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Chess Champions and Christmas!

By Hero's Journey Academy

Year 4 Session 4 Week 6

The final week of session 4 was full of exhibition prep and holiday festivities! Any hero from the elementary studio that met the qualifications for the “Season of Giving” challenge earned popcorn and a movie during core skills on Wednesday. They watched “Searching for Bobby Fischer” to get them excited for the final round of their chess competition! Harper earned the most points during the challenge and won the bonus prize of a Chick-fil-A gift card - congrats Harper!

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Three children sit on blue bean bags holding popcorn during a movie in the studio
Heroes lounge on bean bags watching a movie in a blue-lit classroom during core skills
Two children climb a green geodesic dome on the playground under a clear blue sky
Two learners wearing headphones work on laptops at a table in a classroom
Child in green headphones sits at a table using a laptop during core skills
A child wearing headphones works on a laptop at a table in a classroom
A smiling child in headphones sits at a table using a laptop in a classroom

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Quest 

During quest time, the ES heroes completed the 4th round of their chess tournament. Then they began exhibition prep by voting on roles and creating the pamphlets for guests. They finished the week by holding mock exhibitions to practice their timing and delivery before the real event.

Two heroes work on pamphlets at a table during exhibition prep in a classroom
Two heroes play chess at a white table during quest time, with captured pieces nearby
Three heroes play chess at a classroom table during a chess tournament

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Art

This week in art we made “Holiday Wish Ornaments”. Each hero carefully placed different items inside their ornament ball that are meant to bring good fortune. Then they wrote a wish for the new year and placed it inside!

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Holiday wish ornament materials in plastic baskets and bags on a table
Clear Holiday Wish Ornament with greenery, a paper wish, and red-and-white string on a white table
A Holiday Wish Ornament with moss, twine, and a small tag hangs against a wooden wall
Children sit around a table in a classroom holding Holiday Wish Ornaments
Five children hold holiday wish ornaments in a hallway outside classrooms

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Baking

The baking project of the week was gingerbread cake people! The Montessori learners baked a gingerbread cake then cut out people with a cookie cutter. They sprinkled powdered sugar on top as a final touch and it was delicious! 

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Exhibition 

During the session 4 exhibition the ES heroes completed their fifth and final round of their chess tournament. When the competition was over they had the opportunity to teach their parents and guests how to play. They ended with a “Hero Panel” where guests were able to ask questions about their experiences this session. 

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The final chess rankings were:

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1st Place - Charlie

2nd Place - Harper

3rd Place - Kain

4th Place - Tucker

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Each person left with a ribbon, and Charlie won the additional prize of a Chick-fil-A gift card. Congrats to everyone on working hard!

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Guides and heroes review chess materials at a table during the chess exhibition
Chess ranking sheet and four place ribbons on a floral tablecloth
Chessboard on a small table with score sheets, two blue chairs, and cubbies behind it
Heroes and adults sit in a classroom during a chess session with ribbons on the table
Three learners and a guide play chess at a small table beside a decorated Christmas tree
A learner and a parent play chess at a small table in a classroom with shelves and chairs
Two heroes play chess at a small table in the classroom
A guide and a boy play chess at a small table in a classroom
Three children play chess at a small table while a guide sits nearby in a classroom

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A smiling boy holds a blue first-place ribbon and a Christmas card
Boy in a black shirt and neon shorts holds a white award ribbon in front of a dark door
Young boy holds a blue award ribbon while standing indoors

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Christmas Party

We had a great time celebrating the holidays together! The learners exchanged gifts and played with their new things in the dojang. We listened to Christmas music, danced, and ate nachos!

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Five learners in Christmas outfits stand together smiling during a Christmas party
Three learners pose in Christmas sweaters in the classroom at the holiday party
Two learners stand smiling on a classroom rug in front of cubbies during a Christmas party
Three learners open Christmas gifts at tables in the dojang during a holiday party
A learner blows a party whistle in a classroom during the Christmas Party, with blue chairs and tables behind him
A learner stands by a table at the Christmas party with a party horn in his mouth and a gift bag beside him

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