Revel Recap: May 26 - May 30, 2025
Spark Studio
Mindfulness and Launch
Welcome to Session 7! To start our first day back together, we sat in rock pose and did an emotion check-in with ourselves. We noticed how our body was feeling and shared an emotion we were feeling with the group. We then discussed what we did over the session break. The Sparks shared that they went to the movies, played video games and soccer, took train rides to Toronto, and visited their grandparents. It sounds like everyone had a fun week! We then enjoyed a fun few rounds of Musical Chairs to get energized for our day ahead! On Tuesday, we used our whiteboards and markers to learn how to draw a soccer ball. Then we coloured in a sports-themed collage. On Wednesday, we discussed the importance of stretching our muscles before physical activity and then completed a stretching routine, followed by a high-energy workout! On Thursday, we played a game called 20 Questions. One person would think of an object, person, or animal, and the group would take turns asking yes-or-no questions to guess what it was. It was a fun way to start our day and enhance our critical thinking and questioning skills! On Friday, we gathered for a Gratitude Circle. We threw a ball to each other, and when we caught it, it was our turn to share one thing we were thankful for. The Sparks talked about their friends at Revel, their houses, grandmas, and moms who cook good steaks were some of the things they were grateful for!
Quest
This week, our studio was buzzing with energy and excitement as we explored the world of soccer and sports! To start, we shared what we already knew about soccer. To learn more about this sport, we read a book called Soccer Time! This book explored the equipment we need, the object of the game, positions, and rules. The next day, we watched a clip from the World Cup for some real-world inspiration and then discussed the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. The rest of the week was spent on the pitch playing! We focused on dribbling, passing, shooting toward targets, and mini-soccer games throughout the week. We also had stations out to try a variety of other sports, such as baseball, volleyball, and football. Throughout the week, we read some soccer-themed stories, such as Curious George Plays Soccer, Dino-Soccer, Soccer With Mom, and Froggy Plays Soccer. The learners also got to use their creativity to design pictures of what their dream soccer ball and jersey would look like! This week wasn't just about learning the rules of a game. It was also about celebrating movement, cooperation, and the joy of trying our best. We were proud of the learners' teamwork, and it was heart-warming to hear them cheer each other on! We encourage you to ask your child what they enjoyed most and kick a ball around together this weekend!
Art
With sports on our minds this week, we completed an abstract art soccer ball craft that had us exploring colour, shape, and lines. The learners were given the option to use oil pastels or crayons to fill in the sections with different colour palettes. They were encouraged to use colour to make the ball stand out from the background.
French
This week, we learned the lyrics to the song "Alouette, gentille alouette" to expand our vocabulary and discover the different parts of a bird. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we created a paper bird craft that flies like a paper airplane. We played a Seek-a-Boo game in the gym on Thursday to review the vocabulary we've been learning.
Math
This week's Math Lab started together as a group practicing our skip counting by 2s. The learners have developed a strong number sense and can count fluently and confidently by two! They then broke off into groups to work on various activities. Some learners completed a soccer field math sheet with addition and subtraction questions, others worked on making 2D shapes using task cards and Magnatiles, and some used the Montessori math materials to explore various math concepts!
Reader/Writer
For our last session of the year, we will have our reading workshops together as a whole group. On Monday, we started with a few rounds of the literacy game "Guess the Word." During this game, the guide would draw lines for how many letters are in the word they are thinking of. The learners would guess a letter. If they guessed correctly, the letter was added to the word. If the letter was not in the word, the guide drew a part of a cat for every letter guessed incorrectly. It was a race to see who could draw a complete cat or discover the word first! Next, the learners broke off into pairs and became word detectives! The learners used their phonetic skills to uncover the mystery sentences during this activity. On Thursday, we began a book study about The Gruffalo. We started by checking out the cover and making a prediction (which we defined as a good guess) about what we thought the story would be about. We drew a picture of our predictions. After reading the story, we drew another picture of what the story was actually about. We also worked on designing the front cover of our book study. We reviewed the story elements on Friday and wrote the title, author, illustrator, setting, and main characters.
Additional Highlights
A big birthday shout-out to two Spark learners who share the same special day! We enjoyed celebrating with them this week!
Discovery Studio
Mindfulness and Launch
This session, our mindful focus is to build trust in our community as we've grown to have 23 Rebels in the Discovery Studio! We started the session with a game called "Thank you for Sharing," where Rebels do not have to share but must listen. The first prompt was, "What makes you nervous?" Rebels shared everything from off-leash dogs to friends not giving time or space when asked. For Launch, we reviewed our ICEE results, looking at how low or high the Rebels rated our studio in the last session regarding our intentionality, civility, energy, and excellence. We compared this in a graph with ratings from much earlier in the year and voted on what we'd like to improve for our final session. In order to raise civility, Rebels want to be careful with their tone, even when upset. Tuesday morning, we continued our focus on building trust by playing two games: a Mindful Movement Would You Rather and Can You Spot the Difference? We focused on trusting that everyone's opinion would be respected (no matter what they picked in Would You Rather) and that everyone would take their turn (during Spot the Difference). For Launch, we celebrated our Squad Leaders and discussed leadership. "When a clown moves into a palace, he doesn't become a king. The palace becomes a circus." Some Rebels took this to mean we can bring joy and laughter into the studio. Others shared that whether it's good or bad, the people in a place impact the environment. When asked if they wanted to be kings or clowns, living in a palace or circus, Rebels said they hoped their leaders would hold people accountable but that each Rebel had a responsibility to do what was right. On Wednesday, the Rebels chose to do a mindful drawing of a duck dressed as a rabbit. The Rebels enjoyed the activity, and we spent some time colouring them. For Session 7, we have five new Discovery Rebels joining our community. Ms. Amy made a Word search with all the Discovery Rebels' names to celebrate and link with our newspaper theme. For Launch, we discussed the topic of invisible UV rays, and the learners made bracelets that changed colour depending on the UV strength outside.
On Friday, we started the day with Boomwhackers. The Rebels wanted to add new songs to the list to play, so we worked on their requests. Then, we focused on Current Events. Did you know they are turning Harry Potter into a TV series? They chose the actors who would play Harry, Ron and Hermione, who were picked out of tens of thousands of kids. We then learned about King Charles' visit and why he made a Throne Speech. Lastly, we debated the online question: 100 humans versus a gorilla. Who would win? What do you think?
Reader/Writer
For Reader/Writer this week, the Rebels were introduced to newspapers and had time to explore the Ottawa Sun and Sunday Star, and some explored the Ottawa Citizen online. We discussed how we used to rely on paper newspapers for our information, but now, we all have access to the news all the time through the Internet. We looked through the newspapers and wrote down what the Revel newspaper needed and what our newspaper should be about.
Math Lab
During both Math Labs this week, Rebels reviewed their Building Thinking Studio protocol that we had built at the beginning of the year. They talked about how showing up, participating, and giving feedback is what it is all about! Then, we introduced the session's Math Fair theme and worked with fractions. Both groups worked on a task called Larger By a Fraction, first comparing geometric representations of fractions of the same shape, then comparing those with different shapes, and eventually written with just numbers. On Monday, Aim and Release worked on a second task called the Twin Test, where they had to consider fractions in context and determine which twin scored better on their tests (given by different teachers with different possible points). In both tasks, all Rebels had to justify and prove their fraction comparisons and work with other groups to determine their accuracy.
Civilizations
This week's story focused on Catherine the Great! We mapped movement between the German States and Russia to show how Catherine and Peter (her eventual husband) met and came to live there. After listening to tales of her reign, including when her husband was making unpopular leadership choices and she led a coup to depose him, Rebels discussed her influence and what they would have done had they been in her position. For example, if you were Catherine, would you have disobeyed your father and married Peter, becoming miserable but securing a path to the throne?
French
In this session, we're exploring Francophone culture through several songs, including "Il était un petit navire," "Je veux" by Zaz, and "La symphonie des nuages" by Zaho de Sagazan. Group 2 sang the same songs but focused on practicing different verb conjugations and agreement exercises.
Quest
In this session, the Rebels will dream, design, and build their very own arcade game! We started Quest by reminiscing about our favourite games. Claw machines, Whack-A-Mole, skeeball, bobbing for apples, and bowling were all favourites. Then, the Rebels were given various maps of famous theme parks such as Canada's Wonderland, Magic Kingdom, and EPCOT and told to explore and write down what they think our carnival needs. On Tuesday, we watched Caine's Arcade, which inspired this Quest. Rebels then had time to explore different types of arcade games and list games we could make. On Wednesday, we made a master list of all the games and designed our excellence criteria. The Rebels decided that all games need to have a sign with the name, be colourful, well crafted, fair, work well, and be easy to understand and play. Then, the Rebels teamed up and decided what game they would like to make for our Carnival Exhibition. We joined to discuss what games the teams would make and if our offerings had enough variety. On Thursday, we played! The gym was set up with multiple carnival games: corn hole, bowling, ring toss, dart throw, and Connect 4. We reflected on which games grabbed our attention, what we liked about them, and how we could make them even more fun.
Physical Development
Physical Development will be completely learner-led this session, which means the learners will plan the warm-up, the game, and the cool-down. On Tuesday, we collaborated to create teams and decide where and when each team would run its games. On Thursday, two Rebels ran gym playing Cross Canada. The other option was to go on a walk with Mme. Marianne.
Exploration Studio
It was a short week in the studio as we journeyed to Québec City from Wednesday to Friday! (See the Québec City blog to hear all about our amazing trip!)
Mindfulness & Launch
Welcome to Session 7! We began our week by reviewing the plan for Québec City, discussing the Late Night Hang and the requirements to earn your way in, the schedule for the week, and yearbook orders. We then took part in a lesson on relationships. (See Health section). We went for a beautiful walk on Tuesday morning before joining a circle to introduce ourselves to a visiting learner.
Health
On Monday morning, we read over two different case studies and identified the type of relationship described as well as the positive and negative actions exhibited. We then discussed the similarities and differences between friendships and romantic relationships and the importance of open communication. In the afternoon, we defined the word affection. Learners then made a list of three activities or ways to show others they like or love them. Rebels listed helping out around the house with laundry, cooking, cleaning, making cards, giving hugs, and listening. We then discussed that as they get older, there may be different ways that they want to show their affection and that some come with risks. After talking about pregnancy and STDs, we also learned about abstinence. While we don't usually have homework, learners answered a few questions before taking home a sheet for their parents to fill out before meeting to compare and discuss their responses. We hope the conversations went well and helped open communication regarding these important topics!
Reader/Writer
Did you show up this year, or did you play it safe? That's what we are reflecting on in Reader/Writer this session. The Rebels will write a five-paragraph essay proving they are on their Hero's Journey. This week, we focused on moving from the Ordinary World, the Call the Adventure and Accepting the Call. We discussed some questions about what makes a hero leave their comfort zone and how you know an ordinary moment is the beginning of a bigger adventure. The Rebels then had time to prove when they jumped into the unknown or accepted a challenge they didn't feel ready for.
French
On Monday, we learned about the different parts of a song. Then, in teams of four, the learners used their creativity to write their own songs in French.
Quest
This session's Quest is about Poetry and Performing Arts! Rebels will be invited to stretch their comfort zones and step into their challenge zones through various instant challenges this session, but before we could begin, we had to talk about trust. Rebels considered a thought experiment by Simon Sinek, considering who they would hire using a matrix comparing performance and trust. Many agreed that a high performer of high trust would naturally be the best candidate, but when this potential hire was out of the running, would you hire a high performer of low trust or a lower performer of high trust? There was an equal debate for both candidates, and while there was no correct answer, we agreed on some special ROEs and Covenants to focus on during this session, as we asked people to take the stage and take risks. We promised to encourage and build each other up, not have side conversations when someone is presenting, and be thoughtful and considerate when giving our feedback. Then, challenge number one was to draft a speech about a topic of personal importance, emphasizing this recipe for the art of public speaking: use authority, emotions, and logic. We engaged in group improv activities on Tuesday, including a clap, ping pong ball, and Zip-Zap warm-up before moving on to activities like Let's Hear It and Yes, And. We were out for our Québec City trip on Wednesday and Thursday, but we will continue with the art of improv and add expression through movement next week!
Launchpad Studio
We met on Monday morning to make a plan for the next six weeks so that each learner finishes the year off on a productive and fun note. The LP learners listed a series of outings they'd like to go on before they all take off for their summer adventures.
To celebrate the completion of their AP exams and Session 6 hard work, Launchpad Rebels went to Happy Lamb Hot Pot for a delicious lunch! It was a new experience for a couple of us; luckily, we had a learner to guide us through the process!
Communication & Literature
For the final writing piece of the year, learners will choose from a list of prompts to complete a well-researched and well-written essay. One learner chose the prompt: What are the things to consider when placing a wind turbine farm? We are looking forward to reading their final piece! They are also reading a Deep Book of their choice for the final tome of the year.
Biology
In preparation for their fetal pig dissection, learners used this week to review the digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems. Beginning with nutrients and energy in food, they read about anabolism and catabolism in the context of the body, as well as basal metabolic rate (BMR), before reading about vitamins and minerals. We then read about simple digestive systems before diving into the specifics of the human digestive system. Rebels then completed a handout and a quiz to demonstrate their knowledge. Later in the week, we studied the respiratory system, including cellular respiration, gas exchange, ventilation, all body parts involved, and respiratory problems. The circulatory system was next, and learners learned about the path blood takes from the heart to the lungs and back. We also reviewed systemic circulation, the difference between arteries and veins, the components of blood, and innate immunity. The week ended with an end-of-unit test. Next week, learners will take a day to dissect a fetal pig, finding the essential structures they learned about this week.
Challenge and Change
This week, our learner completed Unit 8 and created a "breach" experiment that involves breaking a minor social norm and documenting the reactions as part of a broader research project on social deviance.
Pottery
On Wednesday, the learners ventured to the Hintonburg Pottery Studio for the first installment of their wheel pottery course, where they were introduced to how to throw on the wheel. For our learners who have taken a wheel course before, it was a great refresher, and for those new to the art, it was tricky but fun!
Zooniverse
Since the AP exams were over this week, one of our learners pivoted toward other goals, such as contributing to a project called "Where's Walleye?" a few times a week on Zooniverse, a website focused on people-powered research for various scientific projects. "Where's Walleye?" focuses on identifying the biodiversity of the Great Lakes coastal wetlands, primarily Georgian Bay, with traits, photos, and a field guide. Most machine learning models that identify fish species are mainly trained on coral reefs, not wetlands, limiting the environmental and species similarities and, therefore, the machine's use. The volunteer aspect ensures the most likely answer will be the most commonly picked and likely correct! The Launchpad Rebel has already logged multiple hours as a volunteer and feels their identifications are becoming more accurate and quicker!
Children's Business Fair
This week, our learner completed the reflection for this year's event and booked the date and location for the 2026 Ottawa Children's Business Fair! Get ready for Saturday, May 23rd!
Potential Discussion Ideas or Questions to Ask Your Rebel:
Spark Studio
Can you explain how the game of 20 Questions works? Let's play a round together!
What is a prediction? What did you predict The Gruffalo would be about? Was your guess correct? Did you enjoy the story?
How can you be a good teammate? How do you show sportsmanship when playing a game?
Did you enjoy playing soccer this week? What other sports did you try?
French: What is an alouette? (small bird)
Discovery Studio
What's more, ⅘ or ⅞? How did you figure it out?
What's one thing you can do this session to build trust in the studio?
What types of games do you find most engaging and entertaining?
French: Do you know a French artist or a French musician?
Exploration Studio
Which Quest activity was more in your Comfort Zone: the Art of Public Speaking or the Art of Improv?
What is holding you back if you haven't discussed our health class homework, time, or comfort?
What workshops, field trips, and Quests would you like to see next year? Have you shared your ideas with Erin?
French: What was the subject of your song in French?
Launchpad Studio
Have you given Erin your course selection ideas for next year? What are your priorities?
If you are finding motivation low right now, how could we increase it to power through the end of the school year?
What did you choose for your essay topic? Do you have your skeleton complete?
Important Upcoming Dates
Tuesday, June 3rd - Collective Movement workshop with Mandie (Sparks and Discovery, then Exploration)
Cardboard Challenge - Friday, June 13th
Exploration Late Night Hang (Learners must EARN their ticket in!) - Friday, June 13th
Sparks Fitness Class with Alex Mateas- Wednesday, June 18th at 1:30 pm
Graduation Ceremony - Thursday, June 19th
Session 7 Exhibitions
Discovery - Tuesday, June 24th
Spark - Wednesday, June 25th
Exploration - Thursday, June 26th
Mr. Sundae's Ice Cream Truck visit - Thursday, July 3rd