Convergent/Divergent Thinking:
We worked on Stations again today.  We continued our work on logical thinking with a choice of 3 types of logic puzzles, a divergent thinking activity-April F2OE,  as well as building our higher level vocabulary with Weighty Words.  The word of the day was Laxity.    

Algebraic Thinking:  
We continued our Hands-On-Equations today.  Returning students were able to work on translating word problems into algebraic equations and mathematical problem solving. New students finished Lesson 3 or 4 with some moving to Lesson 4.

Divergent and Critical Thinking:
We learned more about Visual Notetaking-"Sketchnoting".  Here is one of our new resources for capturing our learning in notes:

With these simple shapes, we can sketch almost anything!

STEM:
We hung our bird feeders today.  They're in the Holly bush outside our classroom window.  We hope to be able to see birds feeding from inside our room.  I'll be keeping an eye on the feeders to see if the birds are visiting and make sure there is enough food.  We'll talk about the results next time.

NO Homework this week!  

Enjoy your Spring Break!

Mrs. Kraeger

Convergent Thinking:
We worked on Stations again today.  We continued our work on logical thinking with our new type of logic puzzle, a divergent thinking activity called "Waker Upper",  as well as building our higher level vocabulary with Weighty Words.  The word of the day was Kleptomaniac.    

Algebraic Thinking:  
We continued our Hands-On-Equations today.  Returning students were able to finish up Lesson 4 and work on translating word problems into algebraic equations. New students finished Lesson 3 with some moving to Lesson 4 which introduces a new way to solve the equations!

Divergent and Critical Thinking:
We learned a new way to take notes through Visual Notetaking called "Sketchnoting".  Here are some of the resources we used to learn about this fun, creative, and powerful way to capture learning:
Innovation Design in Education Website-Sketchnoting
Sketcho Frenzy:
Basics
Typography
Venn Diagrams
Sketchnoting with Mike Rohde


STEM:
We continued our STEM Project-Building a Bird Feeder.  Today we built the feeders.  Can't wait to fill them with birdseed and hang them up next week!

HW: Create a Sketchnote of bird feeders.  
Until next week,
Mrs. Kraeger

Thank you for the sweet and thoughtful gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week!  It's my pleasure to work with your wonderful children, and the extra treats just make my smile even brighter!  I'm so lucky to be with these kids each week!

We did a lot of good thinking work this week!

Divergent & Convergent Thinking:
We worked on Stations again today.  We continued our work on logical thinking with our new type of logic puzzle and a Versa-Tiles critical thinking activity, as well as building our higher level vocabulary with Weighty Words.  The word of the day was Juxtapose.    

Algebraic Thinking:  
We continued our Hands-On-Equations today.  Returning students were able to finish up Lesson 4 and work on translating word problems into algebraic equations. New students finished Lesson 3 with some moving to Lesson 4 which introduces a new way to solve the equations!

Divergent Thinking:
We stretched our creative thinking with March F2OE problem solvers.  The kids had to create a new leprechaun outfit, transform a 4 leaf clover, find alternate uses for a CD/DVD and list as many things as possible that could be found at the end of the rainbow.  The responses were fantastic!

STEM:
We continued our STEM Project-Building a Bird Feeder.  This week we worked to create a design that met the following criteria:

• Kept food safe for birds and away from other animals
• Allowed birds easy access to food
• Used 7 materials in the design

HW: Find an example of Juxtapose in real life.  You may draw, write about it, or find a picture and print it out.
Until next week,
Mrs. Kraeger

It was a fantastic day in Target!  The kids worked well, had amazing ideas, and collaborated beautifully!

Divergent & Convergent Thinking:
We worked on Stations again today. One of them was a creative thinking activity with a "Hexabird".  The ideas were amazing!  We also continued our work on logical thinking with a 3rd Grade Level of our new type of logic puzzle and a Versa-Tiles activity.    

Algebraic Thinking:  
We continued our Hands-On-Equations today.  Returning students were able to finish up Lesson4 and explore an algebra website called Pan Balance.  New students finished Lesson 2 with some moving to Lesson 3 which introduces a new way to solve the equations!

Affective:
We continued our small group reading of  picture books exploring some of the different social/emotional issues gifted kids can face such as: being the last to finish, not being a good speller, and being a "wiggler".  We'll keep reading these until each of the groups has read every book.

STEM:
We continued our STEM Project-Building a Bird Feeder.  Today we discussed what types of materials we could use for the bird feeders, how to keep the food safe for the birds, and how we might create a perch for the birds to use during feeding.  Then we broke into groups to brainstorm ideas for the bird feeders using a list of materials.  Next week, we'll work to create a design. 


HW: Write about a time when being gifted was hard.  It could be that everyone always expects you to be perfect or know the answer, or get the question right, or finish quickly.  It could also be that being gifted makes you feel different than others, and that might be hard.  

Until next week,
Mrs. Kraeger

It was SO wonderful to see the kids again!  It's been WAY too long!  We had a wonderful day of learning.

Divergent & Convergent Thinking:
We worked on Stations today with some new elements. One of them was a creative thinking activity called, "Think, Turn, and Think Again!"  Lots of divergent thinking there!  We also continued our work on logical thinking with a new type of logic puzzle and a Versa-Tiles activity.  A very productive time!  

Algebraic Thinking:  
We continued our Hands-On-Equations today.  Returning students were able to finish up our lesson on complicated Legal Move and explore some algebra websites.  New students moved on to Lesson 2 which introduces the X for a variable to solve equations. 

Affective:
In small groups, we read picture books exploring some of the different social/emotional issues gifted kids can face such as: being the last to finish, not being a good speller, and being a "wiggler".  We'll keep reading these until each of the groups has read every book.

STEM:
We continued our STEM Project-Building a Bird Feeder.  Today we tried an experiment to pick up bird food (plastic beads) with toothpicks and forks (bird beaks) to see how tough it might be for the birds.  We discussed how the different tools and a cup to hold the "bird food" made the task easier.  


HW: Investigate bird feeders.  Draw and/or describe what you find out. (At least one example.)

Until next week,
Mrs. Kraeger