We started our day with some creativity by making Word Clouds using Tagxedo.  Check it out in your child's Target Folder.  Please make sure you sign your child's Assignment Sheet each week.  

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!
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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.  
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HW:  Edmodo Question & Bring a Board Game

Until Next Time,
Dr. Kraeger

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We got our day off to a good start with a divergent thinking activity.  The kids described what school would be like without Target.  The answers were funny, creative, and definitely 100% kid!  Check them out by our classroom!

We had a blast with our Target Scavenger Hunt using a new app, called Goosechase.  The kids worked in teams to answer questions and complete missions around the school, including getting a picture of someone juggling.  Who knew Mr. Jones could juggle?
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Unit Study:
We continued our work on Games!  The kids enjoyed another "Crash Course Games" about Board Games.  They continued their research with some notetaking from several websites about Board Games.

Novel Study:
We continued our reading of The Fourteenth Goldfish.  The kids were delighted when our main character discovered that the surly teenager, who showed up at their house, was actually her grandfather!  Stay tuned to see how THAT happened!
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Algebraic Thinking:
We began our math work with a short review of Hands On Equations, Level 2.  After that, we took a Pre-test to assess our knowledge from Level 2, before placing kids in appropriate learning groups for our math time.  The groups are flexible, so if a child makes quick progress, he/she can move to a more challenging group.  Likewise, if the pace is too quick, we can find a group with a bit slower pace.

Divergent Thinking:
We stretched our brains in creative ways with our first F2OE of the year.  We reviewed what Fluency, Flexibility, Originality, and Elaboration are.  The kids liked the variety of tasks and rated which they found easiest and hardest.  We'll do variations of this task throughout the year to help us grow our creativity.

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.

A Quick Note about Edmodo:
I only assign one question for Homework each time.  The kids will see it at the top of their posts.  Edmodo sends out an optional Question of the Day.  The kids don't have to answer that,--it's just for fun.  I'll be sending home Parent Sign-Up forms for Edmodo next week.

HW:  Edmodo Question

Until Next Time,
Dr. Kraeger