3/16 – 3/22
From the Spark Studio
From Miss Anna I’m often pleasantly surprised at how learning experiences unfold in our learner-driven environment. I’ve found that meaningful learning is usually unplanned and initiated by the heroes.
One example of this happened during our outside time on Wednesday. Two of our heroes were having a pretty big argument about how the materials could be used. Another hero overheard and came to me, hoping I would intervene. Instead, I asked how they thought the problem could be solved. Eventually, the whole tribe was called over and the heroes shared their opinions on how they thought the materials could be used. After the vote was held, one hero in particular was devastated that their vote didn’t win. They had some pretty big feelings, but eventually they came to the conclusion on their own that the vote was final and they had to live with the decision. Although it was tough to watch, I am so glad they are learning these life lessons now. The risks are low right now, but the returns are so high!
From the Elementary Studio
From Kara It was a beautifully chaotic week! Our heroes are making progress on their business plans and are thoughtfully planning for the exhibition. The boys faced off against the girls at running the most efficient business and experienced the advantages and disadvantages of trying to work quickly in a group of people with varied skills, affinities, and work styles.
From JeVonne When a visitor came to the Elementary Studio this week and asked the heroes what a guide does, most of their responses were “well, they are here for emergencies,” and “I’m not sure, they are here just in case” 🙂 What a highlight to hear those responses. The heroes continually accept their responsibility in their learning process! One hero responded that the guide’s job is to give challenges. Here are some of the challenges guides offered the heroes this week:
After a discussion of the Nazca Lines in Peru, Jeannette challenged the heroes to create a small drawing on paper and then to transfer it to a large scale drawing outside.
I challenged each squad with the Marshmallow challenge. Each team is given tape, spaghetti, a marshmallow to see how high they can hold up a marshmallow. A discussion about team work and planning followed this fun (and frustrating) challenge.
I challenged the heroes to create and use a new core skills planning tool.
Kara challenged the heroes with running the most effective business. The heroes chose to turn it into a boys v. girls challenge, which always adds a strong competitive element.
With every challenge guides give, we have intentional ideas that we hope the heroes discuss and ponder. While the heroes usually do spend some time on those intentional ideas, it is often the unplanned ideas that sink in the deepest. The frustrations of team work, dealing with the “unfairness” of life, the difficulty of communication and the disappointments of losing or a grand idea that didn’t pan out.
Both lessons: the planned and the unplanned are beautiful learning experiences. And the heroes are doing so well that the guides will continue to offer challenges and then step back and be here only “for emergencies!”