Unit Study:
Onward with our Games Unit! The kids enjoyed another "Crash Course Games-Psychology of Games". We also learned about the Power of Games from a Ted Talk with Jane McGonigal. So, if you want to add more time to your life, just watch the video and follow her advice! We'll be analyzing and evaluating board games in class next week. Students should bring a (non-electronic) Board Game to play.
Novel Study:
We carried on with The Fourteenth Goldfish. The kids discovered the setting of the book and also how Grandpa turned into a teenager. Interesting science stuff tucked into this novel!
Algebraic Thinking:
We jumped right into Hands On Equations with several groups to get everyone started. Our beginner group is making good progress, and we'd like them to stop in during CME next week to work on some HOE Algebra lessons to make even quicker progress. Once that happens, we'll be able to add them to our next group to learn the more advanced skills from HOE Level 2. Our returning kids reviewed a bit from Level 2 and one group is diving right in to Level 3, which is our most challenging part of HOE. This will be excellent preparation for Middle School algebra!
Affective Skills:
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with a breathing exercise, 4-7-8 Breathing. Most of the kids found this pretty challenging, but did much better after the second try. This is a good way to relax or help quiet the mind at bedtime.
We also had an lesson focused on pursuing your dreams, not wasting time with regrets. The kids really enjoyed the video that we shared, "Seize the Day". They even sang along on the last chorus! Our discussion of the meaning of the song lyrics and how those ideas can impact your life was really strong.
HW: Edmodo Question & Bring a Board Game
Until Next Time,
Dr. Kraeger