9/27-9/30
At CHOICE we look at the year, sessions, weeks and even activities in learning arcs. We begin the year/session/week/activity with a launch, then enjoy the learning and experiences, and then end each year/session/week/activity with a landing. A landing is a wrapping up of the learning, most often done through reflection. Reflection is an essential component. Often a large bulk of the learning happens in the reflection process. With the end of session approaching, much of our time this week was spent on powerful reflections.
In the Spark Studio... this last week was incredible! The landing and reflection for the Spark Studio took the form of planning their own exhibition. It allowed them to reflect on their session and decide what was most important that they wanted to share with their parents.
As we discussed what the exhibition should look like, the heroes came up with their own program. First, they came up with decorations. They wanted the studio to “look like a party.” They decorated with their artwork and a ‘welcome parents’ sign they created in Art. Second, they decided what they wanted to show the parents. This included badges, shelves, works, challenge donut, hero’s journey, and more. Third, the heroes decided they wanted to sing some songs for the parents. After picking which songs they wanted to sing, the heroes decided they wanted a leader to help them remember the hand motions to the songs. With only a few songs on the program, the heroes decided pairing up with another hero gave the opportunity for everyone to play a role. Finally, they prepared their program to hand out to their parents. Now we were ready to practice! We practiced giving each other presentations. We practiced our songs. We practiced learning the routines and procedures in anticipation of sharing them with our parents and other guests. It was fun to watch them enjoy the exhibition after all their hard work.
P.E. this week was especially fun as many heroes were willing to try something new… jump roping! Many heroes were unexpectedly afraid to try jump roping. It was inspiring to watch their willingness to courageously try something new. It was joyful to see their smiles and look in their eyes when they felt the sense of accomplishment at trying something new!
In the Fire Studio… Our explorations of the games and traditions of different cultures through time and geography culminated in a recognition of the unique awesomeness of the CHOICE tribe we’ve begun to build this session. A culture of accountability, fun, focus, and service is emerging!
The heroes finally signed their official contracts: a Studio Maintenance contract, a Rules of Engagement contract and a Contract of Promises. Before signing each hero was asked by the other heroes, “Do you agree to live by these promises? Then sign it!” These heroes sure know how to make everything fun!
At first the heroes asked us as guides to sign their contract and live by their promises. But a further discussion concluded that we aren’t part of their tribe (we agree) and thus we should have our own contract. So, new to this year, we as guides created and signed our own contract. The heroes are creating healthy accountability in their studio!
In their Civ reading for this week, the heroes learned about the Sui Dynasty. The Sui Dynasty is a particularly interesting period of Chinese history, short lived with a huge impact on Chinese History. It was a time of reunification, Buddhist revival and massive building projects like the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal was a solution to a problem of transporting food and other goods to and from the people living in the north near the Yellow River and the people living in the South near the Yangtze River. The heroes took on the challenge of moving a much smaller amount of water from one place to another. They came up with some creative and efficient solutions. Some of the heroes considered what it would be like to have to pay taxes at the excessive rate of the late Sui dynasty. After considering the long term benefits of some of these massive projects and the terrible cost to the Chinese people who lived during this dynasty, the heroes decided whether it was worth it or not. They had great reasons for taking either side.
For the landing of the session learning arc, the heroes had their first opportunity for large scale reflection. Turns out sincere reflection can be very challenging! The heroes reflected on their squads, their learning this session, their exhibition planning and execution, and the influence their CHOICE tribe has had on them thus far. I love that they get a chance to practice and begin this self reflection habit at a young age. While there was tremendous insight and sincere honesty with themselves and others all along the way, perhaps my highlight of the reflection process came at the end of the day Thursday. After walking a mile+ to the park and playing for a long time we gathered for our last reflection. During which time some heroes took the opportunity to thank the tribe for the influence the tribe has had on them. Here are just a few of the responses: “Thank you for helping me learn to love to learn.” “Thank you for helping me learn to not dislike reading so much.” “Thank you for helping me learn to do hard things.” “Thank you for influencing me to work hard.” “Thank you for influencing me love to read.” “I used to be really shy and not talk to people, now I share my opinions and have fun with you. Thank you.” After only 6 weeks many heroes have already recognized the influence their CHOICE tribe is having on them – and what beautiful influences!
The heroes have worked hard socially, emotionally and mentally over the last six weeks. After the landing of the learning arc it is healthy to rest. Enjoy relaxing and playing and reading and most especially enjoy more family time this next week. We look forward to launching our next session with your incredibly capable and fun heroes! See you soon!