The focus of the week was kind communication. We explored the idea of “invisible bandages,” the things we can do to help friends with hurt feelings like apologies, checking in, or hugs. We talked about icy, hot and warm forms of communications and how we can use the words, “I feel…..” to express ourselves in a warm way to others.
The heroes are continuing to explore weather and seasons. This week, they prepared a “seasons timeline” for the exhibition and each hero determined in what season their birthday falls. This activity was part of a broader lesson on what causes the seasons. We used a lamp and globe to explore what causes day and night (the rotation of the Earth), why a year is a year (one revolution around the sun), and how the tilt of the Earth causes the seasons. The heroes were most excited to understand the concept of day and night and see how one half of the Earth was illuminated while the other was not. “So when it’s daytime here, it’s nighttime in Asia?” they asked excitedly. We also asked each hero how many times he or she has revolved around the sun. “I’ve gone around six times!” “I’ve gone five!”
Sparks also continued their autumn explorations outside, making weather wands, scavenging for pumpkins, and creating beautiful leaf rubbings. They enjoyed watching squirrel nest cams and considering what squirrels do to make a cozy home. They used their skills gained from carving up pumpkins to cut up cardboard boxes into toy garages and sheds. Outdoors, they enjoyed creating more leaf potions and soups and continuing pumpkin explorations by rescuing old Halloween pumpkins about to go to waste.
In town hall last week, the heroes decided they wanted individual bee hives (rather than one team bee hive) to determine who earns the Friday Prize, and they laid out the myriad ways they can earn bees for their bee hive. Ask your hero how they earn bees!
We unveiled the inflatable gaga pit this week which was a HUGE hit! The whole school had a blast playing together and are looking forward to more games next week.
