Year 4. Session 6. Week 5 Spark Update

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What a busy week in Spark! From exhibitions, and welcoming new guides, to researching and preparing dioramas, the studios were abuzz with excitement. The Sparks were so excited to welcome their families to our second work-with-me exhibition this Wednesday and Thursday, eagerly showing their favorite works in our studios. We had a special guest from the Discovery studio come in to give a presentation on various sea creatures, inspiring the Sparks during their diorama prep. This Friday, the studios were in full swing settling into their diorama groups and digging deeper into research, using fine motor skills like measuring, cutting, and gluing to begin prepping materials.        

For our Grace and Courtesy practice this week, we are continuing in our practice of “sprinkling kindness” on various situations and with the messages we give to others. The guides often will use the language of “How can you sprinkle some kindness on that message?” to support the Sparks in reflecting on the tone and language used while speaking to others.

We finished up the week with a trash pick up to support keeping our campus clean, and, of course, celebrated the end of a busy week with our Friday dance party.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Year 4. Session 6. Week 4 Spark Update

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This week in Spark, the learners began their preparations for the dioramas we will be making to further our study of Marine Biology! We first started discussions around which materials we will need, then split into groups to choose our themes. The Sparks used animal and geography books in our studio to plunge themselves into deeper research within their groups. This Thursday we continued to explore the layers of the ocean by doing a science experiment using various liquids to symbolize the difference in density. Finally, on Friday, the Sparks continued in sharpening their fine motor skills like cutting, measuring, and tracing to create a shiny seahorse craft.

For our Grace and Courtesy practice this week, we have been practicing “sprinkling kindness” on various situations and with the messages we give our friends. We practice using different tones by playing the spaghetti game, and we use kindness card scenarios to have group discussions around the importance of being kind.

We ended the week with our weekly trash pick-up to support keeping our campus clean, and, of course, danced the week away at our annual Friday dance party.

 

Have a great weekend!

Year 4. Session 6. Week 3 Spark Update

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This week in Spark, the learners dove to the deepest depths of the ocean in our continued study of Marine Biology! We watched a video where we were able to join some explorers observing each level of the sea, all the way to the ocean floor. We also continued to pull on certain books in our studio to plunge ourselves into deeper research. There is a lot of excitement in practicing our new works which are supporting them in strengthening their sorting, classification, and fine motor skills. To end our week, we enjoyed some deep sea creature coloring sheets and a Friday squid craft which continued to assist the Sparks in practicing measurements and cutting.

For our Grace and Courtesy practice this week, we have been having a lot of conversations about the “why” we keep our bodies and our studio clean. The learners continued to discuss the importance of staying healthy by washing hands, bathroom etiquette, and covering coughs as sickness continues to spread.

We have finally harvested enough fruit from our orchard to create a yummy treat in celebration of our hard work as gardeners! We finished up the week with a trash pick up to support keeping our campus clean, and, in true Spark fashion, danced the week away at our annual Friday dance party.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Year 4. Session 6. Week 1 Spark Update

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This week in Spark, the learners got back into the swing of things by jumping into Session 6 with the study of Marine Biology! They were introduced to many new practical life and artworks around this topic, all of which will help support them in their continued practice of strengthening their fine motor skills. We ended the week with a “layers of the ocean” craft activity which further supported them in practicing classification and organizational skills.

For our Grace and Courtesy practice this week, the Sparks have been having conversations around boundaries and consistency. We are discussing the possibility that that, after a break, our brains and bodies might need a few reminders of guardrails, and we are supporting our friends by giving kind, gentle messages and reminders. We also have had a lot of excitement around our peach tree and have been having discussions about what we would like to do with the peaches when they have ripened!

We ended our first week with a trash pick up to help keep our campus clean, and of course, we eagerly welcomed back our Friday Dance Party to celebrate our hard work this week!

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Year 4. Session 5. Week 6 Spark Update

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This week, Spark learners finished their 6-week study of Zoology with a focus on reptiles; exploring different types, their diets, and habitats. This supported the Spark learners with their continued practice of classification, organization, and fine motor skills (cutting, gluing, folding) to complete various works and activities around this topic. We ended the week with a chain-linked python craft and a snake-cutting activity which further supported them in practicing these skills.

  

 

For our Grace and Courtesy practice this week, the learners continued discussions that focus on the importance of being inclusive at school, as well as using kind language to deliver messages to friends. We have been practicing this by role-playing scenarios, and reading books about this topic regularly. For a deeper dive into the “why” of consistency being key, feel free to explore the link down below.

 

We ended our session with a special Spark picnic to celebrate all of the hard work that was accomplished in this session. The Sparks helped keep our campus clean with another trash pickup, and of course, they enjoyed a Friday Dance Party. 

Have a great weekend and a wonderful Spring Break!

 

The Power of Consistency

 

Year 4. Session 5. Week 4 Spark Update

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In Spark this week, the learners continued studying Zoology! The focus this week was on mammals- they explored various types of land and sea mammals through books and sorting activities. They used classification and organization skills as well as fine motor skills like cutting and gluing to complete these works.

The Spark Studios also celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by learning about the history of St. Patrick and doing shamrock-themed word/number searches.

Morning Work Cycle:

               

For Grace and Courtesy this week, the learners discussed the importance of making “inclusive” choices vs. “exclusive” choices, sharing examples of times they have experienced both. The learners have also been practicing various ways they can protect the health of their studio by covering coughs, wiping down surfaces, and washing hands.

We experienced many changes in weather this week, but Spark Play continued with learners adapting their play choices to the climate!

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As always, we end the week with our weekly trash pickup to ensure our campus stays clean, and of course, the Friday Dance Party!

Year 4. Session 5. Week 3 Spark Update

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In Spark this week, the learners continued studying Zoology. They focused on insects and their habitats and the characteristics that make up an insect. They ended the week with a super fun craft where they got to make their own insect.

          

On Wednesday, the learners did a ladybug release. We learned that ladybugs like to eat aphids and that one ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids over its lifetime. They can also help to rid your garden of other soft-bodied insects such as mites, mealybugs, and leafhoppers, along with insect eggs and even ants.

           

On Thursday, we did a watermelon volcano experiment. We gathered the supplies and made a hypothesis as to what was going to happen. The learners learned that baking soda is the base and vinegar is an acid and mixing the two will produce a fizzing gas called carbon dioxide. This reaction is what caused the watermelon volcano to erupt.

             

A popular lesson this week was Color Mixing. This lesson consists of a tray with three dropper bottles each containing red, blue, and yellow, three bowls for mixing colors, and a stirring spoon. When children have the chance to work with fewer colors, they have deeper reflective thoughts and can form an essential understanding of spatial awareness in art. By experiencing a single color at a time through specially set up Montessori color mixing activities, children will notice different degrees of hues with a sharper eye and even learn to appreciate and be more selective with colors as they progress in their art literacy.

            

This week for Grace and Courtesy, the learners discussed the concept of the tone of voice, such as, kindly delivering messages versus yelling. The meaning of a sentence can change based on what feeling you use when you say the words. The meaning can also change depending on which words you choose to use. The learners also got a lesson on the proper way to cough to prevent the spread of germs.

This week for Food Prep the learners practiced juicing an orange and, while making tea is available every week, it is always a favorite.

            

Have a great weekend!

Year 4. Session 5. Week 2 Spark Update

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In Spark this week, the learners continued studying Zoology. They focused on habitats with a book, a sorting lesson, and a cut-and-paste activity where they had to sort different animals to their habitat. They used classification and organization skills as well as fine motor skills such as cutting to complete these works. 

          

A popular lesson this week was Metal Insets. This lesson consists of ten metal geometric shapes with metal frames in contrasting colors. The child chooses any shape and its frame and places the frame on specially cut paper that is the same size as the frame and traces the space where the shape inset fits. Then the learner places the shape over the outline and traces it. This creates 2 lines very close to each other. 

             

This lesson guides the child in the mastery of the hand in using and controlling a writing instrument: both in keeping within limits, and a lightness of touch, that cultivates a sense of geometric design and enhances the artistic sense.

For Grace and Courtesy this week, the learners discussed bathroom etiquette, such as remembering to flush the toilet and washing hands. The learners have also been practicing various ways they can take care of their studio including folding laundry, watering plants, and fixing loose tables.

                               

This week for Food Prep the learners practiced peeling and slicing. This work is always a favorite and rotates each week. So far they have prepared apples, avocados, hard-boiled eggs, and carrots. Skills practiced with these works include hand-eye coordination and fine motor control, the motive for repetition and concentration, and functional independence.

              

As always, we ended the week with our weekly trash pickup to ensure our campus stays clean, and Friday Dance Party

Have a great weekend!

Year 4. Session 5. Week 1 Spark Update

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In Spark this week, the learners jumped right back into their lessons. The start of a new session brings new lessons to the studio and the learners were excited to learn all about them. A few popular works this week have been crushing eggshells with a mortar and pestle and learning how to use a lock. The learners also explored the new additions to the outdoor work area.

 

On Thursday, the Discovery and Spark studios gathered for a combined discussion on taking care of our campus. Both studios met for clarity on how certain materials get used and what it means to take care of our wonderful campus while holding accountability with each other.

This session we will be learning all about zoology and the different classes of animals. This week the learners got an introduction to what zoology means and the different animals that belong to each class. They also ended the week with a fun animal craft that incorporated fine motor skills of cutting, gluing and assembling the craft based off a visual image. 

This week for Grace and Courtesy the learners have been focusing on what it looks like to wait for something and the concept of patience. With all the new lessons out, this is a great way to practice a trait that will benefit the learners outside of the studios. For more insight on grace and courtesy you can refer to this article that outlines the concept in detail. 

The Sparks also celebrated two birthdays this week with our Walk Around The Sun Ceremony in the yurt. Happy birthday Zane and Marlowe! It was so much fun celebrating you!

Have a great weekend!

Year 4. Session 4. Week 6 Spark Update

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In Spark this week, it was noted that some tables and chairs were “wiggly” and with the presentation of how to use different screwdrivers, the learners took ownership of this task in the studio. They demonstrated great care of their space by making sure the tables and chairs in the studio are being well taken care of.

 

 

During Morning Circle time, the guides have started reading chapter books aloud. The learners voted on which book to read and decided that both studios should read from the Magic Treehouse Series. There has been great excitement over what is going to happen next in the story and there is always a request for one more chapter!

Two focuses this session in Spark that have naturally come up between the studios are inclusiveness and kindness. There have been rich discussions with role play scenarios, and an intentional practice of these traits. The learners have been exploring different ways to be kind throughout each day, including during conflict resolutions.

This week the learners invited their parents to their studio for a Spark Play Journal Exhibition! Guests were shown beautiful examples of the Spark Play daily reflections in the learners’ Play Journals and were invited to observe the end-of-day Closing Circle.

On Wednesday, the Sparks were asked to join Discovery for an Exhibition Rehearsal! With the Sparks as inquisitive guests, the Discovery learners were able to practice their Exhibition presentations and share their hard work with their friends!

For the last day of the session, the upstairs studio and downstairs studio had a big lunch all together, followed by a bubble scavenger hunt and our weekly Friday Dance Party! 

We are excited for Session 5 where we will be exploring Zoology!