Spark Year 5. Session 4. Week 5.

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As we head towards the end of the session, the Sparks spent their week exploring citizenship- what it means, why it’s important, and who they’ve observed being kind citizens. We read “What if Everybody Did That?” by Ellen Javernick and reflected on one person’s impact on a whole community. Learners joined in discussions about citizens in their community- police officers, firefighters, and doctors were mentioned for their teamwork and helpfulness towards others. They then reflected on good citizens they knew in their day-to-day lives; parents, siblings, and friends were called out for being kind. When Friday rolled around, Spark learners had an opportunity to color worksheets highlighting citizenship and made cards for citizens in the Discovery and Explore studios that they admire.

      

During Spark Play this week, the Sparks focused on citizenship within themselves and their studio- working together to build castles, being kind and helpful by getting bandaids and ice packs for hurt friends, and rolling up their sleeves to clean up, keeping our community clean and safe. Friday’s dance party was a hit, with Discovery learners joining in, moving and grooving together into the weekend.

       

Have a great weekend!

Spark Year 5. Session 4. Week 3.

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As the session continues, the Spark learners braved the freezing weather and jumped back into their flow following a long weekend. In the middle of the week, the Sparks invited their family members into the studio for our second “work with me” exhibition. Lessons were given, guardrails were modeled, and the learners courageously navigated through their space with all the extra people there. On Friday, the Sparks had the opportunity to dive deeper in their study of health and nutrition by creating a fruit and vegetable collage- an idea brought to the Guides by a Spark learner! Silly faces were made, stories were created, and the learners engaged in conversations around their favorite healthy foods, and how they support their bodies.

 

 

As the cold weather persisted, learners took part in a rare indoor Spark Play, excitedly building and creating with new materials. The Sparks spent the afternoon turning their studio into a race track, flower garden, grocery store, and an animal hospital amongst other things. Later in the week as it warmed up a bit, the learners eagerly flowed back outside into the Spark Play area; running freely, solving problems, and working together.

Have a great weekend, and stay warm!!

 

Spark Year 5. Session 4. Week 1

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As the session kicked off, Spark learners returned to their studio ready to jump into our new focus this session – health and nutrition! The Sparks learned all about our brains this week; starting with a video on each part of the brain, what it does, and how it supports you throughout your body. Learners expressed a deep appreciation for the cerebellum, which supports their muscles during their Spark Play. On Thursday, learners gathered around the circle for a science experiment to build a model brain out of play dough. This visual further supported an understanding of the shape, size, and function of the brain. Once Friday rolled around, fine motor skills like cutting and gluing were strengthened as learners created brain puzzles, exploring their functions and importance.

At Spark Play, learners were thrilled to be back outside with their friends, working and playing hard. In Big Parts, the Sparks built shelters, spaceships, and Ascent’s “Amy’s Ice Cream” using blocks and planks. Friday came and learners danced the week away at our annual Spark Play dance party, building drum sets and creating their choreography.

Spark Year 5. Session 3. Week 3

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During the session’s conclusion, the Sparks finished their study of Marine Biology. They learned about Marine Biologists, their role, their impact on the planet, and how they help protect marine life. To further enhance their learning, a visitor from the Discovery studio shared a presentation about ocean life which sparked insightful questions. The learners asked questions such as why a Mako shark can swim so fast, whether the sunlight zone is warm, and why no sea turtles were included in the presentation.

 

Learners got curious about the anatomy of some marine life when they participated in a science experiment around how blubber helps keep different sea creatures warm. The Sparks were asked to first put their bare hands in a bowl of ice water, followed by putting a gloved hand in crisco, then ice water to observe how that thick layer of fat makes a big difference.

 

Learners continued experimenting with their materials at Spark Play by building forts, schools, dinosaurs and obstacle courses.

To mark the end of the session, the Sparks had a pajama party with popcorn and an episode of “Our Planet” about ocean life. The learners crafted holiday cards for their friends in the Discovery and Explore studios and distributed them at our campus-wide dance party!

  

Enjoy your break, and Happy Holidays! We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back in the New Year.

Spark Year 5. Session 3. Week 2

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This week, the Sparks delved deeper into their Marine Biology study by exploring the vast array of life that exists beneath the ocean’s surface.

The learners had a chance to hone their debating skills by discussing the topic “Are sea turtles better than fish?” This provided an opportunity to understand different perspectives and practice healthy disagreements.

Later in the week, the Spark studio participated in a beloved science experiment “Freddy the Fish”. This story was read to bring attention to pollution and sparked a conversation about how we can preserve the planet’s safety and health. On Friday, a Spark learner volunteered to read Rainbow Fish to his friends, and the studio was invited to create their rainbow fish craft.

 

The Sparks had a series of discussions throughout the week about the upcoming canned food drive which will take place next week, from December 11 to 15. During these discussions, the learners emphasized the importance of giving back to their community and brainstormed ways in which they can support those in need. They created posters and flyers to spread the word about the food drive and took ownership of the responsibility to be leaders on their campus.

This week in Spark Play, the children were eager to participate in “milk crate training” after earning the freedom to use all of their loose parts for playtime. At the end of the week, the learners helped clean up the campus by doing a trash pickup, and celebrated their hard work with a Friday dance party.

Have a great weekend, and be sure to bring your canned foods next week!

Spark Year 5. Session 3. Week 1

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To kick off the start of the session, Spark learners dove deep into the ocean to embark on their focus for this session- Marine Biology! To begin their study, learners explored the ecosystems of each layer of the ocean before flowing into lessons on new works. Sparks engaged in threading, pin punching, cutting, and measuring to strengthen their fine motor skills. New artworks were explored supporting their growing curiosity about marine life.

 

On Thursday, learners deepend their exploration of the ocean zones by participating in a liquid density science experiment which visually represented the the light attenuation of each zone. Learners excitedly shared their discoveries of each zone; particularly drawn to the inhabitation of various creatures, especially marine life who utilize bioluminescence to warn or evade predators, to lure or detect prey, and/or communicate between members of their species.

Following an examination of whale sharks, Sparks were invited to lay side-by-side with a visual representation of the width of a whale shark’s mouth (4 feet!) to investigate if their body would fit inside. Learners relished in predicting if they would be bigger or smaller than the “mouth”.

   

Coming back from a break, the Sparks jumped right back into Spark Play without missing a beat- building castles, hamster cages, bug hotels and feeding our beloved chickens. As the weather ebbed and flowed, learners braved some rainy weather with enthusiasm, remembering the importance of being prepared with all-weather gear to enjoy any conditions to the fullest!

On Friday, a few Spark learners were invited to be the first apprentice Guides in their studio. The learners engaged in a careful consideration of the ensuing responsibilities: supporting the studio through helping friends, modeling guardrails, and being leaders in their space. Their first task on hand was supporting in choosing our Guide for the Day, a newfound freedom of our learner-driven environment. The work cycle included the option to create a jellyfish for our Friday craft; strengthening fine motor skills and supporting focus and flow.

The Sparks ended the week with a campus trash clean up to support the health of their community, and of course, our Friday Dance Party!

 

Have a great weekend, we hope to see you at the Children’s Business Fair this Saturday from 9am-1pm!

Spark Year 5. Session 2. Week 5

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As the session drew to a close, the Sparks studio concluded its focus on environmental science by immersing themselves in the gifts from the natural world. Following their harvesting of Mexican plums from the orchard, Sparks pitted the fruit during Spark Play, later donning aprons to head into the kitchen to prepare plum jam and vegan biscuits for their fall feast. They gathered together to move tables and chairs and lay down tablecloths, plates, napkins, and cups in preparation for their collective enjoyment of the fruits of their labor. They then shared reflections of gratitude noting their thankfulness for “being together”, “having an awesome fall feast” and “being Sparks”.

In anticipation of our fall feast, Sparks have been focusing on manners during our Grace and Courtesy practice this week. The Sparks have been engaging in conversations about proper greeting etiquette, table manners, and how to ensure others feel welcome. The learners divided the labor by forming groups to assist in setting up, serving others, and cleaning up; allowing the Sparks to practice kindness and gratitude.

To end the week, the Sparks gifted infused honey to both Discovery and Explore learners to show gratefulness to our fellow travelers at Ascent. The Sparks invited the whole campus to come together for an epic Friday dance party right before saying farewell before our Fall Break.

 

Have an amazing break, we’ll see you in Session 3!

 

Spark Year 5. Session 2. Week 4

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As the Sparks dove deeper into their studies of environmental science, their curiosity led them outside of the studio onto a school bus to attend their first field trip of the year- Crowe’s Nest Farms! The Spark learners gained a deeper understanding of a working farm and animal sanctuary by enjoying a hay ride to the bison pasture, a cow milking demonstration, a tour of the reptile vivaria, and various animal habitats. They delighted in the sights, sounds, and smells of the farm as they safely petted their new pal Miguel (a friendly milk snake), befriended llamas, and much more.

           

Later in the week, the Sparks rolled up their sleeves and put on their gloves to garner the yield from their garden. Thursday brought about the opportunity to harvest and prep various herbs to infuse Mr. Tom’s honey for our Fall Feast next week. The learners voted to use lavender, mint, rosemary, and sage infusions to enjoy and share amongst our fellow travelers at Ascent. 

 

For their Grace and Courtesy practice, the Sparks engaged in discussions around kindness- within their spaces, towards their materials, friends, and one another. The learners continued to explore how to “sprinkle kindness” on various scenarios, brainstorming ideas together to support gaining insight and perspective. 

To end the week, the Spark studio took part in their Miguel inspired craft and as always, celebrated their journey as they swayed into their Friday dance party.

    

 

Spark Year 5. Session 2. Week 3

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Sparks’ exploration of environmental science, moved into everything bats and what the fall seasons bring for the largest urban bat colony in the world that calls their city of Austin home. While exploring, Sparks discovered many aspects of bats including they are also mammals (and the only ones that can fly), that they can range in size from that of a bumblebee to having a wingspan taller than they currently are, and that their migration pattern will soon prompt them to leave their city. Learners applied their knowledge using it to continue their matching and fine motor skills as they colored bats and identified their makeup by cutting and pasting the labels connecting the words to the respective parts.

 

Their Grace and Courtesy practice brought about continued conversations about how to bring kindness into the studio by practicing conflict resolution which begins with an invitation to join together to solve a problem and ends with their connection of choice (handshake, pinky touch, etc).

Friday brought about many experiences of connection and collaboration with the Sparks starting off their day with a self-selected whole studio gaga ball game and ending with the formation of a rock band during their weekly celebratory dance party.

Here’s to a wonderful weekend, that ROCKS!

Spark Year 5. Session 2. Week 2

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As the Sparks’ curiosity grew around this session’s focus on environmental science, they shifted their attention to pumpkins! Groups of learners enjoyed working together to empty pumpkins, separating seeds from the flesh, seasoning them with cinnamon and salt, and preparing them for roasting. They engaged in a chicken pumpkin carving experiment, removing part of the rind, curiously observing the chickens pecking their way through to access the flesh of the fruit. Learners used their “5 little pumpkins” songs to support them in making their Friday craft of their little pumpkins sitting on a gate, supporting them in the development of their fine motor skills through coloring, cutting, and gluing.

           

For our Grace and Courtesy practice, the Sparks have been discussing leadership; exploring its characteristics and how to show them in our spaces. Spark learners spent the week working towards having their first Guide for the Day, a goal they met on Friday and hope to continue to reach throughout the year.

Heavy rains were welcomed this week, as the water nourished the Sparks’ herb garden. On Thursday, learners participated in their first indoor Spark Play of the year, ditching their rain boots and umbrellas to explore new small-part materials. When Friday rolled around, the Sparks were invited to create clay candle holders at Spark Play to use at our annual Fall Feast, which we will hold at the end of Session 2. Learners collected various pieces of nature to use in their designs, and of course, moved and grooved into their Friday dance party to celebrate their hard work this week.

          

Have a wonderful weekend!