Happy Monday!

I hope everyone was able to have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Since there wasn't much homework for 5th graders, they could spend the weekend doing whatever they wanted! Even though there wasn't a lot to do, I was impressed with the number of students that came to school this morning with notes in their planners from parents explaining that they gave them a kiss! The notes were so sweet and fun to read! You're never too old to let Mom or Dad know you love them! Check planners again tonight for a new activity!

Usually on Mondays, students come in a bit tired from busy weekends. That wasn't the case for 5B today. No Siree Bob. I spent quite a bit of the day reminding students about respectful behaviors and that blurting is not helpful for the class. Hopefully, my 5B Angels will be back on Tuesday:) Kids, this is your chance to prove you have read the blog. Tell your parents about the way I help remind you to simmer down. I'll know you told them if you ask them to become a "follower" by clicking the button towards the top of the screen. I'll check to see who did so. There is one student whose family is already a "follower" of the blog. You can have your mom or dad write a quick note in your planner!

Maybe make a point of checking the blog each night if you have time. I won't ALWAYS make a new post every night, but I often give reminders about what has been happening during the day, upcoming events and general information. For example, school pictures are on this Friday, September 4. Forms should be brought in this week or Friday morning if you are planning on ordering pictures from school.

Thanks for checking in. Have a great Monday night!

First Full Week!

Some teachers wonder what's going on in literacy class because of all the noise. Amber
Teachers love our 5B Blobs and Angels and how sophisticated we are. Kaylie
We have a funny teacher. Colten (Sweetiepants)
Colten got his name changed to Sweetiepants (look above). Katrina
Zach and Adam like to make shadow puppets. Alex
Mrs. Sorenson gives us bad homework (check planners). Adam
Kaylie forgets to write her name on papers in math class. Zach
We know 3 ways to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Anna
We learned some crazy ways to say the Pledge in Soc. Studies class. Kelsey
We know that "barbie" is the term used for inappropriate language and we have to say "oh lovely one" if we say "um" to Mrs. Sorenson. Karley

It's been a good week but also a long one. 5B students know how to have fun while they learn. Mrs. Sorenson

In School a Full Week!

We have officially made it through an entire week of school!! 5B students are getting the hang of switching classes. It takes us a little while to get all of our materials ready and lined up, but it's coming. We'll get it figured out.

In literacy class we've been talking about how to P.I.C.K. (Purpose, Interest, Comprehend, Know most the words) good fit books for ourselves. The kids have been bringing in "book bins" to hold good fit books (or magazines, newspapers, brochures, etc.) from anywhere they find them (my room, Mrs. Halverson's room, Mrs. Kuhn's room, home, library, public library, former teachers' rooms, etc.). It was great to see so many students excited about the books they are choosing. Some students find this task harder than others, but I look forward to helping students find books that are interesting to them and chosen for a specific purpose.

I've been reading the parent homework, In a Million Words or Less, and I am learning so many helpful and fun things about each 5B student. It sounds like I have a bunch of caring, sensitive, helpful, fun, hard-working students. Thank you so much for your honesty and thoughts about what will make your child feel comfortable and have a successful year! I'll do what I can to make it possible!

If there's ever anything you want to chat about, please get ahold of me using my email, calling, sending a note or even stopping in sometime! Remember, all of my contact information is on the magnet. Thanks!

First Day of Switching was a Success!

Wow, we did it!! 5B students successfully made it through a full and regular day of switching classes for Soc. St/Sci. and Math/Word Study. There were mixed feelings about how the day went. I thought it flew by, but a few students felt like it drug on. Can't make everybody happy, can we? In reading class, students learned the answer to a very important question today - What is reading? If you ask them, I'd watch out though... Stand back and cover your ears just to be careful.

I think the only homework students had was in math - bring home the family letter for unit 1 and in social studies - think of ideas for PATRIOTISM poster. We're taking it slow and easy on the kids these first few days and week.

Parents, don't forget YOUR homework that is due on Wednesday. If you are fretting about what is right to include, don't. All I'm hoping for is some insight on your child so we can have a fun and successful year!

Thanks for a fantastic Monday, 5B! You truly are little angels (ding)!

Rested Up for a Full Week?

Well, it's Sunday already. I've enjoyed resting a little bit after our first 2 days of school. 5B students definitely have energy and excitement for school. I'm extremely impressed with the behaviors, respect and listening I've seen my 5B students exhibit. Way to go, 5B Blobs! Of course, I'm hoping all 5B students explain the "blob" thing to your families so they don't think I'm being rude.

I'm excited for the students to start a full day of switching so they can get to know the other teachers better. I'll miss my little angels while they are in math, social studies, science and word study, but we'll have a group hug when we get back to homeroom.

I enjoyed my first 2 days of school. There were lots of laughs and smiles. I hope that continues for everyone. Thanks for a great beginning to the school year, 5B!!

What's Up in 5B?

Here are our 5B thoughts about the first few days of school....

5B is so lucky to have a crazy teacher.
We are the 5B blobs.
We are angels!
Some people are obsessed with "P".
Our teacher threw an apple at a student. Watch out for more to come!
Switching classes was cool.
Mrs. Walter called Mrs. Sorenson crazy!
Our principal never knows what to expect when she sees 5B.
School is a circus.
The first days were awesome.
The first day was awesome, but the 2nd day was boring - by Colten and Alex.
Zach feels short.
Kaylie told her teacher she didn't look good...but then said she was joking.
Karley smacked Mrs. Sorenson's leg.
Anna annoyed the class with her long list of pets during a circle name game.
Kaylie wants to steal Mrs. Sorenson's baby.
Time capsules are mysteriously hidden in the classroom.
We played the Big Booty game.
Mrs. Sorenson has a frog named Delbert in the front of the classroom.

We'll rest up this weekend, and then start a full week of switching classes on Monday!
More to come next week!

Final Hours of Summer

Well, we are down to the final hours of summer. I've been busy getting our classroom ready. Desks are arranged, information is laid out, books are on the shelf. Now all I need is the most important part of the classroom - MY STUDENTS!! Even though it's a bit stressful getting everything ready for a new school year, I'm feeling excited and anxious to see all of my fifth graders on Back to School Night. Enjoy your last hours!

Technology is Fabulous..... when it works...

I'm sitting in the same technology class as Monday. I have now updated my class webpage with newer techniques and information. But, boy oh boy, have I been frustrated getting things to work out. Just when I think I have things the way I want them, something goes wrong or shows up silly. This class is reminding me that technology truly is exciting and motivating, but it will also cause much stress and annoyances at times. Kids, remember to have patience when working on any type of computer at home or at school. Take a deep breath and come back to it later. Your teacher will need to practice this, too!!

Saying Goodbye to Summer

Well, we're about 2 weeks out from school starting. I'm feeling excited for a new school year like always but sad to see summer go. Having time this summer to get to know my new baby boy, Isaiah, has been wonderful. So, I'm guessing parents have the same torn feeling about the end of summer in their households. Always a happy and sad time of year! I've been in the classroom a few times to start putting our room together, so that gets me motivated and energized! In fact, I'm in a class right now as I type this blog entry. I've been updating my school web page, learning about blogs and wikis, and trying out pod casting. Technology is so exciting!