The Sparks were quite busy week for the last week of the session! There was a presentation from a Discovery learner about coral bleaching, an invitation to support Discovery in their detective exhibition preparations, and some exciting new additions to their diorama work. On Tuesday we brought out some clay for the creation of marine figurines which helped sharpen fine motor skills such as measuring, molding, and gluing. After the clay dried, the Sparks spent the rest of their week having the option to paint their boxes and complete figures for the dioramas we will be showcasing to Discovery next session.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For our Grace and Courtesy practice this week, the learners continued discussions that focus on the importance of being inclusive at school. We have been practicing this by role-playing scenarios and by playing the spaghetti game to understand the importance of tone. For a deeper dive into the “why” of consistency being key, feel free to explore the link down below.

We finished up the session with an all-campus picnic, fun water play with sprinklers, and in true Spark fashion, invited the Discovery learners to participate in our annual Friday dance party.

 

Have a great weekend and a wonderful break!

The Power of Consistency

 

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!

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!

 

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!

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!