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.

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!

As we headed toward the end of the session, the Spark learners continued to explore their spaces and make them their own; from making flash floods at Spark Play to creating their own window-washing company during our work time. To end the week, the studio had an opportunity to create a Friday craft of handprint acorns, supporting fine motor skills like tracing, cutting, and gluing while continuing conversations about the changing seasons.

The Sparks also had their first work-with-me exhibition this week, showing their family members some of their favorite works around the studio. They bravely showcased their favorite works, modeling studio guardrails like mindful bodies and walking feet along the way.

To celebrate all of their hard work this session, learners across campus participated in the annual Friday Spark dance party- adding friends from other studios on the dance floor was eagerly welcomed by the Sparks.

Have a wonderful break, and see you in Session 2 for environmental science!

This week in Spark, the learners said goodbye to summer and welcomed the fall equinox by celebrating nature. New works were introduced, and the studio was decorated to represent the current season. As the weather cooled down slightly, more Sparks decided to enjoy the outdoor courtyard space; engaging in bird watching, habitat building, and water play.

For their Grace and Courtesy practice this week, the learners had conversations around the importance of “Completing a cycle,” whether that be during the Work Cycle or Spark Play. The Guides support this practice by having curious, reflective conversations at each point of the day, and offering opportunities for the Sparks to share ideas on how they can collectively work towards meeting this goal.

The Spark learners ended their week with their beloved Friday Dance Party, and to further support welcoming the equinox, had their first Campus Trash Pick Up of the year to celebrate our campus by keeping it clean!

Spark learners kicked off their first week with songs, games and stories. Connections to new friends and old grew as learners were welcomed into their spaces. Days began with joining together in the morning circle, followed by Spark Play. The Sparks explored their outdoor environment, focusing on one Spark Play area each day. Learners created flash floods and dams in the sandpit, built stages and houses in the big parts, constructed houses for bugs in small parts and balance beams in blue parts.

During the work cycle, newer Spark learners showed eagerness and deep focus as they received lessons and practiced new works. Returning learners shared their knowledge as they flowed back into their studio.

For our Grace and Courtesy practice this week, learners concentrated on the circle guardrails. Together, the Sparks explored these guardrails gaining insight into their importance and how to best practice them. To support their experience, learners played a game where friends were invited to guess which circle guardrail they were practicing.

Our week came to a joyous end with our very first Friday Dance Party of the school year. Onwards to a year full of adventure!