It was a day filled with hard work and great learning!

Convergent Thinking:
We worked through two coding lessons on Code.org by learning about using loops in codes.  Next week, we'll tackle another coding lesson and two Robot Missions.  The kids are making really good progress in developing their understanding of the logical thinking required for coding.

Algebraic Thinking:
We extended our algebraic thinking by applying Hands-On-Equations to word problems.  The kids made the transition easily, which is wonderful!  The word problems used simple equations, but are a good foundation for more advanced word problems coming up.

Divergent Thinking/Affective Skills:
We focused on the character trait of creativity today by talking about inventiveness.  The kids tested their creativity by using a toilet paper roll to create a new invention.  They then shared their models and evaluated the creativity involved in their own and others' inventions.  Take a look at their work below:

We continued our novel study with a discussion about which character traits Maddie (the main character's sister) shows, with text evidence to support the statements.

Check out this Padlet with the kids' robot jokes.  It's hilarious!

Also, please comment on the Parent Padlet, if you haven't already.  The kids LOVE that you're learning to use one of the technology tools that we use in class!

HW:  Edmodo Response about our Netiquette lesson today.

Until next week,
Dr. Kraeger

It was a wonderful day of learning in Target!

We worked very hard on our Critical and Convergent thinking during our morning time.
We continued our Coding/Robotic unit today with Stage 4 from Code.org and Mission 2 from our Recon Rover Owner's Manual.  Today's Mission involved programming the robots to speak and introduce themselves.  Take a look at the photos of the kids coding and programming:

Check out this Padlet of the kids' responses to our Coding Lesson!

We worked on our convergent and algebraic thinking skills with a new set of logic puzzles and learning a new Legal Move.  The kids are making wonderful progress with Hands On Equations.  Today one of them asked when we would be doing "real" algebra.  We answered, "You're doing it TODAY!"  They were pretty amped up about that!

We had so much fun sharing the kids' original Robot Jokes.  Look for a Padlet of those coming soon!  The jokes will keep you laughing for sure!

HW:  Edmodo Response
Parent HW:  Padlet Response (Ask your child how to complete this!)

Enjoy your February Break!
Dr. Kraeger

Thanks to all who sent in batteries!  Our robots were fully charged and ready to rock & roll!  The kids used their convergent and critical thinking to complete our coding lesson "Mazes-Angry Birds!" 

Then we tackled our Set-Up/Diagnostics lesson and our first Robot Mission!  The kids were fantastic--working in teams, collaborating, problem-solving and programming like Pros!  Ask them what their robots did today.  You'll be amazed!  Check out the Robot Masters in action below:

We continued our work on convergent thinking with logic puzzles.  The kids did a bang-up job on these puzzles today!  We're going to have to try some more challenging puzzles next time!

Affective Skills: 
We finished up our day with Mindfulness Practice by learning about why we feel anxiety "Fear vs. Anxiety" and then Calm Quiet Place.

Novel reading closed out our day.  We found out what happened in the "Worst Science Class Ever" and that some robots can tell jokes.  

HW: Write at least 2 Robot Jokes.

Robotically yours,
​Dr. Kraeger & Mrs. Lobello