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Welcome Back Heroes

By Hero's Journey Academy

Year 7 Session 1 Weeks 1 and 2

What an exciting start to the new school year! The past two weeks have been filled with laughter, creativity, collaboration, and plenty of opportunities for our learners to step outside their comfort zones. It has been wonderful to see everyone so excited to be back at school and ready for a new year of learning and adventure.

Children, parents, and guides pose together in the Heroes gym for a back-to-school welcome photo

We kicked things off with our “Build the Tribe” Quest, where learners are focusing on getting to know one another, learning their studio systems, and developing the teamwork and communication skills that will help foster a culture of helpfulness and encouragement. We played several fun games designed to build connections and creativity. Human Tic-Tac-Toe, Telephone Charades, and our Mystery Drawing Challenge quickly became some of our heroes’ favorites!

Heroes work together at tables, sorting small pieces during a team-building game in the studio
Heroes sit around a table building with LEGO pieces during a team-building activity
Heroes stand in a line during a back-to-school team game in a classroom with string lights and chairs

Our first country exploration of the year took us to Iceland, where we learned about the Nordic alphabet and the symbols Vikings would have used. Each learner painted their name using these symbols, and together we created a beautiful tapestry to display in the hallway. We also baked an Icelandic spice cake and learned why Iceland is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice”—home to both powerful volcanoes and incredible glaciers.

Learners and a guide paint Nordic symbols on name banners at a long table in a classroom
Learners paint Nordic-symbol name art at a table during the Iceland study

The heroes have also begun planning for our annual Lip Dub! They have chosen their song, started learning the words, and are already excited to share their finished creation at Exhibition.

Children and a guide sit on a rug in a classroom, pointing at a paper during group work

Our first themed Fun Friday was “Under the Sea”! Learners dressed as mermaids, sea creatures, or beachgoers and brought ocean-themed items for show and tell. We ended the day with a special treat: blue Jell-O with shark and fish gummies “swimming” inside!

Cups of blue Jell-O with shark and fish gummies on a tray for Fun Friday under the sea
A smiling hero in a red shirt sits at a table with a cup of blue Jell-O and a spoon
A smiling learner sits at a table holding a cup of blue Jell-O with a spoon in a classroom
Smiling learner stirs blue Jell-O in a cup during Under the Sea Fun Friday while another learner sits behind her
Learners in a classroom enjoy blue Jell-O on Fun Friday, with one hero grinning at the camera
A smiling learner sits at a table eating blue Jell-O with a spoon in a classroom
Young learner in a red shirt eats blue Jell-O from a cup with a spoon at a classroom table
A young girl in a mermaid costume eats blue Jell-O with a spoon at a classroom table
A young learner eats blue Jell-O from a cup with a spoon at a classroom table
A young hero smiles while eating blue Jell-O from a small cup with a spoon at a classroom table
Smiling learner stirs blue Jell-O in a cup at a classroom table
Young hero eats blue Jell-O with a spoon at a classroom table, holding a small cup
A young hero in a blue shirt eats a blue popsicle at a classroom table while another child stands nearby
Young girl in a dress sits at a table holding a small white piece over a cup of blue liquid

Next week, we’ll practice and film our Lip Dub and set off for our next country study: Norway! We can’t wait to see what adventures await!

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