We started our day with convergent thinking by solving a Versatile Challenge.

Algebraic thinking:
The kids used their algebraic and other mathematical skills to help the Thanksgiving Dinner Escape the Oven!  The kids were sailing along until they got to long division!  Whoo--it got tough pretty quickly!  Not to worry!  The kids powered through and unlocked the ovens!  Your Thanksgiving is SAFE!

Novel Study: 
We continued our reading with our Survivor Novels.  This week's discussion focused on foreshadowing.  The kids did a good job of understanding and identifying it in their books.

Unit Study:
We continued our Survivor Research Projects.  This was our last in class session to work.  Projects are due on Wednesday, December 5th.  We're very excited for the kids to share their projects Gallery Style.  

Affective Skills:
We continued our work with group dynamics.  Today was a decision making task that involved evaluative thinking.  The groups did a fantastic job in making tough decisions and coming to consensus.  

The kids also worked on their teamwork skills within their Tribes.  Their challenge for today was to join hands to form a circle and pass a Hula Hoop around the circle without dropping hands, in under a minute.  All teams were successful today!  

No Homework
Remember, Target will not meet on Wednesday, November 28th due to Gifted Testing.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Dr. Kraeger

We started our day with logical and algebraic thinking by solving a Versatile Activity.  The kids said it was too easy, so it's moving down to 3rd grade now!

Algebraic Thinking:
We worked on mixed math problems using a variety of strategies to solve them.  Some had to make corrections because they didn't use a strategy the first time and tried to figure it out in their heads.  Hmm...this may the year they learn that strategies are important!

Affective Skills:
We continued our work on Group Dynamics with a lesson on handling constructive feedback and criticism, "Like Water Off a Duck's Back".  Some of the kids understood this immediately, others are still trying to grasp this idea.  
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Progressive Muscle Relaxation".  The kids always enjoy this one.

Novel Study:
We continued reading our survival novels with a focus on tools for survival.  The kids brainstormed a survival tool for each letter of the alphabet.  They thought of some VERY clever answers--lots of good insights!

Unit Study:
Our research projects continued today.  Most are making excellent progress!  We will have one more class session to work before projects will be shared on December 5th.  Kids may take projects home to work on them as well.  
We practiced our teamwork by silently lining up in Birthday Order.  This was a challenge with 2 of our 3 groups successfully completing the challenge in one minute.  
Our creative thinking task for the day was to SCAMPER a Backpack.  The kids came up with some highly unique ideas!  There was SO much divergent thinking!

HW:  "Like Water Off a Duck's Back" Reflection Sheet

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger