Session 4, Week 3
Direction. “A course along which something or someone moves.” Whether it was focusing on the figurative course heroes are moving along, or practicing reading directions, or trying to figure out which direction to go to get into Salt Lake City, we were all about directions this week!
This week in the Spark Studio we observed three heroes playing their favorite math game, but only playing subtraction cards because that is more challenging for them than addition cards. They were very patient with each other as they struggled with subtraction. However, eventually they decided that since taking turns was taking a while, they would just all play at the same time because they felt they all needed to use the time practicing subtraction. As these heroes moved along the game board, they were not only practicing subtraction, but perhaps more importantly they were moving in the direction of cooperation and challenging themselves!
The Spark Studio has been moving in the direction of expanding their friendship circles this session. Spark heroes have been challenged over and over again to sit by a new friend during our discussions on the rug; someone they don’t usually hang out with. This week several of the Sparks have commented they don’t know who to sit by because they are now hanging out with everyone. Everyone feels like an old friend, not a new friend. Sparks are learning how to reach out to each other and strengthen relationships.
During CHOICE work cycle we moved on to designing and sketching structures we’ll begin building next week. We observed a lot of thoughtfulness as many of the heroes brought their visions to paper. One hero made a rocket ship the first day, but that wasn’t the end of her plan. The next day she decided her rocket ship needed a satellite. The following day she added an astronaut to join her creations. She researched several books on space as she created her ideas.
The CHOICE work cycle challenges really pushed some of the heroes out of their comfort zone this week. It is amazing how young people want to rise to the occasion when challenged.
At the midpoint of the school year, Fire Studio heroes celebrated Halfway Day by reflecting on their growth so far, looking forward to the final half of the journey, and of course conquering a half a dozen challenges! Halfway Treats offered a little extra motivation. [Photos] Half Self Portraits, Pizza Fractions, Measurement Halves, Half Monsters and more.
Jolliness was a fun introduction to the super power of meditation – specifically mindful breathing. Heroes got to know the beat of their heart, at resting and elevated levels. Then they got to try turning their attention to their breath in short spurts and in silly games. Heroes discussed whether a few seconds of mindful breathing would be most beneficial in their own life 1) before meals, 2) when entering the home after school, or 3) in preparing for bed.
While the subject of this Quest is botany, and heroes are exploring many botany topics, an equally important focus is collaboration and reading directions. We had observed in previous weeks some squads skipping reading directions, or at least skimming them. Thus, this week’s super challenge was all about reading and following directions. Even though some squads really struggled, they talked it out, worked together, and ultimately succeeded in the challenges – and by that I mean they learned from them! The ability to read and follow directions is critical to being a life long learner.
The DELTA heroes‘ focus on logistical challenges this week culminated in a public transport challenge on Thursday. Heroes were split into different groups and dropped off at different locations in Woods Cross. Each group had to make their way to the Woods Cross Frontrunner station and then to Salt Lake City Central Station. From there, each group had a different endpoint on Trax. Once they reached their endpoint, everyone found their way to Library Square. From learning how to buy tickets, to figuring out which direction to go on Trax, to deciphering maps, to asking other people for directions, this challenge was truly a challenge for the heroes. Some groups had a pretty seamless experience, while other groups had several difficulties. It was set up as a competition between groups, but heroes quickly disregarded that and helped other groups as much as they could. Heroes had many insightful observations about downtown. What was most impressive to me, was that every group did it! No one called asking for a ride home, or even for help. They knew they could figure it out together and they did! There was such a variety of life skills displayed by the heroes in this challenge – it was truly a joy to listen to their adventures afterwards.
In all ages, in all studios, CHOICE heroes are moving along a course that is leading to competent, capable, compassionate and fun young people, who know how to do hard things. Yes, they take a few detours and can get a little side tracked, but that is all part of the journey. The direction they are headed is inspiring and gives me such great hope!