Algebraic Thinking:
We learned a new math game called BACON. It's a combination of luck and strategy to see who has the most points at the end of 5 turns (BACON). The kids use mental math to calculate their total for each turn (+10, x10, +100, +1000, x100). The teacher chooses the math operations, so it's a new game each time. Love the way they encouraged each other and helped check each others' totals at the end of the game.
Convergent Thinking:
These kids used their strong skills to solve a logic puzzle and Synonym Analogies. They crushed both! I'll have a bigger challenge for them next week! They're ready for it!
Communication Skills:
We started our Weighty Word book. The book uses funny stories about animals to teach kids the meaning of hard vocabulary, like abasement. Each week, the kids will hear a couple of stories. They'll choose one word, write the part of speech and the definition. Then they'll search Brittanica Image Quest for an image to represent the meaning of the word. We'll print them out, so the kids can add some color. The best ones will be part of our classroom Visual Vocabulary Wall. I love their divergent thinking in choosing their images!
Unit Study:
We started our Mystery Unit with a short video about the Mystery Of Harris Burdick. We'll read the book next week. The kids are excited to be detectives and figure out mysteries!
Affective Skills:
We started our Mindfulness Practice with "Still, Quiet Place". The kids enjoyed these moments of calm in the middle of a busy and active day.
Novel Study:
We started our first mystery novel, Big Bad Detective Agency. The kids love the fairytale setting of this mystery. They already have theories about the suspects!
Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger