Wacky Wednesday

Wednesdays sort of throw us for a loop in 5th grade. This is the only day of the week that we have a goofed up schedule because of our specials. It messed up 5B students so much today that some students thought it was the end of the day at 12:00. They couldn't remember what they had for lunch for some reason?? The students aren't alone in trying to master the different classes and times depending on a certain day. Hang in there, kiddos. You'll get it figured out.

Switching classes has been going pretty smoothly. Other than forgetting a planner here or markers there, we're getting in down. Our biggest problem is holding onto our materials. If I had a quarter for every pencil box that drops, scattering about 100 items across the hallway, I would be one wealthy chick! We might need to transition into using large Ziploc bags if it takes too much longer. I do have to say though, in general, students are extremely helpful to each other when this happens to a classmate. Usually, several students offer to help gather up all the items. Quite a considerate bunch of angels (ding)!

Here's a quick rundown of what's happening in 5th grade classes... In reading, we're building our stamina for independent reading. We started at 4 minutes last week and are moving up to 8 minutes tomorrow. We just finished up a writing project using a computer program, Kidspiration. We'll be playing games with them tomorrow in class. In math, Mrs. Kuhn has assessed all students for unit 1, and the kids were introduced to "math groups" today. These groups will change based on each unit pretest. The kids seemed excited about it. Mrs. Halverson is gone this week due to a funeral and her son's wedding, but social studies and science must go on. Students are continuing a study of patriotism for social studies and erosion for science. Kids...this is your proof you've checked the blog... tomorrow morning, whisper in my ear 3 of your science vocabulary words. I know a test will be coming up sometime!

Finally, thanks to everyone who has been checking the blog out. It's great to check the "followers" list to see who has joined up. A few families seemed to struggle with the "follower" thing, so I'll send home a note with instructions by the end of the week for you. Nobody is required to become a follower. I just thought it was nice to see who was checking in on 5B!