DISCOVERY STUDIO SPOTLIGHT
Our first two days in Discovery Studio were spent learning new routines and making new friends. After talking about basic safety and guardrails, heroes took the first step in creating studio expectations by establishing a provisional contract. This contract will serve as their initial promise to each other in these first few weeks of school, while they do the hard work of creating their formal set of studio promises to be signed at the end of this first session of learning.
Heroes explored the idea of the studio as a sacred place and came to the conclusion that it means the studio “is a serious and special place of learning” and one that is “friendly, quiet, and productive”.
The question at hand- “What do you think is MOST important in keeping the studio sacred this year at The Village School? Freedom, Friendship, Respect, or Hard Work?”
Friendship and Freedom received the most votes, and a few heroes connected respect to friendship, voicing their opinions that they felt they were very similar. As for hard work? Heroes agreed it was very important, but not more important that friendship, freedom, and respect.
This theme of friendship was visible throughout the first few days of school as heroes learned about each other, shared their strengths (their long rubber bands) and the things they find more challenging (their short rubber bands), offered encouraging words to each other during various team building activities and engaged in spontaneous games of hide and seek, swing jumping, and “family” during free time. Words of encouragement and support were overheard as some heroes explored the edges of their comfort zone as they climbed trees- a cherished activity in Discovery Studio.
At the same time, the Virtual Discovery Studio launched this week with much enthusiasm, excitement, and one spontaneous dance celebration! Heroes discovered things they had in common as well as special superpowers that make each one unique. Working together as a team, they chose a fantastic lip dub song and got to work memorizing each part. We closed our week with character call-outs, thanking fellow travelers for their leadership, thoughtfulness, and kindness.
At the end of the first week, heroes created their provisional contract, by agreeing to the first three guardrails provided by the guide and by adding a fourth promise when asked if they thought anything was missing. One thing is clear- Discovery Heroes of the 2020-2021 school year are off to a great start! One marked by their commitment to kindness, friendship, and supportiveness.
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