We had a short day, due to our Early Release.  The kids put in so much effort and accomplished much more than we thought they could in such a short time!

Affective Skills:
We learned about Fixed vs. Growth Mindset.  Check out the videos to see for yourself how we're laying a foundation for the kids to move forward in developing a Growth Mindset.

Algebraic Thinking Skills:
We worked on a Math Stars Problem-Solving set to challenge in all sorts of math topics.  The kids learned a little about Stem & Leaf plots, which is a middle school topic!  Pretty cool stuff!

Unit/Novel Study:
We worked on a design for our Parade Floats, which we'll construct next week.  The kids also finished their Balloon Designs and Fact Books.  Take a peek at these outside our classroom.  They look marvelous!  We also used our divergent thinking to work on a fluency/flexibility activity about balloon travel.

Stations:
We did some analogy basics to test our convergent thinking skills, focusing on synonyms.  They did quite well, especially given the first exposure!  We also had some help from Ms. Haslet, our Tech Integration Specialist, to get our devices on Cobb's new wireless network.  

HW:  Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Exit Slip

Until next week,
​Dr. Kraeger

The kids have settled into the 4th grade Target rhythm!  We had a busy and productive day!

Stations:
We got started right away with some divergent thinking in our Hot Air Balloon design, adding in critical thinking with 10 Balloon Facts.  We also challenged our convergent thinking skills with two types of logic puzzles-grid & word.  

Algebraic Thinking:
After analyzing the results of our pre-test, we formed groups for Hands On Equations.  The kids were ready to jump back into this!  They did very well with the first lessons this year!

Affective Skills:
We watched a video about the parts of the brain, followed by an activity to identify some personal strengths and weaknesses.  Then we used those strengths to help with our goal setting in "Tickets for Success".  We also practiced our mindfulness with Still, Quiet Place and Listening Practice.  In the afternoon, we tried a teamwork challenge called "Raise the Hula-Hoop".  The kids mastered that VERY quickly!  

Novel Study:
We continued our reading in Twenty-One Balloons. At the end of today's reading, we discussed potential problems with hot air balloon travel then and today.  We also worked to develop criteria for our "Parade Floats", which we will construct next week.

HW:  Edmodo Question

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

We had a great second week in Target! The kids are definitely getting back into the Target "mindset"!

Stations:
We worked on some convergent thinking skills with a couple logic puzzles, just to get back on track. Then we challenged our critical thinking skills with a non-fiction article about Hot Air Balloons. This included some tough questions. Check it out when it comes home next week!

Later we we dusted off our Algebraic Thinking Skills with a quick review of important concepts from Hands On Equations Level1, followed by a pre-test to check existing knowledge and readiness.

Affective Skills:
We continued with our Interactive Notebooks by discussing Target Norms and classroom procedures (Start & End of the Day, Absent Work, Hall/Restroom, Attention Signals). Reinforcing these important ideas helps the kids strengthen their organizational, time-management, and socio-emotional skills.
We did a teamwork challenge called "5 Elbows"--a fun movement activity. Check out the photo below!
Our Mindfulness Practice continued with 4-7-8 Breathing. This gives the kids a breathing pattern to use for focusing attention, calming down, or relaxing.

Unit Study:
We continued reading from our novel, Twenty-One Balloons. We discussed how to create thorough and complete responses to the higher-level thinking questions we'll be working on during this unit. This reading time allows us to tap into evaluative thinking as well as other critical thinking skills.
We also used our critical thinking skills with our knowledge of longitude and latitude to determine a possible route for Professor Sherman.

HW: Edmodo Quiz

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger
​

We had a fun-filled, exciting first day of Target!  

We started our day with a team-building activity called "Pasta Race".  The kids worked in groups to move spaghetti from one side to the other using only 2 foam plates--without touching the pasta! The results were interesting, to say the least!  

The kids signed up for Edmodo, and I can tell they are excited about it already!  We also started our Tagxedos for the front of our Target notebooks.

​We also practiced a bit of mindfulness with Til the Thinker & Widdle the Worrier and Clouds.

Later we worked on starting the basics of our Interactive Target Notebooks.  The kids did a good job making their notebooks unique and getting ready for our work together.  We also had a great time "Voting with our Feet", as we made choices and moved from one side of the room to another.

We started our unit by reading a bit of our book, The Twenty-One Balloons.  

HW:   Edmodo

Until next week,
Dr. Kraeger