May 3-7

   Our detectives have been hard at work this week practicing their forensic skills.  

By watching a video, we learned that scientists can connect the microbes found on a person's body to the microbes they left behind at a crime scene.  To test this themselves, the Eagles are observing and comparing the growth of microbes from their hands to the microbes lifted off their computers. 

 

Many Eagles are enjoying writing their own short mysteries during Quest time! As a group, they created some very specific guidelines for Eagles to earn points for their mystery.  They decided; the story must be read aloud, at least 1 minute long, the Eagle can read it on his/her own, it is detailed based on the Eagle's level, and includes a mystery for the other Eagles to solve.  We have had at least 2 friends a day who bring a mystery back to the carpet to share! 

   

Tuesday, we celebrated the Mexican culture during our creative art's time.  Eagles learned the origin of Cinco De Mayo, played a game of "blind chicken," made maracas, listened to traditional Mexican music, and taste-tested various Mexican food. 

   

Thursday during our morning launch, the Eagles were challenged to a game of 'Cotton Ball Art.'  They were given a drawing to direct their blind-folded friend to recreate with the cotton balls. At the end of our game, many Eagles expressed the frustration they felt from not being able to help their friend who could not see.  They could only use their words, which served to be quite a challenge! The Eagles who gave specific directions found that their finished piece closer resembled their goal. 

    

This session, Eagles have the opportunity to earn various levels of freedom with our Level Up Game.  Level 4 Eagles have the freedom to work in the hallway, eat snack anytime, and work outside on Friday.  Whereas, Eagles at Level 1 have the freedom to choose a table or floor spot, must work with a privacy board, and may only eat snack during Collaborative time.  This has been a huge motivator for our Eagles lately! They really enjoy the freedoms they have earned within the studio and fight to keep them by making progress in Core Skills, staying on the carpet during launches, and contributing to Studio Maintenance. 

  

On Thursday after their art time, a group of Eagles took charge and gathered their friends on the carpet to share their creations.  No guide or adult was involved.  A young Eagle led everything; how long each Eagle could share, the order they went in, shutting their computers to be good listeners, and providing encouraging words after their share.