As the new bards embark on their journey at the Academy, they face a crucial task: mastering the elements of earth, wind, water, and fire. Each element holds secrets that, once understood, will lend their enchanted instruments even greater power. From the stability of earth to the adaptability of water, the mobility of wind, and the energy of fire, each element enhances their art, making their performances and creations all the more magical and powerful. . 

• Project: Choose one of the four elements covered in our early training lessons, (1.1-1.5.) Select (1) of the four topics covered, and create a visual guide to the elements of art, music, dance, or drama.   

• Show Mastery: Your guide should cover all elements of the area you choose in-depth. It can be created on a program like Google Slides or Canva, or you can create a physical guide of your own, creating a book of pages to study, or by making something like a poster. Be creative, and ask a teacher if you have questions. Turn-in your guidebook page when you are ready to share. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If your project does not meet specifications and cover the elements of art, music, dance, and drama completely, you will be asked to revise your work. 

As a bard-in-training at The Academy, you have a big task: study 110 famous artworks chosen by the Master Bards. Each piece of art holds important lessons that can make you better, stronger. It's like a puzzle. You'll look at each work, figuring out what the artist was trying to say and how they used colors, lines, and shapes, and then decide which you like the best. This isn't just about learning art, it's about boosting your own power. It might sound tough, but by really digging into these artworks, you'll grow a lot. 

• Project:

1.) Click this link: to open a blank Google Slides presentation: Link to Google Slides.

2.) Click this link: to open a Google Drive folder with 110 Famous Artworks: Link to Google Drive.

3.) In your Google Slides presentation, select your Top (20) favorite pieces of art from the folder. Create a presentation listing your Top 20, that includes the painting, the name of the artist, and the Title of the artwork. 

4.) In your Google Slides presentation, select (5) artworks you did not like, or your five least favorite pieces of art from the folder. Put these 5 at the end of your presentation, and list the artist name, and title of the artwork to go with these. 

• Show Mastery: Share your presentation with a teacher. Turn-in your guidebook sheet noting how you shared the project. Your teacher will review to see if you followed directions and met requirements. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If your presentation does not have the elements asked for, your teacher will give you your guidebook page back and ask you to complete anything you left out. 

Your first day at The Academy has arrived, and the air buzzes with excitement. The first order of business: a workshop on controlling enchanted instruments using elemental power. Rows of instruments sit before you, each one a potential conduit for the elements. The Master Bard promises you'll soon be coaxing the wind through flutes, kindling the fire in drum beats, tracing rivers with string vibrations, and grounding your tunes with the strength of earth. A deep breath, a steadying of your nerves – it's time to let the elements sing. 

• Practice: Watch the EdPuzzle video posted on Google Classroom covering the topic. Take guided notes on this lesson following instructions on the sheet. 

• Show Mastery: Turn-in your guided notes at the basket to be checked by your teacher. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If your notes aren't complete you will be asked to go back to the video, complete your notes, and turn them in again. 

Next week rolls around and an extraordinary session awaits you. The classroom quiets as an elderly Master Bard takes center stage. With a strange harp in his grasp, he begins to demonstrate the power of music. The first pluck of a string sends a tremble through the room. He plays a melody, beautiful and mesmerizing. Each note seems to crackle in the air, until suddenly, the harp begins to conjure lightning. It's as if the melody summoned a storm, each musical phrase sparking bright arcs of electricity that dance around the room. Your eyes widen - music, it appears, holds more power than you could have ever imagined. It's not just about the sounds, it's about the elemental energy that each note can summon. You can hardly wait to explore this electrifying potential. 

• Practice: Watch the EdPuzzle video posted on Google Classroom covering the topic. Take guided notes on this lesson following instructions on the sheet. 

• Show Mastery: Turn-in your guided notes at the basket to be checked by your teacher. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If your notes aren't complete you will be asked to go back to the video, complete your notes, and turn them in again.

Next week, a different kind of lesson awaits. Instead of a traditional classroom setting, you find yourself in a round-table workshop with your fellow Bards. The topic for debate: the pros and cons of different art forms, including visual art, music, dance, and drama. Each art form, in the hands of a skilled Bard, can summon the elements in unique and stunning ways. Visual art can shape the earth, music can harness the winds, dance can mimic the flow of water, and drama can ignite a fiery passion. As the debate heats up, you begin to appreciate the versatility and depth of each form. Every Bard brings their perspective, making you realize that there's no "one size fits all" approach to this path. Your path as a Bard will be as unique as your interpretation of these arts. 

• Practice: Watch the EdPuzzle video posted on Google Classroom covering the topic. Take guided notes on this lesson following instructions on the sheet. 

• Show Mastery: Turn-in your guided notes at the basket to be checked by your teacher. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If your notes aren't complete you will be asked to go back to the video, complete your notes, and turn them in again.

Next week's excursion leads you to the enigmatic periphery of the Academy's forest, a planned mystery by your teachers. As you stand among the odd trees, contemplating their secrets, a spectacle unfolds that interrupts your pondering. A woodland creature, seemingly infused with the spirit of a frenzied conductor, emerges from the underbrush. In its paws, it clutches a wind instrument and with a daring twinkle in its eyes, it begins to play. The notes, fast and furious, seem to echo its own wild dance, transforming the quiet woodland into a concert hall. The sight is so absurd, so utterly unexpected, that you can't help but respond with a wry chuckle. Whatever lesson your teachers planned is momentarily lost in the whirlwind of music and merriment created by this woodland virtuoso. 

• Practice: Watch the EdPuzzle video posted on Google Classroom covering the topic. Take guided notes on this lesson following instructions on the sheet. 

• Show Mastery: Turn-in your guided notes at the basket to be checked by your teacher. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If your notes aren't complete you will be asked to go back to the video, complete your notes, and turn them in again.

Next week brings an unconventional painting class, your instructors are none other than a group of seemingly clumsy trolls. Their gruff voices and coarse manners seem misplaced in the world of art, causing initial skepticism. Yet, as their large hands begin to work, their true mastery unfolds. What first appears chaotic gradually morphs into a symphony of colors and forms. These troll artists, their genius obscured by crude exteriors, reveal an extraordinary understanding of art. As their final brush strokes fall, a sense of awe spreads through the room. Suddenly, a wave of energy ripples from their painting, freezing all the students in their tracks. Paralyzed by the art's raw power, you truly comprehend the magnitude of their skills. Art, in the hands of these masters, can literally move mountains and halt time. 

• Practice: Watch the EdPuzzle video posted on Google Classroom covering the topic. Take guided notes on this lesson following instructions on the sheet. 

• Show Mastery: Turn-in your guided notes at the basket to be checked by your teacher. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If your notes aren't complete you will be asked to go back to the video, complete your notes, and turn them in again.

Next week, your journey as a budding Bard takes you to the grand concert hall of The Academy. The hall, bathed in history, resonates with an intriguing tale. As the story goes, a mysteriously powerful Bard once graced this very hall. With a wave of his hand, he conjured an exquisite piano. But it wasn't just any piano. As he began to play, each note, each chord, each melody somehow translated into the construction of an entirely new wing of The Academy, devoted exclusively to the training of Bards. Standing in this magnificent structure, the product of music and magic intertwined, you can't help but feel a thrill of excitement. Who knew the path of a Bard could hold such power? 

• Practice: Watch the EdPuzzle video posted on Google Classroom covering the topic. Take guided notes on this lesson following instructions on the sheet. 

• Show Mastery: Turn-in your guided notes at the basket to be checked by your teacher. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If your notes aren't complete you will be asked to go back to the video, complete your notes, and turn them in again.

Next week, music class takes a startling turn. Just as you're settling into the rhythm, the room inexplicably darkens. Before you can even wonder why, an eerie hum fills the room, and then – chaos. Every instrument, from the smallest piccolo to the grandest piano, starts shooting bolts of electricity. Lightning dances across strings, jumps between keys, crackles around drumheads. There's a collective gasp as everyone is lightly singed, surprised more than hurt. The room lights up again, leaving behind the smell of ozone and a baffled silence. The teachers, usually unshakeable, look just as stunned as you feel. This mysterious surge of energy, it seems, was not part of the day's lesson plan. As you shake off your shock, you can't help but feel a prickling curiosity about what just happened, and why. 

• Practice: Watch the EdPuzzle video posted on Google Classroom covering the topic. Take guided notes on this lesson following instructions on the sheet. 

• Show Mastery: Turn-in your guided notes at the basket to be checked by your teacher. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If your notes aren't complete you will be asked to go back to the video, complete your notes, and turn them in again.

As next week rolls in, it brings the end of the first quarter of Bard training. Exams loom like storm clouds, and the music room still carries the battle scars from the strange energy surge. But amidst the tension, the Bards find an oasis of calm in painting. With each stroke of the brush, they don't just create landscapes on canvas, but summon fragments of nature itself into the room. Wildflowers peek from corners, a miniature waterfall cascades down a table, and a tiny sun sets in a burst of colors near the ceiling. It's as if the paintings have breathed life into the room, easing the nerves of the students and masking the lingering signs of last week's chaos. This beautiful, blooming transformation stands as a testament to the power of art, and the peace it can bring even in times of stress. 

• Practice: Watch the EdPuzzle video posted on Google Classroom covering the topic. Take guided notes on this lesson following instructions on the sheet. 

• Show Mastery: Turn-in your guided notes at the basket to be checked by your teacher. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If your notes aren't complete you will be asked to go back to the video, complete your notes, and turn them in again.

Monster Name: The Terra Dragon Sedge

In the serene outskirts of The Academy's training forest, your Bardic journey begins with a unique encounter, the Terra Dragon Sedge. This fascinating creature, seemingly a pile of sentient moss topped with a dragon's head, appears more threatening than it truly is. Although intimidating up close, it loses much of its menace at a distance. So, stand back, aspiring Bard, and let your elemental melodies weave their influence. The Terra Dragon Sedge is a formidable opponent only if you let it be - control your surroundings, maintain your distance, and you will find your path to victory.

• Practice: Open the Quizizz Link begin a round of questions in Mastery Mode. Cycle through the questions, learning the answers to each topic.  

• Show Mastery: Score 90% or higher on this round in Mastery Mode. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you don't score 80% or higher, you can cycle through the questions and answers multiple times. Feel free to use posted help strategies on the turn-in page if needed. 

Monster Name: The Mini Drakefoot

As you delve deeper into The Academy's training forest, you meet your next Bardic opponent, the Mini Drakefoot. Bearing a humanoid stature, this creature is a fascinating blend of dragon and lizard, adorned with scaly skin and intriguing draconic features. The Drakefoot stands firm, its gaze aflame with resolute determination and a playful glint. As Bards, these encounters serve to enhance your understanding of elemental energies and the harmonious melodies you command.

• Practice: Open the Quizizz Link begin a round of questions in Mastery Mode. Cycle through the questions, learning the answers to each topic.  

• Show Mastery: Score 90% or higher on this round in Mastery Mode. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you don't score 80% or higher, you can cycle through the questions and answers multiple times. Feel free to use posted help strategies on the turn-in page if needed. 

Opponent: The Vespid Swarm

Stinging insects! Your journey through The Academy's training forest grows more complex as your next confrontation is with the Vespid Swarm. This buzzing, undulating mass of wasps presents a challenge different from previous solitary opponents. As a Bard, your elemental prowess and harmonious tunes will be key to navigating this dynamic and potentially overwhelming enemy. A calm mind and a steady rhythm can turn the tide in this buzzing test of endurance.

• Practice: Open the Quizizz Link begin a round of questions in Mastery Mode. Cycle through the questions, learning the answers to each topic.  

• Show Mastery: Score 90% or higher on this round in Mastery Mode. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you don't score 80% or higher, you can cycle through the questions and answers multiple times. Feel free to use posted help strategies on the turn-in page if needed. 

Opponent: Master Gregory, the Exalted Rabbit

Venturing further into The Academy's training forest, a special sparring match awaits with a seasoned warrior: Master Gregory, the Exalted Rabbit. A close companion to Master Harold, Gregory's fame resounds not only within the training forest but also across the realms. Countless battles have sharpened his skills, and he has emerged victorious against thousands, his legend echoing in the whispers of the wind.

Now he stands before you, not as a threat, but as a test. His rabbit ears stand tall, his eyes gleaming with experience and wisdom. As Bards, your task isn't to defeat this seasoned warrior, but to prove you can slow him down, manipulate the tempo of battle with your elemental harmonies. Remember, this is not just a test of strength but of strategy and endurance.

• Practice: Open the Quizizz Link begin a round of questions in Mastery Mode. Cycle through the questions, learning the answers to each topic.  

• Show Mastery: Score 90% or higher on this round in Mastery Mode. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you don't score 80% or higher, you can cycle through the questions and answers multiple times. Feel free to use posted help strategies on the turn-in page if needed. 

Monster Name: The Crimson Gloomdweller

Next week, your journey takes a darker turn as you venture into a forest cave within The Academy's training grounds. Lurking in the shadows is your next challenge, the Crimson Gloomdweller. This entity, with its damp, reddish skin and bulging, luminescent eyes, seems an eerie part of the cave's moist and gloomy atmosphere. As Bards, this confrontation pushes you to illuminate the darkness with your harmonious melodies and the radiant might of your elemental powers. Your task is not merely to overpower the Gloomdweller but to illuminate its true nature within the cave's echoing silence.

• Practice: Open the Quizizz Link begin a round of questions in Mastery Mode. Cycle through the questions, learning the answers to each topic.  

• Show Mastery: Score 90% or higher on this round in Mastery Mode. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you don't score 80% or higher, you can cycle through the questions and answers multiple times. Feel free to use posted help strategies on the turn-in page if needed. 

Monster Name: The Aqueous Globesent

As you step into the damp echoes of a flooded, abandoned building within The Academy's training grounds, your next challenge awaits: the Aqueous Globesent. This sentient sphere of water, rolling and rippling with a life of its own, is as unpredictable as it is fascinating. In this waterlogged environment, Bards, your command over elemental forces and your melodic resonance will play a crucial role. You must match the fluid rhythm of the Globesent, leveraging the ebb and flow of your own power to guide this watery confrontation to a harmonious resolution.

• Practice: Open the Quizizz Link begin a round of questions in Mastery Mode. Cycle through the questions, learning the answers to each topic.  

• Show Mastery: Score 90% or higher on this round in Mastery Mode. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you don't score 80% or higher, you can cycle through the questions and answers multiple times. Feel free to use posted help strategies on the turn-in page if needed. 

Monster Name: The Fungal Toadpuppet

In the heart of The Academy's training forest, you stumble upon an eerie sight for your next challenge: the Fungal Toadpuppet. This is not a simple toad creature but a bizarre amalgamation where a parasitic mushroom has overtaken the host's body. This hybrid creature brings new complexities to the battle, forcing you as Bards to adapt your elemental harmonies to the strange rhythm of its dual existence. Understanding this creature and its symbiotic struggle is crucial to your progression in your bardic journey.

• Practice: Open the Quizizz Link begin a round of questions in Mastery Mode. Cycle through the questions, learning the answers to each topic.  

• Show Mastery: Score 90% or higher on this round in Mastery Mode. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you don't score 80% or higher, you can cycle through the questions and answers multiple times. Feel free to use posted help strategies on the turn-in page if needed. 

Opponent: Joey, Exalted Herald of the Doom Glove

At the apex of this quarter's challenges, on the furthest edge of The Academy's training forest, you find yourself facing the legendary figure of the academy: Joey, Exalted Herald of the Doom Glove. This boxing kangaroo, with the wisdom of a millennia imbued in his muscular physique, stands tall as the academy's boxing master. His dark eyes hold the promise of an intense battle. 

Joey isn't just another adversary; he is a milestone, a recurring test that students on all paths must face in their academic journey. His gloves, known as the Doom Gloves, have seen countless battles, serving as a testament to his experience and prowess. It's your turn to step into the ring against Joey now, Bards, and prove your mettle in what promises to be your most formidable match yet. Your goal is not to defeat Joey, but to last long enough to earn his favor. 

• Practice: Open the Quizizz Link begin a round of questions in Mastery Mode. Cycle through the questions, learning the answers to each topic.  

• Show Mastery: Score 90% or higher on this round in Mastery Mode. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you don't score 80% or higher, you can cycle through the questions and answers multiple times. Feel free to use posted help strategies on the turn-in page if needed. 

In the grand arena of The Academy, students from different paths gather for their first sparring session. The air crackles with anticipation as magicians, rangers, knights, beastmasters, and bards showcase their skills. Every week, despite their differences, the members of The Academy unite to focus on essential lessons, emphasizing the importance of unity and adaptability in achieving success on any path. 

• Practice: Open the study link(s) at the green button below, (there may be more than one you can choose.) Choose an exercise to study today to prepare for sparring. You should only access this link during the assigned day, or at practice outside of class. These cover a broad range of topics from all subjects in academic team, some will be in your study area, and others will be outside it or only partly connected. 

• Show Mastery: Show participation online by completing one or multiple rounds of practice as assigned. Participate in any class matches held today. Turn-in your guidebook sheet noting your work today at the end of class. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you are absent you can still receive credit by participating with the practice link at home, showing that you spent time studying the material as assigned. 

Within the serene embrace of an ancient forest, The Academy's students gather for the second week of sparring. Around a flickering campfire, their unique abilities intertwine, forming a harmonious symphony of battle. As they engage in combat, they learn to adapt their skills to the natural surroundings, forging a profound connection between their chosen paths and the mystical world that envelops them. 

• Practice: Open the study link(s) at the green button below, (there may be more than one you can choose.) Choose an exercise to study today to prepare for sparring. You should only access this link during the assigned day, or at practice outside of class. These cover a broad range of topics from all subjects in academic team, some will be in your study area, and others will be outside it or only partly connected. 

• Show Mastery: Show participation online by completing one or multiple rounds of practice as assigned. Participate in any class matches held today. Turn-in your guidebook sheet noting your work today at the end of class. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you are absent you can still receive credit by participating with the practice link at home, showing that you spent time studying the material as assigned. 

In the depths of a foreboding arena, bathed in dim light, the students of The Academy assemble for the exhilarating third week of sparring. The air crackles with anticipation as they stand amidst a sea of onlookers, fellow members of The Academy, witnessing their every move. With hearts pounding, they unleash their diverse abilities, pushing the boundaries of their skills in a display of courage and determination. Shadows dance across the arena as spells collide, arrows soar through the air, swords clash with resounding echoes, beasts roar, and melodies resonate with enchanting allure. The students draw strength from the supportive gazes of their peers, each clash and triumph fueling their growth as they strive to transcend their limitations and leave a lasting impression on the collective memory of The Academy. . 

• Practice: Open the study link(s) at the green button below, (there may be more than one you can choose.) Choose an exercise to study today to prepare for sparring. You should only access this link during the assigned day, or at practice outside of class. These cover a broad range of topics from all subjects in academic team, some will be in your study area, and others will be outside it or only partly connected. 

• Show Mastery: Show participation online by completing one or multiple rounds of practice as assigned. Participate in any class matches held today. Turn-in your guidebook sheet noting your work today at the end of class. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you are absent you can still receive credit by participating with the practice link at home, showing that you spent time studying the material as assigned. 

Amidst the tranquil beauty of a serene arena, students of The Academy engage in battles during the following week. Soft breezes carry delicate pink petals from nearby flowering trees, casting a dreamlike ambiance over the scene. In this ethereal setting, the students showcase their skills with grace and precision, harnessing the harmony of nature in their every move. 

• Practice: Open the study link(s) at the green button below, (there may be more than one you can choose.) Choose an exercise to study today to prepare for sparring. You should only access this link during the assigned day, or at practice outside of class. These cover a broad range of topics from all subjects in academic team, some will be in your study area, and others will be outside it or only partly connected. 

• Show Mastery: Show participation online by completing one or multiple rounds of practice as assigned. Participate in any class matches held today. Turn-in your guidebook sheet noting your work today at the end of class. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you are absent you can still receive credit by participating with the practice link at home, showing that you spent time studying the material as assigned. 

Breaking away from tradition, The Academy unveils an exciting challenge in the next week—a thrilling race to the depths of a mysterious cave. Students gather at the cave entrance, their spirits alight with anticipation. With nimble steps and unwavering determination, they navigate the treacherous terrain, guided only by flickering torchlight. Echoes of their footsteps reverberate through the labyrinthine tunnels as they contend with hidden obstacles and ancient secrets. Through darkness and uncertainty, their chosen paths converge as they vie to be the first to reach the fathomless depths. 

• Practice: Open the study link(s) at the green button below, (there may be more than one you can choose.) Choose an exercise to study today to prepare for sparring. You should only access this link during the assigned day, or at practice outside of class. These cover a broad range of topics from all subjects in academic team, some will be in your study area, and others will be outside it or only partly connected. 

• Show Mastery: Show participation online by completing one or multiple rounds of practice as assigned. Participate in any class matches held today. Turn-in your guidebook sheet noting your work today at the end of class. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you are absent you can still receive credit by participating with the practice link at home, showing that you spent time studying the material as assigned. 

In a departure from the norm, The Academy presents an extraordinary challenge during this week that takes the place of regular sparring—a cooperative ascent of a seemingly insurmountable mountain. Students gather at the base, their spirits brimming with determination and camaraderie. Together, they face the daunting peak, its rugged slopes reaching towards the heavens. With synchronized effort, they find strength in unity, assisting one another through treacherous cliffs and perilous paths. 

• Practice: Open the study link(s) at the green button below, (there may be more than one you can choose.) Choose an exercise to study today to prepare for sparring. You should only access this link during the assigned day, or at practice outside of class. These cover a broad range of topics from all subjects in academic team, some will be in your study area, and others will be outside it or only partly connected. 

• Show Mastery: Show participation online by completing one or multiple rounds of practice as assigned. Participate in any class matches held today. Turn-in your guidebook sheet noting your work today at the end of class. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you are absent you can still receive credit by participating with the practice link at home, showing that you spent time studying the material as assigned. 

As anticipation reaches its zenith, the final weeks of the first quarter approach at The Academy approach, marking the precipice before the momentous first-class tournament. The air crackles with energy as students gather, their focus sharpened and determination palpable. Each clash and maneuver carries weight, as they strive to hone their skills to perfection. 

• Practice: Open the study link(s) at the green button below, (there may be more than one you can choose.) Choose an exercise to study today to prepare for sparring. You should only access this link during the assigned day, or at practice outside of class. These cover a broad range of topics from all subjects in academic team, some will be in your study area, and others will be outside it or only partly connected. 

• Show Mastery: Show participation online by completing one or multiple rounds of practice as assigned. Participate in any class matches held today. Turn-in your guidebook sheet noting your work today at the end of class. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you are absent you can still receive credit by participating with the practice link at home, showing that you spent time studying the material as assigned. 

In the final week preceding the highly anticipated tournament at The Academy, a sense of intensity fills the air as students seize their last opportunity to polish their skills. The training grounds buzz with focused determination as magicians fine-tune their spells, rangers hone their aim with unwavering precision, knights refine their techniques with resolute determination, beastmasters deepen their bond with their loyal companions, and bards tune their powerful artifacts. 

• Practice: Open the study link(s) at the green button below, (there may be more than one you can choose.) Choose an exercise to study today to prepare for sparring. You should only access this link during the assigned day, or at practice outside of class. These cover a broad range of topics from all subjects in academic team, some will be in your study area, and others will be outside it or only partly connected. 

• Show Mastery: Show participation online by completing one or multiple rounds of practice as assigned. Participate in any class matches held today. Turn-in your guidebook sheet noting your work today at the end of class. 

• What If I Don't Achieve Mastery?: If you are absent you can still receive credit by participating with the practice link at home, showing that you spent time studying the material as assigned.