Unit Study:
We watched a couple more episodes of "Crash Course Games": Educational Games and Card Games. We had a pretty intense discussion about Trading Card Games, especially Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh. The kids had some excellent insights into the value in these games (they both require tons of evaluative thinking and also convergent thinking) and can be more challenging than chess! Later on, we had a Card Playing Session. The kids used their convergent thinking skills to play "SET". They moaned and groaned after about the first 5 minutes. We think they missed the collaboration they usually have with Logic Puzzles. In this game, they were each on their own trying to find sets according to the rules of the game. It was very enlightening watching them apply their convergent thinking skills in a different setting. We will probably search out other games that use this same skill to further challenge the kids. Next week, the kids should bring a board game. We will be playing and evaluating our favorite board games. This will be another step on the journey in our game research.
Novel Study:
We used our divergent thinking skills to create a scene from chapter two of our book. The kids shared some interesting perspectives on the characters! After that, we read more of our novel. The excitement is starting as multiple problems have erupted, and we're not sure how they will be resolved, or if they will be!
Affective Skills:
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Mindfulness Bell" and "Why Humans Experience Anxiety". The first is great for finding calm and quieting the mind. The second shares helpful information about self-regulation.
HW: Edmodo Question & Bring a Board Game
Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger