Revel Recap: Sept. 8 - 11, 2020
Spark Studio
What a wonderful and busy first week in the Spark studio! We had so much fun exploring our environment and getting to know one another. We started off our week by introducing ourselves and taking a tour of the studio and Revel. The learners very quickly got comfortable and were excited to begin some fun activities. We played many games this week such as Red Light, Green Light, Eye Spy, Bug Bingo, and an entertaining round of Charades that had us all acting out animals and laughing together. We also played many ice breaker games to learn more about our new friends. We discovered a lot during these games, such as our favourite colours, food, seasons, activities, games, movies, and talked about the people and pets in our families. We found three things in common that the whole studio loves; camping, cookies and playing tag, especially tag with pool noodles!
Each day began with mindfulness activities. We enjoyed colouring, a meditation activity using our sand timer and listening to the sounds around us, and an introduction to yoga. We reviewed several poses and then each Spark shared their favourite pose with the group. Everyone did a great job participating and following along and we are excited to incorporate more yoga into our week!
We enjoyed many art activities this week, creating torn paper name collages, self- portraits, crowns, bracelets, puppets, and rock painting. There was also time for free play throughout the week and we saw how creative our studio is while building with Magna Tiles, wooden blocks, and plastic gear sets. Our imaginations took flight as we used our toy animals in our dramatic play and while playing with playdough and kinetic sand. The Sparks spent time reviewing letter sounds, thinking of words that start with each letter, and creating the letters with play dough. They did such a great job! We also began a review of numbers and an introduction to our counting beads. A few highlights this week were our trips to the playground and having fun in the gym, we have an active group! We also really loved our read aloud in the afternoons, especially the “Elephant and Piggie” books.
We spent some time this week talking about the changes we need to take at the moment due to COVID-19 and read a few books to help guide our discussions. ‘Lucy’s Mask’, ‘Germs VS. Soap’ and ‘If You Can’t Bear Hug, Air Hug’ were all helpful resources to get the conversation started. Our learners had a lot to share about this topic and great ideas to keep us all safe. We also did a pepper germ experiment, which helped show us the importance of washing our hands with soap. During the week we practiced our new social distance greetings. The Sparks have decided we will use a variety of ways to say good morning this year, such as waving, making a heart sign, air high five or air hug, spirit fingers, or making a silly face! Everyone has been so understanding and doing such a wonderful job adapting to our new normal!
It was such an inspiring week and we are so excited for this year!
Discovery Studio
Mindfulness
The first 15 minutes of every school day begins with mindfulness at Revel. On Tuesday morning the Rebels entered Revel and took their time to get organized, look around the studios, and choose their supplies including their yoga mats for the year. Wednesday, Ms. Jenna led those interested in a great yoga routine, while those who preferred not to join in quietly coloured or drew. On Thursday the whole studio had 15 quiet minutes of colouring or drawing while on Friday they joined Ms. Jenna back in the gym for yoga.
Launches
Following mindfulness, the Discovery Studio gets together for our daily launch. On Tuesday, Ms. Jenna addressed the Elephant in the Room - COVID and all of our fears and anxieties surrounding how things will change this year. After watching the Pixar short, “Piper” we spoke about the power in naming our fears, thinking through the worst-case scenarios and how we could handle them, and how we can help one another work through our feelings. On Wednesday we focused on the Power of Optimism. "Lucky You", was the perfect video to enhance our discussion and after watching we made observations about the characters’ experiences and how each character’s mindset evolves as the story unfolds. We also took time to recognize that it isn’t realistic to feel positive all of the time and that’s ok too! The Power of Change was our launch topic on Thursday. After asking the Rebels if they liked change or preferred routine, we asked about the positives and negatives associated with change. Most felt that change was important and necessary in order to grow but did agree that it could be really hard at times. We also took time to speak about personal preferences or issues they felt the other Rebels should know about them. Many of our Rebels used the opportunity and we were blown away by their willingness to talk about themselves as well as with the respectful and supportive way the other Rebels listened. To help wrap up our week, our Friday launch utilized a great Pixar short called, “Lou.” It was a video about the effects of bullying, sacrifice, and the power of kindness. The Rebels
COVID-19 protocols, Safety, and First Aid
We took time on Tuesday to review our COVID-19 policies including mask protocols, hand washing/sanitizing routines, and physical distancing rules. We then addressed First Aid, our Emergency and Fire Drill plans, and recess boundaries. All of the Rebels took the talk seriously and we will practice a drill within the next week. For those who were interested, they were able to attend a First Aid training with the Exploration Rebels on Friday to go over several possible scenarios and their solutions.
Rebel Perfect Videos
On Tuesday, the “Rebel Perfect” challenge was introduced. After watching a "Dude Perfect" video, we discussed what makes an entertaining video and came up with a rubric for our final product. Groups then went outside to brainstorm their own trick shots, come up with team names, the number and type of tricks they are hoping to film, as well as the materials that they will require. On Wednesday, groups began gathering their materials, setting up, and practicing their trick shots. We saw several fun ideas make it from paper to film, although the camera wasn’t always rolling at the right time! The persistence and patience shown by all of the Rebels were really impressive. The next session was also spent filming more trick shots and a couple of teams even began editing their work. Friday, the Rebels were able to take their filming outdoors to get those last trick shots in before we edit next week.
Additional Team Building
It is difficult to make mistakes and take risks in our learning so this whole week is working towards creating a strong foundation through team building and getting to know one another. Plus, who doesn’t love playing pool noodle tag?! Other games we played included Connect 4 Name Relay, Chuck the Chicken, the Blanket Name Game, and Rock, Paper, Scissors Evolution. Other games were more low key such as each writing down a question which was then put in an egg. Then at closing we each chose an egg and took turns going in a circle answering the question we received.
Quest
In Session 1, we will be using Classcraft as the base for our exploration of Revel systems. After breaking into teams, the Rebels went through a brief introduction of how to use the platform while creating their personal character, choosing the team shield, creating a team name, choosing a motto, and inventing a physically distanced “handshake” for their group. Rebels also learned how to take a screenshot with their computers as this will be a skill that will be used consistently throughout the year. The second day of the Quest had Rebels thinking about how they would like to decorate their “Rebel Boards” which are a tool to help keep them inspired and focussed especially during core skills. They were asked to think about how they would like it to function (changeable or fixed) and the materials they would like to use (paint, stickers, magazines, pictures). Rebels were also asked to learn more about themselves by taking a Love Language and a Learning Style quiz. Heroes, favourites, quotes, and goals were also pieces that learners were asked to consider. They then dove in and began designing and decorating! Families will be able to see these boards at the end of the session at our Family meeting or Exhibition. On Wednesday we also tackled the Hero’s Journey! After going through the stages, each team picked a story or movie and identified the different stages in each one on a character analysis document. Lastly, the teams used a “Roll-A-Writing” prompt sheet to create their own Hero’s Journey story to act out in front of the studio. We have some talented actors! On Thursday, we continued working on our Rebel Boards and then dove into the Accountability Systems at Revel. Teams read over the Strike and Rebel Buck systems, making suggestions for the different reasons to give and ask for a Rebel Buck. At the end of the period, we were able to begin the Contract game in preparation for writing our own covenants for the year. On Friday, Rebels had time to continue working on the unfinished challenges of their choice.
Studio Maintenance
Studio Maintenance is our daily cleaning session at the end of each day. Every week a Rebel is assigned a job in the school in order to help keep our studios organized and clean. This week we introduced the various responsibilities and each day discussed jobs we thought should be added or altered. By the end of the week we felt pretty comfortable about the system and ready for next week!
Fun Friday
While not a true “Fun Friday”, as we do not yet have core skills goals to meet, we did take Friday afternoon to work on our Rebel Boards and painting onesies for Ms. Aindrea’s babies. (Ms. Aindrea is scheduled for a C-Section on September 21st and will potentially be joining us on this Monday for a Baby Shower.) We also took the time to play chess, card games, and mini-sticks in the gym as a way to celebrate our first week of school.
Closings
With one day under our belt, we learned about the stages of team formation. After discussing a productivity graph, we read about the characteristics of each stage in order to better understand and prepare for what our teams will likely go through in the coming days and weeks. We also took time to close our eyes and picture what July 9th, 2021 will look and feel like. What will you be most proud of accomplishing? What will have been your greatest challenge? Our other days were spent reflecting on our day and thinking through the changes we’d like to make as a studio.
Town Hall
During our first Town Hall of the year, we played the Blanket Name Game, voted on our Level naming system, reading our Town Hall Jar entries, and giving out Character Callouts. It was the perfect way to end, in our opinion, a pretty incredible first week of School!
Exploration Studio
Mindfulness
Learners began their days with some mindfulness in the form of a choice between colouring and yoga. The quiet focus to start the day is a great way for learners to center themselves for the day. If your learner did yoga, they probably learned some new moves that they could demonstrate for you. With the colouring, the attention to detail is leading to some very beautiful creations.
Launches
Starting this new school year during a pandemic is something we are all experiencing for the first time, going through things a little blindly, trusting that everyone will play their part in keeping one another safe. Rebels started their day with a trust walk, paired with one other Rebel, taking turns being blindfolded and guiding one another on an outdoor walk. After everyone had their turn we regrouped and shared how we felt being the one blindfolded vs being the person leading. We realized that even though this may be scary, we can trust one another and as a community, we will get through this. Other launches this week were spent getting to know the people in our studio and looking to the future of the school year. All the learners can now recite the fears, favourite animals, and favourite pizza toppings of their fellow Rebels, among many other factoids they learned this week. In looking forward to the year coming up, the group brainstormed what they would like to do throughout the year, having a conversation largely centred on building with cardboard. Hopefully, we will be able to do lots of that during the city building quest!
Rebel Perfect Video
On Tuesday, the “Rebel Perfect” Challenge was introduced. After watching a "Dude Perfect" video Rebels were eager to get into their teams and start brainstorming ideas for their trick shots. They were all super motivated and throughout the week flew through the challenges starting to film their shots earlier than expected. Walking around the studio we heard laughter, markers landing in garbage bins, magnets thrown in hopes of getting them to stick to whiteboards, cheers of success when a trick succeeded… it was AWESOME! Such a great way for Rebels to connect and get to know one another through a fun activity. We cannot wait to see the finished products.
Team Building
Wow, what a team we’ve built! We have so many leaders in our groups, so many idea generators, and many more problem solvers. In this group, we see consideration and kindness as well as dedication to their cause of creating a more perfect cohort. We played a lot of games this week where these qualities and roles were shown. We will keep focusing on team building as the year progresses, honing in on specific skills that all team members should have: creative thinking, consideration of whose voice isn’t being heard, system development, and accountability.
Quest
Tuesday morning, Rebels were introduced to Classcraft and had to choose whether they wanted to be a Guardian, Mage or Healer. Through this learning platform, Rebels will read enticing stories, pausing to complete tasks in order to continue their adventure. Tasks this week were focused on getting to know fellow Rebels, thinking of a greeting that respects social distancing, and getting Rebels organized for the year. From getting wifi set up on everyone's devices, to creating folders to keep our Google Drives organized, as well as planning out how we will succeed at keeping our personal spaces neat and tidy, Rebels showed that they are ready to get this year rolling. One of the many activities we did during the week was to create a time capsule video to prepare ourselves for the year ahead. Learners recorded their hopes and goals for the year in this message to their future selves. Mr. Deagan will compile those who would like their video shown into a compilation as a reflection tool at the end of the school year. The videos also turned out to be a great “get to know ya’” for the guides who learned many personal goals of the Rebels. Another great way to get to know about the Rebels further is through their “Rebel Boards." Each Rebel made a personalized trifold board with coloured tape, markers, stickers, and a lot of National Geographic cut-outs! Some Rebels spent hours on their boards, the results looking like they belong in a museum, or at least in their bedrooms at the end of the school year.
Closings
Our first closing we sat together in a circle and by using a talking stick shared a challenge and a win this pandemic has caused us to experience. The beauty of the talking stick is that if a Rebel doesn’t feel ready to share they simply pass the stick to the person on their left. Even after only spending one day together, Rebels shared some personal challenges and wins openly as a community in such a kind and respectful way. The rest of our days, we closed as a group reflecting, connecting, sharing some Character Callouts and our eagerness to see one another the next day.
Potential Questions to Ask your Rebel:
Exploration: What did you learn about yourself or someone else this week?
Exploration: What is your favourite part of the day?
Exploration: What space do you like to work in best in the Exploration studio?
Discovery: What type of Classcraft character did you choose? (Mage, Healer, or Guardian)
Discovery: Which activity did you prefer; Rebel Boards or Rebel Perfect video?
Spark: What was your favourite thing about this week? What do you hope to do next week in the studio?
Spark: Can you show me one of the ways you chose to say hello during your morning circle this week? (Wave, heart sign, spirit fingers, smile, etc.)
Spark: Can you demonstrate one of the yoga poses you learned?
Upcoming Special Dates and Events:
Exploration Field Trip to the Arboretum (Optional): Tuesday, September 15th
IOWA Testing: Our fall testing will begin on Monday, September 28th, concluding on Friday, October 2nd. Each day Rebels will spend ~ 30-45 minutes completing a section of the test. As you know, we use the results as one way to benchmark progress and identify trends. Again we believe these tests show only a fraction of what a learner knows or is capable of and should not be used to form a full picture. There will also be a celebration on Friday once the testing is complete!
Session 1 Exhibition: We will keep an eye on the current situation and make a call about our Session 1 Exhibition in a couple of weeks. Right now we are leaning towards individual family meetings that are scheduled throughout the last week.