Revel Recap: March 27 - March 31, 2023
Spark Studio
Mindfulness
This week we have connected our mindfulness to our daily Quest sessions with mysterious clues! To jumpstart our Monday, the Guides found a directed drawing of ice cream and advertised, "This will make sense later today." The learner ice cream designs turned out to be colourful and roughly had 2 to 5 scoops on their cone! On Tuesday, we started with a bang! We got the Boomwhackers out and practiced for Exhibition. As for Wednesday, we began with the affirmation, "I am Safe." We then shared a time when we felt safe and how it made us feel. After our discussion, we participated in a yoga practice about Parsnip the Cat. To end our week, we read the story, The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. The story connects to generosity and understanding. It's not about sacrificing yourself for others; it's about helping others without hurting yourself. We also spoke about how we can become close to nature. Everyone then wrote in their gratitude journals about something they were grateful for.
Quest
On your mark, get set, go! The Sparks are journeying their way through games which you can see on television. On Monday, the Sparks adventured through challenges like they were on The Amazing Race. All three groups worked hard together to fulfill each step. Like in the show, teams were struck by detours and roadblocks, which meant they had to choose which strategies would work best for their team to keep them in first place. At the end of the game, everyone won! The Sparks enjoyed ice cream and sprinkles. The Sparks watched the trailer for The Amazing Race Canada, where the starting point was Mont-Tremblent.
Next up was The Floor is Lava. The Sparks began by creating their own obstacles and watching The Floor is Lava trailer. We then went to the gym, where the Guides created an obstacle course for the Sparks to explore. Throughout the gym were sections of lava. The Sparks had to avoid the lava without restarting the obstacle course. The Sparks cheered for their team members, and everyone had the opportunity to try both courses. On Thursday, we played Family Feud (Sparks Feud). We set the studio up as if we were actually on the show; we even had the button to buzz in with our answers! The Sparks created the questions and answers beforehand, and it was definitely a challenging game!
We went old school for Flashback Friday. Who remembers Bob Barker and the Price is Right? Well, the Sparks brought it back to life! We listened to the theme song on repeat and played various games such as It's in the Bag, Easy as 1,2,3, More or Less and Showcase Showdown. Using their whiteboards they jotted their prices down to participate. It was entertaining for the Guides to see Sparks answers. Who would've thought a trip to Disneyland was only $140? Next school field trip? The Sparks had so much fun, and loved that we could connect the game to objects they are surrounded by daily. Minecraft, goldfish, basketball net. As we watched a short clip of the actual Price is Right show, the Sparks' facial expressions were great as they saw people win cars, ballgowns and dressers! Several learners said, "I want to go on this show."
French
Monday and Tuesday, we worked on a vegetable streamer that we coloured, cut and assembled. In preparation for our field trip on Thursday, on Wednesday, we listened to a cartoon in French about Mouk at the sugar shack.
Storytelling Workshop
Edward gets Messy by Rita Meade was the story of choice for this week's storytelling workshop. We had two Sparks go to the library and pick a book which they believed would work to recreate using loose parts. We then held a conversation about the setting, problem, and solution. The Sparks split into four groups to retell the story of Edward. Everyone's stories were unique in their own way. Some groups started by saying what object felt like getting messy was OK, and others began by explaining his science class. Who doesn't love baking soda and vinegar exploding volcanoes? Everyone worked together and shared their stories in front of the studio.
Art
Henri Matisse was our art inspiration this week. The Sparks watched a mini-clip about Matisse's work. We spoke about how different colours can bring out different feelings. The Sparks used various designs to express themselves within their artwork. Our art project naturally turned into a conversation about our zones of regulation. We recapped how green, blue, yellow and red describe different emotions. Sharing our emotions is important in our studio as it develops the learners coping skills, having a positive sense of self and can develop a learner's empathy.
Additional Highlights
The field trip to Proulx Farm was a blast! The Sparks enjoyed syrup-covered pancakes, maple syrup on ice, farm animal petting, a tractor ride and lots of free play on so many BIG slides.
The Sparks have been enjoying the changing weather, and we have managed to start our spring cleaning. We worked together to clean the outdoor shed and are slowly preparing to start our garden for the next session.
As for March Mammal Madness, it was an excellent week for the Sparks! The Wolverine is continuing its battle to victory! Getting together a few mornings a week with the other Rebels has been really fun!
We welcomed two more mystery readers this week, and they read stories called Nate the Great, and We Don't Eat our Classmates.
For our Math Lab, we worked on making necklaces and bracelets this week. The Sparks gathered and talked about the different patterns they could use to design their jewelry.
Everyone who brought in Show and Tell shared their stuffies, rollerblades, and toys! It was overall an eventful week, and we can't wait to share everything we have been working on at Exhibition next Wednesday!
Discovery Studio
Mindfulness
For Mantra Monday, the Rebels thought about the mantra, "I prioritize what is important to me." They watched this quick clip about thinking of our life in terms of Rocks, Pebbles and Sand and then designed their own jars, filling them with all kinds of things, reflecting on how they prioritize their daily life, goals and other activities. On Talk-It-Out Tuesday, the Rebels met with their Squads and used the Our Moments conversation cards to prompt thoughtful discussions! For Wonder Wednesday, the Rebels either finished their jar designs from Monday or continued with mindful colouring in the magical healing forest. On Thankful Thursday, the Rebels got out their journals and added this week's gratitude practice, as well as manifestations for the week and things they like about themselves. Feel-Good Friday, we tried a Matilda Boomwhacker tune!
Launches
Did you know that March 27th is World Theatre Day? The Rebels checked out this backstage tour, discussing all the amazing things that the Musical Theatre Quest has taught them about theatre and the amount of work and preparation that goes into big productions like Matilda! Tuesday's March Mammal Madness update included the results for Round 2 of Itty Bitty Comeback City and the Animal Engineers. Afterwards, the Rebels reviewed details about their field trip and what to pack for the day to be and feel prepared. Wednesday morning, the Rebels met with their Squad "Chickens." These check-ins have been an excellent way for the Rebels to monitor their Core Skills progress mid-week and re-prioritize their workload to meet their Fun Friday goals! Thursday and Friday's March Mammal Madness results included the Sweet Sixteen and Elite Trait Rounds!
Math Lab
This week the Rebels played a KnowledgeHook Gameshow reviewing the time and money skills they have been practicing this session. They worked together to answer problems about elapsed time using analog clock manipulatives to model the time passing and virtual coins to make proper change for purchases of multiple items. Towards the end of the Gameshow, they used the think-pair-share strategy to work through the most challenging problems about purchases involving rates. For example, if a chef buys 22 kg of carrots at $2 per kg and 45 bags of onions at $3 per bag and pays with two $100 bills, how much change should he receive?
Reader/Writer
This week in Reader/Writer, our team performed table readings of a musical script re-written by one of our very own Rebels! As part of a Musical Bingo activity, the finale of one of our mentor musicals, Matilda, was adapted with a brand new ending - the Rebels definitely approved! Special thank you to one of our team members who wanted to share their project as part of our workshop this week; it was a huge hit! For the remainder of the workshop, Rebels worked hard on their screenplays that we look forward to sharing with you next week at Exhibition!
Quest
During Monday and Tuesday Quest periods Rebels worked on their Set Design challenges and created some beautiful sets with moving props and characters! They can't wait to show them off for you at Exhibition next week! Wednesday, the Rebels met with their planning committees to develop the organization and activity workshops for next week's Exhibition! Some Rebels worked on posters, including a menu and map for participants, while others met to design and itemize necessary equipment to facilitate musical theatre-themed workshops for our families! A few Rebels gathered to form the Event Planning committee, ensuring that each workshop's timing flows well and determining the best way for participants to register.
Civilizations
In the words of one of the Rebels, "It looks like history is repeating itself." This week, our story took the Rebels through the division of the Frankish Empire after the death of Charlemagne. The Rebels also mapped the different routes invading Vikings had taken from parts of Scandinavia. The Rebels noticed how "barbarian" invasions and the division and collapse of the Roman Empire is a very similar story to the events in the story this week. They discussed whether or not it was wise or weak for the Frankish ruler to give away a piece of land to the Vikings.
French
The Rebels took their passport photo this week and finished their presentation on our French-speaking country! They also coloured a suitcase with the theme of this country. For our Thursday workshop, we completed a Kahoot on common phrases said in a restaurant. Then, the Rebels had the choice to do a True or False activity about restaurants or complete another game focusing on restaurant vocabulary.
Physical Development
On Monday, we focused our session on games with pool noodles! The Rebels listed all the possible games/sports they could play with these objects before we began using them for javelin throwing, catching hoops and catching the noodle (flag)! Wednesday, the Rebels tested their activity stations before next week's Healthapalooza! Rebels gave feedback to other groups about whether the activity was straightforward, fun, and especially if they felt it targeted the correct body part/system!
Additional Highlights
Our field trip to Proulx Farm was an absolute blast! Rebels enjoyed everything from the play structures, the giant slide, the ginormous pancakes with fresh maple syrup, and especially the maple snow candy! Special thank you to Proulx Farm for hosting us!
Exploration Studio
Mindfulness
With soft music playing in the background, Rebels quietly began their week by completing puzzles, working on art pieces, and practicing their cursive. Tuesday's yoga flow was faster paced than in recent weeks, challenging the Rebels to hold intense poses like hovering table and forearm plank in between a quicker vinyasa. Wednesday, the paper mache station reappeared as Rebels worked on creating decorations for Exhibition. Thursday, Rebels took part in another great yoga session with Ms. Jenna, and on Friday, Rebels chose a mindfulness strategy to begin their day.
Launches
On Monday, we gave the Rebels a conundrum to discuss and debate. While deciding if the government should pay a considerable sum for a very rare seed, take the land from the family that owns the last tree of the species, do nothing and let the tree potentially become extinct, or propose a new solution, Rebels were quick to lean on their knowledge of politics. After the initial vote, each group stated their reasoning, with a few changing their opinion due to the strong arguments. The other studios joined us on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday for the Rodent Recap of March Mammal Madness. With only four combatants remaining, next week's battles will be exciting! Our Current Events team also taught us about the Turritopsis Nutricula, the return of Lolita the orca, the Opening Day of the MLB, and some hilarious Life From Snack Time quotes!
Math Lab
Through all of the Three Act Tasks so far this session, the Rebels have concentrated on both modelling and solving scenarios involving operations with fractions and/or integers. To kick off this lab, they met with their smaller teams to review strategies for a multiplication and division context and then shared their models with the whole studio. There was a great conversation about how the interpretation of a problem can shift depending on how it is worded. For the rest of the lab, they had time to complete all practice problems and ensure they would be ready to submit for the sessional badge next week. If they were caught up, Rebels started planning a display for next week's Exhibition to showcase their understanding of fraction models and how they relate to the algorithms for these operations.
French
This week, we learned the crucial skill of asking for directions in French, which will be useful as more of us begin travelling again! We then began our presentations on our French-speaking countries and played each other's games!
For our French Workshop, we started role-playing as waiters and customers to learn how to order and take orders in French!
Reader/Writer
This week in Reader Writer, Rebels completed their fifth and final lab experiment and lab report on the process of coral bleaching. Rebels questioned whether or not the effects of coral bleaching caused permanent damage to the reefs, or if environment temperatures became less stressful, would zooxanthellae be able to grow again? Rebels used rocks and thermochromic paint to test how bleaching can occur in different water temperatures. Rebels had a blast exploring how the stone would change colour in various temperatures and concluded that the coral could regain zooxanthellae if waters became cool enough - but global warming and rising ocean temperatures could prevent this from happening. Rebels took time on Friday to select their favourite lab report, began the badge submission process, and typed up a good copy to display at Exhibition next Thursday.
Civilization - Rules without Rulers
This week we began transforming our studio into a model Parliament! After learning about the complex work of the Senate and the House of Commons, we learned the steps in making a law, from a bill's introduction in the Senate or the House of Commons to its receiving Royal Assent. Rebels then began the first part of the simulation! After signing up for a role, groups read through a proposed bill entitled the Young Electors Act. Next week, we will set up our studio to replicate the Senate and follow the steps from the first reading onward!
Water Quest
With only two weeks remaining in the session, Rebels used their Quest sessions to dive deeply into any topic of their choice pertaining to water. This open-ended challenge is a challenging and complex task! Learners must ascertain when they've gathered enough information to complete a thorough museum exhibit while also creating an informative and engaging display. (All in two weeks!) Walking into the studio, you would see some conducting experiments, others working on research, and several asking for feedback on what other components they should add to strengthen their project.
Additional Highlights
The Exploration Rebels take full advantage of the thirty minutes directly after lunch and recess. Most of the studio has chosen to watch the Ocean documentary in Geography Club, and chess remains a constant before school, during breaks, and on Wednesdays during Math Club. On Tuesday and Thursday, the learners enjoy our new book, Inheritance Games and Fridays, Rebels are cozied up reading all over the school.
Launchpad
Water Quest
With only two weeks remaining in the session, Rebels used their Quest sessions to dive deeply into any topic of their choice pertaining to water. This open-ended challenge is a challenging and complex task! Learners must ascertain when they've gathered enough information to complete a thorough museum exhibit while also creating an informative and engaging display. (All in two weeks!) Walking into Launchpad, you would have seen one learner finish a persuasive essay and work on an incredible model. After a disappointing start, another learner refined their topic after their initial experiment needed more time and resources than were available.
Civilization - Rules without Rulers
This week we began transforming our studio into a model Parliament! After learning about the complex work of the Senate and the House of Commons, we learned the steps in making a law, from a bill's introduction in the Senate or the House of Commons to its receiving Royal Assent. Rebels then began the first part of the simulation! After signing up for a role, groups read through a proposed bill entitled the Young Electors Act. Our Speaker and Usher of the Black Rod are excited to help lead the simulation next week as we set up our studio to replicate the Senate and follow the steps from the first reading onward!
Tale of Two Cities
This week learners read most of Book 3 of this tome by Charles Dickens. After Monday's discussion, learners quickly answered the comprehension questions and continued to make predictions regarding the remaining chapters. Next week we will finish the novel and begin our Tale of Two Cities essays.
Independent Projects
Ever since visiting Highjinx last month, our Launchpad Rebels have felt drawn to finding a way to be involved in their work. This week Launchpad spent Friday morning making a delicious chicken soup and delivering it to Highjinx for distribution to their neighbours. Both learners hope to make this part of the weekly routine as not only will they improve their culinary skills, but they will also be giving back to the community meaningfully.
The co-coordinator of the Ottawa Children's Business Fair had the challenging task of choosing the 50 booths to sell their products and services at this year's event on April 30th. As there were over a hundred applications, sending the approval and rejection emails was arduous.
Spanish
This was the last week of the second semester of our online Spanish course. After working on sports vocabulary, preterite verbs, and the culture of Paraguay, our learner reviewed all she had learned over the past six months! To strengthen her Spanish, she has now decided to participate in a conversational class and work toward a CLEP exam!
French
This week we went out for coffee to practice conversing in French and enjoy the beautiful weather. We then read and discussed the news about the legalization of different family models described in our French news magazine. Our French learner also requested to study for and take a level exam to prove their proficiency!
Additional Highlights
Two of our learners will be taking the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. In preparation, both utilized the online practice module and are excited to take the exam next week!
Our friend visiting from Hungary enjoyed his time in the studio this week but had even more fun outside of our walls. Between a trip to the arcade and an outing to the National Art Gallery with one of our families, he’s getting to see quite a bit of Ottawa during his short stay!
Special Visit with Dr. Matt Zakreski
We were thrilled to have Dr. Matt join us for "Table Top!” SEL Games with our Discovery and Exploration learners and his "Riding out the Storm: Managing Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students" presentation for our grownups! The Rebels loved the lateral thinking games and the adults learned more about the psychology and neuroscience behind emotional intensity while gaining concrete, accessible techniques that will allow for the development of self-regulation skills. Thank you, Dr. Matt!
Potential Discussion Ideas or Questions to Ask your Rebel:
Spark
Which television game show did you enjoy the most?
What did your obstacle course design look like for The Floor is Lava?
French: Can you name all the fruits and vegetables you know in French?
Discovery
What is your role in the Exhibition? Are you facilitating a workshop? Making posters? Selling concessions?
How is your screenplay going for Reader/Writer? What is your script about?
French: Do you have a passport? Can we smile on your passport photo? Why is that?
Exploration
How do you feel about your Water Quest research or experiment progress? Do you need more time for your research, editing, or display?
What role do you have in the Civilization simulation? What does your group think about the proposed bill?
French: How do you ask for the bill in a restaurant?
Launchpad
What would you like to make for Highjinx next week?
What role do you have in the Civilization simulation? What does your group think about the proposed bill?
French: What family models do they want to legalize in your article?
Dates of Interest
Session 5 Exhibitions
Discovery Studio - Tuesday, April 4th at 4:15 pm
Spark Studio - Wednesday, April 5th at 4:15 pm
Exploration and Launchpad Studios - Thursday, April 6th at 4:15 pm
Friday, April 7th - Good Friday, No School
We are officially FULL for our April Art Camp with Ms. Jenna! If any spots open up, she will contact you directly via BandApp! Friendly reminder that payment is due on Monday, April 3rd.
Spark Family Meetings coming in Session Six: Stay tuned for sign-up dates!