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The First Week of School: Building Connections and Fun!

By Hero's Journey Academy

Year 6 Session 1 Week 1 

The first week of school is always full of excitement, energy, and a little bit of nervous anticipation. Our goal was to start the year by helping learners feel comfortable, build relationships, and ease into routines that will set us up for a successful year—and what a great week it was!

Learners sit in a circle on a classroom rug around a laptop during a first-week meeting

We began our Build the Tribe quest with a variety of team-building games, encouraging our heroes to work together, communicate, and problem-solve. One highlight was a get-to-know-you game during PE called “Name That Pose”, where each person got to say their name and pick a pose that the group had to try and remember. We also completed a partner scavenger hunt that had everyone moving, laughing, and exploring while building confidence in both teamwork and navigating our school environment. At the end of the week we began to work on our lip dub video that we can’t wait to show at exhibition!

Children and a guide move around a classroom during a Name That Pose activity
A guide helps two children play Name That Pose in the school hallway
Heroes stand in a circle in a classroom during Name That Pose, with whiteboards and shelves behind them
Heroes stand in a circle in the classroom during Name That Pose, sharing poses for the group to copy
Three learners and a guide gather at a table, writing on a worksheet during first-week activities
Four learners gather around a laptop in the classroom during the first week of school
Learners work on laptops and pink paper at tables in a classroom
Children and guides pose in a gym for Name That Pose, with mirrored walls and a Heroes logo behind them
Children pose in a classroom during a Name That Pose game, with blue chairs and whiteboards nearby
Four learners sit in a circle on a classroom rug during a group game
Learners sit in a circle on the classroom rug with papers, working together during an activity
Learners work on laptops around a table in a classroom for a lip dub video project
Learners work at tables with laptops and pink paper during the first week of school
A learner stands at a classroom table arranging cards and letters that spell GOLDEN
Learners line up in a martial arts studio during the first week of school
Learners gather around tables in a classroom with laptops, paper, and craft supplies

This week we learned about how traditional tapestries in Samoa were made from tree bark and plant dyes. Then the heroes had the chance to contribute to a Tribal Tapestry art project, a collaborative mural where each person created a unique square with a design of their choice. When combined, the pieces will create a beautiful tapestry symbolizing our tribe — different individuals coming together as one.

A guide in a red shirt teaches heroes in a classroom beside a tribal tapestry wall hanging
Two heroes work on a tapestry art project at a classroom table with paper and markers
Children and a guide draw on brown paper squares for a tribal tapestry art project at a table
Children at a table draw on brown paper squares for a collaborative tapestry art project
Two girls draw on brown paper sheets at a table during a collaborative tapestry art project
Two young heroes sit at a table making square paper designs for a collaborative tapestry project
Two girls paint designs on paper at a table for a tribal tapestry art project

Of course, we also jumped into core skills, refreshing math and literacy basics while establishing studio routines. ES and Little Heroes practiced transitions, organization strategies, and independent work habits that will help our days run smoothly all year long.

Children and a guide work on laptops around a table in the classroom
Children work on laptops and papers at a classroom table during the first week of school

We capped off the week with a much-anticipated Fun Friday! After a week of hard work, everyone enjoyed a popsicle party after watching the movie Moana, a perfect choice with its themes of courage, identity, and adventure. It was a wonderful way to relax, celebrate, and reflect on how much we had already accomplished in just a few days.

Children sit around a classroom table eating popsicles during Fun Friday

This first week set the tone for a year full of learning, growth, and community. If this week was any indication, we’re in for a fantastic journey together!

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