We used a challenging math Versatiles to warm up our brains.

Stations:
We used our divergent thinking  to SCAMPER a frog.  The results were pretty incredible!  We also used Sketchnoting to add meaning to the frog vocabulary for the Frog's Mouth.  

Unit Study:
We continued our Frog Research today.  The kids are finding some fascinating information about their species.  We'll continue our research for a couple more class periods and then work on creating our Frog Projects to share in May.

Affective Skills:
We reviewed some key points from our Dreams book.  Then we took this information to create SMART goals to think about reaching our Dreams.

Novel Study:
We started our reading with a Poster Response.  Then we read "Untested".  The students used text evidence to think critically about "Whodunnit"?

No Homework!  Enjoy your Spring Break!

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started our day by working on Pi Projects.  The kids did a great job on their Pi Skylines and Pi-ku poems!
We were very pleased to see a few more Genius Hour Projects this week.  They were well done and such a pleasure to watch!

Unit Study:
We reviewed a Brainpop video on Paraphrasing to help kids understand how to take the ideas they need without copying word for word.  Then, we got into the research!  The kids are doing a great job in finding out some really interesting facts!  We will continue research and project work through the end of April.  Projects will be presented May 9th.

Stations:
The kids stretched their divergent thinking with a March F2OE.  Their fluency, flexibility, Originality, and Elaboration are AMAZING!  Check out some of their work in the photos below!  We also played some fun games to challenge convergent (logical) thinking:  Rubik's Race, Rubik's Flip, GoGetter, and chess!  

Algebraic Thinking:
We went back to our regular Hands On Equations lessons for this week.  The kids did well with it, some finishing up, others need a bit more time for this tough stuff.  

Novel Study:
We read a bit more of our novel, testing our critical thinking with some questions on Kahoot.  They always LOVE this game because they are incredibly competitive!  And...they do pretty well with the answers, too! 

HW:  Edmodo-Frog Question

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started our day by getting ready for our Genius Hour Presentations.  The room was buzzing with excitement!

Unit Study:
We kicked off our new unit-Frogs with a research project!  The kids learned why it's important to study frogs and why they're called an indicator species.  Next, the kids looked on our Target Glog to check out different frogs/toads and choose one to research.  The choices are incredibly varied, which makes the project even more fun!  We will continue to spend class time to research our frogs, find answers to our "Thick" Research Questions, and finally prepare a project to share our learning.  Project ideas and rubric can also be found on the Target Glog.  

Genius Hour:
Wow!  The projects we saw were incredible!  We had everything from electric circuits to jello brains, to holograms, to homemade pie to a rocket launch to a handmade upcycled hoodie to many other interesting projects!  We were super impressed with the depth of learning in these projects!  The evaluative thinking the kids did on their Project Evaluations was very insightful.  They also did a wonderful job using their reflective thinking to examine their own efforts, learning, and possible changes that could be made.  We love this unit because the project involves almost all of our gifted standards!  It's so engaging for the kids, as well! A few kids didn't get to present this week, so they will present next week.

Pi Day!
We used our mathematical and critical thnking to measure circles and calculate Pi.  We also read, Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi" to explain about how Pi is calculated.  This Pi song helps the kids remember the digits of Pi to wow their friends and family.  We also created Pi Skylines using the digits of Pi and "Pi-Ku" poems with 3 syllables, 1 syllable, and 4 syllables.  Finally, we measured, poured, mixed, and chilled our chocolate and banana pudding pies.  The kids were very excited to enjoy their delicious creations later!  YUM!

You may have seen a payment envelope and permission slip for our In-House Frog Dissection on May 8th.  Please return both within the next week or two.

HW: Edmodo-"Thick" Question about your frog

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started off with a math Versatiles.  The kids are getting really good at these or maybe this one was too easy!  

Unit Study:
We spent time working on projects, including preparing what to say when presenting.  Later, the kids shared their project with a partner and provided each other feedback.  The session concluded with a reflection on what they learned, next steps, and any questions still remaining.  Projects will be presented at 12:05 next Thursday. We selected this time, so Ms. Rhone could join us to head on of our three presentation groups.  This will allow each to have a turn to share.  You're welcome to join us if you'd like to see any of the presentations.  

Algebraic Thinking:  
It's not easy going, but these kiddos stuck with our word problems today.  We're going to work another session or two, and then jump back to regular Hands On Equations Lessons.  It's tough stuff for them, yet they persevere!  

Novel Study:
We read another couple of chapters and enjoyed a rousing game of Kahoot to challenge our critical thinking!

HW:  Edmodo-Project Update

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger