Convergent & Divergent Thinking:
The Station Rotation was filled with great learning!  We continued our new logic puzzles for convergent thinking.  For divergent thinking we tackled a Cartoon Caption writing activity.  Their creative responses were laugh-out-loud funny!  

Self-Reflection:
We learned about the amygdala--the part of the brain that controls our "Fight or Flight" response.  Our mindfulness moments concentrated on ways to calm down the amygdala--"Square Breathing" and deep breathing, as well as thinking positive (Green) thoughts.  The kids enjoyed our short session.  You can check it out here

Medieval Unit Collaboration/Research:
We collaborated in Expert Groups to research 6 student-chosen topics about Medieval Times.  All worked well in their collaborations today.  Some students started taking notes from their research using a Word document.  A few even learned how to upload this document to their Edmodo Backpack and share it with their Expert Groups!  Great Job! 

Novel Study:
We read three more chapters in our novel, The Whipping Boy.  The story is just starting to get exciting!  The kids didn't want to stop reading today!  We focused on the figurative language from these chapters.  There are MANY examples of similes, metaphors, and idioms which really make the book fun to read!

HW:  Edmodo-Tell about 3 facts that you've learned about your Medieval Expert Topic.  Next HW:  Describe a new punishment for Prince Brat.  (Both due Feb 11).

Wow, what a day we had!  Several of the kids said it was their best Target Day EVER!  Now that's exciting!

Convergent Thinking:
We worked on our logical and critical thinking skills with a new type of logic puzzle, a sequencing activity, and a math Versatiles activities.  The Station Rotation was jam-packed with lots of great learning and really hard work!  Excellent job, kiddos!

Divergent Thinking:
We had an interesting transformation to stretch our originality and elaboration.  The only rule, you couldn't make the squiggle into a roller coaster, too easy!  

Communication/Self-Directed Learner/Technology:
We got our new friends enrolled on Edmodo and worked on our first Edmodo assignment of the quarter:  Write about a goal you'd like to work on and the steps you'll take to reach it.  

Unit Reveal/Collaboration/Research:
Drum roll please... We'll be studying Medieval Times for this quarter!  The kids knew for sure when "Lady Lobello of Cartersville" and "Lady Kraeger of Marietta" joined them in the classroom.  The kids were beyond excited!  

We'll be collaborating in Expert Groups to research 6 student-chosen topics about Medieval Times.  This also goes along with our novel, The Whipping Boy.  Groups will be doing research in class each week and preparing a project to share the information with the larger group.  

The culmination of the unit will be a Medieval Feast at school.  The kids will work together to plan this event which will include food, drink, games, music, limericks, and costumes (or some type of appropriate clothing-even a hat!).  Look for more information about this soon.  In the meantime, if you see anything cool that's Medieval related, grab it! :)  If you have any ideas related to this feast, we'd love to hear about them.

HW:  Edmodo-Write 3 words to describe either Jemmy or Prince Brat.


Your ever faithful Ladyship,
Mrs. Kraeger

I don't know who missed Target class more, the children or me! :)  I was delighted to have my wonderful 4th graders back in class for the whole day.  What a treat!  They responded with excitement, enthusiasm, and much hard work!

We had a whirlwind of activity today--hitting so many standards it made my head spin!  True to their high learning capability, the kids were pumped up by the fast pace and accomplished some amazing learning.  

Here are some of the highlights:

• Affective-Goal setting, Multiple Intelligence Survey, and something new-"Mindfulness Moments".  Check out this link for more info: Mindfulness in Schools.  We spent a few moments with deep breathing and visualizing reaching a personal goal.  Athletes and musicians have been practicing visualization for many years because it works!  Why not kids too?
• Logical & Algebraic Thinking-We blasted through 4 math stations today with math logic puzzles, calculator math puzzles, word problems, and Multiplication Math Minute.  
• Divergent Thinking-We stretched our creativity with an F2OE (Flexibility, Fluency, Originality, and Elaboration).  The kids really brought it to the table with excellent ideas!
• Novel Study-We began reading The Whipping Boy, a Newbery Award Book set in Medieval times.  We'll be doing a lot of work with this book and our unit study, which is a secret.  There will be clues outside the classroom and maybe on the Target Glog.  Stay tuned for next week when we will reveal the Unit topic for this quarter!

HW:  Finish any Math Station you didn't get done.  Remember, you must do only one side of each sheet.  You MAY collaborate with friends!

Until next week,
Mrs. Kraeger