It was great to have the kids back for a full day! We could tell that they are excited about Fall Break. The noise and energy levels were pretty high all day. We're looking forward to a calmer, more focused class when we get back. Make sure those kiddos play outside A LOT and burn up some of that excess energy. Thank you!

Take a look at the photos of our Parade! The kids are SO creative!

Stations:
We worked on a Balloon Webquest to uncover facts about hot air balloons. This is an interesting process, since many of these kids still think the information will be right there--very obvious to them. They don't realize they will need to skim or quickly read an article or caption to find the information they need. This is a skill we will work more on this year.

We stretched our convergent skills with a logic puzzle and an analogy puzzle focusing on plurals. There were some good vocabulary words in there today: oxen, cacti. Good stuff!

Algebraic Thinking:
We pushed on with our Hands On Equations lessons, with kids working on Lesson 6-parentheses in equations and Lesson 13-Working with our number cubes first to simplify the equation before we do other legal moves. We'll practice these concepts again after the break, since they are both foundational to moving forward in the learning.

Unit Study:
The kids finished their 1880s Newspaper Research Project. We'll have the GIANT newspaper displayed outside the classroom after the Break. I hope you'll take a peek. The kids did a good job!

Affective:
Our discussion and activities focused on growth mindset and strategies to get us to a growth mindset. We viewed another Class DoJo movie: Big Ideas #2. The kids have a Padlet response on that topic for HW.
Later, we practiced a 2 Minute of Mindfulness. The kids are building their stamina and concentration with this. It's great!

Novel Study:
We tested our critical thinking skills with some questions about our novel.

HW: Edmodo-Padlet about Growth Mindset

Have a wonderful Fall Break!
​Dr. Kraeger

The kids had an AMAZING day in Target!  I can tell they were ready to be back at school!

Affective Skills:
We started off with more learning about Growth vs. Fixed Mindset and how we really can grow our brains.  The kids read a very interesting article about the whys and hows of brain growth.  They shared their "Wow" Facts and main ideas with a fun activity called "Whip Around".  Check it out in the photos.  We also watched a short video "Big Ideas#1" about Growth Mindset. 
Later, we learned about how the Amygdala controls the "Fight or Flight" and how we can calm it down.  Lots of good strategies in this video!

Algebraic Thinking:
We continued our work in Hands On Equations with Lesson 5 for our newer folks and Lesson 12 for our returning math aces.  They are making great progress with these skills!

Stations:
We challenged our convergent thinking skills with a logic puzzle and more analogies.  We also used our critical thinking skills to read and answer questions about Harry Houdini, one of the famous people of the late 1800s.  The kids put their creativity to good use by writing balloon poems.  I can't wait to display them in the room!

Unit Study:
We worked hard on our 1880s research today, with several kiddos completing articles and other items for our class newspaper.  We'll continue this next week.

Novel Study:
We shared a fun Foreshadowing video with the kids to help them learn to recognize this important literary tool.  We read just a bit of our novel, enough to find out that Professor Sherman may be in big trouble from some wayward seagulls!

HW:  Edmodo Poll
Until next week,
Dr. Kraeger

Today was a day filled with building, learning, and fun!

Stations:
We challenged our convergent thinking skills with more analogies and also a much harder logic puzzle.  It was pretty tough for most, so we'll keep working on that level for a while.  We also read about the Duryea Brothers, who invented the first automobile.  

Algebraic Thinking:
We marched right on with our Hands On Equations, making great progress today!  It is getting easier for most, and they are LOVING it!

Unit Study:
We had a fantastic time using our critical, creative, and evaluative thinking skills to build our Parade Transportation.  The Parade Floats aren't all complete yet, so look for photos of that next week.  We also finished our Balloon Fact Books.  Check out the display outside the room!
Later, in the Computer Lab, we started our 1880s research.  The kids are researching many topics from the 1880s to find out more about the time frame of our novel.  They will be creating projects from their research to assemble a GIANT class newspaper in the hall over the next couple of weeks.  

Affective Skills:
We continued our mindfulness practice with "Why Humans Experience Anxiety" and "Progressive Muscle Relaxation".   Both were helpful for the kids!

Novel Study:
We read a bit of chapter 4, "The Unwanted Visitor", and discussed foreshadowing.  They are sure something bad is about to happen to Professor Sherman, but we'll have to wait for next week!

HW:  Edmodo
Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger