This week the Explore Studio was filled with creativity, focus, and growth. Learners stretched their creativity in Writers’ Workshop with sonnets- first by learning about rhyme scheme, iambic pentameter, and how to weave in a theme- then by taking their sonnets through the entire writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, publishing).

In Art, the learners explored shading techniques and created self-portraits and in PD they continued developing their basic physical skills for volleyball. During Work Cycle, they put in a solid week of effort on their Core Skills and continued to strengthen their community by building the Tribe through games and challenges.

A highlight of the week was that learners earned two new freedoms. With freedom comes responsibility, and together they have created a rubric of criteria to guide them in caring for their space and one another. As they demonstrate responsibility according to their rubric, they gain more freedom. Some of their responsibilities for different freedoms include staying focused, taking care of their materials, and practicing 3B4G: a system that empowers learners to solve challenges by first seeking resources other than a guide, such as peers, systems/tools, or research.

In their Socratic discussions, the learners have been focused on elevating their discussions by working to uphold their Discussion Rules of Engagement, and show respect for the community during this important time of the day.

Click here to see highlights of this week.