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INSPIRED by Norman Borlaug

Wordle: Norman Borlaug

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Short and Sweet...That Was Our Day!

Flipped Classroom Video for Social Studies and Technology Classes
Go To:

For Regular 5B Students - Checking the Blog.... 
Today was short and sweet, 5B!  Thanks for another great day.  We've gotten back into the routine, I think!  Now... what do we do?  Have 4 days off!!  Yikes!  I'm hoping we can keep these amazing behaviors on a roll!  (Hey, that's an idiom! - doy)

Tomorrow is our IA Assessment auction, so be sure to have your bag of tickets ready!  We also have 3 Coffee Talks on Thursday, so be ready for those, too!

I'll know you checked the blog if you draw an Easter egg and design it.  Write Happy "Eggster" on it and show it to me in the morning:)

Looking forward to another great day and last day before spring break!  Don't forget your hats if you paid to wear one!  And it's not too late if you still want to.  Just bring in $1:)  See you soon!

Monday, March 25, 2013

Marvelous Monday for All!!

Who Is This Dude?

Flipped Classroom Video for Social Studies and Tech Class
Go to:
5A:  todaysmeet.com/5adude
5B:  todaysmeet.com/5bdude
5C:  todaysmeet.com/5cdude


For regular blog checkers (from 5B...or any classroom!),
What a fantastic way to start the week?!!  And almost all of our IA Assessment make-up testing is done... Poor Jaden, sorry, dude.  You just have a bit more to go from being sick:(

Thanks for a great day today, 5B... I know you are capable of such wonderful things!  Keep it up!  Mrs. Halverson was impressed with literacy today.  And I'm presenting at the school board again tonight about our ooVoo with CT friends and the activities we've been doing.  Wish me luck!  Wow, we're all busy and working hard, huh?!

Ok.. remember any homework, books, etc.  It was great to have no 5B students in a Cadet Academy today.  Let's try to keep it that way.  I know a few of you earned blue slips for some silly mistakes today, so let's just fix them and move on, alrighty??

I'll know you checked the blog if you draw a sock puppet of your own, name it and share it with the class after we do attendance and pledge:)  Be creative...but not as loud as "Loud Bunny".  Heheheee..

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Ready for Four Fantastic Days??!!

Hey, 5B, I'll keep it WAY short tonight!  There's no Flipped Classroom work tonight!  I decided to let you off the hook:)

Hope your weekends were A-Okay!  Mine went fast!  I think I saw about 1/2 of you somewhere or another this weekend??  I had my nephew and niece come visit this weekend, and Isaiah and his cousins put on quite a puppet show!  I'll show it to you on Monday:)

Reminder:
***Hat Day (for $1 to wear Thursday) OR Hat Week (for $3 to wear all week long) - bring money and give to me in the morning!
More Reminders:
1)  Three Days Coffee Talk - moved to Monday for Kelsey:)
2) Make up IA Assessments for a few, but the rest are ALL DONE!!
3) Any blue slips from Cadet Academy should be returned so there's not another visit on Monday:(
4)  Wednesday - 3-hour early out
5) Thursday - IA Assessment Auction with tickets earned from testing and strategies used!
5) Friday and Monday - NO SCHOOL - enjoy Easter/Spring break

**Oh, thanks for the juice last week, Delaney and Rachel!  If your family can donate juice for our "Coffee Talks", bring it in and we'll be sure to say thanks!!!

I'll know you checked the blog if you ask me what Isaiah's sock puppet's name was... After you see the video of the play, you'll totally get why it has this name!

See you with a smile on your face!!!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Stellar Day for 5B!

Flipped Classroom Video for Tech and Social Studies

Go to:


For my STELLAR 5B STUDENTS!!  

5B, way to turn things around today!  This was one thurrific Thursday!  Hey, like we've had them in the "good ole days"!  So happy to see you showing off your best sides!  Glad you're back!

I think once we get back into a routine of being at school everyday and not dealing with weather issues, we will get completely back on track, too!  Super job reminding yourselves (and me) what Cadet Pride looks like!  Yippee!

Be sure you have gone over your 3rd Quarter Report Card with your family and return the envelope signed by your family.  It would be great to be back on Friday, but we can wait until after the weekend if you need more time.  

HOWEVER, the note explaining Cadets Academy should be discussed, written on and then signed for FRIDAY.  Remember, this will be your first real chance to be "invited" to review skills if you do NOT return it as asked.  OK?   Keep up the fantastic behaviors that I saw today, and no one should worry about anything at all!

Reminders:  
Coffee Talks - The Giver and Phantom Tollbooth
Math Homework page 244
Flipped Classroom homework

Donavyn and Wyatt S. will be doing the blog for Friday, so look out for some helpful 5B students sharing what's been going on in the land of 5th grade (Friday after school/night).  


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Flipped Classroom Video for Tech and Social Studies:

Go to:

5A:  todaysmeet.com/5atriangletrade
5B:  todaysmeet.com/5btriangletrade
5C:  todaysmeet.com/5ctriangletrade



For regular 5B checkers, well... what can we say about our day of chattiness??  I'm feeling like our "you are better than that" chat was helpful last Friday, but I'm surely not seeing everyone show me it.  Don't get me wrong we've got some amazing role models, doing his/her best to help.  But I'm thinking we need a little Cadet Academy to do some reviewing of classroom behaviors and expectations.  Tomorrow, after we vote for the our favorite book titles for the Book-Off tournament, I'll explain what Cadet Academy is and what to expect if you get an invitation to be a part of it.  OK?  I'll know you checked the blog if you ask me, "So is the Cadet Academy a good thing or bad thing?"

Also, be sure be ready for your Coffee Talks on Thursday and Friday.  We've had people each week NOT getting their homework done for Coffee Talks.  This is becoming a bit of a problem.  If your family can donate juice, that would be super!  Thanks to Delaney's family for helping out!

Compliments to 5B on no gum wrappers or gum found anywhere since last Friday's wrapper was picked up anonymously.  Very proud of this.  Keep up the good chewing habits:)

IA Assessments:  2 more to go!!  You can do it.  Get rest, be ready, try your absolute best, and use the strategies you made for your goals.  We'll have our "auction" either Friday afternoon or next week, when all make-up tests are completed:)


Monday, March 18, 2013

Never NoRmAl, Is It?

Flipped Classroom Video - for Tech and Social Studies:)


To My 5B...Angels???  
That didn't seem to be the right name for some of you today, hmmmm....  I know last Friday there was struggle with how to act like 5th graders in art class with Ms. Riedel.  We had a super chat and decided we are "better than that."  I was extremely moved by the comments you shared with your classmates before you pelted them with a beach ball.  (Please explain to your parents because it sounds kinda crazy as I write it:)  Today, however, as the day went on (and I know it was a goofy day with the snow), I was seeing the same types of behaviors from many students: 
*Chatting when someone else is talking
*Blurting out 
*Not listening
*Walking around when directions are given
*Ignoring reminders from teachers
*Not waiting patiently 
I'm sad to say that there are a few individuals that are not showing any Cadet Pride to 5B classmates.  I'm starting to wonder if they care at all about others?  I would hope so, but actions really do speak louder than words.  So, I'd like you to help remind your classmates that if they are not showing that they are "better than that," arrangements will be made to remove them from our learning environment.  OK?  Remember, I said I wouldn't expect as much if I didn't think you were capable of it, so please take the challenge as a compliment.  

Other than the above reminder, be sure you complete your Coffee Talk reading for Tuesday, and see if juice can be donated to help us continue this fun book club experiences, ok?  Enjoy playing in the snow (if it's not too windy).  

I'll know you checked the blog if you check out this website:  http://www.recordmp3.org/ Record yourself saying something for about 5 - 10 seconds.  Click "Save Recording".  Then after it loads, copy and paste that URL link in that little box in an email to me!  I'll listen to it before class time on Tuesday (or Wednesday depending on the weather!)

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Tech and Literacy Night!!

Flipped Classroom Video for Tech and Social Studies - on Tech Night!  How Cool???
Go to:

To My 5B Angels...
I'll know you checked the blog if you simply do your Flipped Classroom Homework:)  Hope to see you all at Tech and Literacy Night!

Thanks for helping me set things up for your families.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Tomorrow is a Full Day!!! What will that feel like?


Flipped Classroom Video for Tech and Social Studies
(It's been quite a while!)

Both could be bought and sold 
Both lacked proper food and clothing 
Both had poor housing 
Both had hard work 
Both often died from servitude 
Both could be hunted and punished for running away, whipped or branded 
Both could be separated from their families
Go To:


For regular 5B Blog Checkers:)  
Another GREAT day with efforts and attitudes for IA Assessments! We had some great cheers today to start off more assessments!  VERY impressed with the guy group!  You don't see many guys make up cheers, so quite surprised!  I think Captain Bryer was to thank for that group:)

BIG REMINDERS:
*TECH NIGHT tomorrow (Thursday) from 5 - 7 p.m.  VERY excited to have families come in!
*Coffee Talks - Tarot Says Beware group - bring coffee mugs and JUICE:)
*More assessments - Math and Vocabulary on Thursday
*Memphis - bring your Time for Kids booklet:)
*Gum chewing - ok now... I ran out of gum...so it's up to you and your families...  First few days have been great and responsible...not a single wrapper (other than Lola (hehe) for a minute or two)
I'll know you checked the blog if you show me the dance move (or at least try) we learned in class today (Wednesday) - 5, 6, 7, 8... You Go!  Add your own "flava" if you know what I mean:)


Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Super Duper Day to Start off the Week!

5B,
Great job today!  Getting into reading rounds right away AND excellent effort and work on your first IA Assessments!  3 down.. just a few more to go:)  Each day, start off fresh and come with the same effort and attitude as you did today!  I was so impressed with what I saw today!  Keep it coming!  Tomorrow you'll have a Reading one, and then a "practice" one.

It's a short day AGAIN, so we'll stick with literacy again.  I know Mrs. Halverson and Mrs. Wilson miss you, but I guess I feel lucky to keep you with me:)  Remember, we did reinstate the gum-chewing rule in 5B, so you are welcome to chew gum under the rules we established.  

Also, we have COFFEE TALKS starting again!  Yeah!  I love the discussions and thinking that explode during these!  Remember your coffee cup (if your parents ok it) and any possible juice to donate for our discussions.  It would be quite helpful:)  If your family cannot or chooses not to, of course, that is totally fine.

I'll know you checked the blog tonight IF you follow the instructions on this QR code below!  If you need an iPad in the morning, ask Mrs. Vandervort in the Discovery Center for one.  If she doesn't have one, than come on down to borrow one from our room:)


Sunday, March 10, 2013

How Do I Put This Politely and Respectfully????

GET OUT OF HERE, SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We don't want you here!!!!  FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE TO HANG OUT!!!!  PLEASE???

Give us a break, will ya?!!!  We're just trying to learn and keep a routine!!!  Please! Oh, please, please, please...  Find yourself a new home 'til next season...

Ok.. I'm done venting... I will be better now!

Well, IF I see you tomorrow, we will be starting some IA Assessments, and trying to get into our literacy rounds and routines.  Don't forget about our Coffee Talks for each group:  Tuesday - Friday.  If we don't have school on Monday, plan on the Tuesday group to move to Wednesday, ok?

Reminders for this week:
IA Assessments - all week - doing our best to show what we've learned!
Bring coffee mugs
If your family can donate juice, that would be FANTASTIC!
Get reading done for your meeting day
Wednesday - 3 hour early out
Wednesday - Cadet Pride Dance for Earning Tickets!!
Thursday Night - Technology and Literacy Night - 5 - 7 p.m. - All sorts of fun for families!

Ok.. gotta go...Isaiah just peed down his pants and Ebony is trying to lick it up!!!! YUCK!!  Happy Sunday night into Monday...Hope to see you Monday...if not...  enjoy ANOTHER day off!  Don't worry...I'll be seeing you in JUNE to make up for it!!!  YIKES!


Thursday, March 7, 2013

Flipped Classroom Video - Don't forget the 1/2 sheet of paper that is a part of today's assignment.
 
Go to:
5A: todaysmeet.com/5aservantorslave
5B: todaysmeet.com/5bservantorslave
5C: todaysmeet.com/5cservantorslave



For normal 5B Blog Checkers:)
Well, I should NEVER say it's going to be a normal day!!  It was almost weird to be back on "schedule" again in the afternoon.  Don't worry, things will be messed up again for the next few weeks.  Starting this MONDAY, March 11, we begin our first Iowa Assessments:)  Oh, wah...you'll be just fine!  We'll chat on Friday about the plans, and I'll plan to send a note home about some ideas to keep in mind, ok?

Please remind your families about our Tech and Literacy Night next Thursday, March 14 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.  These will be some of the activities you can share with your families:
*Blade Design Competitions for Wind Turbines or Wind Mills
*Inquiry Experiments and Videos
*Flipped Classroom Videos and Explanations
*Skype/ooVoo/zoom.us
*todaysmeet.com 
*Coffee Talks
*Demos on Tech Projects: Blabberize, Funny Movie Maker, Garage Band, Prezi, Popcorn Maker, etc.

Also, remember, if you come and visit the classes, you could be put in a drawing for a free iPad Mini!!  Lucky!!  Teachers don't even get a chance at it...  So NOT fair!!!

I'll know checked the blog if you ask me what time we are taking a group picture with our Kindergarten buddies on Friday:)  We have art AND library on Friday, too, to make up from Wednesday's missed class.

I'll have up a todaysmeet.com/KWWL for you to write your thoughts about the KWWL - Channel 7 News Spirit Day with Crestwood HS!!  Excited to see your comments!  Remember, it airs at:
6:05 a.m., 6:35 a.m. and 6:55 a.m.  Yippee for How-Winn!

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

World Read Aloud Day MADNESS!!!

Flipped Classroom Video for Tech and Soc. St. Class

Go to:
todaysmeet.com/5aslavelife
todaysmeet.com/5bslavelife
todaysmeet.com/5cslavelife

5B and anyone else who reads the 5B Blog....
Here's a reminder of how much you connected with the world and READ ALOUD today...
Sweet Tooth:  Live Performance, Discovery Center
Tops and Bottoms:  Skype by author, Janet Stevens!  Funny! (from Las Vegas)
Iowa's ABC's:  Skype read by Iowa Governor Brandstad - too cool! (from Des Moines)
Funny Stories:  Skype with Mrs. P - The Magic Library (from California)
RAFT:  ooVoo with Mrs. Petroski (Connecticut)
Sharing reading and book suggestions:  ooVoo with Mrs. Shekelton (Elma)
Partner Reading:  Live with Kindergarten Buddies!!!!
Swear to Howdy:  Live Performance by Mrs. Sorenson (Here..duh!)

WOW!!!  Now, that's what I call WORLD READ ALOUD DAY!!!!!  Hope everyone enjoyed the day.  A lot of work and planning went into making this a day that showed the importance and fun in reading:)  So, I'll know you checked the blog if you tell me your absolute FAVORITE part of WRAD. Please share it with the class after we do attendance and pledge:)  Tomorrow should be normal...what's that again??


Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Well, were you right about today?

I was guessing no school, but you just never know.  I got some more house work done!  I hope people had a chance to jump onto the World Education Games for Math today!!  If so, that is awesome!  Tomorrow we'll have you participate in more Math (if it is still going) and maybe even the Science ones!!

Wednesday will be a crazy day with World Read Aloud Day, special readers, plans to ooVoo and more World Education Games to compete in!  I also want to share your new reading groups with you!  Yeh!

If it's a 2-hour late start on Wednesday, please come in RIGHT away... (anytime between 10:00 - 10:15 if possible).  We have a published author, Janet Stevens arranged to read her book. (author of Tops and Bottoms- I'll show it to you in the morning).  She's willing to Skype with us on very short notice - this will be for anyone in the elementary, so we need get packed into the rooms so we have good spots:)

If you took home your social studies stepbooks (I think there are 4 of you), please be sure they get back to school with you, ok?

Also, PLEASE, PLEASE, PlEaSe, pLeAsE, please, PLEase, pleASE, PleasE, remind me to talk about  Friday's BIG event at the high school that elementary students get to be a part of if they choose to!!  KWWL coming to brag about how How-Winn Schools have SpIrIt!!  I'll give you a 20 point ticket if you remind me!!!!!  I forgot to mention it on Monday!  I'll know you checked the blog if you do the same thing as I asked on the last blog - check out Isaiah's video/partner activity and show it to me.  :)

Stay warm...and hopefully you played in the snow a little bit today!!  Perfect snow fort or snowman snow.  Maybe we could have a snow party someday this or next week.  That would be fun!  I'll bring my snowpants, too!

Monday, March 4, 2013

Guesses for School on Tuesday??

What an awesome, busy, crazy, fun-filled, exciting day it was in 5th Grade Land!  Whoa, baby!  I know it was a mixed up day because we weren't sure what was going to happen with the weather, but you guys did a great job going from one activity to the next without too many reminders for transitions. That's quite a compliment to you since transitions seem to be our biggest challenge.

Watch the news and school website for school plans for tomorrow.  Also, watch or email Mrs. Jones for the band concert if we have goofy schedules, too.

I don't have a flipped classroom video for tonight, but I do have a video for you!  Isaiah learned something new.  Check out his video below.  I'll know you checked the blog if you find someone to do this "partner activity" with as you come in on Tuesday (or possibly Wednesday if there's no school).  You and your partner should show it to me:)


A couple of heads-up:
**You'll be taking home your Super Hero posters Tuesday (or Wed.), so plan for that for your way home.
**Keep up the World Education Games at home and school.  If you need me to email your password, let me know.
**Remind families of the Tech and Literacy Night on Thursday, March 14 from 5 - 7 p.m.  There will be a drawing for a few free iPad minis!! Just for coming that night!  Wow!  Also, it will be fun to share your projects and STEM blade designs. Also, bring your family for a competition against others!  So far, a kindergarten student has had the best (or at least strongest) blade design!  Bring it on little buddies!

If we don't have school tomorrow, I'll put up a todaysmeet.com/dayoff

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Made by Jaden, Carl and Sydney

 5B,
We had fun with the STEM projects.  I liked how happy and excited the kindergartners were when we helped them this week.  I liked helpng Devin.  (Jaden)
It was fun standing behind the fan to check the blade design.  (Carl)
I liked making the wind mill and turbines. I also liked playing the Build a Plantation game for Flipped Classroom.  (Sydney)

Get ready for World Read Aloud Day.  We have an ooVoo session with Mrs. Petroski.  We also have some guest readers and a "mystery" reader for Wednesday.  Check the World Education Games under the Global Classroom Title on the side of the blog.

There is no FLIPPED CLASSROOM homework this weekend for Monday.

We'll know you checked the blog if you do these 2 things:
Play the Build a Plantation game again and share your score with Sydney, and she'll give you a ticket.
Figure out what 2 people are swirled together in the picture below.  Check with Jaden or Carl to get a ticket.

Also, (this is from Mrs. Sorenson)... HUGE EXCITING NEWS!  Crestwood has been chosen as a KWWL School with Spirit!!!  This coming Friday Channel 7 News KWWL will be visiting our school to be doing 3 live news casts!!  Here's the catch though.... they are coming WAY early in the morning... like 6:05 - 6:55 a.m.!!  You'd probably have to be at school by 5:55 a.m. that morning in the high school gym!  WOW!!!!  If your parents are fine with you being a part of this and can get you here on time, have them send a note with you or email me saying that YES, you will be there to help us celebrate school spirit at Crestwood Elementary, Jr. High and High School.  I think we'll try to ooVoo with Lime Springs and Elma, too!    We'll chat more about this on Monday:)