We started our day with math and convergent thinking to solve our Versatiles Challenge.

Algebraic Thinking:
We learned about Ordered Pairs and then applied that skill with our creativity to reveal Mystery Pictures.  The pictures aren't all finished, but they are turning out beautifully!

Unit Study:
We had a final Peer Coaching session and our last in class work session before Games will be shared on December 13th.  They are doing a great job!  We can't wait to play these games!


Novel Study:
We read several chapters in our book today, breaking to respond to some critical thinking questions involving irony, evaluation, and inferencing.  They are really enjoying the subtle and not-so subtle humor in this book!

Stations:
We worked on a logic puzzle and an analogy task to stretch those convergent thinking skills in all kinds of directions!  ​We challenged our creativity with a December F2OE.  The kids had some extremely original responses!  Their fluency is growing each time!

HW:  Predictions from the Chapter Titles

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started off with a Waker Upper to get our brains moving and get the creative juices flowing.  The kids seem to enjoy these because they're a mixture of small convergent and divergent tasks.  Just enough, but not too much for the start of the day.

Algebraic Thinking:
We had our second go at a VERY challenging Math Versatiles activity.  Only 2 of the kids got it.  This is definitely higher level with squares, square roots, and multiple operations.  We'll put it on the shelf for now and bring it out in the Spring.  They'll get it--they just need a bit more math first!

Unit Study:
We had a great peer coaching session today for our Game Project.  The kids are getting really good at evaluating projects and providing constructive feedback.  They get a lot out of the feedback from their peers.  It definitely helps to drive revision and further success in the design process.  We will have one more class session to work on the projects, December 6th.  Games will be shared on December 13th.  

Novel Study:
We worked on some critical and evaluative thinking questions about our book, using text evidence.  Then we read another chapter with some Kahoot questions to challenge us!

Stations:
We tried a new Divergent thinking activity-a Sketchnote Challenge.  The topic was "Celebrate".  The kids did fantastic job of creating interesting, fun images of different celebrations!  Check out the photo below!

Affective Skills:
We finished our Mission Statements.  The kids had some good small group discussions about their Missions.  I think they surprised each other with their bigger life goals.  It's wonderful to see them thinking about what they might want to do with their lives and what sort of people they want to be.  Big ideas for these young people!

No Homework! Remember, no Target Class on November 29th because of Gifted Testing.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Dr. Kraeger

We started our day with a "Gotta Think" activity called, "Catch A Train" for one of our resident train buffs!  The kids had to solve various convergent and divergent thinking problems.

Algebraic Thinking:
We used a variety of strategies to solve mixed math problems.  The kids learned that there are easy and hard ways to solve problems.  Hopefully, they remember that next time!

Unit Study:
We continued work on our Game Projects.  Today the kids conferenced with Mrs. Lobello to check on their progress.  Most are doing very well so far.  We will have two more class sessions to work.  Games will be shared on December 13th.

Novel Study:
We read a few more chapters in our novel, learning a bit about the Manhattan Project and more about some of the characters.  Although the Lexile of this book isn't a challenge for most of our kids, the story involves many historical events, especially scientific discoveries.  In addition, we are focusing on inferences, making connections between subject areas, and evaluating the actions and choices of our characters.  We are finding that the kids sometimes have to revise their thinking or refer back to the text for evidence.  The story is humorous, so the kids sometimes think that means it's an "easy" book.  It's definitely a good learning experience for them!

Affective Skills:
We watched Jason Mraz' song "Have It All" and began drafting our personal mission statements.

Later, we continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Body Scan".  The kids did a great job with this!

HW:  Edmodo Update on Project

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

We started with a very challenging Versatiles, which we will continue to work on next week.

Algebraic Thinking:
We challenged our math understanding by applying our algebraic thinking to Error Analysis with problems similar to those we worked on last week.  The kids did a good job in identifying errors and providing correct solutions.

Unit Study:
We started our Game Design Time with a Peer Coaching Session.  The kids partnered up to explain their game concepts to each other.  Then they provided constructive feedback.  Hopefully, this feedback will help drive positive changes to improve their Game Designs!  We had an extended session to work on our Game Projects this afternoon.  Many seem to be making good progress.  

Affective Skills:
We continued our work on Mission Statements with a Template summarizing Character Traits, Skills, Talents, Values, and Goals.  We also worked on specific steps to reach our Goals.  

Novel Study:
We used our critical thinking skills to evaluate several interactions in the novel, as well as examine the point of view.  At the end of our reading time, we found connections between our main character's growing love of science and our work on Mission Statements.

HW:  Edmodo-Reflections on Peer Feedback

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

We started our day with creativity and math--creating a Hidden Picture using ordered pairs.  Many of the kids finished this up today.  They look great on our Bulletin Board!

Algebraic thinking:
We continued our Hands On Equations work with word problems again.  We're aiming for exposure to different types of problems, so the kids have some familiarity before they move on to middle school algebra.

Unit Study:
Our game research is winding down.  Most of the kids have begun creating their games.  We reviewed our Game Design Rubrics, so the kids are clear on expectations for this project.  You can check out the Rubric on our Target Game Glog.  We'll be working in class for the next few weeks.  Games will be presented on December 13th.  

Affective Skills:
We watched a Kid Created Mission Statement to get us thinking about this process.  We also examined several mission statements, analyzing them to determine what a mission statement is and is NOT.  There were some insightful comments!  
We continued our mindfulness practice with 2 Minute Relaxation.  The kids are getting better and better at settling in and finding that calm work zone.  

Stations:
We tackled a Perplexor Logic Puzzle, which he haven't done in a while.  The kids enjoyed this easy puzzle and are warmed up for the more challenging puzzle we'll do the next time!  We also read a chapter in our novel independently.  The kids worked with partners to create a Critical Thinking question for our Kahoot game, which we played later.  They did a fantastic job making their questions higher level, especially with their tricky "wrong answer" choice!

HW:  Edmodo Assignment-Game Progress
Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

We got our creative juices flowing with a Hidden Picture, requiring knowledge of ordered pairs too!

Algebraic Thinking:
We broke into small groups to begin our work on Word Problems.  We used our Hands On Equations to create equations from the word problems and solve them.  It is very important to learn and review the basics at this point, so as the problems become more challenging, the kids understand the key steps in solving these problems.

Unit Study:
The kids started the design process for their games today by creating a Game Plan.  They're working in class to create a Board Game, Card Game, or Video Game.  The Game Plan includes the Title, Theme, Objective, Characters/Materials, Rules/Directions, Ways to Level Up, Risks/Rewards, and a sketch of the scenes, board, and/or cards.  We'll be working in class for the next several weeks.

Novel Study:
The kids worked on identifying humor in the novel this week.  They also answered some critical thinking questions in our Kahoot! game as we read the next chapter.  We're learning some surprising things about Grandpa!

HW:  Edmodo-Next Steps on the Game Project

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started our day by finishing up some work from last week.  With those few extra minutes, the kids were able to do a bang-up job on their logic puzzles and critical thinking questions about our novel.

Unit Study:
We continued our research on Games with a video, Crash Course Games #19-Game Design.  The kids learned some important principles of good game design.  Hopefully, this will be helpful for their work on creating their own games.  

Divergent Thinking:
We stretched our creative thinking with an October F2OE.  The Fluency, Flexibility, Originality, and Elaboration was TREMENDOUS!  Check out some of the amazing work in the photos and on the wall outside our classroom.

Novel Study:
We read another chapter of our novel and talked a little about things that just aren't as good as they used to be.  The example in the book was Raisinets.  While we read, the kids played Kahoot to answer critical thinking questions about the story.  They love it, so we'll have to do it again soon!

HW:  Edmodo-Share your idea for a Game you'd like to create.

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started off strong with a warm up in our convergent thinking with a Versatiles activity.  We also finished up our reading activity, "Snapping Into Place".  

Algebraic Thinking:
We continued to hone our algebraic thinking with another lesson in Hands On Equations.  Most of us are pretty solid, so we'll be ready to use our skills with some word problems next time.

Unit Study:
We learned about adding typography and containers to our Sketchnotes today.  The kids applied these skills to a video: Crash Course #13-Card Games.  They are starting to understand how this sketchnoting will help them in Middle School and beyond.  Hopefully, this is a skill they can build on and strengthen to use for their continued achievement.

Affective Skills:
We took our "Future Me" lesson a bit farther with a focus on a particular character trait we hope to develop as we grow.  The kids chose some really powerful traits!  
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Calm Down your Amygdala".  The kids learned how we can turn negative (Red) thoughts into positive (Green) thoughts.  

Stations:
We worked our convergent thinking with a difficult Logic Puzzle.  Our divergent thinking skills came alive with our Sketchnoting for the "All About Me" Idea Flood.  I hope you'll check it out beside our classroom.  We also used critical thinking and made connections with our "Character Study" task from our Novel.

Novel Study:
After listening to a clip of the song, "Route 66", we read another chapter of our novel, The Fourteenth Goldfish.  The kids shared some very sweet responses to our question: "What silly thing would you do for one of your parents to show your love?"  Check that out here.

HW:  Edmodo
Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

We started our day with a "Waker Upper", a thinking task designed to get our creative and logical thinking going.

Algebraic Thinking:
We continued our Hands On Equations with our beginners learning about Legal Moves!  This will make solving equations so easy!  Our middle group worked on using "Convenient Zeroes" in solving a variety of equations.  While our advanced group continued their work with negative numbers.

Unit Study:
We continued our study of Games with "Crash Course Games #3-The Dawn of Video Games".  The kids enjoyed the video and learned a lot about video games from the Websites listed on our Target Glog.

Affective Skills:
We watched a short video about "My 80th Birthday Party" to begin our work on exploring our "Future Selves".  The kids brainstormed ideas about how they want to be remembered on their 80th birthdays.  
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with Mindful Breathing.  

Stations:
We stretched our convergent thinking with logic puzzles and REALLY worked our divergent thinking with a Jellyfish Transformation and creation of a Visual Image of what "Snapping Into Place" means (from our Novel Study).  Take a look, outside our classroom, at the amazingly creative work the kids did on their transformations.

Novel Study:
We continued our reading with chapters 9 and 10.  Ellie's grandfather, Melvin, has hatched a plan to get back to this Science Lab and it may involve Ellie.  

HW:  NONE!  Enjoy the Break!
Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

With IOWA testing, our Target Day was pretty short this week.

We we had a game evaluation session with Card Games to give the kids another opportunity to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of various game elements. They enjoyed this a lot and we’re definitely glad for a hands on activity.

We we also read a couple chapters in our novel. We’ve met the complete cast of characters now and are eagerly waiting to see what kind wacky situations they’ll find themselves in.

HW: Edmodo
Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger