Last Post of 2011!

How are my 5B Babycakes doin'?  It's been such a long time since I've chatted with you!  Luckily, I've run into a couple of you here and there (Kirsten at Wal-Mart and Alison peeking out her front door).  I hope you've been enjoying the fun times and family these past days off from school.  I definitely have had some good times and have rested up!

I was pretty excited to share with you a few gifts I got for Christmas that will benefit the class!  I ended up getting 2 (yes, two!) digital cameras.  I'm going to use one for home and one for school!  This will become new class job for us.  I'll have 2 people in charge of taking photos during the week during class activities and lessons.  These 2 people will need to upload the pictures to my computer, so I can add them to our screen saver and some blogs!  This new class job will be called "Photographers"!  (Makes sense, huh?!)

Other "gifts" I got that I wanted to share with you are not actual "objects".  They are more like opportunities.  We have the chance to be pen pals (or more like Email pals) with students from 2 different areas.  One is quite close, in Heartland, Wisconsin.  The other one is all the way across the globe right between Africa and Asia in a country called Dubai (pronounced like Doo Bye).  Doesn't that sound AWESOME!  I'm so pumped!

I won't post anything else on the blog until I see you again on Tuesday, Jan. 3.  So, I'll give you some reminders about life back in 5th grade (yeah, I know, you don't care right now....).  Too bad, I'm going to remind you anyway!
Due Tuesday, Jan. 3
Book-It Calendars!!  Remember, if your "Team" has the most members meeting the goal, I'll be happy to be treating you quite well on that first Friday back to school!  So, we can ONLY count the ones that come in ON Tuesday for this challenge.  Of course, you'll get your free pizza from Pizza Hut when you hand your calendar in.
Whole First Week Back
You'll be working on your Inquiry #2 Projects for Literacy.  I've grouped you with people that have the same interests as you do with the invention list we brainstormed that last day before break.  I think you'll enjoy the website we're going to use to present our information!  Be ready to research!

Ok...this is probably the LONGEST post this year, so I'll wrap it up!  This will be a true test to see who checks the blog most!  (even on vacation)  Look at the 2012 Wordle added to the top right section of the blog.  Find 4 words in the Wordle that might be fun for you in 2012.  Write them down and share them with me when returning on Tuesday morning! This will be tough to remember to do.

Have a great rest of your vacation.  Happy New Year to all of my 5B Angels (ding).  I'm excited to welcome the 2012 with you all!

We're Getting Closer...

Wow, I checked the countdown to vacation and couldn't believe what little time we have left together for 2011!!  My babies are growing up :( (tear drop, tear drop)

Here are few things to think about for the next 3 days...
1) 13 Colonies Test is still coming....
2) Finish reading book club stories
3) Short Assessment (will be on Tuesday)
4) End of Unit 2 Assessment (start on Wednesday, maybe need to finish on Thursday)
5) Finish and send off Caring in Cresco cards (if not done yet)
6) Practice for "you know what"
7) Talent Show on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 10:45:)
8) Desk and Locker Clean Out (some more than others...hmm...who could that be???)


I'll know you checked the blog if you write down the number of HOURS we have until vacation when you checked the blog.  You'll definitely be happy you checked it tomorrow.  It's always nice to see who takes the extra effort to check the blog....they will get to earn the reward for their extra effort!!!


See you soon... P.E. tomorrow...  just a reminder.

In a Blink of an Eye the Week is Over!!

We've been so busy this week that I just realized tomorrow is FRIDAY!!  Wow! It must be because you are my little 5B Angels! (ding...ahhhhh)

I'll keep it short because I know there are all sorts of things for homework to be doing:
studying for science tests (Friday and Monday)
finishing/practicing social studies projects (Friday)
math homework assignment (Friday)
studying spelling words (Friday)
studying 13 colonies (sometime when you least expect it)
some of you are doing some independent reading for me for LEAD 21
and DON'T FORGET YOUR STOCKING!!!!!!!! 


I'll know you checked the blog if you can find 2 things we've been talking about in literacy (1) Idiom  and (2) Metaphor.  Write them down and show me or tell me in the morning as you walk in!

5B Family Can Be Trusted Again...

Hey there, 5B,

I'm happy to share that one of our 5B family members admitted to the missing chocolates as he/she walked out the door Monday.  I'm very proud of the honesty shared.  I know that we all need to think twice before our actions sometimes.  But being truthful is the best way to fix a mistake.  I've noticed we might need to think twice before responding to people in class (sometimes I'm hearing some rude or disrespectful comments towards each other).  I have also noticed we might need to think twice about our responses to winning/losing a game (sometimes I'm seeing eye rolls or "looks" between people).  Also, I've noticed a little less participation in class discussions (sometimes the same helpful people have their hands up to share).  So, it seems like we all need reminders to be nice, not naughty, right?!  Remember, we've got everyone helping us and watching us, even S.C. (if you choose to believe!)  

I stopped by school later tonight and saw that some of you have a little something in your stockings!  I even had something, too!  We must be giving S.C. a good feeling by bringing in our stockings. So, if you haven't brought one in yet, remember to.  I'm sure Santa would get you something, too!

OK, I'll keep it shorter tonight.  Tomorrow is a busy day with limo rides, tug-o-war, popcorn, the Big Blast and of course LEARNING!  (Near and Far Book Club Group - don't forget coffee cups).  We will also be working on our Caring in Cresco cards.  It will be a goofy schedule again (I'm thinking you'll be stuck with me for the day, sorry, I like it though!) 

I'll know you checked the blog if you meet me at the door Tuesday morning and say, "What did Santa bring us?"  Of course, I won't tell you, but you'll go straight in a see for yourself if you have a stocking hung up!  

The Count Down Has Started....

5B,
I looked at the calendar to map out a few of our activities for the next few weeks and realized how LITTLE time we have left together for the year 2011!!!  The picture of stockings on the top right of the blog has 2 purposes:
1)  If you click on that picture of stockings at ANY time, it will give you the exact number of days, hours, minutes and seconds we have left until Christmas vacation!  It's kinda fun to see!
2) The stockings should remind you to bring in a stocking (Christmas, plain one from your drawer, borrow from a parent, friend, etc. as long as it's clean) to hang on your desk/table at school.  I was told by a certain someone (initials are S.C.) that you should have a stocking hanging on your desk/table BEFORE Tuesday, December 13.

So, be sure to check that picture out often as a reminder and a countdown if you're at all anxious for break. We also need to keep in mind ALL of the things we need to complete before that countdown is done... Look at the list below as a way of realizing how much we have to do...

*Finish Social Studies Colony Projects

*Social Studies Unit 3 Test on the Colonies

*Math Unit 4 Test on Division 

*Science Quiz or Test??

*Finish Persuasive Essay in Writing

*Finish Reading Theme for LEAD 21 and 2 more selections

*Another Weekly Assessment in Reading

*Unit 2 Reading Assessment

*Make Christmas cards for Caring in Cresco Activity

*Big Blast, Limo Rides, Tug-o-War

*Talent Show Practice

*1 last Skype with Senorita Rachel 

As you can see, we have OODLES and OODLES to do, and do it well!!!  So, let's keep the countdown in our mind, but make sure we still keep our heads on straight (hey, that's an idiom - doy!)  I'll know checked the blog by writing down the number of days, hours, minutes and seconds it said on the Countdown when you checked the blog.  Show it to me on Monday morning!  Have a great rest of your weekend.  Don't forget your stockings!  Maybe even remind your 5B pals to check the blog, too!  

Caring in Cresco....

5B,
I hope you had a fun and relaxing afternoon.  Some of you were headed to the movie in town, some were headed to the fitness center, some had to work, others were going to read, do homework or just hang out.  So hopefully, whatever you did, it was somewhat enjoyable!

I checked into the Caring in Cresco ideas we talked about after school.  I found out from the hospital that they don't prefer to use the blankets for little kids unless they are purchased. They loved the idea though.  So unfortunately, that idea is no longer an option.  Then I talked to the 4th grade teachers, and they have been donating and sending packages to soldiers that past few years (as a lot of you know who have been here before).  So, we don't know want to "steal" 4th graders' project from them.  But I thought maybe we could do another Caring in Cresco project in February for Valentine's Day, and that's when we could send something to our military friends and family.

So... that leads us back to the card-making plan for random Cresco residents.  I think all the ideas would have been great!  But at least this one can be done in the classroom without too many extra plans or materials.  HOWEVER, if you wish to bring some materials from home like special paper, stickers, stamps, glitter, etc. that you think would be helpful for card-making, please bring them to school.  We'll will be making special time to make our cards over the next week.  We want to make sure they get sent out right around Christmas.  I'll get the phonebook ready for random choosing of names!  Let's see whose Christmas we get to surprise and give warm fuzzies!

Let's see...other than that, I'm still looking for any possible volunteers.  A few students said their parents "might" be able to help out, but I haven't heard for sure.  So, if could you find out for sure from families and send a note with you to school IF your parent(s) WANT to.  That would be GREAT!

Also, don't forget to keep up the Book-It reading in December.... I'm coming up with all sorts of fun ways to spoil the winning group on Fridays! You'll definitely make others jealous with your special treatment and privileges.

I'll know you checked the blog if you visit The North Pole  (click it) and play around.  This website lets you check out recipes, play games, sing carols, chat with elves and even write a letter to Santa!!  Tell me what part you liked when you come in the room tomorrow.  That will be your proof!  Have some fun with it.

Halfway Through the Week Already???

Goodness me!  I can't believe the week is already halfway over.  My, my, time does fly when you are learning, listening and laughing, right!?

Just a few reminders for this week before I go much further...
Tomorrow (Wed.):  3-Hour Early Out, Library and Special "Caring in Cresco" Activity
Thursday??? Nuttin' Honey!
Friday:  Book Orders Due Already...I'm giving you a shorter time so the books would be here before winter break.

Book-It Groups are set!!!  Look on the board right away when you come in.  You'll see what Book-It Group you are in and then I'll share with you what "Fun and Freaky Fridays" means for the winners of December's challenge!

I heard some EXCELLENT ideas for talents today as you were walking out of the class today.  I can't wait to see some of them performed!  Hey, if I can get up there and do something for you, then you can do something for all of us, right?!  I was thinking maybe 5B could sign up to sing "Feliz Navidad" since it seemed to be quite a hit today with Senorita Rachel.  I could even come up with a short dance to go with it??  We could all get Santa hats or sombreros as costumes!!!  I'll add "Feliz Navidad" to my playlist to inspire your musical side.

Otherwise, I guess I can let you go now.  I'll know you checked the blog if you figure out the scrambled message below.  Write it on a piece of paper and give it to me as you come in.  I'll hand you back a little reward for checking the blog and proving it to me:)

pout not You better.

not You better cry.

better out watch You.

you tellin' why I'm.

Heard Friday Went Well!!!! Not Surprised...

Hey there 5B Babycakes,
Glad to know that Friday went smoothly.  I enjoyed the day with my family, but I did miss my 5B family, too.

Last week, you guys caught onto the new switch of schedule amazingly well.  With some of the extra events going on last week like the nutrition visitor, Kaitlin teaching us about plums and zucchini (here's the link to a zucchini muffin recipe I promised you) and the announcement for the 5th Grade Holiday Talent Show, I'd say you had a pretty full week!

I'll have the sign-up outside the 5B door for when you're ready!  Remember, it can be a pretty basic activity.  We're just excited to share it with you!  Maybe you can do the worm dance move, maybe you can dribble a basketball with your eyes closed, or even sing Row, Row, Row Your Boat in a round with friends.  I guarantee, we'll love it!!  So have fun with it!

A couple things going on this week...
Monday, December 5:  We'll be taking the bullying survey I sent home that note about.  It's done on the computer, and we'll be doing it out of social studies.
Wednesday, December 7:  3-hour early out & library
Friday, December 9:  You'll be advertising your colony for social studies class!  You'll finish up collecting research early this week, then you'll have time to begin your acting, drawing and speaking:) Heheheheeeehhhaaaaa

Ok, I'll let you go..  Your proof for checking the blog will be to let me know if your mom or dad is interested in volunteering to help with our Big Blast Celebration next Tuesday, December 13.  It will be somewhere in the 1:30 - 3:15 pm range.  Between 3-4 volunteers would be super.  If they have no interest or can't, just tell me.  If they DO have an interest and WANT TO help out, could you have them write me a note and hand this to me Monday morning?  I'd like to get an idea how many parents we have or if none are available.  Thanks for your help 5B and families!  See my munchkins in the morning.