Session 1, Week 3

“The free exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world.” – John Steinbeck

It often seems that the older we get the more we lose our ability to explore. One of our overarching goals as a school this year is to increase the opportunities for our heroes to explore and find their passions. The exploration looks different in each studio…

In the Spark Studio mornings, heroes spend their mornings exploring the Montessori works. When we choose a familiar work, we often look at it with new eyes, from new angles and create a work we have not yet explored. 

As we explore new games we learn the value of teamwork and appreciate the effort of others. We discover how to work together and rely on one another. 

During our afternoon CHOICE work cycle, as we explore shapes, colors, and light, it can change the way we see things.

As we explore new characters, we expand our story building skills.

As we explore raw materials, we have a gentle introduction to the process of trial and error.

We dare to try interesting ideas,

And we challenge ourselves to attempt emerging skills.

“The more we explore the more our imagination expands.” – Joe White

In the Fire Studio heroes are diving into the Exploratory Works. Every person in our CHOICE family has unique passions. Some heroes can already name a number of subjects, skills, or hobbies they are passionate about, and all heroes have future passions still waiting to be discovered.

Displayed on individual trays which contain directions and supplies, the Exploratory Works are designed to challenge heroes in core skill categories–reading, writing, and math–while allowing them to explore a variety of disciplines, tools, topics and learning styles. 

For example, some trays incorporate sculpting, painting, or designing. Other trays use microscopes, marbles, or tape measures. Some trays are individual works and others encourage hero collaboration. The Fire Studio heroes are discovering that the joy of learning ignites when core skill study overlaps with exploring a passion.

This week we also explored the sounds and movements of Indian dance – including traditional dance, yoga, and even Bollywood. This also deepened understanding of our daily meditation practice, which happens just after lunch and is led by Middle Schoolers. 

We had fun exploring what it means to be an ally or helper. We discussed what it requires from us to be a good ally/helper or follower and which role is more challenging for us.

In the Middle School heroes are exploring different math programs to decide which is the best fit; Khan, Beast, or something entirely different.

Middle School heroes also enjoying Exploratory Works. Their Exploratory Works each have a Learn, Do and Share component. Currently heroes are working on a Lego coding exploratory work,

an art and design exploratory work,

a biology exploratory work,

and a stock market exploratory work.

As we continue to expand our exploratory works, we are excited for each hero to find their individual passions.

Outside of official works heroes are exploring daily riddles (totally their own idea and creation),

and costumes, dance and music through the decades in their epic lip dub.

During quest the MS explored plants and fungi this week via more books, videos, dissections, games, and simulations of their choosing.

They also explored the properties of crumbled styrofoam (and the idea of banning it in the future!) during a 40-minute unplanned studio maintenance experience! 🙂

“There are so many works I want to do every day. I need more time to do them.” said a Middle School hero this week. What a beautiful problem to have.

This is what we are striving for. Exploratory opportunities that the heroes are excited about, that ignite or develop a passion and that expand and use their imagination. I find myself wanting to put away my “work” and join in each of the studios’ explorations. What are you exploring in your life right now? I challenge you to share what you are exploring and discovering with your family! We are never too old to be explorers for as Frank Borman said, “Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.”