We had a great start to our day with Learning Huddles to wake up our brains with convergent and divergent thinking activities.  The collaboration I saw was marvelous!  They're really getting the hang of this!

Unit Study:
We jumped right in with our first Robot Mission today.  The kids learned how to read their Mission Manual and calibrate their robots.  They had a blast!
Later, we learned about how to code in a visual programming language called Blockly. The kids practiced their new skills with up to 11 mini Maze-type activities to complete.

Algebraic Thinking:
We started Hands On Equations today.  The kids absolutely loved learning how to solve beginner equations, like x + x = 10.  There were some a bit more difficult than that, but they managed to solve them all!

Stations:
We used our convergent thinking skills to conquer a Perplexor style logic puzzle.  The kids are becoming quite good at these!  The kids also used their divergent thinking to finish their Weighty Word Visual Image from last week.  

Affective Skills:
We focused our time on the trait of curiosity, including a wonderful video, "Curiosity is my Superpower", and a curiosity self-inventory.  We discussed how curiosity can be a good thing because it can lead to innovation, but can be distracting or dangerous if it isn't the right time or situation for it.
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Why Do Humans have Anxiety?" and "5 Minute Guided Breathing".  The kids were able to settle in and get focused after the breathing!

We signed up for Edmodo today.  You can sign up as a Parent, through your child's account.  If they log in, you can see the Parent Code.  Once you create the account, you can see all messages to the whole class, to your child, and all assignments (including grades on assignments).  This is a good way to stay connected.  You can also send me a message through Edmodo.

Novel Study:
We read a few more chapters in our book, House of Robots.  In the last chapter, there are several Robot Jokes.  We talked about what makes a joke funny.  

HW:  Write a Robot Joke

Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger

We have a new way to begin our day with a "Soft Start" in our Learning Huddles.  The kids can work on a choice of activities that stretch their convergent and divergent thinking skills.  Instead of worksheets, the kids will be doing hands-on activities in a collaborative group.  Some of the things we're working on right now: Creating Mosaics using Paper Bits, Qwirkle, Chess, Brain Builders, Sign Language, Poetry for Many Voices, and a Jigsaw Puzzle. 

Algebraic Thinking:
We warmed up our math brains with a game called "Triplets".  The kids had to use the various pieces of a set to make a true algebraic number sentence.  It's a marvelous introduction to our algebra work for this semester.  The puzzles are self-checking and the kids work with a partner at their own pace.  

Unit Study:
We started our first lesson on Code.org.  The kids enjoyed learning about algorithms and using them to create a paper airplane, which we tested outside.  Then we learned "What is a Robot?"  and discussed the parts of the robots we will be using next week.  The kids created their own robots on paper using a variety of parts and lots of imagination!  Very creative ideas!

Novel Study:
We read a bit more of our novel, House of Robots.  The kids love the wacky things that happen with Sammy and his crazy "Bro-Bot"!  

Affective Skills:
We continued our mindfulness practice with "4-7-8 Breathing".  This helps children learn to breath more slowly when they need to calm down or are feeling anxious or scared.  

HW:  Exit Slip
Until next time!
Dr. Kraeger 

It was fantastic to have our third graders back with us, especially because we had a few new friends join our class!


Unit Study:
We worked with our Instructional Tech Specialist, Mrs. Hazlett, to begin working on our "Digital Passport".  This will provide basic Digital Safety and Citizenship before we move on to establishing accounts on Edmodo.
We started our intro to Coding with a very basic activity using simple commands to create a shaded picture.

Novel Study:
We read the first chapter of our novel, House of Robots.  The kids love this graphic novel already!  We have quite a few copies, but the book is widely available if your child would like his/her own copy.

Affective Skills:
The kids started off strong with great collaboration to complete the "Marshmallow Challenge".  Our winning tower was 25.5 inches tall!  Wow!
We learned about S.M.A.R.T. goals and also about how our different ways of learning can help us achieve more.  The kids took a Multiple Intelligences Inventory to see their preferred learning styles and possible strengths.  They graphed their results, which helps me to see the preferences and talents in my class.  
The kids also reviewed a Mindfulness technique called "Still Quiet Place".  The kids enjoyed it very much! 

HW:  Create and describe your Breakfastinator 
Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger