TEAM BUILDING CHALLENGES

The learners in Explore worked together to write a word using the “Robot Writing Tool”. They discussed how they achieved success and shared that they followed the lead of one of their studio-mates. The Explorers reflected on what makes a good leader and came up with these traits: “someone you can trust, someone who is calm, someone who is a good communicator, someone who listens to everyone, someone who is helpful, someone who is confident, and someone who leads.”

The Explore learners worked to create their Studio Contract during Session 1 and after weeks of thoughtful debates, they voted enthusiastically to approve their Studio Contract on Wednesday!

The Explorers were poets in Writers’ Workshop this Session and wrote Acrostic poems, Haikus, Nursery Rhymes, and Odes. They voted on three poems from each category to be read at their Exhibition based on the level of excellence of each poem and gave a reading of those poems for their guests to enjoy.

Over the last two weeks, the learners in Explore took time to reflect on their work and the culture they’ve been building in Session 1. They presented their reflections to their guests in their Showcase Presentations. The Explorers bravely shared about the challenges they faced this Session and how they overcame them, as well as their biggest wins and what they were proudest of in their goal setting.

The Explorers landed the Session by writing Thank You notes to community members who supported them in Session 1. In Closing Group, they read the letters they wrote to themselves in the first week of Session 1, and celebrated their hard work in their learning programs this week.

EGG DROP CHALLENGE

This week, the Explorers joined the learners in Discovery and Spark to construct a capsule that would protect and egg when dropped from a second story building! They led their teams with warm-hearted and tough-minded guidance and enthusiastically supported each other in the final competition on Friday.

In week 5 of Session 7, the learners in Explore discussed the Studio culture they have cultivated over the course of the year and reflected on how creating their culture is not about the destination, but the ongoing practice of respect for their fellow travelers, their Studio, and themselves.

GROWING CURIOSITY

In week 5 of Session 7, the final group of Explore learners led the Film Quest they wrote in the Discovery Studio. The Explorers guided the learners in Discovery through challenges such as writing a script, making props, as well as filming, and supported Discovery learners with following their guardrails during Socratic discussions.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

All Session long, the learners in Explore and Discovery have trained for volleyball and played scrimmages against each other. At the beginning of Session 7 they were presented with the opportunity to earn an off-campus volleyball game based on participation. On Tuesday, two teams-the Maroon Mushrooms and the Electric Ballers-who had earned the most points for their consistent participation in PD during the previous 4 weeks, played a volleyball game at the Mary Elizabeth Branch sand courts in Mueller. Learners on all four teams shared their excitement and pride at how much they have improved and encouraged one another to give their best.

WORK CYCLE

Explorers worked independently and collaboratively to get into flow during their Work Cycles. They set SMART goals that supported them in achieving the goals they set at the beginning of the Session and motivated each other to work hard and finish the year strong.

For more from Session 7 Week 5, click here: Explore Session 7, Week 5 photos & videos

This week, the Explorers worked hard to make progress on their session-long goals and reflected on their studio culture.

GROWING CURIOSITY

In week 3 of Session 7, a pair of Explorers guided Discovery learners through a Quest they created and named Fashion Figure Out. The Explorers led discussions and supported Discovery learners with challenges such as researching different kinds of style, designing an accessory, and constructing it.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

The Explore learners teamed up with the Discovery learners to play volleyball games. They encouraged one another during the games and concluded PD with call-outs for good sportsmanship and perseverance.

QUEST

The learners in Explore dove deeper into their Personal Passion Quest challenges. They followed the Quest plans they created and reflected on their progress.

NATURE WALK

The Explore learners went on a nature walk through the campus orchard on Friday. They stopped along the walk to reflect on questions such as, “How do Explorers approach their learning?” and, “How do Explorers face challenges?” in their journals. At the end of the walk they drank tea while they shared their reflections in the yurt.

For more from Session 7 Week 3, click here: Explore Session 7, Week 3 photos & videos