Session 3, Week 1
Luckily the idea of refugees is an abstract concept for our heroes. As each studio reads about refugees, listens to stories of refugees and experiences “challenges” related to refugees’ challenges we are hoping to expand our minds and build compassion.
In the Spark Studio this session we will immerse ourselves with ideas that relate to refugees, be exposed to different cultures, and ponder ways to spread joy. As we explore different foods, privileges, flags and languages, we are going on a journey to explore other cultures, countries, and ways of life. Along the way we are discovering our place in the world and the impact it has on other people. Each day our choice work cycle will have an open-ended challenge. As the heroes complete these challenges, they will be able to move their refugee avatar on their journey. Spark heroes are excited we are doing the “same thing” as the fire studio!
We heard stories of some of the trials refugees face and were challenged to make a fort. Some drew pictures, and some made miniature forts for little figures.
Some figured out how to put a tent together without any help from guides.
And some made forts out of blankets… and then added fabric, paint shirts, coats, and anything else they could find.
We are exploring a variety of languages including Chinese.
Flags are a symbol with many meanings. After exploring the flags of many different countries we discussed how we would design a CHOICE school flag. Heroes shared what colors they would use and why and shared if they would add any pictures or words to the flag. After exploring, the Sparks wondered why so many flags use the same colors and look so similar.
In the Fire Studio and Middle School we are joining forces during quest to understand and experience the plight of refugees throughout the world. We started off the session with a visit from one of the state of Utah’s refugee coordinators to help the heroes brainstorm ways to serve refugees.
We also enjoyed a visit from two actual refugees who shared their stories.
Each day the heroes are reading stories of people, often children, who’ve been displaced and are completing challenges that will hopefully build their empathy and compassion. This week they experienced a lack of heat, having their food stolen, being offered only plain cooked grains when they were offered food, and overcoming dangerous journeys with injuries and corrupt smugglers along the way. All of the challenges they complete earn the whole studio funds that will be used for the service project they choose: gathering diapers and hygiene supplies for refugees.
Building makeshift shelters in the refugee camp was a highlight for all.
For both the Fire Studio and the Middle School energy levels surged as heroes dove into a new session. It began with diving into inches of snow during P.E., morning Grit, and clearing the walks.
This week the Fire Studio had our first hero earn a “Halfway Through” mathmind badge and earn the first Heroic Habits badge! Heroes also dove into exploring dozens of new works. Morning work time was certainly more challenging while being deprived of food or heat, but the studios carried on, building their core skills and their compassion for refugees at the same time.
In Global Dance, heroes learned some of the poignant steps and sounds of the Jewish dance tradition, expressing the pain of being driven from their lands, and the joy of reuniting in communities again.
In art the heroes engaged quickly creating something meaningful either through 3D print or clay.
The Dali Llama said, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” While we all recognize that none of these challenges will truly help us to understand what it feels like to be a refugee, our hope is that we begin to think more about others in difficult circumstances. In doing so we hope to begin building a little bit of compassion for others, which we hope will grow throughout the heroes’ lives. And in doing that we hope we are increasing happiness all over the world!