We started our day testing our mathematical thinking with a Fraction Versatile. The kids loved this one!

Algebraic Thinking:
The kids have been doing well with our Hands On Equations lessons, so we worked on applying the strategies we've learned to solve Algebraic Word Problems. There was much moaning and groaning at first, but the kids seemed to pick it up as we went along. We'll continue this next week, which should go even more smoothly. We stressed to the kids that these Word Problems are just for exposure. We're trying to introduce the concepts, but don't expect mastery at this point.

Unit Study:
The kids had a blast getting started on their Frog Projects today! We reviewed the Project Rubric and Project Ideas before getting started. We stressed that this project should be a stretch for the kids. It should be a format that they haven't done before. That's why we don't allow Power Points. We are encouraging them to combine mini projects or use technology in a different way to create a unique project. We can't wait to see what they come up with!

Stations: (Guest Post by our students)
During stations today we did logic puzzles using G1 Convergent thinking. We also did 4th grade analogies that use G6 Communication. -Maggie Willmott and Nico Advant

Novel Study:
We continued reading our book. The kids did an amazing job using their evaluative and divergent thinking to create a scene from chapters 10 & 11. Check out their fantastic work outside our classroom!

Affective Skills:
We dove back into Growth Mindset, getting in a bit deeper than the kids have with their classroom teachers. Today we talked about Roadblocks to a Growth Mindset. The kids did a good job coming up with strategies to overcome these roadblocks. We also discussed how important a growth mindset is for everything you want to accomplish in life.

We continued our mindfulness practice with "Mindful Breathing".

HW: Ch. 12-13 Exit Slip
Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

We started our day with a "Complicated Math" Versatile, in the kids' words.  They loved the challenge, even if it "made their heads hurt"!

Divergent Thinking:
We got our creative juices flowing with an F2OE focused on Kindness.  The kids came up with some amazing ideas!  Check them out on the bulletin board, if you pop by the class or in the photos below.

Unit Study:
We continued our frog research.  The kids are learning all sorts of interesting, weird, and gross facts about their frogs.  They never knew that frogs could be so vicious!  We have one more week of research left and then Project Creation will start.

Convergent Thinking:
We combined our convergent thinking and communication skills to solve analogies and logic puzzles.  The kids are moving right along in their logical thinking.

Novel Study:
​We shared our Chalker Fun Facts and plan to interview some teachers about more Fun Facts of our school.  We enjoyed a few chapters and are at a VERY interesting part of the story!

Affective Skills:
We used our comunication skills to create Kindness Letters for our Target classmates.  The kids wrote funny, sweet, thoughtful letters to each other!  Well done!
We continued our mindfulness practice with "GoZen Loving Kindness".  It was a nice connection with our Kindness Week.
 
No HW!  Enjoy the Break!
Dr. Kraeger

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We warmed up with a mathematical and logical thinking activity using our Versatiles.  The kids did well with this!

Divergent Thinking:
We worked on a Way to Stay in Destiny F2OE.  The kids had a good time thinking of other things to use as bait, since Theo loves to fish!

Unit Study:
We continued our Frog research today.  The kids are doing a great job answering their "Thick" Research Questions, as well as gathering so many interesting facts about their frogs.  We have two more class periods to research, and then we'll begin working on our projects.

Algebraic Thinking:
We reviewed the important concepts from our last Hands On Equations lessons.  The kids are applying new concepts like adding the same thing to each side of the equation to allow removal of "Convenient Zeros".  

Convergent thinking:
We used our convergent thinking skills and communication skills to solve a Perplexor and complete an analogy task.  The kids really have to think on these because they are getting very challenging!

Novel Study:
We read more of our novel today, finding out some important information about Theo's past.  We also wrote a Friendly Advice Letter to Theo.  Some of the letters were very good.  Others must take a bit more time to organize their thoughts and remember to edit and proofread before handing in written work.  We worked on some critical thinking and evaluation questions about our novel.

Affective Skills:
We completed a difficult Teamwork Challenge called "Keypunch".  The kids worked well together and showed HUGE improvement from the beginning to the end of the Challenge.  They really wanted to successfully complete it, so we may try it again later in the year.

We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Fear vs. Anxiety".  These videos help the kids sort out their feelings and learn to self-regulate.

HW:  "Chalker Fun Facts"
Until next time,
Dr. Kraegeer