Discovery had a wonderful week to kick off the final session of the year!
This session we launched a Mandarin language special for both the Discovery and Spark heroes. First, they explored the concept that Chinese is a tonal language, which means that the pitch or intonation used when pronouncing a word can change its meaning entirely. They learned the four tones: First Tone: High and level (e.g., ā); Second Tone: Rising, like asking a question (e.g., á); Third Tone: Falling then rising, a bit like a dip (e.g., ǎ ); Fourth Tone: Sharp and falling (e.g., mà). They had a great time twisting their tongues to create new types of sounds that they aren’t used to the English language.
Next, the heroes practiced counting from 1 to 10 in Mandarin, both verbally and in sign language. They learned the pronunciation and writing of the numbers:1 (一, yī); 2 (二, èr);3 (三, sān);4 (四, sì);5 (五, wǔ);6 (六, liù);7 (七, qī); 8 (八, bā); 9 (九, jiǔ); 10 (十, shí). The heroes also got a taste of Chinese calligraphy by practicing writing the numbers 1 to 10. They learned about the stroke order and the artistic aspects of Chinese characters, appreciating the beauty and precision required in Chinese writing.
In core skills, Discovery heroes are embracing the hero buck challenge of journaling in their core skills “Excellence Journals.” The goal is to enhance their understanding, retention, and application of key concepts. It also helps them build the note-taking habit that will benefit their future learning. Did you know that by writing something down with your hand, retention increases by 70%?
The journals also serve as a toolbook for the heroes to look back and identify areas of improvements and growth. The heroes are also encouraged to include questions or confusions in the notes that they can ask the guide during core skills and during bi-weekly goals check-ins.
In communication challenges, the heroes are preparing for their Journey Meetings with their parents. These meetings are designed to strengthen the connection between home and the studio, providing an opportunity for heroes to showcase their achievements and reflect on their learning journey with their parents. They are also learning how to plan and lead a meeting, just like in real life. Next week, Discovery heroes send out invitations to parents and schedule a time to meet and discuss their learning progress.
This session’s quest is “Survivor.” In this quest, the heroes will explore the basic needs of human survival: food, water, shelter, safety, first aid, and identity. They will also learn the difference between a “want” and a “need,” while putting themselves into new, challenging situations that push them to the edge of their challenge zones.
On Tuesday, the heroes completed the knot-tying challenge by practicing half-hitch knot, clove-hitch knot, alpine-butterfly knot, and figure-eight knot. These knots are designed to secure objects or secure ropes to trees, and build up to their upcoming survivor challenges. On Thursday, the Discovery heroes took on one of the most thrilling and essential survival tasks: building fire! They practiced starting a fire without the use of a lighter, pushing them to harness their resourcefulness and problem-solving skills while understanding the science behind fire-making. They collaborated with Spark heroes to collect dry grass and wood branches, and tried three methods to start a fire: magnifying glass; rubbing sticks; flint & steel. Heroes supported each other, sharing tips and encouragement, highlighting the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges. The heroes were successful and celebrated by roasting s’mores on over their hard-won fires.
On Friday, we celebrated the achievements of our Discovery heroes in session six with a special Badge Ceremony, honoring their hard-earned badges in Learning to Be, Civilization, and Communication Challenges. This ceremony was a joyous and meaningful event, recognizing the dedication, growth, and accomplishments of each hero!
