We got off to a good start by finishing up any missing classwork and getting all our supplies ready! We're working hard on this each week to show that we are Self-Directed Learners. We finished up two more of our Weighty Words. Only one letter to go, Z!

Affective Skills: 
We discussed different ways to show fairness in every day situations. The kids came up with some great ideas!

Algebraic Thinking:
We used critical and algebraic thinking to solve a Math Versatiles. The kids enjoyed this hands-on format!

Novel Study:
We read a few more chapters of our novel. We used our convergent thinking skills to solve another Fallen Phrase puzzle. The kids did a good job using critical thinking to predict what happened to our Robot E. They also connected our affective learning and Weighty Words to listing character traits of two of the main characters. Check out the amazing list they created in the photos! The kids finished up by writing about a time when they had to stand up for a friend.

Stations:
We tried a new way to do Stations today--Logical/Divergent thinking games and Study Hall. Those who had unfinished work got their things finished. The others had time to use their convergent and/or divergent thinking, as well as collaboration and respect for others. It was a good start. We'll try it again in Mid April. 

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger
​

We had a fun-filled day of learning!

Unit Study:
We continued our learning on Code.org to practice using loops. They really helped when we tackled Mission 4: Security Patrol with our robots. The kids had a blast!

Algebraic Thinking:
We practiced combining pawns before putting them on the balance scale and used our Legal Moves to solve more challenging equations. These kids are doing great!

Novel Study:
Today we learned about foreshadowing and how that creates suspense in the story. The kids identified an example from the chapters we read today. They also used their critical thinking skills to predict what would happen with Dr. Scientrific. They were right...disaster!

Stations:
We used convergent thinking to solve a new type of logic puzzle, a Fallen Phrase, Quotefall, or Drop Quote. It's kind of like Wheel of Fortune except the letters are underneath the column they belong in. The kids have to figure out which space to solve the phrase. The first one was easy. Next puzzle will be more of a challenge! The kids used their creativity to make a Ninja Comic just like our character in the novel. Their ideas are marvelous! I'll share them next week once all are finished.

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

These wonderful kiddos were ready for Target on Monday!

Unit Study:
We continued our coding with more on Loops on Code.org. The activities were very challenging! 

Algebraic Thinking:
We learned a new Legal Move in our Hands On Equations lesson 4. The kids can now take away equal numbers from each side of the equation to simply and solve. They did a good job with this!

Novel Study:
We read more chapters of our book with critical thinking questions.

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

It was a very busy day in Target!

Algebraic Thinking:
We reviewed our latest concept, "Legal Moves" to reinforce their understanding of this foundational concept in our Hands On Equations algebra program.

Novel Study:
We read a few more chapters of our book. The kids used their critical thinking to predict what the "big" conversation with E would be. The kids also listed some things they are not perfect in and are working on, just like E in our book.

Unit Study:
We worked on programming with our Robots today. The kids did a good job turning on the light and using the Return to Home command.

Stations:
We continued our work in Weighty Word, with Vacillate and Winsome. The illustrations are so creative! Love their ideas! The kids also used their convergent thinking to solve a logic puzzle. This was tough, and they worked hard on it!

We will have Target on Monday next week because of a Watershed Puppet Show on Tuesday. 

Students new to Target will get a Quarterly Progress Report next Friday. Returning students will only have a Quarterly Progress Report if there is concern about their Target progress.

Until next time,
​Dr. Kraeger

I was presenting at the Georgia Gifted Conference, so I missed these wonderful kids this week! Mrs. Westee filled in and it looks like they learned a lot!

Novel Study:
We read a few more chapter of our novel. Things are getting kinda weird for Sammy and E!

Algebraic Thinking:
The kids worked hard on some challenging problems in our Math Stars. From the notes on the board, they worked their way through to solutions with some teacher help and collaboration.

Unit Study:
The kids continued their work on Code.org learning more about loops and how they help simplify code.

Stations:
The kids created some amazing visions of Robot World! Take a look below! They also used their convergent thinking to solve some puzzles on "Gotta Think". 

Until next time,
​Dr. Krageer