Our day got off to a quick start with a math versatile combining algebraic and convergent thinking.  Way to go kids!

Stations:
We stretched our convergent thinking skills further with differentiated logic puzzles. The kids are making good progress as the puzzles become more challenging.  The kids wrote paragraphs about themselves in the style of our novel, Ungifted.  We have some talented writers in this group!  

Algebraic Thinking: 
Problem-solving was EVERYWHERE as the kids tackled another Math Stars mixed problem activity.  They love debating and proving their answers are correct.  We LOVE hearing all the great math conversations!  It's wonderful!

Affective Skills:
​We reviewed our "Future Me" goal-setting work from last semester.  Then we watched an amazing Ted Talk featuring Diana Nyad and her successful Cuba to Florida swim at age 64.  The kids reflected on the traits necessary to reach such a big dream and the importance of handling negative thoughts and obstacles along the way.  Good work on this!

Novel Study:
We read a bit more in our book, finding out that life is pretty good at the Gifted Academy.  If only Donovan can find a way to stay hidden and pass for gifted!

Unit Study:
We had a very effective Genius Hour time today!  The kids started off with some peer coaching to share their projects.  The feedback was thoughtful and really helpful for many of them!  Then they worked hard on beginning their research, working on their projects, creating websites, and all sorts of interesting things!  Can't wait to see the finished projects!

HW:  Edmodo-Genius Hour Reflection

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We got off to a fast start with our fun filled day of learning!  We finished up Edmodo Genius Hour Homework and honed our math skills with a Versatile Activity.

Unit Study:
We got into the details with our Genius Hour Project Plans.  This document will be coming home today for your review and signature.  Most of the work for this project will be done in class over the next 5-6 weeks, but some of it will need to be completed at home.  Later in the day, we started our research for our Genius Hour Topics.  The kids were SO excited to jump into their areas of passion!  It's not often that they are given time to truly dig into whatever they are most passionate about.  It's a pleasure to watch them light up with learning! 

Algebraic Thinking:
We stretched our mathematical thinking with a mixed problem-solving page.  The kids are making great progress in their use of various strategies to solve increasingly more difficult problems.  Way to go!

Stations:
We managed to squeeze in time to stretch our convergent thinking with some logic puzzles and then used our divergent thinking to work on a creative problem solving task, "Escaping Detention", that is related to our novel study.  The kids came up with some very clever ideas!

Affective Skills:
We reviewed an old favorite for our mindfulness practice: Still Quiet Place.   This helps kids to imagine a place where feel totally relaxed and calm.  This technique can be used anytime kids need to calm down or take a mental break.

​Novel Study:
We finished up our day with some reading in our novel, Ungifted.  The kids have just found out that our main character, Donovan, is going to attend the Academy of Scholastic Distinction.  Oh, is this going to be one crazy adventure!

HW:  Edmodo-Genius Hour Update

Our 5th Graders were very excited to be back in Target and were so welcoming to our new Target friends! It was a day filled excitement!

We started off with “Speed Meeting”, a game combining communication, collaboration, and a dose of chaos. It all came together for tons of fun as the kids learned more about each other.

We we also kicked off our new unit: Genius Hour. The kids are beyond excited to get started on their projects. Hope you check out their Project Ideas on FlipGrid.

We we learned a new math game called Bacon. After a rough start, we changed the rules (Flexible thinking ROCKS!) and had a blast. This is one time when ending up with Bacon is NOT a good thing!

Finally, we started our new novel, Ungifted. The kids are already hooked on this funny story of a kid who is always doing crazy things and ends up in a gifted school.

HW: Edmodo
Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger