Our day got off to a busy start with the kids stretching their brains in many different ways!

Algebraic Thinking:
We finished up the last lesson in Level 1, using parentheses in equations to represent the distributive property.  The kids did pretty well with this new concept!  They've learned so much this year!

Unit Study:
We used all of our coding skills to create our own stories on Code.org, Stage 17-"Play Lab".  It was definitely a challenge!  The kids can investigate further with Code.org.  There is no charge to use it, and they can explore any of the levels, games, or resources.  
We also learned about Biomimicry and how robots are used to search and rescue missions.  The kids were amazed at the weird ways robots can be modeled after animals.  The kids used these ideas to program their robots to retrieve an item and bring it back.  They did quite well with this mission!

Novel Study:
We finished our House of Robots book.  What a wonderful, surprising ending!  The kids LOVED it!  If they're interested, there are two sequels to this book.  

Divergent Thinking:
We reflected on our Target Year, evaluating our favorites.  The kids also used their divergent thinking skills to come up with incredibly creative solutions to the tasks on our May F2OE.  Wow!  They've come a long way with their creativity this year!

It's been a marvelous year!  Thank you so very much for the thoughtful gifts and cards for Teacher Appreciation. 

​I'm looking forward to some amazing experiences with these kiddos next year!  We've got some good things planned!

Have a wonderful summer and see you next year!

Dr. Kraeger

It was so wonderful to have the kids a full day, now that testing is all done!  They did a fantastic job waking up their brains with a Versatiles Algebra activity!

Unit Study:
We Completed our Robot Mission-Advanced Maneuvering with the robots programmed to go through student-created obstacle courses.  It was interesting watching the kids revise their programming to modify the robot's movements.

Stations:
We challenged our convergent thinking and communication skills with a Drop Quote from our novel.  The kids are getting the hang of this style of puzzle.  They also did a great job creating Ninja Comic Strips to go along with our book.  Check out some great work outside our classroom!

Novel Study:
We read quite a bit of our novel today!  The kids used their critical thinking skills and affective skills to make predictions about the upcoming action, find text evidence to support their theories about what has happened to "E", and identify character traits that have appeared in our book.  

Affective Skills:
We learned about the different types of Courage and also about Zest.  The kids enjoyed our "Mortimer" read aloud to understand Zest!  They reflected on times they have shown Zest and also ways in which they can be more courageous.  Their insights were powerful!

HW:  Advice letter to Sammy or Trip (Some already finished in class.)

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

Because of Gifted Testing, our morning was a bit shorter.  We jumped right in to begin learning!

Novel Study:
We read a few more chapters in our book.  The kids did a great job evaluating, predicting, and analyzing the story events in their reflection questions.  

Unit Study:
We learned how to code Events and how to use "Event Handlers" on code.org.  The kids actually created their own "Flappy Birds" game using a variety of code, with options for sound, point levels, and other things.  They had a great time figuring it out and trying different possibilities!

We watched a Roomba video in preparation for next Robot Mission.  The kids have planned out an obstacle course for their Robots to maneuver around.  Next time, they'll turn their plan into a program for the robot.  Then, they'll test it out with real obstacles!  Can't wait to see the fun!

HW:  Edmodo Poll

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started our day by getting the remaining Flipgrid -Fairness videos done.  The kids did a good job capturing various ideas of fairness.  

Unit Study:
We learned to code "Events" with our Code.org lesson and then turned that into a program for our Robots.  They completed Mission 7: "So You Think You Can Dance?" today.  The kids did a fantastic job creating dance moves and programming those directions into their Robots.  It was a blast watching the Robots show their dance moves!  

Affective Skills:
We walked outside for a lesson combining nature and resilience.  The kids created beautiful images of trees using different parts of the drawings to illustrate themselves, challenges, support/love, character traits, and ways to develop resilience.  The results are insightful!

Algebraic Thinking:
We reviewed Legal Moves and combining terms to solve a new set of equations.  The kids did an incredible job with this work!

Novel Study:
The kids used their convergent thinking and communication skills to solve a new kind of logic puzzle, a Drop Quote.  The quote was from our novel, which they remembered when they solved it!  We also read a few more chapters.  The kids created responses about how "not being perfect can make us better."  Their ideas are pretty amazing!

HW:  Edmodo-Flipgrid Response (You may have to use your QR code to access the Grid)

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

 Oh, what a whirlwind of a day!  We got the kids after they finished testing this morning.  We took them right outside for a much deserved RECESS!

Unit Study:
We learned about Binary Coding with Code.org.  Then we used this to create Binary Bracelets of the kids' initials.  They had a blast and did a great job!

Later, we worked on our collaboration, divergent, convergent, and evaluative thinking with a Target Scavenger Hunt using the Goose Chase app.  The kids had to think hard to solve all the various tasks.  They also had to think about which Gifted Standard matched some of the tasks to get a correct answer.  It was more challenging than they thought it might be.  Here's a picture of the final results:
​

HW:  Edmodo
Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started our day with some creative work!

Unit Study:
We learned about debugging and also Conditional Statements.  The kids practiced these skills with a Conditional Card Game.  Check out our Game Video!  We also worked on these skills with Code.org.
Then the kids worked on programming their robots to offer their "Pet" a treat using a recorded message.  The results were funny!

Affective Skills:
We discussed examples of fairness and used a "Values Ladder" activity to evaluate given situations.  It was interesting to see the kids' responses to real-life situations such as lack of education for girls in some countries.  

Stations:
We worked on our algebraic thinking and divergent thinking skills to create a Math Mosaic with multiples of 5 and 6.  The results were fantastic!  We also started working on filming our video responses to our Fairness Lesson.

Novel Study:
We read a couple more chapter of our novel.  E has gone back to school and so far, he's doing well.  Lunch time is about to happen and we'll see what happens!

Next week for Target, since 3rd grade will be doing Milestones Testing, the kids will go directly to their classrooms in the morning.  We'll pick them up after testing is done.
​
HW:  Edmodo

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

We started our day by completing our Weighty Word for letter R.  The kids are definitely getting more adept at choosing images to capture the meaning of the words.

Unit Study:
We learned more about Debugging with our Code.org lesson and video.  The kids got a chance to practice their programming skills with a Robot Mission.  They programmed their robots to tell a Knock-Knock Joke.  So much fun!  

Algebraic thinking:
We watched our Hands On Equations Lesson 5 video that reviews combining terms.  The kids did a good job applying this skill in their Lesson 5 Practice Page.

Affective Skills:
We investigated various definitions of Fairness.  The kids evaluated the definitions and choose one that made the most sense to them.  After they divided into these groups, each group shared why they chose that definition.  We discussed various scenarios from our class, and how each one would fit with the chosen fairness definitions.  They came to some interesting conclusions!  
We continued our mindfulness practice with "2 Minute Mindfulness".  So calming!

Stations:
We stretched our divergent thinking skills with a Robot Transformation.  The kids came up with incredibly creative ideas!  Love the way they can think of so many different, unusual ideas.  

Novel Study:
We read several more chapters in our book, finding out that E is back in action and can do tricks on his bike!  Too bad Sammy can't do those kinds of tricks!

No homework!  Enjoy your Spring Break!

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started off strong with a few kids finishing up the Weighty Word from last week.  Most of the class had fun with chess, checkers, and other convergent thinking games.

Unit Study:
We learned to "Debug" our code by playing "Relay Programming" today.  The kids did a FANTASTIC job coding almost everything accurately and catching the few bugs that were made.  Later, we programmed our Robots to go on "Security Patrol".  So much fun!  We even have a few kids working on Scratch.com to learn more coding on their own!

Stations:
We read our new Weighty Word for the week- Raucous.  The kids found so many perfect pictures for this word!  I can't wait to see the finished products!
We also stretched our divergent thinking with a March F2OE.  The kids used creativity to solve tasks in Fluency, Flexibility, Originality, and Elaboration.  I love the ideas they come up with!  So clever and WAY out of the box!

Affective Skills:
We watched a video about Wisdom and discussed various kinds of wisdom.  We also reflected on a time when we showed wisdom.  
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Mindful Bell" and "2 Minute Mindfulness".  

Novel Study:
We read a few more chapters in our book and answered a couple of critical thinking questions.  One involved a prediction.  We'll see if their ideas were right next week!

HW:  Edmodo Poll

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started our day with our Weighty Word Ostracize.  Just about everybody got it done!  Later on, we read our new Weighty Word, Paradox.  Creating these visual representations of the words helps the kids make strong connections to the meanings.  It also gives them a chance to become more fluent with their technology skills.  Today we practiced sharing a document on Office 365.  The kids all shared their Weighty Word with me.  A remarkable thing happened later.  One of the kids used a prior word, expedient, when describing why we use loops in programming.  LOVE that connection!

We shared our "I Wonder" projects today!  The kids did an excellent job!  I didn't offer a grade sheet for this project because my expectations were simple: Did your love of learning show in this project?  and Were you prepared to present on your topic?  The answer for EVERY child who presented today was a resounding YES!!!  I am always amazed at the variety of topics the kids choose to research.  They are an interesting and curious bunch of learners for sure!
​
Unit Study:
We completed the "Night Surveillance" Mission with our robots!  The kids were very excited to program the robots to survey the area, turn on the headlight, and have the robot return to the starting place.  They did a great job with this mission!  Next, we worked more on using loops in our coding.  The kids completed Stage 8 on Course 2 of Code.org.  They all really enjoy the coding and programming.  It surprises us every year how much the kids love it!  

Stations:
We used our divergent thinking to finish our "Missing Mom" posters from our House of Robots book.  The kids came up with some hilarious ideas for their posters!  Check them out by our classroom!  We also learned a new math strategy game, BACON.  Several small groups had a chance to play.  Next time, we'll play the game whole class.  It's a blast!

Novel Study:
We read a bit more of our book.  We stopped in the middle to share our favorite words, just like in the book.  We also made predictions about what the creepy black SUV is doing outside the house all the time.  

Affective:
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "66 Second Story" to show how mindfulness can help us turn a bad start into a good day.  

HW:  Edmodo

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

The day started with kiddos catching up on their Weighty Word-Ostracize.  Other kids played logic games.

Our first task was to read about our Weighty Word for this week- "Paradox".  Then the kids worked on creating their visual images for their words using Brittannica Image Quest and Word Online.  

Convergent thinking:
We were very lucky to have a visit from Kids' Chess today.  They do a fantastic job of teaching kids the basics of chess.  The kids are grouped by prior experience and given the opportunity to use the new moves they just learned in mini games.  It was a HUGE hit!  

Unit Study:
The kids worked on a Code.org lesson to learn more about using Loops in programs.  They had a chance to practice this strategy in the lesson.

Novel Study:
We read a bit more of our book, and found out a bit more about some mysterious things going on in the book.

HW:  "I Wonder" Project
 
Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger