruits of their labor with a taste test of all the delicious treats! 

ART 

Collaboration between Discovery and Explore continued in Art. Together, learners took a deep dive into the history and culture of beadwork, one area of art the Studio is focusing on this Session. Heroes let their imagination reign throughout their artistic pursuits. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP 

Learners moved forward in creating their Year in Review books. Week 2 focused on relationships: friends, family, and other connections that made a meaningful impact this school year. Pages included an Ode to a Friend, a Letter to a Future Eagle, and a Haiku about the Studio. 

 

Have a great weekend! 

In Week 6, Discovery Heroes celebrated their hard work and creativity with an Exhibition of Learning! Along the way, they reflected on their growth as a Studio and as individuals on a Hero’s Journey. 

WORK CYCLE 

Discovery Learners focused on finishing strong in the final week of Work Cycle. Squad Leaders supported Fellow Travelers in setting and reflecting upon their SMART goals. Many Discoverers turned their attention to mastering Montessori Works at a standard of excellence; others poured energy into leveling up in their Work Cycle programs. As a whole, the Studio found flow and joy in pursuing their Session 6 goals. 

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING: QUEST 

Discovery and Explore Heroes came together to present their work in Astronomy Quest. Learners displayed their 3D solar system models, satellite creations, sundials, and more! Exhibition guests accepted the invitation to explore the Studio’s work with curiosity and intention. Learners reflected on their greatest challenges and takeaways from Quest this session while sharing reflections with community members. 

  

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING: WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

Writers in Discovery showcased their research reports while allowing guests to dive deep into their drafting and editing process. Friends and family members gathered to read about Heroes from the Astronomy field, gleaning insight from research notes, first drafts, peer reviews, and final reports. 

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING: PLAY PERFORMANCE 

Discoverers and Explorers worked hard this session to create and stage short skits. Learners collaborated to write scripts, tailor costumes, and design sets. Their prompt was simple: What problem do you see in the world, and how would you solve it? A myriad of ideas arose from the questions. Learners performed plays on protecting the environment, the meaning of friendship, and the importance of self-control. 

Discovery Heroes started Session 6 with a particular focus on Studio Culture. As a community, Heroes showed up for each other in moments of difficulty and celebrated collectively in moments of triumph. As always, we remain astonished at the effort and energy Discovery learners pour into their work and the strength of their tribe.