Week 1: Recap

This year, in person at CRA, we have E starting 3rd grade. His passions are technology, science (especially astrophysics), reading complex content to uncover answers to his deepest questions, and spending time innovating with an eager partner. To kickoff the start of CRA, we began with defining the school experience for the year and creating the CRA Handbook. We also spent some time enjoying summer days while performing experiments as they presented themselves. Each week, we will have a “conceptual plan” that serves as a loose guide for the week but plans may roll over week to week to allow for deep investigations as interests emerge.

Pondering How It Works

He complained of not being well rested because of a funny sound coming from his white noise machine during the night. We took that as an opportunity to ponder just how an innovation such as this was created. And, why. This sketch depicts his visual exploration of the device from the exterior only.

Disassembling

We explored the change in pitch of the machine by comparing it to a recorder. Then finally took the device apart to see if we could find the source of the strange sound! He diagrammed how the device works before carefully reassembling.

Community Contributions

As part of the community, each member is responsible for making contributions to care for their spaces and each other. Here E is taking ownership of washing the “reusable paper towels” he prefers we use to the standard disposables in most facilities.

Snack Cleaning

Some jobs call for a little vacuum.

Wooden Puzzles

After some time exploring the wooden puzzle, we decided to seek guidance. Now, E knows more than 1 way to solve this brain teaser.

Area Math

E enjoys finding areas of shapes so we made it physical by creating many shapes using post it notes in various configurations. We also explore perimeter.

Fine Motor Work

One of our goals this year is improving upon fine motor strength. We will integrate a multitude of fun activities that specifically target hand strength. Today, we worked on paper folding to race airplanes.

Regulation

At CRA we learn about the functions of the body and how to sense and interpret the sensations our body provides us. Interoception work is part of our daily activities. Here E is trying out a silent whistle necklace that helps to regulate the body through deep, slow breaths. He said “It makes me feel soooooo sleepy……”

Creative Doodles

Rather than engage in Math, E found a way to fold a flat piece of paper and use shading to give the optical illusion of a 3d cube.