2023-2024 Session 4 Newsletter

Happy New Year from Acton Academy East Bay! Our Eagles enjoyed an engaging session filled with academic inquiry and hands-on learning.

This included exciting scientific discoveries, gaining knowledge about physics, and learning interesting facts about the solar system. The Eagles utilized the six weeks of this session to expand their knowledge about the world around them, expand their academic horizon, and build soft skills such as time management, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. 

We are also excited to share that registration for Summer@Acton camps are open. Join this fun and enriching summer program designed to ignite your child's curiosity, foster creativity, and empower your learner with essential skills for success.  Sign up now as space is limited. The deadline for registration is Friday, May 31st. 

Jump to your Eagles' section of our Studio Blog by clicking here:

Sparks Elementary Middle

Sparks

Morning Launches

Everyday, Sparks Eagles look forward to our morning discussions. They have the opportunity to think, analyze, and express their opinions. Together we set up the right path to become better selves.  

Our discussions for this session included how strong and sometimes overpowering our emotions can be and this can affect how we behave. When this happens, we use a few techniques that can help us regulate those big emotions. 

We also had discussions about habits and what makes us acquire a habit. The Eagles were introduced to the “seven habits of happy kids” which they were very excited to learn. We gained a lot of knowledge about each other and understood how habits can be both good and bad.

There were also deep discussions about role models. Who are they and what are the characteristics of a role model?  They learned that a role model can be anyone, including themselves! 

Ellie, “I enjoy our morning circles!"

Work Time

Work Time is mostly the time where our Studio can be both busy and quiet. In this two hour period of time, Eagles are practicing math using the Montessori apprentices like Golden Beads, Stamp Game, Checker Board, Division Test Tubes and a lot more. They learn the fundamentals of math and some have already moved from the concrete form of learning to the abstract one where they can work with pencils and papers solving problems without the need to use the materials. Some of our second graders can solve more than 10 digits long division problems.

Deniz, “ I am proud I can solve long divisions no matter how long the problem is!”

Work Time also includes Language Arts, where they focus on the Montessori Waseca Set to learn the foundation of spelling and reading. For older children learning grammar, using the Montessori Materials has been an invaluable part of their daily practice to help in their advanced writing.

Aasir, “I like working with Language Materials!”

Discovery Time

Discovery Time is our hands-on project based, collaborative learning time in the studio. This session, the Eagles had a blast learning about space. They got the opportunity to study about Earth, such as what is inside of Earth and all the different layers that make up our planet. They also learned about the Big Bang Theory and the atmosphere in space. 

The Eagles were very curious in exploring our solar system with its eight planets. They gathered information about each planet and learned what makes the planets different. We also discovered the reason that made Pluto not part of today’s solar system.

Astronauts with their complicated spacesuits were of great interest to us. They enjoyed discovering more about how astronauts live in spaceships. Researching and gathering information about our sun, asteroids, comets, stars, constellations, and black holes was so much fun.  The Eagles were introduced to the famous star patterns in the sky. We also learned about our one and only moon. We saw its orbit as well as its eight phases.

Vivaan, “Learning about Space was so much fun!”

Writing

For this session’s writing, Sparks Eagles were introduced to Procedural writing. They were able to practice it in their daily writing. In their writing project, they wrote paragraphs that explained how to complete a certain task, showing the steps needed to reach the goal.

The Eagles also worked diligently on writing their Antarctica book. They worked in pairs, switching partners every now and then, which made it interesting when recording their research and findings. This collaborative exercise also allowed older Eagles to help guide younger ones, as well as building stronger bonds of trust and friendship.

Geography

Our Eagles love to learn about geography and the continents. They were able to make their own passports with pictures of themselves and use it when they “travel” to a different continent. This session, they were able to add the continent of Antarctica to their passports. 

The Eagles learned that Antarctica is the driest, coldest, and windiest continent on Earth. They also learned that Antarctica is a desert and is covered mostly with ice. It was interesting for them to “see” what a day in Antarctica looked like and how it contributes to about 70% of the world’s fresh water.  The Eagles were very curious about what they learned and had many questions and discussions each day!

Art

Art is one of our Studio’s favorite times. They made individual arts where they formed planets on paper. They also used beads to make their own favorite planet. They worked on a collaborative art project where they made the solar system using different materials like bottle caps, cardboards, and paints. They had an amazing time working on the project and were delighted by their completed art pieces.

Physical Education

This session, the Eagles got an opportunity to learn and play badminton. They enjoyed this sport tremendously since it fostered teamwork, a healthy competition, and self-confidence. Many of the Eagles did not have any experience with this sport before, but with consistent practice, they were to learn and improve their badminton skills by the end of the session.

Field Trip - Exploratorium

Our Eagles look forward to every field trip each session and this one was no exception.  Getting the opportunity to enjoy quality time outside of the studio, engaging in new experiences, and making fun memories together is an important core value in their educational journey.

Our Eagles had a blast at the Exploratorium, spending the day getting hands on with science. The Eagles enjoyed each exhibit, sparking their curiosity in even the simplest displays. From exploring movement, bubbles, sight, sound, touch and so much more, our Eagles spent the day learning about different topics in science through fun and engaging exhibits. 

Exhibition

Sparks Eagles shined at the Exhibition. They chose what really mattered to them and what they wanted to share. Big decisions were made to showcase these important work. 

The Eagles also took pride in their studio maintenance by cleaning, organizing, and decorating their space. 

These Eagle-led exhibitions give them an opportunity to build their confidence, work collaboratively towards a goal, plan, and perform live. They love sharing what they learned during the session with their family and community.

Our Eagles worked hard and showed grit and dedication.  We hope they will enjoy their well-deserved break this week and we look forward to the start of Session 5!

Elementary

The Story of Energy Quest

In Quest, ES Eagles dived deep into the world of physics where they discovered how energy was made and learned about the energy timeline. We started the session by examining the Big Bang theory. From there, we learned how our ancestors used different sources of energy to sustain life.

Eagles took the roles of hunter-gatherers by building huts from cardboard and wooden sticks, pretending to hunt for food, and designing a menu based on the diet of hunter-gatherers.

We then moved forward to the Industrial Revolution, its causes and effects, to look at the technological and social progression during this period. Eagles got inspiration from inventors in the 1800s and developed their machines using at least two types of energy from the seven basic types of energy.

This project allowed their creativity to blossom. Due to the complexity of their machines, they learned many meaningful lessons about collaboration. 

This Quest ended with numerous discoveries and interesting facts. We are looking forward to more exciting journeys in Quest in session 5! 

Writers Workshop

Elementary Eagles did a juggling act this session with various mini-projects. They created books about the Solar System planets, wrote a collaborative story together, worked on their spelling skills, created astronomical word puzzles, and of course learned a few tricks in juggling.

The objective was to give them a variety of chances to work simultaneously on various texts and be able to switch between modalities. Their planetary books contained a combination of texts, images, drawings, and infographics.  They had to learn how to categorize information under headings and subheadings and at times communicate information via other media rather than text.

Physical Education

This session, Acton Eagles got to play badminton. They enjoyed this sport tremendously since it fostered teamwork, healthy competition, and self-confidence. A lot of Eagles never had any experience with this sport, yet with consistent practice, they were extremely pleased with their skills by the end of the session.

Exploratorium

Our Eagles look forward to every field trip each session and this one was no exception.  Getting the opportunity to enjoy quality time outside of the studio, engaging in new experiences, and making fun memories together is an important core value in their educational journey. 

Our Eagles had a blast at the Exploratorium, spending the day getting hands-on with science. The Eagles enjoyed each exhibit, sparking their curiosity in even the simplest displays. From exploring movement, bubbles, sight, sound, touch and so much more, our Eagles spent the day learning about different topics in science through fun and engaging exhibits.

Exhibition

Our student exhibitions are a rewarding and exciting end to every session, a culmination of all the hard work and effort they put into their projects, assignments, and activities. 

The Eagles proudly and confidently presented a snapshot of their work throughout the session, from a music presentation, to doing word puzzles with the guests, to quizzing their parents’ knowledge through a game of Kahoot and flashcards.

Exhibitions sharpen many skills for our learners. They learn how to set goals and plan to achieve them, delegate and take on responsibilities, make speeches, welcome and lead guests, present work, and put up a concert. This is invaluable for our learners and each time they make us very proud.

Closing Statements

Our Eagles continue their hard work, show dedication, creativity, and growth along their journey. We hope that they enjoy their well-deserved break this week and we surely look forward to the start of Session 5!

Middle School

Physics III - Programming Quest

For Quest, our learners focused on Physics III - Programming which allowed each student to build up their coding skill set. At the heart of this Quest was thinking outside the box, using problem-solving skills, and learning new programming languages to create online games, digital art, and even dabbling in robotics.  Each week, Eagles were able to practice their coding skills, make mistakes, reprogram code, make more mistakes, and create fun and interesting solutions for their games. They completed multiple lessons on game design from sprites, collisions, x and y properties, backgrounds, functions, variables, if statements, and much more. 

To give our Eagles games a try, click the links below:

Phenomenal Me - Genre

For Genre, Middle School learners had to choose from various categories of phenomena in the field of physics to conduct their research. They wrote a research essay alongside proper referencing and proposals. The essays reported on the nature of the phenomenon, scientists active in the field, applications of research in the field, and technology used in the field. Apart from a research paper, learners made a visual component to their findings and communicated their knowledge through the use of visual media.

Game of Life

Over the past few weeks, Eagles were introduced to the life of a parent in their Game of Life Family Unit. They have crafted and welcomed new Baby Eagles into the studio with open arms. Learning about a baby's schedule, changing diapers, regular feedings, and tackling the life of a new parent. Included in this family unit was understanding the financial responsibility of a baby, the increased cost of healthcare, and the cost of daycare. Our Eagles researched health insurance plans and daycare centers offered locally and made tough decisions on coverage needs and daycare requirements.

Exploratorium Field Trip

Our Eagles look forward to every field trip each session and this one was no exception. Getting the opportunity to enjoy quality time outside of the studio, engaging in new experiences, and making fun memories together is an important core value in their educational journey.

Our Eagles had a blast at the Exploratorium, spending the day getting hands on with science. The Eagles enjoyed each exhibit, sparking their curiosity in even the simplest displays. From exploring movement, bubbles, sight, sound, touch and so much more our Eagles spent the day learning about different topics in science through fun and engaging exhibits. 

Exhibition

Our student exhibitions are a rewarding and exciting end to every session, a culmination of all the hard work and effort they put into their projects, assignments, and activities. 

For Quest, our Eagles displayed all of their Games throughout the studio and invited guests to learn about why they chose their game, the challenges they faced, their favorite part about coding their game, and then asked guests to play their game. The games in the studio were very diverse with each Eagles personality clearly visible in the games they created. A huge thank you to everyone who was able to join us and celebrate our Eagles success and achievements.

Closing

We are very proud of our Eagles for their continued hard work, dedication, creativity, and growth.  We hope all our Eagles enjoy their well-deserved break this week and we look forward to seeing them back for Session 5!