Our day was filled with excitement and learning!

Unit Study:
We started off using our convergent thinking with 2 lessons on Code.org and then moved on to our Robot Mission #2, where we programmed our robots to talk to us and respond to our greeting. Love the excellent problem-solving and collaboration we saw! This Mission was so much fun!  These clever, creative kiddos had those robots saying all sorts of wacky things!  

Algebraic Thinking:
We practiced our Hands On Equations-"Legal Moves" with more algebraic thinking as we solved basic equations like 2x + 5 = x + 2x + 1.  Hard to believe these 8 and 9 year olds can not only do this, but MASTER this! WOW!

Affective:
We continued our mindfulness with Cloud Breathing.  This is particularly relaxing, especially before bed.  We also watched "Keep Moving Forward" and talked about the relationship between Inventiveness and Diligence, and how they are both needed for creative production.  

Novel Study:
We read more of House of Robots.  There's a scene in the book with robots playing football, so I showed the kids a clip of "Battle Bots."  They LOVED it!  The kids have predicted what they think about the mysterious Black SUV that has shown up in the story.  

HW:  Edmodo Poll

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

It was a wonderful day in Target!

Unit Study:
We started off using our convergent thinking with a lesson on Code.org and then moved on to our Robot Mission #2, where we programmed our robots to talk to us and respond to our greeting. Love the excellent problem-solving and collaboration we saw! This Mission was so much fun!  These clever, creative kiddos had those robots saying all sorts of wacky things!  

Algebraic Thinking:
We practiced our Hands On Equations-"Legal Moves" with more algebraic thinking as we solved basic equations like 2x + 5 = x + 2x + 1.  Hard to believe these 8 and 9 year olds can not only do this, but MASTER this! WOW!

Affective:
We continued our mindfulness with Cloud Breathing.  This is particularly relaxing, especially before bed.  We also watched "Keep Moving Forward" and talked about the relationship between Inventiveness and Diligence, and how they are both needed for creative production.  

Novel Study:
We read more of House of Robots.  There's a scene in the book with robots playing football, so I showed the kids a clip of "Battle Bots."  They LOVED it!  The kids have predicted what they think about the mysterious Black SUV that has shown up in the story.  

What a fun, learning-filled day! The kids were VERY excited to be back and ready to jump right into our busy day!

Unit Study:
We started the morning off with learning about algorithms and how detailed directions are SO important. We tested this by creating an algorithm for making a paper airplane. Funny how the planes all looked slightly different, even though the basic pieces of the algorithm were the same! Next we worked on Code.org to learn some basic coding with our convergent thinking skills. We continued to challenge our convergent thinking by programming our robots to move in a triangular shape on the floor. Pretty cool stuff! Later we stretched our divergent thinking skills with a Robot Transformation. They are pretty creative! Love their clever ideas!

Algebraic Thinking:
We learned a new and highly valuable strategy in Hands On Equations (HOE) today. The kids know how to do "Legal Moves". Ask your child what a Legal Move is. If the answer isn't clear yet, ask again in a couple of weeks. We're going to be doing ALL sorts of Legal Moves!

Affective Skills:
We watched an Adventures in the Book of Virtues video about diligence. We discussed how diligence and inventiveness fit together to form creativity. We continued our mindfulness practice with a video about Fear vs. Anxiety. This will help the kids decide when a danger is real or when the threat is imaginary or perceived, but not real.

Novel Study:
We read more of our book, House of Robots. The kids learned about different types of jokes and wrote a job about robots or E to hang on our Robot Poster. We also talked about foreshadowing and found an example.
Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

We had a blast today in Target!

Our day started off with a challenging coding lesson from Code.org. It was called "Graph Paper Coding".  The kids had to write directions for their partners to recreate one of the 6 patterns from a given page of designs.  It was pretty challenging for their convergent thinking skills!  We worked those skills again with our first Robot Mission-"Running the Diagnostics" to get the robots ready for action.  The kids were all successful in putting their robots through the assigned tasks.  Good collaboration and teamwork kids!  We also watched a couple of great Robot Videos: "Real Life Robots" and "Asimo" a new robot by Honda.

We continued our Hands On Equations lessons to grow those algebra skills.  The kids are solving simple equations like 2x + 2 = 4.  Wait until next week when they learn how a "Legal Move" can make algebra a breeze!

We worked a little bit more on our convergent thinking with a Perplexor Logic Puzzle.  The kids did well, even as the puzzles are getting harder.  

We practiced our mindfulness with 4-7-8 Breathing to help us relax and relieve stress in tough situations.  

We read more of our novel, with trouble for our robot friend "E".  Turns out that Sammy doesn't like having E around at school.  Wonder if they'll be back together again at school or not?

HW:  Edmodo Question

Until next week,
​Dr. Kraeger

The kids were totally ready to step back into Target today!  It was great to see them jump right into our new book and some challenging learning!  We welcomed 4 new kids into our Target class, and they had a super first day!

Convergent Thinking:  
We reviewed one of our types of logic puzzles, called a Perplexor today.  Everybody did very well with it!  Good job kids!  

Algebraic Thinking:
We started our Hands On Equations program, which is our way of learning basic algebra concepts.  The kids all tackled this with enthusiasm and really got off to a solid start!  

Affective Skills:
We reviewed an old favorite for our mindfulness practice: Still Quiet Place.   This helps kids to imagine a place where feel totally relaxed and calm.  This technique can be used anytime kids need to calm down or take a mental break.

Novel Study:
We started our new book, House of Robots.  The kids already love the main character, Sammy.  We can't wait to see what will happen when he and his new robot pal get to school!  It's sure to be a wacky time!

HW:  Edmodo Question

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger