Sept 27-Oct 1

Eagles have been hard at work all week preparing for their first Exhibition.  The focus of this showcase was to teach parents and give them an inside look at what happens during the Eagles' day.  As a part of their prep the Eagles assigned jobs, decided on a schedule, created programs, practiced a Q&A panel, and discussed the best way to set up the studio.   

  

This week the Eagles finalized their contract.  For the last 24 days they have discussed and tested the promises they felt were needed to maintain the type of environment they want at Acton.  These promises serve as the foundation of their studio and time together, creating boundaries and a safe place for all Eagles. 

 

As they complete their fantasy stories, Eagles met with a Community of Editors to edit their pieces for spelling, punctuation, and capitalization mistakes.  They signed up for the area they felt they could best contribute to the group and gathered together to edit 5 different stories.  The final step in their writing process was to publish their piece.  This session's publication required an illustrated cover attached to their handwritten or typed fantasy story.  I can't wait to read them all!  

  

This week in Art, the Eagles worked on 'Quick Sketches.'  An Eagle made a movement in front of the studio while it was everyone else's job to draw the Eagle completing the movement as quickly as possible.  A great way to practice drawing quickly and removing the focus on perfection. 

Friday morning the Eagles held their first Exhibition of the year.  They began by teaching their parents all about Acton with a Learning Panel.  They explained all their lingo and happenings within the studio; such as Studio Maintenance, Smart Goals, the Hero's Journey, Challenge Zones, Rules of Engagement, and the purpose of the contract they created.  

 

The Eagles then showed off the Lip Dub they worked hard on the entire first week of school! 

Back in the studio, the learners showed off their programs, required badges they had to earn, and their current progress.  They ended their Exhibition with a reflection of the past hour.  The Eagles goal was to display how a discussion looks in our studio and show off their ability to meet without an adult.  

Before families left, Eagles asked for their feedback in 3 ways; to rank the Exhibition, share something that went well, and talk about any improvements that could have been made.  The Eagles found that parent feedback matched their own. 

During our reflection as a studio, the Eagles expressed their frustration with how the Exhibition reflection went.  They disliked how Eagles failed to follow the Rules of Engagement, how the discussion got off topic, and multiple Eagles were not kind.  This information was recorded for next session and will be utilized by the Exhibition Committee to plan the next Exhibition.  

 

Enjoy your week break and we will see you back in the studio October 11th!