Year 4, Session 1, Week 3
Improvement and striving for excellence have been at the forefront this week! Our learners have had several socratic discussions about what systems are working well and which need revising. They have voted on and implemented changes for the betterment of the tribe. After a few days of trying something new, the heroes always reflect and provide feedback. We are always evolving at ALA to be better than the day before!
Quest - “Build the Tribe”
A great way to strengthen a community is through playing games! When playing a board game you strengthen skills such as communication, strategizing, honesty, patience, and perseverance. How will you handle defeat? What should you do if you know someone else isn’t playing by the rules? What can you try if you get confused or struggle? In the Elementary Studio, the learners played the games of Snake Oil, Life, and Clue during quest time. These were new to everyone so they had to learn how to navigate the rules together. “Life” quickly became a group favorite!
Art
In continuation from last week, the Little Heroes made another masterpiece in Henri Matisse’s paper cutting style. Abstract shapes in bold colors adorn brightly colored backgrounds. Additionally, both studios began discussing space due to the “Super Blue Moon” that took place on Wednesday. We listened to a song about the planets, and then each learner crafted their own planet by weaving yarn around cardboard circles. Throughout the week, the Little Heroes practiced a layering technique with paint and created beautiful canvases of the full moon. Once completed, they were treated to a moon pie snack by our guide Ms. Gigi!
Writer’s Workshop - Poetry
This week we learned about odes! Odes are poems that praise something or someone by expressing emotion. They often rhyme but it isn’t a requirement. We read “Ode to My Socks” by Pablo Neruda and analyzed his use of descriptive word choice. ES worked on their first draft of an ode to present at exhibition. On Thursday, they wrapped up their first drafts of an ode, free verse, and haiku then it was on to revisions!
Little Hero’s Studio
The Little Heroes put their baking skills to the test when they made a banana cake from scratch! LHs practiced using their fine motor skills when mashing bananas and cracking eggs. They all got to enjoy their creation at the end of the day and shared some with the older learners. Additionally, they expanded their critical thinking skills by planning, and conducting, their own scavenger hunt! The scavenger hunt had them traversing the building looking for certain items that fellow heroes hid based on clues. Another highlight from the week was when Tucker read to his peers outside. At ALA we encourage our learners to step up as leaders! We love to see their growth as they rise to these challenges daily.
