We welcomed learners back into the studio under some different and still exciting circumstances. On the first day, the learners demonstrated their ability to adapt to, and thrive with our new way of learning. Many learners recommended their own best practices for how we can stay safe while still having fun.
We dedicated the first week to emphasizing the importance of building the studio community and introducing learners to Acton’s unique qualities. Learners spent time familiarizing themselves with our space and each other through fun games outside, hero board activities, and thoughtful discussions about the Hero’s Journey. The Hero’s Journey is an important metaphor at Acton. Learners begin to imagine themselves as the heroic protagonist in their own journey in life.
New learners, with the help of returning ones, are working towards several certifications in studio maintenance and processes such as sweeping and doing the dishes. Both Acton elementary studios began regular core skills in the morning. This included practice getting into flow, or getting in the “zone,” as well as the introduction of civilization, where we explore questions such as “Why do some civilizations rise while others fall?” and “How do you know which version of history is true?”
Lower elementary learners heard their “First Great Lesson,” a story about the formation of the universe and Earth. This lower elementary Montessori lesson frames a session-long exploration of astronomy (solar system, stars, and galaxies), chemistry (states of matter, elements, atoms), physics (gravity, energy, light), geology (types of rocks, eras of the earth, plate tectonics), and geography (maps, latitude/longitude, land/water form names, climates).
The elementary studio also ventured off campus for our first excursion! Every day, we visited a park at 25th and M Streets as part of our Build the Tribe quest. This quest, which will continue for the next three weeks, emphasizes team building, independence, and the development of our studio culture. This includes working together to create our Studio Contract and Rules of Engagement (ROE), as well as spending time on team-building activities, games, and free play. Already, learners have presented ideas for studio improvements, from more organized systems for microwave-use and how to keep the studio as clean as possible, to learner-led games and initiatives. One favorite learner-led game is called Who Stole My Jedi Juice?! which is a goal-oriented variation of Red Light Green Light.
Over the next few weeks we participated in a Lip Dub music video competition! Learners created their own music video to Dynamite by K-pop band BTS. Their video was submitted to the 2020 Acton Academy Network International Film Fest, a contest among the over 250 Acton Academy schools worldwide.
Looking ahead, the guides revealed the 2020-21 Journey Map! The Journey Map outlines the year-long schedule of quests, writer’s workshops, civilizations, and creative arts. This year’s Journey Map includes a wide range of topics, including marine science, architecture, and entrepreneurship as well as new excursion opportunities. For instance, next week we are looking forward to a visit to the waterfront, where learners will be able to work on this session’s writer’s workshop, playwriting. And you’ll see on our Journey Map that next session’s quest, beginning October 12, is all about experiencing US history!
We look forward to a great session and a great year at Acton Academy!