Convergent Thinking:
We started strong with a challenging Halloween logic puzzle.  They are learning the value of completing all parts of the puzzle, not just the easy parts.  We'll confer on solutions next week.

Divergent Thinking:
Next, we let our brains run free with a Pumpkin themed Creative Problem Solving task.  We worked on fluency, flexibility, elaboration, and originality.  The kids amazed me, as always, with their extreme creativity!

Algebraic Thinking:
We broke off into smaller groups to work on Hands On Equations.  Some dug deeper into the use of the "Convenient Zero" in solving equations.  Others jumped into Level 3 with the introduction of negative numbers.  It's starting to get pretty high level, but I know they can stick with it!

Novel Study:
We worked on prediction and foreshadowing with a couple of pivotal chapters in our book.  The kids knew right away that things were not looking good for Donovan or Tin Man!

Over the next couple of weeks, we'll be using our critical thinking skills to create an interactive timeline of major events from the book so far.  The kids will work collaboratively to identify events, plan how to present the event on the timeline, and actual construction of events & timeline.  I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product!

HW:  Edmodo-Respond to the prompt about the "Untrustworthy" chapter

Until next week,
Mrs. Kraeger

Novel Study:
We started our day with some reading from our novel, Ungifted.  We've been focusing on the characters and looking for details the author includes to develop the characters along with moving along the plot.
We used our critical thinking and divergent thinking to create a character sketch using close reading of the text.  The kids were able to collaborate a bit by sharing good reference pages in the book.

Convergent thinking:
We stretched our brains with some old fashioned logic puzzles and some less familiar analogies.  Some of us were very quick to ask the meaning of unfamiliar words, but this is getting less each week! :)

Self-Reflection/Evaluation:
We spent some time in the computer lab refreshing our technology skills by completing a reflective writing assignment on Edmodo.  The kids had the opportunity to reflect on the Trading Card Creator activity from last week.  I'm interested to see their self-reflections, as well as their feedback on the activity itself.
Another focus of our time in the lab was helping the kids get more familiar with Edmodo. Part of that is knowing where the Parent Code is for sign up!  Students whose parent signs up for Edmodo by next week will earn 5 extra minutes of recess.  We're offering this because we think Edmodo is a good way to stay connected and allow teachers and families to support their child's growth and achievement, especially as we move in the direction of a paperless classroom.

HW:  Create a character sketch of yourself, then message on the Edmodo assignment to let us know its complete.

Looking forward to a full Target day next week!
Mrs. Kraeger

Despite a short day due to testing, we managed to fit in some good learning!

Convergent Thinking:
Instead of our usual logic puzzles, we fell back to a favorite game, SET.  It was interesting to see the different levels of competition and playing styles.  I was definitely surprised that some of my quieter students were such fierce competitors!  They have definitely mastered these skills!

Relationships & Connections:
We watched a portion of a video about the Design Thinking Process featuring a company called IDEO.  They do amazing things in designing better products for companies around the world.  We'll watch the rest next time, so we can find some ways we can optimize our design/building process here in Target.

Critical Thinking/Communication Skills:
We went to the Computer Lab to create trading cards for characters from our novel, Ungifted.  Well...most of the kids managed to complete the assignment with no problems.  There were a few, however, who didn't quite understand that you only need to hit the print button once--and then WAIT for the paper to print.  Some 20-30 wasted copies later, we were able to get almost everybody finished.  Looks like we need to revisit some of our computer skills next time we're in the lab.  Real-life skills, huh!?  
Look for the finished products in the hallway soon!

HW:  Create a trading card of yourself.  Use Read, Write, Think or create it by hand following a similar format.

See you next week,
Mrs. Kraeger

Convergent Thinking:
We worked on a regular logic puzzle to test those critical thinking skills, but then changed focus on worked on a convergent/divergent activity with several different tasks.  The kids enjoyed the variety of problems, especially those calling for fluency!

Algebraic Thinking:
Since we finished Level 2 of Hands On Equations, it was time for a change of pace.  We went back to our "Math Stars" mixed problem solving sheet.  This is a variety of problems of mixed difficulty.  One problem of note:  The kids now understand how to calculate their averages for grades.  Talk about a life skill?!

Evaluative Thinking & Communication:
We finished sharing our robot projects today.  The peer feedback was positive, the self-evaluations were much harsher!  Isn't that usually the way?  The ideas were creative and pretty useful, even if the actual model was a bit rough.

Self-Reflection & Communication:
We also shared our self paragraphs, written in the style of our novel, Ungifted.  Wow!  I was blown away by most of them!  The writing was pretty amazing in many cases.  What really got me though were the ones that were just so real, and revealing.  I'm so proud of those that took a risk to share some personal thoughts, and also those who supported, encouraged, and praised the efforts of those students who shared.  Well done!

Relationships & Connections:
We gathered our facts from last week's research to create posters on "Why are robots important?"  I can't wait to see the finished products.  I think these are going to be pretty amazing, based on the planning, information, and collaboration I saw today!

Novel Study:  
We ventured further into our novel, looking at the latest development with how Donovan could help his gifted friends.  Pretty interesting stuff!  

HW:  Interview 10 people (at least 5 adults) to ask them what they think was the most significant invention of the 20th or 21st Century.  Record your results for sharing with the group later.


Until next week,
Mrs. Kraeger

Critical Thinking:
We tried out convergent and analytical thinking in a new way-Analogies!  They were just right for this group of great thinkers!  We'll be continuing this type of activity as an alternate with logic puzzles as the year goes on.

Algebraic Thinking:
Time to test our knowledge of algebraic thinking with the Hands On Equations Level 2 Assessment.  Looking forward to jumping into new concepts soon!

Relationships & Connections:
We explored the big question of "Why are Robots Important?" today with some research.  The kids will put their information together to present next week.

Divergent & Evaluative Thinking:
We worked on building our robots from our designs.  This was an important lesson in learning how to use time wisely to accommodate the constraints of the task.  At the end, we did a self-evaluation of the design and building process.  Great feedback for the next project!

Novel Study:
We read a bit more of our novel, Ungifted.  We're getting into some deeper discussions of the traits and motivations of the characters.  Also, how their actions/choices result in certain consequences.

HW:  Write a paragraph about yourself in the style of Ungifted--include your name, IQ (Can be made up), and some things about yourself.  The tone should be humorous, but you can include some serious details too, if you want.


Yours in Unwavering devotion,


Mrs. Kraeger