Best ever Friday! We dissected crayfish and frogs! These kiddos did an amazing job being scientists today! They all participated and learned a lot!
We also finished our novel, The Fourteenth Goldfish. Such a good ending!

I’ll miss these kiddos so much! They are absolutely fantastic!

Yours,
​Dr. Kraeger

We had a very busy day with these kiddos!

Unit Study:
We enjoyed seeing some wonderful Frog Projects! These kids are so creative! I loved the variety of projects and was impressed with the detailed information shared. 
We watched a couple of Dissection videos from the Target Glog and also worked on labeling a diagram of the Frog Digestive System and other internal organs. 

Stations:
The kids enjoyed playing some of the Frog Games created by their classmates.

Novel Study:
We read another chapter of our book. Deep thoughts about unintended consequences. Lots to think about! 

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger​

What a marvelous way to end the week--learning with the wonderful fourth graders in Target!

Algebraic Thinking:
We finished the last Hands On Equations lesson in Level 2. These kids are set to take on Level 3 next year! They've worked very hard on this!

Novel Study:
We read a bit more of our novel and used our critical thinking skills to evaluate idioms and similes from the book. The kids did a good job after some hard thinking!

Unit Study:
The kids worked on their Frog Projects and used their convergent thinking skills to solve "Frog Jumping Puzzle". Pretty challenging!

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

Fridays are always the best with this group of enthusiastic and wonderful learners!

Unit Study:
We managed to find some time in the Computer Lab after Milestones testing. The kids finished up their research and started creating their projects today. I'm excited to see their results!

Stations:
We used our divergent thinking to create solutions to a Frog SCAMPER! The ideas are so much fun and highly creative! They also used convergent thinking to solve a visual logic problem, "Where In the Pond?". The kids did a great job!

Algebraic Thinking:
We applied concepts from Hands On Equations to solve challenging Word Problems. The kids had to think hard about the problems, but eventually got to the solution.

Novel Study:
We read a couple of chapters from our book and used our critical thinking skills to dig deeper into the story.

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

What a treat to have these kiddos again for Target!

Algebraic Thinking:
We continued the application of our Hands On Equations concepts to help us solve Word Problems. These kids were ready and did a great job!

Unit Study:
We had a Peer Coaching Session to make sure the research is on track. The kids provided helpful comments to their partners. Then, they continued their research. We'll start working on Projects next week.

Novel Study:
We completed a critical thinking activity relating to our recent reading. We also read a chapter.

Stations:
We used our divergent thinking to create Frog Poems. Check out their fantastic work below! The kids also used convergent thinking to solve a really tough logic puzzle.

We had a special gues today to talk about being a musical artist. My daughter answered questions from the class about creating music, performing, and making music videos. The kids were thrilled because they love her videos as part of our mindfulness practice.

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We had a busy and productive Target Day! We had a blast using our divergent thinking to play an improv game called, "Questions Only". It's so much fun!

Algebraic Thinking:
We used our math knowledge and creativity to create Math Multiples Mosaics. They came out beautifully! Take a look in the photos below!

Unit Study:
We watched a goofy video about "The Worst Presentation Ever" to see what NOT to do in our Frog Presentations. The kids continued their frog research.

Stations:
We used our convergent thinking to solve a logic puzzles. We learned how to create Black Out Poems and used our divergent thinking to make some amazing poetry! Check them out in the photos below!

Novel Study:
We used our critical thinking skills to answer questions the kids created last week on chapter 14. They did a fantastic job with fierce competiion throughout! After that, we read another chapter in the book.

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

These kiddos were ready for April Fool's Day with some pranks! Love their sense of humor!

Algebraic Thinking:
We worked hard on problem solving with a variety of strategies. There were some really tough problems this week!

Divergent Thinking:
The kids brought their "A" Game to our Frog Transformations. They came up with wonderfully creative ideas! 

Unit Study:
We looked at our Frog Project Rubric to modify, if necessary. The kids continued their research to find answers to their Thick Questions and cover their Basic Facts. 

Novel Study:
We read a bit more of our novel. After reading, the kids created their own critical thinking questions for Kahoot!. They had some tough questions, and lots of humor!

The kids enjoyed Marble Run Extreme and bracelet making for those finished with their classwork. Love how the kids use their divergent and evaluative thinking to create wonderful things!

Have a fantastic Spring Break!
​Dr. Kraeger

It seems like forever since my fantastic fourth graders came to Target! It's finally their turn!

Algebraic Thinking:
We continued on with our Hands On Equations lessons with more challenging concepts. They are making good progress. 

Novel Study:
We read a bit more of our book and challenged ourselves with critical thinking questions on Kahoot!

Unit Study:
We learned more about how to paraphrase and also what "Thick" or "Green Light" questions. The kids applied that concept to create at least two think questions about their frog. We continued our Frog research.

Stations:
We used our convergent thinking to solve a Fallen Phrase puzzle. They did great with this today! Then they used divergent thinking to solve a variety of challenges on our Waker Upper. Later, we played an Improv game called, "Super Heroes". The kids had so much fun with this!

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

It was a different day for Target, but just as good as always with these kiddos!

We played a new creative thinking game called "Alien, Cow, Tiger". The kids successfully completed the task in 4 tries. Pretty good!

Algebraic Thinking:
We moved along to a new lesson in Hands on Equations in one group and then firmed up our understanding of Convenient Zeros in the other group.

Unit Study:
We kicked off our new unit, Frog Research, with time in the lab. Each student chose a frog to research. They'll create a project to share what they've learned. In May, we'll be doing a Frog Dissection. To prepare, the kids will learn the parts of frogs and what each does. 

Novel Study:
We read another chapter of our book, using critical thinking to answer questions on a Kahoot! game.  We used our communication skills and evalutive thinking to do a Rank Activity with the Pros & Cons of being a teenager. It was very challenging, and the kids did great! They had some insightful take-aways from the activitiy: "People see things differently and that's OK." "People have different perspectives. That's a good thing!"

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

This day was jam-packed with fun and learning!

Algebraic Thinking:
We moved in both of our Hands On Equations groups. The concepts are getting harder now!

The kids worked on a special project for International Women's Month this March. They each created a quilt block about a Woman who Dared. We'll assemble the quilt next week. It's going to be incredible!

Unit Study:
The kids finished their Arcade Games to complete the Cardboard Challenge. They had a Carnival in the afternoon, so they could play all the games. I was amazed at their ingenuity! What a blast! So many smiles! 

Novel Study:
We read a bit more of our book using our evaluative thinking with the action in this chapter.

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger