Session 2, Week 2
Thomas Edison said “If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” We see both sides of this in our heroes every day. Sometimes heroes choose not to do everything they are capable of, and they can take advantage of that opportunity to reflect and learn from that choice. Sometimes heroes choose to do the things they are capable of, and they are astounded!
In the Spark Studio this week, heroes really went the extra mile during Montessori work cycle. It was astounding to see what they did. They took the works they explored last week and found new ways to engage with them. Heroes explored magnets and found ways to make them “float”. Some took an interest in learning cursive and practicing writing in a new way. Several heroes have started writing their own stories and worked on them each day this week.
In CHOICE work cycle heroes were challenged to explore density and buoyancy through experimenting with what items float and which items do not. They were also invited to simply notice as they watched a water wheel operate. Just notice. No diagrams. No lecture. No direct instruction. Just noticing. Afterwards, the Sparks created these magnificent water wheels from upcycle materials and tested their designs, making adjustments as they saw fit.
As the newness of new session materials faded, the heroes noticed the new card games available, and started learning them. It is a joy to watch heroes helping each other learn the game rules and share strategies.
In the Fire Studio this week, heroes discussed the power of YET and moving from a fixed to a growth mindset. That shift propels heroes quickly towards being able to do what they are actually capable of. Some heroes experienced this move firsthand as they were initially hesitant to engage in the Egypt Recruitment Fair for Civ, but eventually accepted the call to try something new, put forth tremendous effort and created astounding presentations.
Although the New Kingdom got the most votes, most of us left wanting to time travel to the Old and Middle kingdoms as well. Heroes created pyramids, temples, tombs, mummies, costumes, drawings, and many more interesting things to put on display. They also prepared speeches and oral presentations with the pros of their kingdom and the cons of the other 2 kingdoms. It was very exciting!
So many heroes felt proud of their final presentations and the ancient kingdoms they represented. A few heroes never chose to fully engage or put forth very much effort. What an awesome opportunity for a meaningful discussion with your hero: Were you happy with what you created? Satisfied with your own effort? Why or Why not? Sincerely curious questions from parents can bring deep reflection and learning from a hero. Perhaps they will feel propelled to do more of what they are capable of next time. Perhaps they will better appreciate what they did this time. When asked “Were you happy with what you presented today?” one hero went from disappointment that her kingdom didn’t win to true satisfaction and peace as she recognized she thought what she had created was awesome and that her effort was outstanding.
During Quest, the heroes learned about renewable energy sources and continued exploring different variations of their waterwheels and pulley systems, testing their capacities with a variety of weights.
We also saw heroes using their weekly and daily goal routines to strengthen their executive functioning skills and move closer to or into the green freedom level in Core Skills. It was very rewarding for the heroes. Each week is a great opportunity to reflect on whether or not a hero chose to do what they were capable of!
In the DELTA Studio it’s fun to see the systems painstakingly established in session one start to become routine and allow for things to run smoothly, even in the absence of the normal guide. I was gone this week and it didn’t matter at all! Deltas demonstrated serious focus during core skills, started planning and practicing their Performance Time, led their own P.E. and enjoyed Civ. What a beautiful example of choosing to do what you are capable of and doing astounding things!
The strategy and fun involved in Kabaddi (a full-tackle tag game they chose to play for P.E.) was delightful to watch as some heroes had to push themselves well out of their comfort zones to play, and others were able to fully be themselves in a very physical game.
During Quest this week we heard the boat turn over after solving an electrical issue, and a snow plow engine run after solving leaks and sparks. There was welding, violin and photography practice, and some scrounging for materials. Heroes are engaged in deep learning and are exploring what they are capable of.
I had a discussion this week with a friend who is an advocate for a more military style type of education. I am grateful there are different styles of education to meet the various needs of all different children. There are advantages and disadvantages to each style. One of the advantages I see at CHOICE is that when young people choose to do what they are capable of, not only is it astounding to see what is done, but there is a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing that they truly chose to do it. Your young people are so very capable, and it is awesome to see what they choose to do each day. As Edison said, it is astounding (for them and us) to see what they are capable of doing. But even more than what they do, it is the young people themselves that are astounding!