Great Day...

Very short...










Tomorrow....













we will be doing more.....
















assessments.... :(













But....














we will also be....






















watching a movie!
I'll know you checked the blog if you say in a positive and enthusiastic voice, "I am ready for more assessments, Mrs. Sorenson.  Bring them on!"  to me as you come in on Wednesday morning!

Oh, and these book clubs... be ready for your discussions:
Kidnapped
Avalanche
Double Identity

Boy, today just FLEW!!!

Other than a few reminders about picking up after ourselves and an "oops" of chattiness during planner time, it was an excellent day in 5B Land!

After hearing about the upcoming writing project, I see quite a few people with creativity oozing out of their brains!  I can't wait to see what you're coming up with!  Be sure to talk to your families about the assignment.

I'll know you checked the blog if you watch these 3 commercials (actually, they are called infomercials) for descriptive language, ways that grab your attention, and whether you'd possibly buy the product or not.  Choose the one you think is the best.  Just tell me which one as you come in on Tuesday morning, ok?  Really begin to analyze what words are used and the ways you may want to persuade someone to like a product:)

Click on each to view the infomercials.
Night View Glasses
Seat Pets
Ice Cream Magic

3 Day Week Ahead... Don't Worry...There's STILL work to do:)

Hey, 5B Rock Stars (nenenenenener)...
Boy, the weekends fly by!  I had a great one.  I did some cleaning around the house. We had some family time on Friday night.  A fun night out with some friends was how I spend Saturday night, watching Catching Fire!  The book and the movie were pretty close!

I'll keep it short so I can do a little more family time, chat with Mrs. Petroski on Skype about our plans for tomorrow and let you get to your families!

IF you were given permission to bring home your iPad, you best be remembering it for Monday.  You'll be one sad puppy if you are not using yours when the rest of the class is:(  Responsible behaviors!!

A few reminders...
Some groups had math homework...
Social Studies test on Monday...
Most book clubs have reading assignments for this week
Wednesday is a 1-hour early out...

I'll know you checked the blog if you come in right away and start blogging about your weekends.  I LOVED reading about them last week.  Many people spent time at grandparents - those were some funny comments!  There was a really sad one about having to give away a family dog:(  There were ones about staying at friends' houses and staying up late.  It was great to read them!  So, go for it again.  If you decide that your weekend was not that eventful, you can share your plans for the upcoming Thanksgiving break weekend of 4 full days!

Love the details people shared!  Keep it up.  Of course, the details about private information is NEVER shared, right??  Just the descriptive words that help me picture what your weekend was really like!  Love it!!

Testing the Trustworthiness of 5B and iPads....

Hey, 5B,

Doesn't he (I don't know if it's a he or not),
so sad that he lost the trust of his teacher
and parents?  Remember that face and
whether or not you want the same one...ok?

I'm excited to see the return of all iPads they go home and notes again on Friday.  That was 100% perfect.  The next important issue to prove is whether you are using the school's property for school related assignments.  As I mentioned today before you left, the tech department and I found examples of 5B students using apps, signing out of Apple ID's and even trying to download apps that are not provided by the school.  That was a bit disappointing.  So, I'm hoping that a 1-time mistake is the only-time mistake that we'll have to worry about.  It would be unfortunate for students whose parents are allowing them to bring home an iPad for homework, but the opportunity gets taken away by the teacher due to irresponsible behaviors.


So, when you ARE doing your assignment, enjoy taking the photos of your family.  Great job of those who brought in photos and are using those instead!  Also, be sure to share some of your favorite apps with your family!  I'm sure they'd love a challenge at Finger Olympics! May the fastest finger win!

Reminders...
iPADS and signed notes!!!!!
Winter Counts and supplies you borrowed
Some book club reading
Extra Credit for Social Studies - due next Wed., Nov. 27
1-hour Early Out next Wed., Nov. 27

I'll know you checked the blog tonight if come in and start making snow angels on the floor.  There should be no speaking at all, just beautiful, gentle, precious angels moving their arms and legs back and forth.  This may be magic snow dance we do to bring snow over the weekend:)  Have great nights..and guess what???

Tomorrow.....






is....
















Library Day!  Mrs. Shekleton said that you guys are SOOOOOOO far ahead of others, that you get a FREE DAY of teaching her about apps and websites!!!!! SO... this is the extra effort put into your blog checking....  Click on this TodaysMeet Link and add any names of apps/websites you want to Mrs. Shekleton to see in class.  I'll share the link with her so she can get the apps on her iPad before class.  It's like Appiteasers will be the MAIN COURSE for Library:)

iPads Went Home...and ALL CAME BACK as PLANNED!

Great pictures you took of your families last night!  Your Animoto videos are sure to be filled with the "real side" of your families!  Today at our meeting this afternoon, the teachers talked about other rules and expectations for the iPads going home.  I shared how responsible 5B was in returning their notes signed and the iPads.  The only thing we need to figure out is the charging part.  Many of you seemed to have low batteries today, so that will be something to think about as we begin to take them home more often.  Great way to start off on the right foot with iPads!

Another exciting conversation we had this afternoon was more activities involving STEM are coming your way!  Remember the wind turbines from last year?  The field trip some of our 5th graders went on this fall?  Well, we've got oodles and oodles of hands-on, problem solving activities just WAITING for your brains and hands to begin working with!  Stay tuned for when we will be starting these, ok?

I'll make it short tonight.  I hope everyone had a happy afternoon with their fitness center activities, church activities, tv-watching, video-game playing, etc.  I always tend to feel a bit overwhelmed on our 3-hour early out days, so seeing you in the morning is a nice way to relax me....well, most days:)

Ok.. have a great rest of your night.  See you all in the morning.  I'll know you checked the blog if you come in right away, put your "turkey" up on the Smartboard and find a comfy place to Read to Self.  We enjoyed it so much last Friday, they we need to make time for it more often.

Remember, you are AMAZING!  Show me "whatchyougot" so we can forget about the off-day in music today!

Oh, and an EXTRA way to prove you looked closely at the blog, is find another idiom I used somewhere.  Remember, an idiom is a phrase used to give meaning to a situation that does not literally mean what it says.  The other night, one of these I used was:  "I was pulling my hair out."  I truly meant that I was annoyed and stressed about something!  Whose up for the 2nd blog proof??

Peace Out, Homeys!

Totally Tubular Tuesday, Indeed!

Watch out other classes and grades, here comes the fantastic, amazing, the wondrous 5B Rock Stars!!!  (nenenenenee - that is supposed to be an electric guitar jamming out..)

5B, this is definitely a time to brag to your families about how wonderful you are.  I don't think we've had this level of respect, listening, caring and responsibility from every single person in a long time... We all do our share, but it seems we have mistakes here and there....Well, NOT THIS WEEK, so far:)

I'm curious how your first homework assignment is going with the iPads.  Do you have your photos taken of your family yet?  Don't forget to have your parents sign and date the note so they know why the iPad came home today.  Also, if you're noticing your iPad is not charged much, then get your photos taken and power off your iPad for the rest of the night.  You'll want to use it first thing in the morning after attendance and pledge.  We'll take some time to start putting our Animoto videos together with the family photos!

More Reminders...
1)  If you don't have your math test returned, bring it tomorrow.  Responsibility for paper is just as important as the iPad.
2)  Tomorrow is a 3-hour early out
3)  I CAN'T GET ENOUGH of 5B's behaviors!!!

Isaiah has a quick video message for you.... If you're on an iPad, the video probably won't load/show.

I'll know you checked the blog if you let me know who you took pictures of for your project.  Visit this link for a TodaysMeet.  Write the names of your family members that you included - yes, pets count, too!

Have great nights... Don't forget your signed notes, your iPads, math tests...and oh, if you have a book club discussion (think fight), you know you can bring some to snack on:)

MAGNIFICENT MONDAY, BABIES (notice, I changed the "y" to "i" and added "es"... Always Learning:)

This was SUCH an incredible day for listening, learning and living it up as a 5th grader!!!  Any other class could eat our dust with respectful behaviors!  I heard some excellent words about how tomorrow will be....
Good (DEAD WORD, Lawson!!)
Great
Magnificent again
TERRIFIC
TERRIFIC and TWISTED - (true because of band in the middle of the day)
TREMENDOUS!

And the most original that I heard as you were walking out the door....









was....









wait for it....












It's coming....




































Bump has been seriously stressing me out lately.  Each time I try to "bump" my photos I've taken to the laptop, it keeps saying that I'm not connected (fist, fist - I beatcha, I bet) to the Internet!! Yet, I know that I am...  I'm pulling my hair with this website's issues!  Hmm.. If you have extra time, please do a little research for me and see if you can figure this out.  Maybe there's a "Help" video or article out there??  If you find out, PLEASE share it with me!

Pictures I was excited to share with you...

#1:  Where's Skyper, the Global Explorer? - He was in Tanzania, Wyoming, a ski resort, Turkey and in Birmingham, Alabama!  What a busy guy, eh??  Congrats to Group 2 for finding him the most/quickest!  We need to get together and hide him for next week's contest!!

#2:  Revising/Editing Thanksgiving Stories on Google Drive - AMAZING discussions and work together!  Best I've seen ALL YEAR LONG!!  Woo-hoo!

#3:  Social Studies Work Time - Wowsa!  So on task!  I am SOOOO excited about tomorrow!

It would break my heart if we have anything but the same for tomorrow, so let's try not to blow it!   Oh, off the subject, be sure to check on Firefish tomorrow.  I hope he doesn't kick the bucket overnight due to Isaiah's over-feeding...grrr....

Ok, time to let you go... I'll know you checked the blog if you can find the 5 Idioms (doy!) that I hid within this post.  Remember, Idioms are phrases used that if you actually saw the event happening, it would look pretty silly.  Idioms represent something entirely different than their literal meaning.  Write them down... I'll be sure to treat you well for all of the researching...especially if you find ALL 5!

Rainy Weekend... Ewwww....

Hello my, 5B Angels.. (ding...ahhhh),

Hopefully you stayed dry this weekend, and out of the rain. Ewww..so dreary!  I think I'd rather have snow??  

I absolutely LOVED our Read Your Heart Out time for National Young Reader's Week on Friday.  I thought it was time well spent and something we haven't had much time to do since we switched our literacy groups.  I wish I had taken photos of you all reading!!  I was so comfy with my own book and blanket, that I never got up to capture the moments!  Oops!  Well, it was an amazing sight!  So, thanks for everyone for taking it so seriously, and finding enjoyment the style of reading you chose!  Bring those same books each day to Read Your Heart out a little bit every day.  

Let's see...Any big plans for this week?  Hmmm..

Monday:  

New Activity with Connecticut Class - Where's Skyper, the Global Explorer?!  Have you heard of Where's Waldo?  Well, it will be something like this, but of course, since we are Skyping with Connecticut, we'll call our missing man, Skyper - the Global Explorer:)  We'll be working in teams to compete to see who can find Skyper the quickest!  I am thinking it may be a good idea to review the map of the US and the world!  The quickest teams with the most points, will get to choose where Skyper is hiding for our next meeting with Connecticut!

New Math Groups - Your letter went home on Friday with your test.  Be sure to share it with your families, get it signed and return it to school Monday.  

Also, remember, the Chip Shoppe Delivery items are ready after school on Monday!  Be sure your families get this reminder and help pick up your items.  Most of the items need to be refrigerated, so taking care of them quickly is important.

Wednesday:

3-hour early out:)

I think those are the big ones to remember for the week.  Because we have our Skype and Global Classroom meeting on Monday, I'll hold off on the "Appiteasers"on Monday, BUT I'd love to hear your suggestions for ones to share with the class.  If you have tried free websites or apps that you think the class would enjoy, please email me:  ksorenson@howard-winn.k12.ia.us 

For the websites - the link so I can check it out first and make sure it's not blocked

For apps - the name (and if possible an image of what it looks like)

I'll know you checked the blog this weekend if you ask me, "Whose team am I on for Where's Skyper?"

Another Improved Day:)

Making it short tonight!

Reminders for tomorrow:
Mrs. Sorenson's Math - MB 3.11
Book-It:  Read with comfy pillow/blankets in the afternoon


Sorry.... so little time...
Hope for a FANTASTIC FRIDAY!

I'll know you checked the blog if you come in and do a SILENT chicken dance moves.  You know the song, right?  No singing or sound effects, but just do the dance without any noise:)

Here's a link if you don't know the dance/moves:)  Click Here! 

EXCELLENT IMPROVEMENT!

What a difference it was today with moving quickly, less chatting during transitions and most of us ready!  Woo-hoo!

I love that it left us time for APPiteasers and reading together from Out of My Mind  or Swear to Howdy!  If you get a chance or have a device you can download apps, ask your families about checking out:
Doodle Cat, KidsDoodle, Fotobabble, Kodable!

Paetyn and Haylee learned more about Kodable and Doodle Cat at recess today.  We still don't quite understand the purpose of Doodle Cat, so if you figured it out, PLEASE tell us:)



Let's keep it up for tomorrow!  Yippee!!

I corrected some math tests and some reading tests today after school!  Awesome work as well from our 5B students!

My "Bump" is not working well, so I couldn't get the pics from today from our guest speaker on the Native Americans of the Plains.  We will surely have to BUMP our photos from each in the morning. That's how I'll know you checked the blog. Whisper to me a reminder that we need to do this RIGHT after the pledge, ok?  Be polite, of course:)

Again, great job today!  Let's see it again tomorrow!

Hmmm... What do you think?

Please email me on what this picture represents based on how our day ended.  I'm going to leave it at that for tonight.  The details you add will really let me know how serious you are taking our class's behaviors.

Have a good (oops, dead word) - an enjoyable night.  I'm hoping for a different picture to share for tomorrow.  Thanks to some super role models our class has to look up to.  

Great Day of Learning for Veteran's Day!

What a special opportunity to hear firsthand the stories and experiences of our local Veterans.  Here are some pictures from today's assembly.  I know only 1/3 of the class got to blog about it today, so we'll make sure there's time tomorrow for the rest to share their reflections!  They also seemed to enjoy the slideshow we put together to thank them!   Be sure to share some of the questions and thoughts you had about what you heard today with your families.

In the area of math, I know all classes are reviewing and working on geometry skills before our math test on Wednesday.  In my math class, the students were busy working away on projects that show geometry in everyday situations:  baseball games, bicycle designs, pool table and art!

What angle measurements would help you play pool?

Does this bicycle design use geometric rules?  Will Cresco
Bicycles want to make it a real bike?

Does the abstract artwork of Kandinsky use geometry?

How will this design blueprint look at a larger scale?

What do angles have to do with playing baseball?  EVERYTHING!

Busy, busy, busy!  Also, we spent our afternoon reviewing the expectations of iPads and how to be respectful with them.  Super ideas were shared, but now it's time to put them into action.  With the iPads possibly going home in the next few weeks, we need to kick-it-up at notch with responsibility and respect.  Gotta it??  Good!  (wait, dead word.... FABULOUS!)

I'll know you checked the blog if you write one FACT and one OPINION from the Veterans today at our assembly.  Hunter and Paetyn, if you missed it, you can share from what we watched last week or something your family discusses with you, ok?

Also, as Hailey asked, here are a few websites that could help review for the geometry test in math on Wednesday.  Just click on the topic you would like to practice! 

Angle Measurements

Polygon Characteristics

Types of Angles and Triangles

Practice Place Value

Awesome 3-Day Weekend Hopefully:)

Rested up, 5B?
It was a great 3-day weekend for me!  That Friday off was sweet little vacation that gave me oodles of energy to start a new week!  Hopefully, you had some enjoyment, too!  I heard that a lot of you were going to the Late Night Swim at the CFC on Thursday night.  I ALMOST stopped by after conferences to check out everyone having fun, but I decided I might get splashed by some little sweethearts I know:)

Last week was short and goofy with the late start, but we packed in a bunch, didn't we?  Well, watch out...here's a full week with all sort of happenings.  Check out the list below for a heads-up for the week!  This week is NATIONAL YOUNG READERS WEEK!  One day this week, we are challenged to READ OUR HEARTS out...by reading from the beginning of the day until the very end!  You daring enough to take on the challenge???  This also the week that we would ask our principal, Mr. Adams to read to us in an usual place and way!  I haven't heard too many suggestions.  So, please, chat with your families for ideas that can take place somewhere on our school grounds, is safe and allows us to listen to him reading.  Mr. Adams is willing to try it.  I think it would terrible if we couldn't brainstorm something for him!!  I gave him a few ideas, but I'd still suggest more if you have something to share.

Monday:  Veterans Day and Special Assembly with Guest Speakers
Tuesday:  Start 2nd Writing Activity with McGregor 5th Graders!
Wednesday:  Global Classrooms with Connecticut - Try Again...This time with TodaysMeet:)
                     Special Guest Visitor -about Native Americans to connect with Social Studies!                                        Math Test for all classrooms
**One day this week - hopefully - Mr. Adams can be reading from an usual spot while we enjoy a story!
Friday:  Math Mixer - Regrouping activities again before the next unit and switching teachers for math groups!

Wowser! See, what a week!?

Ok.. So rest up if you haven't been able to, and we'll start off with a WHAM on Monday!  I'll know you checked the blog if you watch our video slideshow that was put together with your thoughts, photos, videos and symbols for what a Veteran is.  I think it turned out amazing.  Thanks for all of your genuine thoughts and words.  Our visitors will feel special to be thanked for their service.
Click:  Thank You, Veterans 2013-14

Also, be thinking of some questions you'd like to know about if you get a chance to ask these amazing men and women about their experiences.  Remember, though, to be respectful about the information you'd like to learn about.

The Chatty Bug is in the Air...Don't Worry, I've Got A Flyswatter!

Today was an improvement with the chatting during work or transition times, but that Chatty Bug is still buzzing around the room.  It's time we "swat" it!  I loved seeing the class take care of any down time with "Flee Fly" while I was explaining to Mrs. Bodermann today.  That's what 5B is made of!

Now, we just need to work on how music went with chatting and at lunch.  We will need to look at a new lunchroom seating arrangement soon if the volume continues to be as loud as it has been.  Enjoying your lunch and having some friendly across-the-table conversations, shouldn't require a whistle to be blown, right??

So, let's just get the Chatty Bug out of the air, learn from our mistakes and move on, ok?

I was so impressed with how serious everyone was in social studies today when we discussed Veteran's Day and the special guests we'll be meeting with on Monday, November 11.  I have the 2 videos we watched in class today below if you want to share them with your families or just watch them again yourselves.

Veteran's Day Tribute
I Fought For You

For our Thank You Slideshow, remember, some of you wanted to bring in items or look for pictures tonight that you could use with your video.  Please be sure your families approve before you bring in anything, ok?

Reminder - Thursday is a 1-hour early out for conferences and Friday is NO SCHOOL!!  Miss you:(

I'll know you checked the blog if you can think of 5 adjectives that describe Veteran.  I'll be helpful and give you 1 (if you want it).
1.  Courageous
2.
3.
4.
5.

Peace Out, My 5B Babies..

Twisted Tuesday.... Actually Went Quite Smoothly:)

So, let's see if our Wednesday will be our ONLY normal day of the week?  Usually we have Wacky Wednesday's, so now it's the complete opposite, huh?

I wanted to make sure to tell all of the 5B students and families who I saw on Monday, "Thanks SO MUCH" for being so supportive, having super discussions and being so open about how things are going in 5th grade!  This is the first year ever, I've had EVERY student show up at his/her conference!  Such responsible students and families!  Let's see if we can get do the same on Thursday night.

I know it's later tonight, so I won't keep you much longer.  I had Isaiah's conference after school tonight, too and then off to stuff my belly with Cresco Fire Department Pancakes!  Yum...but...oh, my tummy is a-hurting! The same goes for the rest of my family:)  I saw some of you there...and saw Morgan working!  Excellent "tray carrying"!

Ok.. here's your proof if you checked the blog.  We'll be taking the next few days in social studies to talk about a particular topic.  It will be a little "detour" from the Native American studies but an extremely important topic to remember.

Here's what you need to do.  Unscramble these letters to make the word we'll be learning more about.

S   T  R  E   A   V   E   N

Whisper in my ear as you come in on Wednesday morning!    Ok, time for Isaiah to start heading for bed!

Ready for a Short but Busy Week Ahead?

Hey, 5B,
I sure hope you guys all had a great weekend.  I had a surprise waiting for me when I got home.  Jason planned a fun (wait, fun is a dead word...um... exciting) water park and hotel weekend for our family!  We left right after school Friday and came home later on Saturday evening.  The only complaint I have is that I smashed my elbow on the side of the water slide.  YOUCH!  Man, it still hurts today... Oh, well, I shouldn't whine about it when I had a great time, huh?

Big Schedule Reminders for This Week:
Monday - Conferences Early out at 2:15 p.m.
Thursday - Conferences Early out at 2:15
Friday - DON'T COME to SCHOOL - I won't be here! (or anyone else:)

Other Reminders:
Please remember to come to your conference with your families!  I have some MAJOR exciting news and surprise to share with each of you at your conferences.  You WON'T want to miss it:) Hey, maybe ONLY those who come to their conference will get to have this special gift??  Hmm... Maybe...

Also, we'll continue to become amazing communicators through Edmodo with our Connecticut classmates on Monday.  We'll try some more writing activities with McGregor either this week or next, too!

I did some MAJOR tidying up the room this weekend...Boy, oh, boy?!  We are getting a WEE BIT TOO careless with our materials, the pillows and leaving iPADs OUT again?!  We'll have to make this a MUST-DO ticket to before we leave each day!  YIKES????  Please and Thank You... :)

For Monday, I'll know you checked the blog if you give me your BEST turkey gobble impersonation as you come in.  I'll give you a little something you'll use after attendance and lunch that connects (bam-bam with my hands) it!  Click here to hear a real one!