Year 4. Session 6. Week 4.

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This week in Discovery, we kicked off the second half of the session with a discussion about what it means to finish strong. We were encouraged by the story of an Olympic athlete who faced injury in the middle of a qualifying track meet. He was the favorite to win, but after hearing a pop in his hamstring, his priorities changed. He decided that he would rather cross the finish line far behind the others than not finish the race at all.

In the middle of the Olympic runner struggling to move forward, his father ran onto the track to support him across the finish line. The Discovery studio was inspired to “finish our own race” by completing Quest challenges, working toward Core Skills goals, and resetting how we approach studio maintenance at the end of each day.

 

CORE SKILLS

This week in Core Skills, Eagles used their time to test their growth and knowledge through IOWA testing.

QUEST

This week in Quest, Discovery Eagles examined fingerprints to make connections to the crimes they are solving in Detective Quest. As they collect more evidence, they are one step closer to finding solutions.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP AND WORD WORLD

Eagles in Writers’ Workshop started peer reviewing each other’s short stories. They shared that the most helpful feedback is kind and specific.

Eagles in Word World shared their story plots aloud to the group.

ART AND PD

This week in art, Eagles finished the story they have been in the process of reading and drew pictures representing their own stories about where they each come from.

This week in PD, Eagles focused on basic functional movements to practice moving their bodies safely and to achieve personal goals that they set for their physical health.

Year 4. Session 6. Week 3.

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This week in Discovery, Eagles took a trip to off campus to learn from the detectives of the Cedar Park Police Department about how they solve crimes. Discovery Eagles asked questions to get answers that will support them in the Detective Quest. They also solved a mock crime scene that was created by the department for their detectives in training.

 

CORE SKILLS

This week in Core Skills, Eagles continued their challenge to complete 300 skills per week as a group in Math Power Hour. In addition to Core Skills Time, some Eagles used their time to care for the chicken coop on campus.

 

QUEST

How do you trace a suspect’s steps? This week in Quest, detectives in training learned how to track the footprints on a crime scene. They even created molds of their own footprints.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP AND WORD WORLD

Eagles in Writers’ Workshop continued drafting their stories in order to be ready for peer reviewing next week.

Eagles in Word World created the plots of their stories about the creatures they created in week 1.

 

ART AND PD

This week in art, Eagle’s continued a story passed down from the Apache Tribe, and created images that told their own origin stories.

This week in PD, Eagles had a final volleyball game and focused on good sportsmanship.

HIKING CLUB

Eagles in Discovery who completed a bonus hiking challenge enjoyed Friday morning in nature.

Year 4. Session 6. Week 2.

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This week in Discovery, Eagles discovered new details about the crimes they are solving in Detective Quest, achieved goals in Math Power Hour, and started a new journey in art. Some Eagles celebrated earning their first badges while others moved up a mountain.

CORE SKILLS

This week in Core Skills, Eagles settled into their new squads that were selected by squad leaders who were voted on by the community. The goal for the squad leads was to select squads that are balanced, allowing each squad member to lean into their challenge zones and comfort zones at different times throughout the session. Squad leaders set leadership goals for themselves which included goals of making sure that every group member has a role, being fair, and encouraging their squad members.

 

QUEST

This week in Quest, detectives interviewed their suspects. Playing the roles of the suspects of the three crimes were the Peak Bears, who brought their characters to life with accents, alibis, and background stories. The detectives in Discovery were challenged to ask questions that would lead them to know the story of each suspect in order to find out who committed the crimes. They gathered alibis, fingerprints, and handwriting to see what would match the evidence. The detectives were quick to notice a change in story or a false accusation throughout their questioning. After gathering their information, the detectives started the make connections that will lead them to solving the crimes.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP AND WORD WORLD

Eagles in Writers’ Workshop completed story maps for the narrative of their stories, and began their first drafts. They started by mapping out their exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Writing Buddies joined Writer’s Workshop to support the writers through asking questions to spark ideas and curiosity, as they began writing the first drafts of their stories.

Eagles in Word World brought their characters to life by adding character traits and back stories for the creatures they created in week 1. They will continue to build stories around their creatures throughout the session.

 

ART AND PD

This week in art, Eagles welcomed a guest who will be leading them through acting this session. Eagle’s heard from our guest about his Hero’s Journey, and shared about themselves. They will be using acting as a space to practice using their voices and making space for others’ voices.

This week in PD, Eagles completed the volleyball tournament that began at the end of session 5. They reflected on sportsmanship and teamwork, and will continue important conversations through the year.

Year 4. Session 6. Week 1.

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This week in Discovery, Eagles were eager to re-enter their space and share stories that happened during the break. A focus for the studio was what it means to live with a standard of excellence, and that the difference between good and excellent comes down to small choices over time. The studio had mindful moments of meditation and moments to decide what choices we would make before entering into a new task or work flow.

CORE SKILLS

Eagles were excited to begin a new session with Math Power Hour, and to set a new, Excellent Goal. The community agreed to a goal that is more challenging than last session, and decided on what would be earned for achieving their goal. In Town Hall, the Discovery Eagles created boundaries for themselves to manage work and play in their badge plan goals. They also continued their goal setting process in their journals, and challenged each other to share their reflections each afternoon with the group.

QUEST

This week in Quest, Eagles took on their new roles as detectives in training, as they began Detective Quest. Each detective pair learned about the crimes they will solve for the session in order to receive their detective badges. They learned about the first steps of solving a crime, observing and recording the crime scene. With the proper protective gear, the detectives in training recorded the crime scene through drawings and photographs. With the support of forensics, they took note of the available evidence to be able to take more steps toward solving the crimes next week.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP AND WORD WORLD

Eagles in Writers’ Workshop began creative writing this session. After choosing illustrations that were provided by artists, Eagles will write a story that corresponds to the illustrations. With excitement from remembering stories that the group has enjoyed, Eagles learned the structure of a story by mapping the parts of a well known story. After understanding the parts of a story, Eagles began creating a map for their own stories that will be published in the community library at the end of the session.

Eagles in Word World started the session by using dice with descriptions to create a monster character. After drawing the character with pencil on day 1, Eagles filled in color on day 2, reflecting on how the details bring characters to life. Throughout the session, they will build out the characteristics of their monsters, creating the building blocks of a story.

Year 4. Session 5. Week 6.

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This week in Discovery, Eagles planned and executed a successful Exhibition. They reflected on the session through 360 Feedback, wrote thank you notes to heroes who supported the studio this session, and celebrated challenges, growth, and achievements that happened this session.

CORE SKILLS

This week in Core Skills, Eagles focused on completing their biggest goals for the session. In week one, Eagles set their biggest goals, breaking down steps for how they would make progress by day, week, and session. They also celebrated achieving their Excellent Goal for Math Power Hour this session, resulting in a “Free Day” on Friday in which Eagles could choose how to spend their day while following the contract and studio guardrails.

QUEST

This week in Quest, Eagles showcased their work by transforming the studio into a Marine Science Museum. When entering the studio, lights were turned down low and blue light covered the space. Data sheets and experiments were displayed all around the studio. After receiving their tickets to the museum, tour guides led guests through 4 exhibits. Exhibition guests interacted with creatures of the deep sea, making blue light glasses and exploring paper maché. They were surprised when invited to dissect black drum fish to learn about the fish’s anatomy. In the coral reef exhibit, guests were invited to create a coral reef of their own.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP AND WORD WORLD

Eagles in Writers’ Workshop submitted their final persuasive essays.

Eagles in Word World practiced rhyming words through games. They also focused on reading through Lexia.

 

FREE DAY!

As a celebration for completing their Excellent Goal in Math Power Hour, Eagles in Discovery had a full day of free time. Many chose to work on Core Skills, making themselves comfortable around the studio to collaborate. Others chose to play gaga ball outside or walk in the orchard. There was a movie about Octopuses that the majority of the studio enjoyed, and they were treated to popcorn. Another part of the free day was choosing a time for snack and lunch, fully allowing learners to listen to their bodies, as well as enjoy their meals anywhere in the studio. A group of Eagles enjoyed making sculptures that will be ready to paint when we return next session. The studio felt peaceful and joyful as Eagles celebrated safely and respectfully.

Year 4. Session 5. Week 5.

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This week in Discovery, Eagles used their powerful reflections from last week’s reset to continue gracefully with their agreements this session.  When challenges arose, leaders spoke up to find solutions. The group noticed that their bodies feel highly energized after free time, and acknowledged a challenge to focus in the afternoon group discussion. As a result, the community started a ritual of meditating for the last 5 minutes of free time, to settle their minds and bodies before entering the second part of the day.

This week, we also had the gift of  Tiny Tails coming to our campus. Eagles held, pet, and sent loving wishes to a diversity of animals, including chickens, bunnies, a bearded dragon, and more.

CORE SKILLS

This week in Core Skills, Eagles completed their last day of Math Power Hour, and they will find out the results of the amount of skills learned as a community at the Exhibition, next Thursday. If they achieved their goal, they will have a “free day” on Friday to celebrate their accomplishments.

QUEST

This week in Quest, Eagles were challenged with completing the final levels of the Marine Science Quest, which included bringing creatures of the deep sea to life through paper maché art. They also explored habitats and the anatomy of fish through dissecting sardines and large black drum fish. Many emotions were felt as some enjoyed exploring the fish, and other experienced discomfort around dead animals.

 

THE WRITERS’ WORKSHOP AND WORD WORLD

Eagles in The Writers’ Workshop made final edits to their persuasive essays in preparation to publish them next week. With the support of Writing Buddies, each Eagle received feedback in order to achieve complete essays that they feel proud of.

Eagles in Word World continued to build fine motor skills and penmanship through tracing. They also focused on reading using Lexia or  by reading aloud with a Reading Buddy.

 

ART AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

In Art, Eagles focused on their Quest challenges, as they painted the details of their deep sea creatures.

In Physical Development, Eagles were flexible with the rainy weather, taking their movement inside to play games lead by their coaches, the Peak Bears.

 

Year 4. Session 5. Week 4

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In Discovery this week, Ascent’s community of young heroes courageously faced a beautifully hard truth- that with freedom comes responsibility. In a learner-driven environment, a Socratic Guide’s role is to prepare the environment, prepare the tools and learner-driven systems, ask questions, create moments of inspiration, and equip through challenges.  This is only sustainable if there is a balance and learners in the space uphold their end of the bargain- the promises they set for themselves in their Studio Contract.

During a discussion at the end of the day, a handful of learners reflected that the Studio Contract had not been upheld, and with integrity, they shared why this doesn’t work at Ascent. The result was limited freedoms for a day to “reset” the space so that without their normal responsibilities, they could have time to revisit their “Why” for choosing a learner-driven environment and think about how to move forward. After a day of resetting, they voted to have one more reset day where guides would be in charge- after that, they would come up with a plan to move forward positively, honoring their contract of promises.

With deep insight, honesty, and care, they crafted a plan to take back their responsibilities and earn back their freedoms. The week was full of one-on-one reflections, group processing, and genius brainstorming.

QUEST

This week in Quest, the Eagles did not make progress in their Quest challenges. The choices reflected on at the beginning of the week led to powerful reflections about the lines in our contract:

  • I will respect the materials that help me learn, live, and grow
  • I will be responsible with my freedoms

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

In Physical Development, Eagles started the week with the first round of a volleyball tournament that will continue through the end of the session. They also had a day of speed and agility training followed by a game that focuses on active listening and reaction skills.

Year 4. Session 5. Week 3.

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This week in Discovery, Eagles had discussions about using their voices, even if it means holding people accountable who are much older, bigger, or have more resources. We looked to the hero, Greta Thunberg, to be inspired by her bravery when speaking to world leaders about changing something important to her. Lady bugs were released in the field to enhance our ecosystem in the orchard.

CORE SKILLS

This week in Core Skills, Eagles set a new, more challenging goal in Math Power Hour as they surpassed their original goal measurably. This was a pleasant surprise about what one is capable of when they have a goal and reward to work toward. They will stretch themselves a bit more with a new goal that the community agreed on.

QUEST

This week in Quest, Eagles enjoyed their third challenge of Marine Science Quest, the Tuna Challenge. Diving into the deep sea, Eagles learned about creatures living deeper than light can reach. They focused on adaptations by marine life in the deep sea and will bring those creatures to life in their studio through paper-maché.

THE WRITERS’ WORKSHOP AND WORD WORLD

Eagles in The Writers’ Workshop took time to revise and rewrite the conclusions of their persuasive essays. They gave each other Warm and Cool Feedback and received feedback from their Writing Buddies. They are focusing on using voice in their essays

Eagles in Word World continued to build fine motor skills and penmanship through tracing.

ART AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

In Art, Eagles finalized the Ascent mural. They also began using clay to create sculptures for a small sculpture garden in the Orchard.

In Physical Development, Eagles continued building their volleyball skills. Their coaches, the Peak Bears, focused on serving underhand over the net and peppering.

HIKING CLUB

This week in Hiking Club, Eagles enjoyed hiking in Great Hills Park, where they found interest in creatures along the way. Eagles were fascinated by a freshwater shrimp they discovered on the hike.

 

Year 4. Session 5. Week 2

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This week in Discovery, Eagles had discussions about emotions, and practiced expressing their needs through new tools. Eagles learned about a tool called “flip your lid,” which is a hand signal used to express a loss of emotional control and a need for space from the person or group involved in a conflict. They also discussed how their bodies feel when emotions arise, and what signals their bodies are giving them: dance, shake, tighten, run, or hide. We found inspiration through a hero of movement, Alvin Ailey, whose vision was to use movement as a form of expressing all feelings through modern dance.

CORE SKILLS

This week in Core Skills, Eagles had their first week of Math Power Hour, one hour dedicated to focusing on math skills to reach an Excellent Goal that they set as a group. An Excellent Goal is one that perfectly walks the line between the Challenge Zone and Panic Zone. Math Power Hour will take place two times a week, and Eagles will work hard with their teams to achieve their goal to earn a reward at the end of the session.

QUEST

This week in Quest, Eagles enjoyed their second challenge of Marine Science Quest, the Octopus Challenge. They dove into the details of coral reefs and symbiotic relationships. Eagles used their creativity to create marine life and coral reefs from materials in the studio. They also brushed the surface of Taxonomy, discussing whether or not systems were created or discovered by Taxonomists.

WRITERS WORKSHOP AND WORD WORLD

Eagles in Writers Workshop took time to revise and rewrite the introductions of their persuasive essays. They gave each other Warm and Cool Feedback, a method for peer-revision which allows them to collaborate to provide feedback on each other’s drafts. This will support them in creating work they are proud of, and that meets their standard of Excellence.

Eagles in Word World practiced pencil control and planning through mad libs and mazes. They split their use of time evenly between writing and reading. During their reading time, learners who wanted to practice reading aloud worked with a reading buddy who listened to them read.

ART AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

In Art, the mural artists got together as a group to make agreements about the final design of the mural, before separating to focus on their individual parts of the mural.

In Physical Development, Eagles started the week with a community soccer game, where everyone in the studio participated. They also welcomed their coaches from Peak, who led them in drills to learn the basics of passing in volleyball.

HIKING CLUB

This week, we started the Hiking Club, which will take place every Friday during this session. After completing a bonus challenge about safety and nature, Eagles can attend this weekly hike that will take us to trails all around Austin.

Year 4. Session 5. Week 1.

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KICKING OFF SESSION 5

Discovery Eagles returned with enthusiasm, and kicked off the session with an important discussion about creating goals for their future selves. Inspired by Gladys West’s story of leaving her farm town to become the inventor of the Global Positioning System, the Eagles thought of their most important goals. After setting their most important goal, they decided on actions they will take daily, monthly, and by session to achieve their goal. While some were Core Skills driven to earn badges or move up a mountain, others were community driven, like to be a helpful friend.

CORE SKILLS

This week in Core Skills, Eagles started taking steps toward their most important goal. They had the option to work in Core Skills and Campus Care three days a week, and some stepped into new roles as a new Chicken Council was elected. Chicken Council members must be chicken certified in order to know the best practices for caring for the chickens, and chicken certified Eagles led their new Chicken Council to prepare them for their new roles.

 

QUEST

In Quest this session, Eagles will take on the role of Earth Explorers, diving into the deep sea to learn about all there is to discover. They will be working in teams to complete a new level each week that takes them deeper into discovering ocean waves, corals reefs, the deep ocean, and more. Starting with ocean waves, this week’s challenges included creating a strong team, managing many instructions and materials, and time management.

 

 

WRITERS WORKSHOP AND WORD WORLD

Eagles in Writers Workshop are in the process of reviewing persuasive essays. Taking space in the yurt, they practiced giving kind, specific feedback.

Eagles in Word World practiced vocabulary through describing games, and practiced reading skills in Lexia.

ART AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

In art, final details are being added to the Ascent Mural. Artists have taken ownership of parts of the mural and are working to complete their design. There has been innovation in adding new ideas as well as making adjustments to the original design as they go.

In physical development, Eagles are taking on volleyball this session with their teams. On their first day, Eagles started building their team pride by creating team names and flags.