Algebraic Thinking:
We added our creativity into Math with Mystery Pictures. The kids used ordered pairs to color grid squares certain colors to reveal a Mystery Picture. Not all finished, but word got out pretty quickly that the Mystery Picture was a sailboat. They did a great job! Look for those hanging on our bulletin board later this week.
Stations:
Next we moved on to our convergent thinking with a Perplexor logic puzzle. The kids are getting better at this type of puzzle, but some are still pretty challenged by this format. We also used our math skills to play small group games of "Albert's Insomnia", our new game from last week. I love how the kids created their own "House Rules" to keep the action moving and keep everyone involved in the game! Truly the mark of creative thinkers!
Unit Study:
We spent quite a while working on our mystery stories, with several kids finishing their rough drafts. They peer edited, especially checking for the Mystery Elements that we discussed. We'll continue to work on these stories next week, including typing them, as time allows.
Vocabulary:
Our word of the week is Dogmatic. The kids found some fantastic pictures to illustrate this word. I hope you'll ask them what the word means and how they might use it in a sentence or story.
Affective Skills:
We continued our Mindfulness Practice with "Fear vs. Anxiety-What's the Difference?" This is a great video showing kids how our bodies react the same way to real danger as they do to anxious, worried thoughts. We discussed strategies to help us quiet those worried thoughts. We also practiced our relaxing breathing for a couple of minutes. They are doing great with this!
Later, we read a wonderful book called Courage, by Bernard Waber. The kids created charts comparing examples of Courage from this book to connections from their own lives and examples of courage from our Novel-Be a Perfect Person in Three Days. I was very impressed with their deep connections and willingness to share personal instances of courage. Excellent work on this!
HW: Courage Exit Slip
Until next time,
Dr. Kraeger