Japan

Dessert sushi... better in theory than reality!

Experiencing Japan through real sushi!

For twenty-five years, readers have been moved by this telling of Sadako Sasaki's spirited battle with leukemia. She was two-years-old when the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima at the end of World War II, and dizzy spells began when she was twelve. She faced the disease with an irrepressible spirit and focused her energy (and that of everyone who knew her) on folding 1000 paper cranes, which Japanese legend held would prompt the gods to make her well again. 

While learning and practicing the art of origami we realized how 

difficult it would have been to fold 1000 cranes!

We were fortunate to have an opportunity 

to try on Japanese Kimonos!

Japan - a country of respect.

Learning through Japanese theater. 

Making sock puppets, writing scripts and narrating. 

Finally, the culmination of an eight week course of 

Taiko drumming at Artlink . . .

They did a great job!  A+ all around!

Japanese Garden at Fort Wayne Art Museum:

September & October

Exercising our bodies and minds though 

exploration of the city on the River Greenway. 

Researching, writing and delivering 

a report on the people and beliefs of China.

A taste of China comes alive through spring rolls (or were they egg rolls?) 

We had two opportunities to decide!

. . . and finished it off with sweet panda treats! 

A quick trip downtown to visit a 

Terracotta Warrior replica.

 . . . and finally, a run to gate eight 

where we boarded for our flight to Korea.

Cooking class? You bet! Receipe is below - commonly called Korean pancakes. If you are wondering if they were good, take a look at the smiles on these faces!

Korean Hotteok Recipe

http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/hoddeok

Sometimes school finds us simply enjoying each other's company...
like this evening at the Broadway presentation of Stomp.  
Dinner and a show at the Embassy. 

For a peek hit play... 

Archery skills remembered and practiced.

Studying...because it really is challenging!

A New Year, a New Adventure

A tube of toothpaste teaches a valuable lesson: once your words escape you can't take them back. 

Be careful! 

Yes, we really are in school! 

Leadership skills come in many forms. 

How do you have gym class with three students? 

You pack up, go the park and play Frisbee Golf.  

 This year in history, we are focusing on the Eastern hemisphere. Each study area has its own research computer. We then meet and discuss our answers and interesting facts we've learned. Each country is experienced through special activities: guests like Xin (above), preparing and dining on cultural foods and several hands-on activities. We will post throughout the year, so check back often......this isn't your everyday history course!

Learning how to sing Happy Birthday in Chinese is more difficult than you would imagine!

The first field trip of the year included a private tour of the Allen County Court House. I am not sure who had more fun, the Global Treehouse or our tour guide!  

After our tour we walked to Coney Island and had lunch. 

A fun day in the city. 

 

She gets it! Just as a photographer needs to focus on a point of interest, so does a writer.  

Language Arts challenges young writers to be precise and to the point.

Homework?! Yes, this weekend create a cell in the petri dish using household items to represent its different parts. The results were VERY interesting...

One of our Science books is called, Blood and Guts. A model of blood: corn syrup = plasma, 

red hots = red blood cells, marshmallows = white blood cells, sprinkles = platelets, 

smiles = learning.

Doctors call this "lub-dub". Did you know the sound your heart makes is actually 

the opening and closing of your valves?

No, we are not Romans lounging around....we spend time reading everyday. 

National "Talk Like a Pirate Day" complete with eye patches, 

a Brain Pop video on the history of Pirates and ARUGHHHH(s) all the way around!

Photography

One of the advantages of a small classroom is being able to offer individualized instruction. The four Wednesdays in May we were honored with the presence of Ryan Hodges (Photography). Students not only had fun, but also learned about the workings of cameras and composition.  

Learning about our cameras.

Exploring the great outdoors through a camera lens.

Specific answers to questions...

...and learning about angles.

It's quite fun taking pictures of people taking pictures...

What a wonderful opportunity to spend our final day in Ryan's studio. Here we applied what we learned: aperture,  f stops, etc. Check out Ryan's website: http://ryanhodgesphotography.com/

Don't forget to smile!