Our class time was short again because of IOWA testing this week.  Once we arrived in Target, the kids immediately jumped into a Math Performance Task, "Follow My Lead".  This was a pattern activity involving discerning a rule to predict the shapes in the  next column of the design.  They worked very hard to figure it out, especially because it was a two-part solution!

Later, we read more of our book, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler​   We had a 6 question Kahoot! quiz as we read to focus on critical thinking.  

HW:  Edmodo-"Will Claudia and Jamie find any fingerprints?"

Enjoy Fall Break!
Dr. Kraeger

We got started late because of CogAT this morning, but we made the most of our time with TONS of good learning!

Algebraic Thinking:
We extended our patterns by writing stories using the patterns we created.  This involves higher level critical thinking to synthesize the pattern activity and create a story that applies the chosen pattern.  Check for those outside our Target Classroom soon!

Affective:
We squeezed in a mindfulness video called Enchanted Forest to help the kids re-focus after lunch.

​Novel Study:
We worked more on our novel with some close reading about author's word choice.  The kids shared responses that showed deep thinking and critical reflection.  I was very impressed with them!  We read a bit more and then investigated a new web-based research tool called Thinglink.  Check it out: Mixed Up Files-CH 4.  

HW:  Finish the Math Pattern Stories

Until next week,
​Dr. Kraeger

We had such a busy day that I forgot to grab some photos of the action!  We played a fun game called Scratch, which involves fluency and originality.  Ask your child about it!  

Stations:
We worked hard on our convergent thinking skills with a grid logic puzzle and another more challenging Perplexor.  If you'd like to see what a Perplexor is, take a look at the paper that came home today.  We used our critical thinking skills to dig into our novel study.  Our final activity was also tied to our novel with a fluency activity about ways to run away.  I can't wait to check out their creative answers!

Algebraic Thinking:
We continued our work with patterns today by adding in a writing component.  The kids are creating a story involving mathematical patterns, similar to the book we read, The King's Chessboard.  They finished their organizers and will be ready to write next week.  I saw some excellent patterns and very creative story ideas today!

Mysteries:
We worked more on our mystery stories by completing the elements of our mysteries and starting on the main plot points.  These stories should be filled with great clues, and maybe even a few plot twists!

Affective:
We created graphs from our Multiple Intelligences graphs.  These are interesting ways to look at how we each prefer to learn.  The kids did a great job on these!
We also continued our mindfulness practice with a short lesson on Why Humans Feel Anxious and some muscle relaxation practice.

Novel Study:
We tested out our technology today with a fun learning game called Kahoot!  The kids did a great job, which was no surprise to me.  They are such quick learners!  The game asks critical thinking questions as we read the book aloud.  The student who answers the most questions correctly gets the most points.  We will definitely play this again!  

A few of the kids' devices are not on the network yet, so they used one of our class devices.  We plan to do more with technology each week, as the kids become more capable.   I do want the kids to understand though, that technology is a tool.  They are not bringing devices to "play" on them, which is what a few asked me today.  As we have more experience, this will become clearer to them.

HW:  Edmodo Question

Until next week,
Dr. Kraeger