The kids were excited to be back in Target, and even more excited to see each other! They really enjoy the chance to be with their academic and creative peers!

Algebraic Thinking:
We are working our way through 3 different levels in HOE, since we have brand new kids, a group that just started this year, and returning Target kids who are well into Level 3. It can be hectic, but I think they're learning a lot and becoming increasingly independent. This is great preparation for middle school math!

Unit Study:
The kids were highly engaged and VERY busy with their Genius Hour Projects! We have only 1 more class session to work on projects before we begin preparing presentations on March 14th.

Convergent Thinking;
Our new kids are moving along VERY well in their logical thinking!  They've advanced to a new book of puzzles!  Our returning students begged for the Expert Level Perplexors today, so we tried one.  Some found it SO easy, some found it more challenging.  Next week, we'll have a choice of Expert or just a bit easier.
​
Novel Study:
We read more of our book, where we found out just what Noah thinks is funny enough to put on YouTube!  The kids followed up with a divergent thinking activity creating their own ultimate YouTube video idea.  They are pretty amazing!  
We also read a bit more about how the class is enjoying studying Donovan's sister, AND how much she is not enjoying this experience!  Check out the Padlet with the kids' replies to our critical thinking question.

Affective Skills:
We continued our work on Mission Statements this week with an analysis of some sample Mission Statements followed by a discussion of their similarities and differences.

Later we continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Widdle the Worrier" and some breathing practice with "2 Minute Breathing".  The kids enjoyed the breathing practice very much!

HW:  Edmodo-Genius Hour Update

Until next week,
Dr. Kraeger

I am truly impressed with this group of kids!  They are picking up steam in all areas!

Convergent Thinking:
Both our returning students and our new students are ready for harder puzzles, so they are all moving up to the next level!  This shows their hard work has improved their logical thinking--very exciting!

Algebraic Thinking:
I'm impressed with the progress ALL groups are making with Hands-On-Equations!  They are really gathering momentum in building their algebraic thinking and problem solving skills.  

Novel Study:
We read 2 chapters in our book, Ungifted.  The kids read the first independently and replied to an exit slip testing their evaluative thinking.  Later we read another chapter aloud, while playing a "Ghost" game of Kahoot.  This is where the current 5th graders compete to beat last year's 5th grade Target class on the same quiz.  They loved it, mostly because they won! :)

Unit Study:
They are doing fantastic on their Genius Hour Projects!  Almost everyone is making excellent progress and should be ready to present on March 21st!  Some may want or need to work on their projects over February Break.  That is completely OK!  I'll be checking Edmodo, in case there are any questions.  

Affective Skills:
We continued our goal setting by focusing on a particular character trait each student wants to further develop.  They completed an index card with the trait, its definition, examples of it in use, and a plan to develop it.  Some good work!

​We also watched a video, "Calm Down and Release the Amygdala".  This explained how the Amygdala is the part of the brain that reacts to stress with the "Fight or Flight" response.  The video also gave many ways to calm that response in the face of real fear or perceived stressors.

HW:  Edmodo-Genius Hour Project Check In

Enjoy the Break!
​Dr. Kraeger

We had a plan for accomplishing learning goals today, and we did it! 

Algebraic Skills:
Our Hands On Equations is going strong!  The new Target Kids have learned a new Legal Move to help with solving equations.  They're doing great!  Our returning students are definitely back in the groove, using their strategies with more confidence!

Convergent Skills:
Logical thinking is growing stronger each session!  The new kids are using their critical thinking skills more easily to solve the different puzzles.  This is great progress!  

Novel Study:
We read independently and also as a class.  During the independent reading the kids tried a new online tool to assess their critical thinking.  It's called Socrative.  They seemed to be pretty challenged by the questions, especially because they had to work independently.  Looks like this will be a good thing to try again!

Affective Skills:
We started a mini-unit on goal setting with an interesting video about a future 80th Birthday Party.  The kids worked on visualizing what their friends and families would say about them at their party.  This is a good start to looking ahead at the future.

Unit Study:
The progress on Genius Hour was good this week!  The kids are working hard making changes and moving forward after last week's Peer Coaching Session.  The last class to work on the projects will be March 14th.  Projects will be presented on March 21st and March 28th from 8-9am.  Parents are invited to attend.  More details to come!

HW:  Edmodo-Genius Hour Project Update

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger