Over the last couple of weeks of Acton from Home, Acton Elementary has had a tradition of scavenger hunts following discussions throughout the day or after close. These scavenger hunts initially began with guides asking all learners to find objects meeting certain criteria, for example, “blue and round.” However, learners quickly took the reins of the scavenger hunts, making more and more complex criteria for items, such as “multi-colored and oval-shaped” or “purple and from nature.”

Over time, we began to see that learners were taking this scavenger hunt framework and turning it into an opportunity to share pieces of their lives with the group. When one learner asked everyone to find a metal disk, another learner quickly pulled out a coin from Romania, wanting to tell the group about the currency and her connection to that country. Another learner challenged the group to find and share a favorite t-shirt, resulting in each learner (and guide!) explaining the favorite shirt’s significance.

Then the challenges became even more specific and geared toward sharing objects of significance or connected to passions. One learner challenged the group to find something three feet long and carved out of wood, and since no other learner had an item that fit the description, that learner took the group on a virtual tour of his workshop, culminating in a view of his brand new longboard that he carved and put together himself. Another used the scavenger hunt opportunity to take the group through his home and outside to share the stash of walking sticks that he plans to turn into a booth for the business fair. 

In addition to meaningful t-shirts, homemade longboards, and walking sticks, over the last few weeks we’ve seen giant robots, avocado pits in the early stages of sprouting, beaded keychains perfectly shaped like lizards, and so many other unique items with equally unique stories. In the studio, learners were always eager to talk about their passions, extracurricular activities, and important milestones, but now we get to see them firsthand. During this time of Acton from Home, we’ve been able to get a glimpse into the things that make all of our journeys and lives special. And, simultaneously, we learn a little more about who we all are.