May 2-6

Tuesday our Eagles had the opportunity to meet with a Writing Buddy during Writer's Workshop.  The goal was to improve their piece based on the trait of Idea Development; including details, describing things in unique ways, using showing sentences, keeping writing on topic, and displaying a love for the story.  We are so grateful for our Writing Buddies! The Eagles love their help and the important role they play in improving their stories. 

Thursday, Eagles worked on editing their story by utilizing the Community of Editors. 5 Eagles chose an area to check the group's work for mistakes.  They then passed their piece around and made edits based on their chosen area; capitols, inner punctuation, outer punctuation, spelling, and juicy words. The writers are now ready to make changes to their piece to prepare it for publishing. 

 

Should we eat bugs? Such an interesting discussion to begin our week in the Entomology Quest.   Most agreed that bugs should not be included as a regular part of anyone's diet, but said they would be willing to try them.  So, Eagles were thrilled (or disgusted) when given the chance to taste test some lemon-lime grasshoppers.  Surprisingly, some even enjoyed them!

  

After taste-testing, Eagles set up a mealworm habitat with their squad.  They will watch as the mealworms move through their lifecycle, changing into pupas and then darkling beetles.  Then share their observations and habitats with families at the Exhibition. 

The rest of the week, our Entomologists experieced what it is like to work out in the field.  As a team, they explored the school grounds to find insects that call our play area their habitat.  After exploring, they were challenged to choose one insect to bring back to the studio.  They then researched about the insects' dietary and home needs, creating a habitat for the creature. 

 

Last week a few Eagles were upset with the way the studio library was being treated and taken care of, so they decided to take initiative and close off the books.  After choosing to pay the guides with free time in exchange for restoring the library, the Eagles decided to work together to organize it themselves.  They shared their expectations and after about 60 minutes of hard work, the library was back in working condition. 

   

This week for our cultural studies Eagles, learned about the Mexican Culture.  We had one of our very own moms come in and share about her culture.  She also led Eagles in making fiesta banners and mini pinatas.  The Eagles learned that Cinco De Mayo is a celebration for Mexico's victory over the French in the 1800s. 

 

Last week in Town Hall a learner brought up the idea to split the Eagles into boys and girls during work time.  Explaining that many people were getting distracted and it would be easier to hold one another accountable this way.  In Town Hall this week, the Eagles put the idea into fruition by making the decision to remove freedom levels (their way of earning various freedoms in the studio- sitting on beanbags, eating snack, working on the couch).  They flipped a coin and the boys moved tables into Room 2, while the girls found new table spots in room 1.  Such an interesting choice to the adults in the room, but one many Eagles seem very happy with.