Flipped Classroom  Video for Tech and Social Studies

You'll need that white piece of paper, too, remember:)

I was attacked by wild animals at one point!  Yikes!  My score was 285, I think. If you watched my video....you'll understand!

Go to:
5A:  todaysmeet.com/5ascore
5B:  todaysmeet.com/5bscore
5C:  todaysmeet.com/5cscore






Then for my 5B Babies...
Another amazing day working with our K buddies.  Now you know why I'M TIRED at the end of a day!!  RIGHT??!!!  Working with kids takes a lot of energy - Maybe I need a wind turbine set up and plugging me energy???  I'd better think on that one.

Your inquiry projects are looking great.  We have some time to finish and record them on Friday.  You worked hard getting your assessments done in reading, and that means we are able to see how we are reading and using strategies!  Also, we'll be moving onto a new theme in literacy as well!  I'm excited to move back into "Coffee Talks" again, too.

We have an exciting week planned for next week, too with Dr. Seuss's birthday and World Read Aloud Day to celebrate!  We'll be connecting (bump, bump) with people ALL OVER next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday!  Yippee!!! I'll know you checked the blog if you ask me, "What are the big events happening next week?"  I'll be sure to share with you tomorrow, ok?

See you on the flip-side, my little wind turbine experts!

SOOOO LATE!!!!

Sorry it's ssoooooooo llaattteeee!  I haven't had any Internet connection (bump, bump) at my house until now!!  Grrr...   Good thing there was no flipped classroom homework, huh?

Since it's so late, I'll just say, "Great Job Today with Kindergarten Buddies!!"  Get rest because you'll have more bonding time on Thursday afternoon with them:)

I'll know you checked the blog if you tell me Yes or No to this question:  Would you like to have us read from Swear to Howdy sometime on Thursday?

Simply tell me the answer as you come in!  The majority will determine if we read it or not!  I am hoping for a certain answer....but who knows?

Again, sorry it's late!  Technology is GREAT.... when it WORKS!!!

Flipped Classroom Homework Video (you'll need your social studies book - like we told you!)

Go to:

5A:  todaysmeet.com/5adailylife

5B: todaysmeet.com/5bdailylife

5C: todaysmeet.com/5cdailylife

5B, WOW!!!  

I am thrilled with the amount of learning, work, effort and attitude you put into today!  I know it was exhausting because I am BEAT!!  I feel like I need a nap.  So impressed with you all.  Thanks for the "working lunch" that you participated in so we could be ready for blade designing on our wind turbines!  Loved what your brains were doing!  I talked to the Kindergarten teachers, and they said our little buddies are SOO excited to see you guys.  

Remember that tomorrow is an early out and these will be the focus areas that we spend our time on:

*Helping little buddies with blade designs

*Doing our own Inquiry Projects - make sure you have your materials needed

*Publishing our Persuasive Essays

*Library???

*Choosing what we'll be reading to our CT friends next week for World Read Aloud Day:)

Wowser!  I'm seriously going to get to bed early tonight!  Please prove you checked the blog by making a "Thank You Card" for 1 of 2 people that have helped us with our STEM projects:  Greta's mom, Kim.  Or, it would be wonderful to send Kurt Christensen, wind energy expert who shared all of his slides and information with us.  

See you for a 1/2 day tomorrow:)  

Welcome back!  Considering all of the goofiness we've had with short weeks of school, wind mill/turbine projects, Kindergarten buddies, inquiry projects, and so on, today wasn't TOO BAD!  I know we have chattiness during transition times, so that's something to fix for tomorrow, but it was great to see such on-task work time!  Keep it up!

This week has quite a few "extras" like I mentioned in last night's blog.  So, be ready for all sorts of learning and sharing.  Remember that Wednesday is a 3-hour early out and Cadet Pride Club applications should be in that day.  Also, we are working with our little buddies that day, too!  

Flipped Classroom Video for 5th Grade Tech and Social Studies

The video tells you what you should write on Todaysmeet.  Happy folding!

5A:  todaysmeet.com/5afortuneteller

5B:  todaysmeet.com/5bfortuneteller

5C:  todaysmeet.com/5cfortuneteller

5B, I'll know you checked the blog if you come in the room and do your best attempt at the "worm" dance move on the blue carpet.  Whether you do it well or not does not matter.  You may be pleased with your reward for trying:)  See you soon! 

Another LONG Weekend!

There's no Flipped Classroom homework tonight.  I'll save that for Monday after school. 

Yes, it's fun to have these crazy days once in a while... but I have to say, we had a great long weekend LAST weekend... I don't think we really needed it this time!  Thanks to you who checked the blog on Thursday for both Tech/Social Studies and for our 5B class.  I got many emails from my 5B Angels telling me whether they wanted school or not.  I know some of you are REALLY excited when we have school off, but remember, these are "free days off of school".  We DO have to make them up....when the weather is NICER!!  So, let's hope for some better luck with winter weather for the next few weeks.

Also, I feel like when we have these crazy interruptions with our schedule, we have a tough time getting back on track.  This week will be focused on these main activities:
Publishing Persuasive Essays - Finally!!
Inquiry Projects - experiments and news casts - remember supplies
Benchmark Assessments (to review skills from units 1 - 4 in literacy)
Book Club/Coffee Talks - get started up by choosing new selection of books
STEM Projects - Making Wind Turbines to Create Electricity
Kindergarten Buddies - Wednesday, Feb. 27 and Thursday, Feb. 28, Friday if needed

Since we had 2 goofy weeks of school, it's time to see what kind of Cadet Pride is hiding in your Team Containers!  Monday will be our Cash-In and Count Up Day!  We've had 3 super wins from different teams!  Will there be a repeat win, OR will the NIKE'S show the rest of the class what they are made of??!!!

For 5B's blog checking proof:  I'm a little tired of our wintery weather causing school issues.  So, I know it's not right, but I'm taking my frustrations out on the groundhogs for suggesting that we have 6 more weeks of winter!!  Grrrr...  Play the game called "Hedgehog Launcher" on this link.  (I'm just pretending it's a groundhog to feel better).  Let me know how much money you earn by playing the game.  I only played for about 5 minutes or so and earned about $74.00.  Let's see what you can do!  Happy Launching!

MORE WIND MILL LEARNING!

5th graders were sooooooooooooo lucky to have Kurt Christenson from EDG (Wind Farm Expert) come in and share his knowledge about wind energy and wind farms.  I know all 5th grade sections used his techniques and tips to help tweak their wind mills after his presentation.

Congrats to everyone who created a working wind mill!  I can't wait to see how you take the knowledge from your wind mills and use it with the next project - Wind Turbines and create electricity!  Yippee Ki-Ya!

Of course, with the crazy weather, who knows what the schedule will be like for Friday, but I have a flipped classroom video below anyway:)  I'll know you checked the blog if you email me or send me a Google Doc saying what you hope happens with Friday's weather!  I know I don't want to miss a full day of school because I don't want to make it up in JUNE!!!  But, whatever happens, happens, I guess.

Flipped Classroom Video Below
Share your response at:
5A:  todaysmeet.com/5apartyrock
5B:  todaysmeet.com/5bpartyrock
5C: todaysmeet.com/5cpartyrock

Windmill Wednesday!!! Wowser!!

A LOT of learning and sharing took place today, 5B!  That is for sure!  I was so impressed by your group's creativity and problem solving!  It took 4 teachers working together almost 1 1/2 hours to do this same activity, and I think 5th graders had MUCH better ideas!  I told you this was YOUR TIME!  Be ready for more deep thinking and problem solving for Thursday and Friday!  We will be moving onto tougher concepts with Wind Turbines (NOT the same as Windmills, right?!!)

Be sure to share with families what you thought of, your designs, how you problem-solved or changed your idea after trying it out!

Don't forget Cadet Pride Club Applications are due before next Wednesday, Feb. 27.  Also, I'll be happy to reward the students who can encourage parents to join us at the PTO meeting tonight at 5:30 in the Discovery Center:)

I'll know you checked the blog if you make a drawing of another way you could have put your windmill together.  There are so many ideas, I'm curious what you'd do if you had a 2nd time to try!  Make sure your name is on it, and hand it to me in the morning!  See you soon!

2 Videos for Flipped Classroom Tonight!  Don't skip the 2nd one.

Flipped Classroom Video #1 (Part 1 of Homework)

Flipped Classroom Video #2 (Part 2 of Homework)

To share which region you chose, go to:

5A:  http://todaysmeet.com/5aposter

5B:  http://todaysmeet.com/5bposter

5C:  http://todaysmeet.com/5cposter

Great 1st Day Back!

What a FAB DAY, 5B!

Be sure to brag to your families about how wonderful you were with your little kindergarten buddies today! This week will be lots of fun with more activities like inquiry experiments, wind projects and getting our writing published!!  Also, our Flipped Classroom will keep us on our toes!

I'll keep it pretty short tonight so you have time to do your Flipped Classroom activities.  Remember to watch the video, think about your 2 parts to your response and post them on the link.

Remember to go down the side of the blog to the Music Playlist and hit the Pause Button to stop the music so you can hear the video!

Flipped Classroom Homework for Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Go to the link for YOUR homeroom to type your response after watching the 2 videos.  

For 5A:  http://todaysmeet.com/5apilgrims

For 5B:  http://todaysmeet.com/5bpilgrims

For 5C:  http://todaysmeet.com/5cpilgrims

5B, I'll know you checked the blog if you come in and show me your "snow dance" that will wish away the crazy weather coming this Thursday and Friday!!  I want to see your moves!

Happy President's Day!

Hey there, strangers!  Wow, what a long and fun weekend!  I hope you guys had a great time home or doing fun family/friend activities.  We went to the the Mall of America and Water Park on Friday and Saturday, then home Sunday and saw some family on Monday in Prairie du Chien.  So, we had a fun-filled, busy weekend!  

Happy Presidents' Day, by the way!  Remember, the reason we have a day off today (Monday) is to celebrate and honor or past and current presidents.  Let's see if you know your history and past presidents.  There's a question on the right side of the blog at the top.  Either take a guess or look up the answer to it!  We'll see what you know about your former U.S. Presidents:)

With conferences and Valentine's fun over and done, we are ready to move forward to our big Kindergarten plans (and our plans, too!).  This week will be kind of crazy with hands-on learning!!  

We will be working on:

1.  Literacy Inquiry Projects (REMEMBER IF YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE BRINGING ITEMS!!!!) 

2.  KidWind Projects (WHAT'S THAT????  You'll find out more on Tuesday).  Do any of you have fans from home you could bring in to use this week for this project? Ask your family, and email if you can, ok???  

3.  Publishing our persuasive essays finally!  Think of who you may want your essay to go to.  If you really want to make a change/difference, share your perspective clearly!  

Finally, the biggest change will be the switch from Science to Social Studies.  We'll be starting in in Tech Time on Tuesday and Wednesday, but then Mrs. Halverson will continue on from there!  Wow, a lot going on, huh?

I'll know you checked the blog, if you check out Isaiah's latest talents.  Tell me what his "Rock Star" name should be when he goes on tour some day! 

See you soon!  Oh, we won't be adding up tickets until next Monday. With this week being short, we'll keep collecting tickets AND keep the same class jobs, ok?  

Rachel and Delaney Post

Hey 5B!!!!

We found some crazy pictures of Mrs. Sorenson on her laptop:)  We are sneaky!!!

Reminders:

Wednesday
•LIBRARY- Bring your books:)
•BAND LESSENS
•Nothing Else

Thursday
•MUSIC
•MRS. SORENSON'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!
•BRING YOUR BOX FOR THE BOX SOCIAL- Remember 1 healthy snack, 1 not so healthy snack and 1 drink
•OPTIONAL- VALENTINES FOR THE WHOLE CLASS
•BAND LESSENS
•VALENTINES DAY!! <3 p="">•Nothing Else

Friday (It's Friday, Friday!  Gotta get down on FRIDAY)
•NO SCHOOL YIIIPPPEEEE!!!!!(:

Ummmmm What Else??????

 We Crazy:)

Well this post is getting pretty long soooo...
We will know you checked the blog if you draw a picture of Mrs. Sorenson doing ANYTHING (That is school appropriate of course) and when you come to school show it to us and tape it onto the wall anywhere. :)  UHA!!  This will be worth 1 Blue 20 pointer ticket if you draw it NEATLY!! 

Well...
Adios!!

Rain, Rain, Go Away... Isn't that a Spring Song?

Doesn't it seem weird to be seeing all of this rain in February?  I don't like the huge, slushy puddles that are EVERYWHERE!  I could do without just fine.  I hope you all had a "dry and warm" weekend!  I saw quite a few of you around at the Fitness Center with basketball games and such.

Also, Mr. Sorenson said many of you chatted with him/Isaiah at Friday night's boys' basketball game.  I decided to stay home and relax a little.  So I'm sorry I missed some of you.

Just a few reminders about our crazy but busy week!
Monday:  Count of Team Tickets!!  Let's see if another new team shows their stuff!!  White Waffles and That One Team have had their victories!  Will the Nikes or The Unexpected take over next???  Dun, Dun, Dun, Dun...  I'll guess we'll wait and see!  
Monday: Conferences! Duh!! Be ready to lead your family at your conference.  It's also a 1-hour early out!
Tuesday:  Conferences!  Duh again!!  Be ready (if you haven't gone yet) to lead your conference!  Again, another 1-hour early out.  NO group band but yes to lessons!
Wednesday:  Normal??  What's that?
Thursday:  Valentine's Day!!  Remember your box for our Box Social - a way to show CARING and RESPONSIBILITY!!  Review the list on what you should do for your box and what should be in it for Thursday.  
Friday:  NO SCHOOL!!  So don't come...cuz' I won't be hanging out!  You're welcome to stand outside the doors...but I'm guessing it won't do any good:(  
NEXT Monday:  NO SCHOOL AGAIN!!  But remember Presidents' Day as you lounge around your house, sleep in, watch TV, text your friends, etc.  The freedoms we have can be thanked also by our past and current presidents!  

So, as you can see, we've got a few things going on...so stay on your toes!  I'll know you checked the blog because you'll ask me, "Are 5th graders too old to exchange Valentines?"  See you soon for the answer to this!

Working on 5th Grade Behaviors... Right?

Well, I came home to my 3 year old son today and was reminded how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE 3 year olds!!!!  But remember, he really IS 3 years old!  I also know that I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE 5th graders!  So, remind yourselves which one you really are when at school (and at home, too, for your parents' sakes).  Here's a sweet little video of Isaiah sharing his talents!  See you if recognize any of the songs he's choosing to sing!

I'm hoping tomorrow will be a normal day, but who knows anymore!  I was chatting with Mrs. Petroski in Connecticut tonight and they have a MASSIVE BLIZZARD going through the east coast right now.  They don't have school tomorrow!  They might be in school through June 15!!!  Yikes!!  Let's hope we don't have that much more weather issues!

Our CT friends started another story for us to continue.  It is HILARIOUS!  I'll share it with you in the morning.  I'll know you checked the blog if you tell me the name of the main character in our "joint writing activity":  It's name is Moo Pork.  Be thinking about what kind of story they've started for us...and where we will continue it:)  Let's get back into 5th Grade Land tomorrow, shall we?

Making Any Progress on the Song Lyrics?

Hey, 5B,
I told teachers at school about coming up with the lyrics to the song, and everyone is so excited! I even have a 5B Twitter account made to be able to tweet it out to the celebs we want to invite to World Read Aloud Day!  So, I'd love to have you email me or share a Google Docs with me of the lyrics you've come up with.  The sooner we get this written and practiced, the sooner we can starting thinking about WHO would be fun to invite!  And remember to send me your lyrics for the song we're going to tweet out!  Oh, here's a link to the song with the original lyrics.  "Call Me Maybe" Link  We want the main chorus and maybe a few lines before or after it!  We'll need words like:  tweet, Skype, World Read Aloud Day, hashtag, Read,

I was just looking out the window and saw the weather.... another bunch of yucky weather is coming our way.  So, be prepared for goofy schedules but STILL LEARNING!!  If you have a Coffee Talk for Thursday, be ready.  Math work should be done.  Writing your Hot Topic Persuasive Essay will be a priority this week, too.

When you come in the morning, get right to work on your heart art.  You only have until 8:55 to complete it!!!!  So, get a move-on!  (Click Here to see ideas I had on the Smartboard)  I'll know you checked the blog if you tell me the animal you are making for heart art right when you come in.  Then git'er'done!

See you soon!!  Hopefully for a regular day!!!

Talkative Tuesday

Well..........  I guess Monday was magnificent, but Tuesday turned toward the talkative side today.  I guess getting back into the swing of things takes time.  That's alright.  We'll get it figured out.  I'm hoping Wednesday with match with "Wonderful or WOW" not "WHAT WAS THAT?"  Two important words...Self-Control. Right?

Remember the 3 hour early out for Wednesday.  Although it is a short day, we will JAM-PACK our learning into every minute we are together!  We'll start right away after attendance instead of waiting until 9:00 since it will be just literacy and tech time for conference practice.  OK?  Show me you are Ready to Roll right after our pledge.

Reminders:
Storm Runners's last Coffee Talk Wednesday
Earthquake and The Big Wave's Coffee Talks on Thursday
Math homework page 189
Art homework of magazine cover for Friday
Box Social decorating and planning for next Thursday, Valentine's Day:)

I counted up the votes for the Super Hero Category:  Most Creative!  I have 3 Super Heroes that will be added to the Group Iowa and Connecticut Voting Poll.  As soon as Mrs. Petroski and I get this set up and ready for you, we'll let you start voting.  Remember, we also want to open it up to other classes, grades, and even schools.  So, I'll send you the link to share with others as soon as it's up and ready!

I'll know you checked the blog if you come straight in, take out your writing notebook, date it February 6, and begin writing a persuasive essay on 1 of these 2 sides of a Hot Topic:

School lunches are perfect just the way they are.
OR
There should be changes made to our school lunches.

Choose 1 of these 2 sides.  Begin with your introduction paragraph, then your reasons in the next paragraph, and finally a last paragraph to restate your opinion.

I'll be curious to see what you decide and have for reasons.  I'll have my own written, too!

Magnificent Monday!!!

Wow, if this is what a full school day looks like, then I want MORE, MORE, MORE!!!!  5B and the other 5th graders were right on track today with behaviors, listening and staying focused!  The plays in literacy time got a little strange at times, but great expression and accents even!!  Wow!  Love it!

Be sure you remind your families about signing up for conferences on a day and time YOU can be there with them.  Make sure they understand that you'll be a big part of leading the conference, ok?

Also, explain the BOX SOCIAL note to your family, so you have time to find a container, decorate and show how caring and responsible I know you are:)

We have an ooVoo meeting planned with CT friends with more Super Hero sharing.  We'll get started right away and hope to avoid more tech glitches this time.  So, if you need to review your Super Hero's qualities or theme song, do so for tomorrow!  Mrs. Petroski's class will be excited to see/hear you.


I can't WAIT to see/hear more of 5B's TERRIFIC TUESDAY Cadet Pride.  I'll know you checked the blog if you come right in the room, do 10 jumping jacks, and grab out your materials for math and science!  Since we have no specials on Tuesday, starting the day with a little exercise is a good plan!

Oh... if you forgot book orders on Monday, get them here Tuesday!  I'll wait one more day:)

Super Bowl Sunday!!

Go Team Go!  I have no clue who you are rooting for since the Packers, Vikings, Steelers and Bears are not in the game!!  So, may the best team win!!

I am watching the beginning of the game.  I can't believe those students from Sandy Hook Elementary School from CT are singing.  I found myself tearing up watching them.  I still can't believe how strong those kids and families are.  I am thankful for being with my family, safe, and happy.  Let's all try to remember that, right?!

I see there is MORE winter weather coming to us tonight!!!  Be watching the school website, your text alerts and TV channels for possible late starts tomorrow!!!!  When will I FINALLY SEE MY BABIES AGAIN????

Here are a few things to keep your brain going and mindful of events:

Book Orders - due tomorrow (Monday)

Coffee Talks - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Groups (Last One)

Getting Ready for Conferences - Another Tech Project

Parents:  Sign up for Conferences online, if having any troubles, call the school 547.2300

**Art Homework:  Magazine Cover due for Friday's class

**Look up Challenge Question from Yellowstone Park Ranger Cara:  Will Yellowstone Volcano erupt again?  If yes, how do you know?  If no, why not?  

**Look for inquiry projects/ideas you're interested in

I'll know you checked the blog if you go back and check Lalo and Bryer's blog, and do what they said to do!  You guys are all WEIRD!!!  That must be why we get along so well, huh?!

ALSO, to prove you enjoy things that are REALLY WEIRD, like I do, visit this link. Click Here.  Watch it and tell me what you thought of it!  So there are 2 blogs to prove you checked!  Hope to see you Monday, at least for some of the day!!! (P.E. tomorrow - remember shoes!)

Bryer and Lalo blog

    Hi this is Bryer. I am blogging with Lalo. I will go first and Lalo will go second. We had a total of 12 hours of school this week. CRAZY WEEK. Reminders: Coffee talks, parent teacher conference sign up, and here comes Lalo with his part in the blog.

       Hi hello who is checking the blog think about the inquiry project. Read and read for the coffee talk.
         It was a short week of school Bryer and I will know if you check the blog if you tell us the secret         word COFFEE. secret word for gage is hawkeyes. Then you may enter the room! Book orders due monday and remember you have a certificate for 4 dollars.

Bye Bye Bye
By Lalo and Bryer

Also check the blog for Mrs. Sorenson on Sunday