We started with catching up on missing work and learning some new Rubik's games.

Unit Study:
We jumped into "Artist Sequence" on Code.org.  Some didn't have time to finish, so they are welcome to work more on it at home anytime!  We followed that with Mission 2: "Robot Speaks".  The kids were able to program their robots to record and playback a unique message during a trip.  They did a GREAT job with this.  We had some hilarious messages!

Divergent Thinking:
We combined Math and Creativity to make our Math Mosaics.  Check out our interpretations of "Kind" in the hall by our rooms.  It fit perfectly with our Kindness Week!  We also finished up our Weighty Word from last week, "Nonconformity".  With a review of steps and strategies in creating Visual Vocabulary, we had quite a bit of success on this task.  

Algebraic Thinking:
We split into flexible groups for more work on "Legal Moves" from Hands On Equations Lesson 3.  Some of the kids were totally ready to move on, some need a bit more support on their foundational algebra skills.  We'll continue this in our next class.  

Convergent Thinking:
Some of the kids learned a new game, "The Great Snowball Battle".  It's a strategy game that was created by a friend of mine.  The small group that tried it really liked it.  I'll be introducing it to a different group of kids each time until they all know how to play it.

Novel Study:
We read a few chapters in our book, learning that Sammy's sister has Severe Combined Immunodeficiency.  It's interesting to hear the kids' perspectives on how character traits and mindset can make a difference in how people live.  

No Homework-Enjoy the Break!
​Dr. Kraeger

We started our day with some catch-ups for our Weighty Word vocabulary and other missing classwork.

Unit Study:
We learned about how to create a "Maze Sequence"  using Code.org.  The kids did a great job learning the basics of Jr. Scratch coding.  Then, we completed Mission 1 with our robots.  The kids were able to make their robots move in a triangular path.  

Novel Study:
We enjoyed a few chapters in our book, with a very funny section about the Football Battle with the robots.  For fun, we watched a short BattleBots clip.  The kids loved seeing which robot would win!
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Stations:
We worked our convergent thinking skills with some Perplexor puzzles and an analogy task.  Then we learned our new Weighty Word-Nonconformity.  The kids used Brittanica Image Quest to find pictures illustrating the word.  

Algebraic Thinking:
We learned about the "Legal Move" in our Hands On Equations lesson.  You might remember this as "What you do to one side of the equation, you have to do to the other" from your algebra days.  This is a pretty big concept so we'll spend a couple more weeks helping the kids to really master it before we move on.  

Affective Skills:
We learned more about inventive thinking and about "Keep Moving Forward".  This is about using our curiosity and inventive thinking to keep trying, even in the face of a failure.  The kids each created a new object out of an empty toilet paper roll.  Their ideas were VERY clever and creative!

We also continued our Mindfulness Practice with a short video about "Why do Humans Experience Anxiety?"  The kids seemed to take in the message with understanding of how this might play out in their lives.

HW:  Edmodo Question (New kids can stop by to get signed up for Edmodo or wait until next Tuesday, and we'll get them set in the morning.)

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

We started with a fun creativity challenge-Use any/all of the various parts to create a Robot.  Check out their interesting designs outside our class!

Unit Study:
We started with analysis of the steps in making a paper airplane by ordering the given steps and then using these directions to make our planes.  We had test flights outside--so much fun!  Next we took this idea of algorithms into coding with a Code.org lesson.  
After that, we got to use our robots for the Diagnostic Set-Up and Mission 1.  Most of us didn't finish Mission 1, so we'll continue this next week.

Affective Skills:
We learned about Curiosity as a super power today, and when too much curiosity can be a bad thing.  The kids took their own Curiosity Inventory and then used creativity to complete the statement, "Curiosity is like...".  Interesting answers!
Later, we continued our Mindfulness Practice with a short video about visualizing a Still, Quiet Place.  

Algebraic Thinking:
We continued our Hands On Equations with Lesson 2, which replaced the pictures in our equations with letters for the variables and numbers for the number cubes.  Some of the kids are really getting the hang of this, others need a bit more practice.  We'll practice before moving on to new material next week.

Stations:
We stretched our vocabulary with a new Weighty Word-"Misdemeanor".  The kids also worked their convergent thinking with a logic puzzle and an analogy exercise.  

Novel Study:
We read a bit more of our novel, with an amusing chapter about robot jokes.  The kids created their own Robot Jokes.  Check out the photo below.

HW:  Draw a scene of the Best/Worst Science Class Ever.

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started our day by getting the creative juices flowing with a Waker Upper about Robots.  Fun stuff!

Unit Study:
We began our unit with a short video, "What is a Robot?"  The kids learned a bit about the Recon Rovers we'll be learning to program.  The also formed small groups and named their robots.  Next, we worked on our beginning coding lesson using graph paper.  We also tested our skills with a lesson on Code.org.  

Algebraic Thinking:
The kids started our algebra curriculum with Hands On Equations, Lesson 1.  This curriculum material gives kids a way to visualize the algebraic concepts basic to solving equations.  It will allow them to progress in their understanding over the next two years, all the way through 2 and 3 step equations.

Novel Study:
We continued with a few chapters in House of Robots.  We also watched a funny trailer from the author, James Patterson.  The kids are enjoying the story, as well as the various ways we can stretch our divergent thinking in related activities.

Affective Skills:
We started our mindfulness practice again with 4-7-8 Breathing.  This is a good technique the kids can use whenever they need to calm down or focus their attention.

Convergent thinking:
We stretched our thinking with some logic puzzles, called Perplexors.  They're pretty challenging!  Early finishers played a variety of convergent thinking games including: Rubik's Race, Rubik War, and Rubik Flip.  

HW:  Ch. 5 Exit Slip

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

The kids were beyond excited to be back together today! It was so much fun welcoming our new Target students and getting to know each other! The kids had a great time finding common interests and meeting some new buddies!

We started our day with a reboot of the famous, "Marshmallow Challenge". The kids did much better this go-round! It was very interesting to watch as our new friends joined in and helped to problem-solve.

We read a bit of our new novel, House of Robots. We exercised our creative thinking with a fluency and elaboration task about Chapter 1. We have enough novels for the kids to partner up for our read aloud. If you'd like to purchase a copy of the novel for your child, here's a link for the book on Amazon.

It was a super quick day, and we definitely got off to a good start!

HW:  Ch. 1 Exit Slip-Describe Your Breakfastinator.  

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We were pretty busy catching up on missing classwork these last two classes for the semester!

Stations:
We stretched our convergent thinking skills with a Logic Puzzle-Favorite Holiday Treats.  We also stretched our divergent thinking skills with a December F2OE.  The kids are becoming SO creative in their solutions for each part of this task!

Novel Study:
We finally finished our second book, Make Four Million Dollars by Thursday.   Just as in our last book by Stephen Manes, our main character learns a lot by trying to do something very difficult.  In each situation, the characters develop many of the character traits we discuss and work on in Target.

Algebraic Thinking:
We enjoyed 2 very different, yet equally festive math mysteries.  The first was a Mystery Picture, revealed as the kids graphed ordered pairs.  The second was a CSI-style Math Mystery-"Who Stole Santa's Sleigh".  The kids really enjoyed discovering the culprit to solve this mystery!

Unit Study:
Over the last few weeks, the kids have been analyzing evidence found at the scene of our Mystery Crime.  We've analyzed the Ph of the sodas and the ice cube water. We've also tested the various powders found at the scene to discover similarities and differences.  We've conducted "Burn" Tests on the mysterious yarn samples found at the scene to compare with yarn from each of the suspects' sweaters.  As we've analyzed each item, we've added the results to our Data Sheets.  This week, we shared our data, compared results, and evaluated the evidence.  In the end, we came to a conclusion about the Mystery.  Check it out on Edmodo!

We will start Target Classes again on January 8th, with a half day.  This will help us make our new classmates welcome and kick off our new semester.

Have a Peaceful and Joyous Holiday Break!
​Dr. Kraeger

 We started our day getting caught up with our Weighty Word from last time, Kleptomaniac.  The kids are getting the hang of finding examples of their word meanings, even when they aren't obvious!

Algebraic Thinking:
We learned about Ordered Pairs and then applied that skill with our creativity to reveal Mystery Pictures.  The pictures aren't all finished, but they are turning out beautifully!

Stations:
We continued our study of extended vocabulary with a new Weighty Word, Laxity.  The kids are using their creativity to make their meanings come to life!  We used our convergent thinking to solve a logic puzzle about "Favorite Holiday Sweets".  It was pretty challenging for many of the kids, and they persevered to finish it!  We also channeled our thinking and creativity to make "Curved Line Drawings".  You may remember these from your own childhood.  Some of them are so cool!

Unit Study:
We used DNA analysis to examine some evidence from the scene of our Mystery.  We compared the DNA traits of some hair in the comb at the scene with hair samples from each of the people at the scene.  The analysis revealed some interesting information!

Affective Skills:
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with 2 Minutes of Mindful Breathing.  
We also watched a video story, Too Many Tamales.  We analyzed the characters to see which of our main character traits each showed.  Then we created examples from the story to illustrate these traits in our notebooks.

We were VERY lucky to have a chance to read the sequel to our class novel, Make Four Million Dollar$ by Next Thur$day!.  Thanks to Laura's family for sharing this book with us!  We're so excited to see what happens next!

HW:  Edmodo-Question about our new evidence.

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We started off our day with some fun logical and critical thinking by playing chess and checkers.  The kids love to have matchups with their classmates!

Algebraic Thinking:
The kids had fun meeting the challenge of solving what appeared to be a Secret Code in their math mystery, but was really just a family tree with symbols.  They did a good job interpreting the symbols and relationships.

Unit Study:
With the help of our fantastic Parent Volunteers, we analyzed plenty of evidence today!  We tested colognes from the suspects to see what matched the scent found on the towel at the scene.  We also tested brown marker vs. brown food dye to see how they reacted when touched with water.  We will compare these to a cloth with a brown streak that was found at the scene.  We also analyzed the fibers and hairs that were lifted from the suspects sweaters and compared them to samples of various fibers and hair.  The kids researched whether expired Coke is harmful, and found that it isn't.
The kids used their critical thinking skills to read and solve The Case of the Missing Backpack.  This case involved several pieces of forensic evidence, as well as some evidence about time, place, and motive.  They did a great job with it!
Later, we read another case from Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective.  The kids were able to figure this one out!  They are really beginning to analyze the clues and come to correct conclusions!  We also watched a bit of another Case.  The kids had a good lead on that one as well!

Stations:
The kids challenged their divergent, evaluative, and critical thinking with our latest Visual Vocabulary from today's Weighty Word-Kleptomaniac.  It went very well with our whole Mystery Unit!  The kids also used their divergent thinking to create wonderful images/representations of "Celebrate" for our November Idea Flood.  Check out the picture below!  Finally, they used their convergent thinking to solve a Versatiles problem.  This one was similar to a logic puzzle, and they did a great job with it!

Affective Skills;
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with Body Scan.  The kids were thoroughly engaged for the entire 6 minutes, really seeming to relax by the end.  

No Homework!  

Happy Thanksgiving!
​Dr. Kraeger

We started our short Target Day with Stations!  We challenged our convergent thinking with a Thanksgiving Logic Puzzle and a Secret Code, found at the Crime Scene.  The kids were shocked when they figured out what the suspects were up to after decoding the message!  We also read our next Weighty Word-Juxtapose and found images to illustrate the meaning.  The kids did a FANTASTIC job on these!  I'm going to have a hard time deciding which one to choose for our Visual Image Dictionary, posted in our classroom.  Our final station was a forensic task.  The children analyzed the fingerprints found on the cups at the Crime Scene and how they compared with fingerprints taken from each of suspects and the victim.  

Later on, we discussed the difference between "hard evidence" (that actually tells us something) and "soft evidence" (leads us to a conclusion).  We shared the evidence from the fingerprints and the Secret Message and discussed the possible implications.  The kids were BUSY writing additional ideas and questions in their notebooks for next week.  They also came up with some things we need to investigate based on today's information.  Take a look at their list of questions in the pictures below.  You can also see the evidence notes the kids are posting to our Suspect Board.  The Case of Felix Navidad is becoming more mysterious!

HW:  Edmodo-Thoughts abuot the Case
Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

Our day started like any other Target class.  Little did we know, that while we were working on our Visual Vocabulary for last week's word-Heresy, a Mystery was developing right down the hall!  

Unit Study:
First thing, we heard about our mystery case-the Untimely Demise of Felix Navidad.  Then, we went down to Ms. Rhone's room to see the "Crime Scene".  Check out the photos below.  The kids brought their notebooks to record everything they saw at the scene and also TONS of ideas, questions, and possible conclusions.  They were completely immersed in the mystery, taking copious notes and asking Ms. Rhone and I many questions!  Later, we added our evidence to the "Crime Map" we created from the scene.  We also heard about each of the 4 suspects, including what they "told" the police and what the police observed about each suspect.  During this time, our Assistant Principal, Mr. Jones, and our Campus Resource Officer stopped by to share more details about the Case and to ask how our investigation was going.  The kids were BEYOND excited to see the photos that our Officer took of the Crime Scene and to hear his ideas about the mysterious footprints at the scene.  We'll be working on this case for the next several weeks, as we analyze evidence, draw conclusions, and make a final decision on who may have committed the crime.

We also watched a short video and read a few cases from Encyclopedia Brown.  The kids are getting better at solving some of the cases, before the answer is revealed!

Stations:
We used our convergent thinking to solve some cryptograms.  We have another one for homework.  It helps to start with the one and two letter words, then move to longer words as you solve letters.  We also learned about our next Weighty Word, Ingratiate.  The kids worked hard to find good images to represent this word.  

Affective Skills:
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Mindfulness Meditation for Children".  The kids enjoyed the peaceful, calm from this video.

HW:  Cryptogram

Remember that next week, Target will be on Friday morning, November 9th, since we don't have school on Tuesday, November 6th.

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger