Revel Recap: February 24 - 28, 2025
Spark Studio
Mindfulness and Launch
With everyone back from the February break, the Sparks started Monday morning, sharing what they got up to over the week. Many learners shared their vacations in warmer places, cross-country skiing, and playdates with friends. The Sparks then played "Guess in 10 - Animal Edition." The Sparks were given one to three clues to guess the animal. After one guess, they immediately already knew the answer. We may have many zoologists on our hands! On Tuesday, the Sparks followed a directed drawing of a hammerhead shark. On Wednesday, everyone participated in an underwater theme yoga clip. From poses of jellyfish to sharks, the Sparks did an excellent job participating and waking up their bodies and muscles. The learners asked to do a "speedy" workout on Thursday. The learners used their quick feet as they performed high knees, ran on the spot, and before completing a series of lunges. To end the week, they worked on their Gratitude journals. They wrote about an ocean creature they were grateful for and why. Many learners love whales, blobfish and jellyfish.
Launch
At the start of this new session, the Sparks were introduced to their new goal chart, which outlines both studio-wide and individual objectives. The chart features a pyramid-like structure, displaying daily, weekly, and sessional goals, along with corresponding rewards. This new system came about as earlier in the previous session the Sparks recognized that their work periods were not as productive as they should have been. After attending Guide Squad meetings with other Acton Academy schools, the guides discovered that many other studios were facing similar challenges. They shared these insights with the Sparks, who then collaborated to establish new goals and rewards for each day, week, and session. To help stay accountable, each learner has a "running partner." They will check in with their partner and get confirmation before having their name placed on the board, signalling that they've completed their tasks and earned their reward. On Wednesday, the Sparks discussed Pink Shirt Day. They were asked questions such as, What does Pink Shirt Day mean to you? and What does it mean to be a good friend? This day is significant not just for one day but each day at Revel. We remind the Sparks of the importance of kindness, empathy and inclusion in our community. For current events on Friday, we read the article "Monstrous deep-sea fish filmed in daylight for the first time ever." The humpback anglerfish was filmed in waters around Tenerife, an island off the west coast of Africa/Footage courtesy of Condrik-Tenerife on board the Glaucus vessel with Laia Valor, Marc Martín, Antonio Sabuco and marine wildlife photographer David Jara. Following this, we read Weird Creature by Kids National Geographic and discovered several other fascinating creatures!
Quest
This week, the Sparks had the exciting opportunity to dive into the incredible world of oceans and marine life! We kicked off our underwater adventure by getting to know the Wild Kratt brothers and love how they bring animal knowledge to life. Our students were fascinated as they learned about the different ocean levels and the animals that inhabit them. In a creative twist, the learners collaborated to make one massive poster of each ocean level, from the sunlit surface to the mysterious deep sea (trenches). Each learner created their own underwater animal representing the unique creatures that thrive in these environments. Seeing their imaginations soar as they designed everything from glowing jellyfish to deep-sea sharks was wonderful! We also watched an episode of Wild Kratts, which was all about sharks and sparked excitement and curiosity about these amazing creatures.
To reinforce our ocean exploration, some of our learners worked on comprehension sheets focused on the vibrant coral reefs, while others engaged in a fun sorting activity to distinguish between ocean and land animals. The week's highlight was a hands-on research project where the Sparks paired up to choose their favourite underwater creature. Each pair was tasked with completing a checklist of seven items for their tri-board display, including where they live, three fun facts, and an illustration. They worked hard to gather interesting facts and information; the results were impressive!
Math Lab
This week, Group One's Math Lab focused on the teen numbers (11-19). We looked at our teen board material, which had the number ten written on it nine times. We then used the number cards to change the tens into teen numbers. We also used our bead materials to make the amounts as we made the numbers. This helps connect the name and symbol of the numbers with the quantity. Working with this is also a great introduction to place value, helping the learners to recognize that teen numbers are a group of ten, with ones added to it. For example, 12 is 1 ten and 2 ones. Afterwards, the learners practiced colouring in the bead amounts and writing these numbers.
Group Two began their new unit of study, measurement. The first few weeks will focus primarily on telling time, a crucial skill that will support them in their next learning journey. To start, we used the studio clock as an observation tool. We discussed what they noticed about the clock's features and layout, which can help them become familiarized with the concept of time. Moving forward, we started to count by 5s as this skill will support their ability to read time more easily. The big hand and little hand were introduced as the hour and minute arms. The learners then became curious about the role of the number 12, which is a common area where learners may become confused. The Guide explained that when the hour hand is on the 12, it's simply the start of that particular hour and we consider this as "0 minutes." To reinforce this, the Sparks completed 12 examples of telling time. Throughout this exercise, each Spark had to get their answer checked by another learner before moving on. Using peer approval encourages the Sparks to collaborate and help build their confidence with telling time. Lastly, we created a clock on the whiteboard, labelled it, and practiced making different times to tell.
Reader/Writer
Group One has been working hard all year to learn the phonetic sounds of the alphabet. We are now practicing blending the sounds of the letters together to decode words. Learners match CVC words to pictures, spell CVC words with the moveable alphabet, and read Bob Books or passages in their UFLI booklets. We are also starting to integrate high-frequency sight words into our weekly phonics lessons. This week, we focused on the word the. We listened to a song and then completed a worksheet to help us recognize this tricky word! Encourage your learner to spell and write this word at home and see if they can find it in a book!
Group Two was introduced to a helpful checklist that includes essential writing guidelines, such as using punctuation correctly, applying capital letters where needed, and leaving finger spaces between words. With this checklist, they've been able to focus on crafting well-structured sentences. To put their skills into practice, they watched a 2-minute silent video and had to build sentences based on what they observed. Working with a buddy, they reviewed each other's work before meeting with the Guide for a final review. This peer review process is a crucial part of their learning journey, as it helps them reflect on their writing and refine their skills.
Next week, we'll continue to focus on writing full sentences. We will focus on a story's beginning, middle, and end. This will give the Sparks the tools to organize their thoughts and create more cohesive narratives! Way to go, Sparks!
Geography
As we continued to learn about the various continents, we introduced different animals. For a hands-on experience, the Sparks went into the gym to play a game. The objective was for each team to place the animals into the right hoop locatedat each continent. Once finished, the team would sit down, and the guide would review their results. If any animals were in the incorrect hoop, they had to try again. One group focused on Antarctica, Asia and Europe and the other focused on South America, Australia and Africa. To explore the animals of North America, we read a story together!
French
On Monday, we coloured the names of the most common animals and learned the Mistigri song. We played animal-themed Bingo on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, we played a memory game about animals. We ended our weekly French lessons in the gym on Thursday, reviewing our new French vocabulary.
Additional Highlights
The Sparks enjoyed playing outside in warmer weather this week and had fun visiting the sledding hill. We also celebrated two special birthdays; we hope these learners have the best year! This week, many Sparks brought in ocean animals to Show and Share. One learner brought in a shark Lego kit he had built and gave a wonderful presentation about sharks. Other learners brought in narwhals, frogs and posters they made of the ocean! Awesome creativity, Sparks!
Discovery Studio
Mindfulness and Launch
On the first morning of Session 5, Rebels gathered for a special, mindful discussion about our Freedom Levels and Studio Contracts. We have many learners beginning the transition up from the Spark Studio this session, so it was an excellent opportunity to review the promises we made at the beginning of the year and see how they've been holding up, consider if we need to add or edit anything, and how we might want to recommit to have our best session yet! Tuesday morning, we started our day with mindful colouring, featuring a unicorn in a raincoat to celebrate the beautiful spring weather! For Launch, we worked more on determining our Freedom Levels: specifically, what are the levels, and what does freedom mean at the level? On Wednesday morning we gathered to share in the beginning stages of a super fun Revel tradition - March Mammal Madness! Rebels looked at a few "who would win" scenarios, and we started to wrap our heads around how this competition works. We look at animal traits, considered "upset" scenarios and, of course, HOME HABITAT ADVANTAGE! Rebels are excited to start working on their brackets. During the Launch, we discussed the history of Pink Shirt Day and how kindness should be shared without seeking the reward of a Rebel Buck. The Rebels were challenged to spread kindness throughout the school. Thursday morning, the Rebels had the choice to do Yoga with Ms. Mel in the Gym or Meditate with Ms. Amy. For Feel-Good Friday, we welcomed our newest learners into our Boomwhacker warm-ups and then made a song request list for this session. Friday's Current Events report featured a poll on "booing" national anthems (is it a way to express emotions or is it disrespectful) and a discussion about the results of the provincial election. Rebels were excited to see that Chandra Pasma won in our school's riding (she visited our studios during the Government Quest a couple of years ago!).
Reader/Writer
In this session in Reader/Writer, we are working on Persuasive Speeches. We discussed some interesting ways to convince our parents of things we want before brainstorming persuasive topics about the Children's Business Fair, a suggestion they want to make at home or suggestions for Revel. Some learners finished their brainstorming and moved on to writing their scripts.
Math Lab
Monday's Lab with Aim and Release Rebels was all about what it takes to run a business. These Rebels will be in charge of managing a lawn-mowing business over the next several weeks, developing a variety of mathematical skills related to entrepreneurship. This week's focus was on naming their business, forecasting revenue based on different booking scenarios and determining which company offered a better deal on pricing for flyers to advertise the Rebels' services.
On Wednesday, Draw and Anchor Rebels were tasked with running a childcare business! These Rebel babysitters started planning care kits by selecting craft items within a $25 budget and organizing care schedules based on their client's requests. They used analog clocks to ensure bedtimes were met and the house would be cleaned up by the time parents arrived home.
Next week, we'll introduce Canadian currency warm-ups to both groups in addition to their business management tasks.
Civilizations
This week's story was all about Peter the Great and the Westernization of Russia. Rebels mapped key locations to visualize the "west" that Peter was trying to expand into, such as the relative areas of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden compared to Poland and bodies of water like the Baltic and Black Seas. They also learned about some cultural shifts at this time, like how people dressed, learned or spent leisure time.
French
This week, the Rebels spun a wheel to discover which French-speaking country they would research and create a tourist brochure about. We started our research and then played a Kahoot called Pay francophone ou fromage qui pue? (Guess if it's a French-speaking country or a stinky cheese!)
Quest
Welcome to our Entrepreneurship Quest! Over the next six weeks, Rebels will "travel" to Motivation, Market, Unit Economics, Hiring, and Competition Island. Learners began by creating their own ship avatars that will travel to the different islands to show their progress throughout the session. Rebels then thought about their gifts, talents, and motivations that could fuel their business idea. They were inspired by the story of Mikaila's Bee Sweet Lemonade, which got its start at an Acton Children's Business Fair and is now on Whole Foods shelves! On Tuesday, the Rebels partook in a feedback questionnaire and a motivation quiz to help them determine more about themselves as entrepreneurs. Wednesday, the entrepreneurs had time to brainstorm possible business ideas. They also had the opportunity to consider and apply to be co-owners of their business with another Rebel. When their business proposal was approved, their parents, aka investors, wrote a letter or email detailing their business proposal and the projected investment. On Thursday, learners had time to complete their work from earlier in the week before playing a few entrepreneurial-inspired games.
Physical Development
On Tuesday, the whole studio decided to head into the gym together. We met in a big circle, and learners volunteered to show the group an exercise or a stretch to help us warm up. We then played a game called Hideout. In this game, there is one person in the middle of the gym with the indoor snowballs. We used the gym mats to create four barriers around the room. The learners can stay behind the barriers for up to ten seconds, but then they need to come out and try to run to the next hideout without being hit by a snowball. It was a high-energy, fun game! On Thursday, everyone headed outside to enjoy the newly fallen snow. After making the trek to the park in the deep snow, the learners enjoyed making forts and snow people!
Exploration Studio
Mindfulness and Launch
Ready for Session 5?! The Exploration Rebels began their week with a planning meeting where we discussed Session 4 badge submission deadlines, Session 5 jobs, Wheel of Fortune spins, prizes for completing all five Problem of the Week puzzles, our new Audit Committee, and the events that will take place over the next six weeks. After playing a few songs with Boomwhackers on Tuesday morning, we discussed resilience and what it really feels like. With the help of Dr. Becky, we learned that frustration is a sign that we are in the Learning Space, and by reframing our negative feelings, we can learn to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable. We began a new art project on Wednesday - Embroidery and Cross Stitching! Rebels were shown how to separate thread, thread a needle, and given project ideas.After trying out a few stitches, they designed their pieces, which they will begin next week! As it was Pink Shirt Day, we also took some time to discuss bullying and learned some startling stats as to its prevalence. Thursday's blended yoga and pilates flow featured both seated and standing side-body stretches, seated single-leg pike lifts and ended with a squats challenge. Rebels focused on breathing continuously through each movement and listening to their bodies! After yoga, we learned about conflict goods, with a focus on diamonds and the fact that the reason diamonds cost so much is more due to savvy (and sometimes unethical) business practices and incredibly successful advertising campaigns than the actual inherent value of the stone based on supply and demand. Friday, we struggled with Contexto before our Rebel-led Current Events taught us about the Four Nations tournament and ten inspiring young Canadians.
Math Lab
This session's theme is Patterns and Algebra. To begin, Rebels shared their thoughts on what algebra is. They said it "uses letters," "uses variables," is "advanced" or "complex," and is "giving Grade 9 vibes." However, through the next few weeks of labs, we hope that they come to see that algebraic reasoning is something they already have and are skilled at! This week, we worked with Cuisenaire rods (or relational rods) to describe relationships in pictures, words and, eventually, symbols. For example, if the purple and brown rods are equal to one whole, what is one-quarter? Which numbers and symbols most clearly and precisely capture the relationship? We also played with Math Mobiles, where intuition about balance and equivalence is required for success. Great teamwork this week, Rebels!
Reader/Writer
In this session in Reader/Writer, we will be creating online portfolios to showcase our progress and learning journey. We discussed why a portfolio is a good idea and explored some examples online. We also talked about how, instead of a digital footprint, it is now referenced as a digital tattoo. We spoke about safety and how we must be very careful about what we put online.
French
This week, we talked about the 'Oulipo' movement in French literature and watched a video about what Verlan is. Then, Madame Marianne showed us an example of what the Rebels would do in this session—describing the story of an object—by sharing the story of her great-grandmother's butterfly collection. After that, the Rebels chose their own objects. We then started practicing writing in the passé composé and imparfait (past) by working on activity sheets.
Civilizations - Cartography
Salt has played an integral part in world history since 6050 BC and has influenced the cultural, political, economic, religious and scientific aspects of civilizations across the globe. On Tuesday, Rebels learned about gabelle, a form of tax in France before the Revolution of 1789—in particular, from the 15th century onward, on salt. After completing our research, learners met in small groups to debate whether salt was most important for health reasons, such as food preservation and doctoring, or for economic and political reasons, as it drove trade across the globe. We also pondered what commodity today is comparable in economic, religious or cultural importance to salt, with learners coming up with oil, sugar, silicon, and water.
Quest
Welcome to our Sustainable Living and Entrepreneurship Quest! On Monday afternoon, learners were split into groups of four and were told the goal was to become the most successful fishing company. Each group was given one "boat," 20 seconds to "fish," then added up their catch and subtracted their taxes. If they had enough, they could buy more boats to increase the fish they could bring in. However, after multiple rounds of fishing and breeding seasons, there were fewer and fewer fish to catch, affecting their profits. Soon, our fishing companies had to start selling boats, and all eventually went bankrupt due to overfishing. We analyzed what happened as a group and learned that this is a perfect example of the Tragedy of the Commons. Rebels discussed the pull they experience when the short-term, positive effects go to the individual, while recognizing the long-term, adverse effects are spread out to the group. We ended Quest by learning about the three pillars of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. On Tuesday, we focused our Quest period on recycling, the biggest problems facing our current plastic recycling process, and exploring potential solutions to these systems. We began with a sorting activity where Rebels had to organize a plastic bin full of items into trash, green bin, black bin, blue bin, and other. We quickly realized we weren't sure about several of the items. Rebels then watched a TedEd video about why recycling is so confusing, the recycling numbers (resin levels) on plastics, and how only 9% is recycled each year. Learners were then shown the City of Ottawa website that explains what goes in each bin and were surprised to learn that several items they had always assumed were recyclable were, in fact, not. Using the website and its Waste Explorer, Rebels resorted the items from the first activity again, learning where we had made mistakes. On Wednesday, we spent the first part of Quest making posters and a presentation for the other studios to improve our recycling and Revel. Using pictures of everyday items, learners hope we can help everyone sort with confidence and, therefore, throw out less due to contamination. Rebels then brainstormed ways that they could reduce their contribution to landfills and learned about "Right to Repair" and durability laws. Lastly, while we have often heard "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle," a crucial step is to Refuse. Rebels learned about community Buy Nothing Groups, the Ottawa Tool Library, and minimalist living. We ended our week by coming up with ideas for our sustainable businesses that will be open for sales at our Session 5 Exhibition. We agreed that our companies should use recycled, pre-owned, or natural materials wherever possible and that learners will need to track their expenses and where they found their supplies. We brainstormed a list of ideas, and so far, we have learners who want to repurpose sports equipment, sew doll clothing, create a consignment store, propagate and sell plants, and upcycle clothing or furniture. We can't wait to see their products in five weeks!
Apprenticeship Prep
In Apprenticeship Prep, we read how reflecting on opportunities that excite you and injustices that anger you are great starting points for discovering a career you will be passionate about. We learned that whether we have trouble or not, there are four habits we can practice to prepare: slow down, try being more grateful, spend time with someone less fortunate, and be sensitive when instinct tells you that you know what will happen next. Once we find a spark, we must decide if it authentically moves us or is just a passing feeling. Afterward, Rebels wrote two opportunities and two injustices in their Apprenticeship workbook before working on their Top 10 Apprenticeship lists.
Additional Highlights
It's time for March Mammal Madness!!! After learning about the format of the competition, the four divisions, Home Habitat Advantage, and the point system, we began our research! Rebels (and their families) have until March 7th to submit their bracket!
With multiple new learners in our studio, it was time for all of us to recommit and our new studiomates to sign the Covenants, Rules of Engagement, and Technology Policy at Town Hall. Learners also received their Session 4 badges, spun the Wheel of Fortune, agreed to a new contest, and gave Character Callouts. We also celebrated four very special birthdays this week. We hope the Rebels have an incredible year of growth and adventure in the year ahead!
Launchpad Studio
On Monday morning, we had a team meeting to discuss our biggest priorities for the next six weeks, as well as for the remainder of the school year. Learners mapped out their week, scheduling when they would complete their coursework and adjusting their sessional goals.
AP Biology
This week, our learner began our unit on Gene Regulation and Cell Communication. She learned how cells with identical DNA take on various structures and functions to coordinate the complex activities of an organism. She also completed our usual series of readings, took notes, made flashcards, and prepared for next week's test. As there is a Bacterial Transformation Lab next week, our learner also made agar plates and spread cells to establish her bacteria culture in advance. Lastly, she participated in a discussion with classmates, created a quote representing the theme of biology, and wrote a short personal biography.
AP Language and Composition
Our AP Language and Composition class began Unit 9 with a similar reading, focusing on logical fallacies and a vocabulary presentation and test. It ended with developing a paragraph on a given topic similar to the quiz texts, focusing on the impacts of syntax throughout, and later replying to classmate's paragraphs with feedback.
Communication & Literature
Next week, our Launchpad learners will begin a choral reading of The Importance of Being Earnest. In preparation, we learned more about the Victorian Era, Oscar Wilde, and the play's themes.
Model UN
In preparation for the Capital Model UN (CAPMUN) hosted by the University of Ottawa, learners received their committees and roles this week. Those not on ad hoc committees began assembling a research binder and reading the background information for their committee.
Additional Highlights
One of our learners successfully completed the Silver Level of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award! She is now taking on the Gold Level and spent the week making a plan for her volunteer, physical recreation, and skill SMART goals. Best of luck!
Potential Discussion Ideas or Questions to Ask Your Rebel:
Spark Studio
What underwater creature did you research?
What animals belong to which continent?
Can you share a time during mindfulness you enjoyed the most? Was it yoga, your speedy workout or writing about your favourite ocean creature in your gratitude journal?
Why can't humans go into the abyssal zone of the ocean?
French : How do you say « Bat » in French? (Chauve-souris)
Discovery Studio
What is the most exciting thing about creating a business: making money, helping people with your product or service, or something else?
What is the scariest part of starting your own business: no one wanting your product/service, not enjoying the work, not having enough time for friends/family, or something else?
In the coming weeks, you'll meet with your Mentor Guide to prep for our next Journey Meeting - is there anything important you want to bring up?
French: Which French-speaking country do you need to create a tourist brochure for?
Exploration Studio
Which step is the most beneficial for our environment: reduce, reuse, recycle, refuse, or repurpose?
What are your sustainable business ideas?
What is a math mobile, and how do you balance one?
You are Louis XVI on the eve of the French Revolution. French revolutionaries demand that you abolish la gabelle, the tax on salt that they see as a high and unjust amount but that your advisors see as a means to fund much of your military and government. Do you:
Abolish la gabelle, giving in to people you see as scum and reducing military spending but perhaps avoiding a bloody revolution;
Decrease la gabelle to appease the revolutionaries, hoping they will compromise;
Keep la gabelle and use the taxes from it to hunt down and kill each and every revolutionary.
What apprenticeships do you have on your Top Ten list so far?
French: What is Verlan? (When people in France speak backwards to sound more cool)
Important Upcoming Dates
March Mammal Madness Brackets are DUE Friday, March 7th, to be included in the Revel contest (More to come on this!)
Pi Day - Friday, March 14th
St. Patrick's Day - Monday, March 17th
Discovery Journey Meetings (sign-up on BAND)
with Mel - Monday, March 17th - Friday, March 21st, 2025
with Amy - Monday, March 24th - Friday, March 28th, 2025
Launchpad Model UN - Friday, March 21st - Sunday, March 23rd
Session 5 Exhibitions
Discovery Exhibition - Tuesday, April 1st at 4:15 pm
Spark Exhibition - Wednesday, April 2nd at 4:15 pm
Exploration Exhibition - Thursday, April 3rd at 4:15 pm
Sessional Break and Camp - Monday, April 7th - Friday, April 11th
Good Friday (No School) - Friday, April 18th
Easter Monday (No School) - Monday, April 21st