Spark Studio, Year 5, Session 2
Our Learning Journey In the Spark Studio!
Over the past five weeks, our heroes explored science, geography, storytelling, grace and courtesy, creativity, and character development with curiosity and joy. Following Montessori principles and Acton’s learner-driven approach, each week encouraged them to follow their interests, build independence, and develop new skills in meaningful ways. We also enjoyed the excitement of Halloween and the warmth of Thanksgiving, making this session extra special and full of happy memories for our community.
Montessori Activities
Geograph
Learners explored the North America biome, including its animals, birds, weather patterns, and famous landmarks. They learned about desert, forest, grassland, and wetland biomes, identifying where each is located on the map. Older heroes extended their learning by using the movable alphabet to create stories inspired by the animals they studied.
Science & Nature
Heroes learned about the human skeleton, including bones, joints, skull, and ribs, while comparing movements with model skeletons. They explored spider anatomy using nomenclature cards, studied different pumpkin types and life cycles, and investigated leaves to understand why they change color and how some are used medicinally. Heroes also explored the history, cultural significance, and uses of corn and practiced identifying turkey parts using Montessori 3-part cards.
Heroes learned about the human skeleton, including bones, joints, skull, and ribs, while comparing movements with model skeletons. They explored spider anatomy using nomenclature cards, studied different pumpkin types and life cycles, and investigated leaves to understand why they change color and how some are used medicinally. Heroes also explored the history, cultural significance, and uses of corn and practiced identifying turkey parts using Montessori 3-part cards.
Grace & Courtesy / Practical Life
Heroes practiced washing hands, cutting apples and strawberries, arranging food, serving others before eating, and cleaning up their work areas. They learned to ask politely, make eye contact, wait for responses, and use phrases like “Thank you,” “No, thank you,” and “You’re welcome.” Practical life lessons included composting and returning materials neatly to shelves. Heroes contributed ingredients and worked together to prepare Stone Soup, learning cooperation, sharing, and teamwork. They also practiced Montessori flower arranging, developing concentration, coordination, independence, creativity, and an appreciation for beauty, while practicing careful handling of materials and mindful clean-up.
Heroes practiced washing hands, cutting apples and strawberries, arranging food, serving others before eating, and cleaning up their work areas. They learned to ask politely, make eye contact, wait for responses, and use phrases like “Thank you,” “No, thank you,” and “You’re welcome.” Practical life lessons included composting and returning materials neatly to shelves. Heroes contributed ingredients and worked together to prepare Stone Soup, learning cooperation, sharing, and teamwork. They also practiced Montessori flower arranging, developing concentration, coordination, independence, creativity, and an appreciation for beauty, while practicing careful handling of materials and mindful clean-up.
Acton Launches (AKA “Socratic Discussions”)
Heroes engaged in hands-on and imaginative activities that built important life skills. During the Sea Explorer Launch, they imagined life under the ocean, moving like fish, dolphins, sharks, and jellyfish, while practicing curiosity, observation, and problem-solving as they explored dark caves, chose essential items, and helped a starfish.
In the Shells Launch, heroes learned about mollusks and their protective shells through Shells: More Than a Home, reflecting on what makes them feel confident or uncomfortable and planning ways to support peers who might be “hiding in their shell.”
During the “Being Brave like Merida” Launch, heroes explored what it means to be brave by imagining challenging situations, practicing their “Brave Voice,” and learning that courage can mean speaking up, trying something new, or leading even when nervous.
Through Honest Story Launch and Cookie Jar Honesty, heroes discussed integrity and truthfulness, while Thanksgiving stories helped them reflect on gratitude. In the Boundaries Launch, they learned to recognize and respect friends’ limits.
These activities supported heroes in developing curiosity, confidence, bravery, empathy, social awareness, and kindness, helping them practice thoughtful decision-making, supporting others, and expressing themselves.
Quest
Dollar Breakers Challenge
Heroes explored where money comes from, how people traded before currency existed, and the purpose of earning, spending, saving, and sharing. They practiced building dollar amounts with different combinations of coins and reflected on the prompt, “If you were money, what would you want people to do with you?”
Heroes explored where money comes from, how people traded before currency existed, and the purpose of earning, spending, saving, and sharing. They practiced building dollar amounts with different combinations of coins and reflected on the prompt, “If you were money, what would you want people to do with you?”
World Class Inventor: Edwin Binney
Reading The Crayon Man, heroes learned how crayons are made and how experimentation leads to invention. They reflected on ways to be inventive in their daily lives.
Reading The Crayon Man, heroes learned how crayons are made and how experimentation leads to invention. They reflected on ways to be inventive in their daily lives.
Creative Problem-Solving
Heroes worked in teams to solve real-world challenges, such as “How can you draw in the car without dropping crayons?” and “How can you turn off your bedroom light from bed?” They planned and built solutions, then reflected on teamwork, challenges, and strategies that helped them succeed.
Heroes worked in teams to solve real-world challenges, such as “How can you draw in the car without dropping crayons?” and “How can you turn off your bedroom light from bed?” They planned and built solutions, then reflected on teamwork, challenges, and strategies that helped them succeed.
Inventing WOW: Can Fun Be a Business?
Inspired by Mr. Ferris and His Wheel, heroes explored inventing for fun. They designed their own “WOW” inventions such as rides, games, shows, or experiences and named their creations, and thought about how to turn them into a business. Heroes reflected on what went well, the challenges they faced, who helped them, and what they might do differently next time. This activity encouraged creativity, entrepreneurship, and bold thinking.
Crafts & Creative Projects
Heroes created Halloween edible crafts like Apple Mouth Monsters and Popcorn Hands, decorated pumpkins, made Leaf Man art, and completed turkey crafts alongside Montessori 3-part card activities. They also made thank-you cards inspired by gratitude stories and engaged in fall-themed shelf work that fostered creativity and independence.
Town Hall
During Town Hall, heroes collaborated to create Circle Time Rules & Agreements, taking responsibility for their environment and contributing to a respectful and caring classroom community.
