Session 5 Weeks 3 and 4 Year 6
The past two weeks in the studio have been filled with creativity, collaboration, and meaningful learning experiences across all areas.
In Quest, the Elementary Heroes officially launched into game design mode. Learners began working on two major projects: a board game created collaboratively with their squads and an online game designed individually. The excitement is building as they prepare for the upcoming Game Exhibition on February 13th, when parents and guests will be invited to try every game created. Learners are working hard on all aspects of game development, including coding, design, functionality, storyline development, character building, and writing clear instructions. It has been incredible to watch them test ideas, revise plans, and think critically like real game designers.
This focus on clarity continued in Writer’s Workshop, where learners explored instruction writing in greater depth. They wrote their own sets of instructions and then had other learners in the studio attempt to follow them exactly. This led to thoughtful feedback conversations around clarity, order, word choice, and missing steps. Learners used this feedback to revise their writing, gaining a stronger understanding of how precise language impacts understanding.
During Civilization, Mallory and Mrs. Tanksley took turns leading engaging discussions as learners listened to a chapter focused on Joan of Arc and the conflict between France and England. The group had rich conversations about leadership, bravery, and the realities of war, with learners asking insightful questions and sharing thoughtful observations.
Art blended creativity with science as learners created custom shapes using pipe cleaners and placed them into a borax solution to grow crystals. Once the crystals formed, the shapes were hung from sticks with string to create beautiful chandelier-style decorations. Learners who finished early used their extra time to work on Valentine’s Day cards, spreading creativity and kindness throughout the studio.
Mrs. West led an important discussion around big feelings and introduced the “Let It Out Box.” This new tool allows learners to anonymously write down feelings they need to release if they don’t feel ready to discuss them. At the end of the year, the notes will be burned as a symbolic way to let those feelings go.
We ended the week with a fun and festive Friday celebration. Both the Elementary and Montessori studios celebrated reaching core skills goals with a pizza and king cake party, and we also celebrated Will’s birthday. Mrs. Molley joined us to lead a cooking class where the Heroes made Asian chicken skewers with pineapple rice, which they thoroughly enjoyed. To wrap up the day, some of the girls traded in Hero Bucks to play Just Dance—a joyful, energetic way to end the week.
Shout out to our Little Heroes who earned core skills badges: Finley (L1 Reading), Gypsy (L2 Reading), AnnaBeth (L1 Reading), Zoey (L2 Reading), Cecilia (L2 Reading), and Violet (LK Reading). Way to go!
