A fantastic Target day for 5th grade this week!

Affective:
We expanded our "Future Me" work with a deep dive on character traits we have and those we'd like to develop. The kids picked one trait to work on.
We also continued our Mindfulness Practice with "2 Minute Mindfulness". The kids always enjoy this time to focus!

Unit Study:
Research on surviving the Oregon Trail is almost complete. Kids will finish up next week and compile their Trail Survival Handbooks. 
Later, we listed as many survival tools as we could and played "Scratch" with our lists. One important discovery-fluence is great, but originality is key!
The kids had a blast with our Survivor Tribe Challenge today-"Face the Cookie". Enjoy the photos! So much fun!

Algebraic Thinking:
The kids used their algebraic, convergent, and evaluative thinking skills to solve a math mystery. They had to use math evidence to prove who was guilty and who was innocent. We talked about how this is what forensic accountants do.

Stations:
We had tons of fun playing convergent and divergent thinking games. So many ways to explore and expand those thinking skills!

Novel Study:
We read another chapter of our novel. The kids are learning what Sam plans to do with "Frightful" his baby falcon.

Have a wonderful Fall Break!
​Dr. Kraeger

We had a "Dot-Tastic" Day with International Dot Day! The kids rose to the challenge in the many creative thinking and problem solving activities today!

Unit Study:
We continued our Survivor-Oregon Trail research. The kids are discovering so much interesting information! I hope it will help their "Pioneer Selves" survive on the Trail.

Algebraic Thinking:
We continued our Hands On Equations with Lesson 15 Extra Practice to cement our learning before we move on to Word Problems next time. Oooh, they're going to work so hard! 

Dot Day Divergent Thinking:
We started the day with collaborative Dot Creations. Check out their creativity in the Group Creations! Next we moved on to Dot Stations. The kids could choose to create a Watercolor Dot Doodle, Dot Doodle for a Friend, or Dot Transformation. We also competed in a Dot STEM Tribal Challenge. The kids had a blast! Take a look at their creations! We also participated in the International Dot Day Flipgrid LIve Event with Peter Reynolds, author of the Dot. What fun!

Affective Skills:
We watched a short video about our "Future 80th Birthday Party". The kids had to brainstorm what they would want their friends and family to say about them at their 80th Birthday Party. We'll revisit these ideas next time to begin creating our Personal Mission Statements.
​We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Mindful Minute". The kids had a chance to focus on listening to a bell as a way to clear their minds. It worked well!

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

It was fantastic to have almost all my kids in Target today! They had a blast learning together!

Algebraic Thinking:
We moved on to Hands On Equations Lesson 15, which is almost the end of Level 2. They'll be ready to start Level 3 in a couple of weeks. Great work today!

Unit Study:
We continued our Survival research. The kids are finding all sorts of useful information about how to survive on the Oregon Trail!
The kids worked together in their Tribes to line up in Birthday Order, without talking! They were so fast! Great collaboration! A few groups finished their Survivor Audition videos today. Can't wait to watch those in class!

Affective Skills:
We watched a video about "Carpe Diem-Seize the Day" from Dead Poet's Society. We discussed how important it is to go after your dreams! 

We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "66 Second Story". The kids can see the difference mindfulness and slow, steady breathing can make in their day. 

Stations:
We used our convergent thinking to solve a Versatiles Logic activity. The kids did a great job! They used their divergent thinking skills to create solutions to many wacky puzzles. Loved their great work!

Novel Study:
We created our own maps of "Gribley's Farm" from the clues in our book. Then we read another chapter, and Sam picks strawberries for an old woman he meets.

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We had a shorter day because of GR1 & GR3 Testing and some of our class was at home today, but we did some excellent work!

Algebraic Thinking:
We used all our math strategies to solve a variety of problems. The kids collaborated and used some manipulatives for the geometry problems. All solved! Great work!

Stations:
We used convergent thinking to solve a logic puzzle, communication and creativity to create a Survivor Acrostic poem, and collaboration to finish our Survivor Audition videos. 

Novel Study:
We read another chapter together, "The Old, Old Tree". The kids are finding out many important survival skills while listening to the story.

Affective Skills:
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Fear vs. Anxiety" to help the kids tell the difference between real threats and anxiety. We also discussed strategies to help us calm anxiety. 

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger