No Recess...and No One Even Noticed!

5B,
I know there was a little "oops" with behavior from some of you today when we tried the outside activity, but you guys really are 'da bomb!  I don't know if anyone even really cared, noticed or realized that we did not have recess today.  Your effort in the Sumdog National Contest (Keep it up at home!) and work with me in guided reading groups was top notch!  We haven't been using Cadet Pride tickets for a while, but we'll start back up tomorrow with a pretty cool new reward system!  Here's a hint.... $CHA CHING$.  Any ideas??  You'll just have to wait and see:)

Isaiah had a message for you tonight... Watch the video below to see what he has to say.

Well, here's what Isaiah wanted me to put on our blog.  Click Here!  Yours is much harder than what he was doing, by the way:)

I'll know you checked the blog if you click on this TodaysMeet Link and write down how many Time for Kids cards you filled out tonight.  Remember, if we can get 12 students to fill out 7 of the cards to different addresses, I'll pick a prize from that teacher magazine for you to enjoy.  If we get ALL 19 of you to meet that goal, we get 2 prizes!  Of course, whoever does 7 gets the other cool stuff, too!

Also.. if you're reading this, Mrs. Bodermann....

What a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!

To all who read our 5B Blog... You have to understand what an amazing class I get to work with each and everyday.  Picture this situation... I am walking back to the classroom from lunch when I realize 5B has already been in the classroom without me.  Doesn't that sound like something a teacher would be nervous about?  A class, alone, without their teacher would most likely be out of control, goofing around, running all over, right?  Well, watch the video below to see what I walked into....

My dear, sweet 5B Angels were just sitting together, singing the "Herman, the Worm" song as an organized, whole group.  By the time I grabbed my camera to take this video, the song was almost done, and then my camera ran out of space.  But I have to say, this is going to be a TERRIBLE ending to a year because I will be so depressed to pass them along to 6th grade.  Wait... unless....they all "conveniently" fail 5th grade?!!  Hmmmm.... Stay tuned:)

It's been so great to be back into somewhat of a normal"ish" routine.  Now, just watch... something crazy will happen with the weather?!  I'd say all of us are quite ready for March and some spring-like weather to show itself.

I wanted to say THANKS to the 5B families for making the conferences go so smoothly, and of course..... to the 5B students... A Job....

Don't forget homework...

Math:  Each group had a little something possibly

Writing:  Evil Twin ideas.... Now, it's your turn!

Social Studies:  Review Battle of Yorktown drawing to be able to explain it.

Reading:  Always Reading to Self - Book-it Due on Friday or Monday

I'll know you checked the blog if you look back at the blog above, writing down each of the colored letters.  It's a message to remind you about something for Thursday:)  Let's see who finds it out!  Show it to me as you come in Thursday morning! 

Keep up the AMAZING Work! (This is for Hunter...and of course, the rest of my fabulous 5B class!)

(For more "feel goods" from Mrs. Sorenson, click on the word "amazing" above).

CRAZY LATE BLOG!!!

Lawson BEGGED me to put something on the blog tonight.  I know it's late, so here it is:)

I'll know you checked the blog if you tell me WHO was the student that begged me to post a blog tonight!  Whisper it to me as you come in on Wednesday!

Remember - A full day of school on Wednesday:)

A REGULAR DAY??!!! Wowser!!!

Well, it's about time!  Just as usual, 5B is showing their amazing ability to stay focused and be fabulous when it comes to jumping right back into the swing of things.

What happens when we have a FULL, REGULAR day of school, I ask???  Well, here's the answer!
5B students finish their reading assessments with higher scores than they've had all year:)
5B students rock with their finished inquiry projects!
5B students begin publishing their global newspaper in Tech Class.
5B students attend MATH again!  (Finally!)
5B students meet up with their mentors again:)
5B students prove their knowledge of the American Revolution and challenge their classmates to a nasty game of online Scrabble!

Whew!?  I'm tired just writing all of it:)

I'll keep it short, but here are some reminders for this week (and a couple for next week):

Tuesday:  Conferences - 1-hour early out - students be sure to COME - Kids told me that all of the times I had scheduled will stay the same:)  Excited to see the kids show off more of their presenting skills!
Wednesday:  HUGE CHANGE... I JUST GOT an EMAIL announcing that there WILL BE A FULL DAY OF SCHOOL on Wednesday, February 26.  The teacher in-service is cancelled.  

Next Tuesday:  NO SCHOOL - HS Girls' Basketball Team goes to state - ask about chartered busses taking fans down to the games.  There is a cost for students ($20) and adults ($30).  Contact the office for more details.

I'll know you checked the blog if you can come up with some words for our Scrabble game we started in social studies class today.  Here's a screen shot of what the board looked like when we ended.  Our next 2 sections are...  Section 4: Battles- Victories and Losses and Section 5:  Declaring Independence. If you need to come up with new words from your group's list, no problem!  Just see what you can do!

Get those brains a-thinking!  Maybe a little treat/snack for those who put in the extra effort:)

LOOONNNGGG WEEKEND!! Whoa!

Did anyone hear/see that thunder snow on Thursday of last week?   I found this picture of a baby I do not know, but I thought he had a PERFECT look for how amazing and remarkable it was to see/hear that crazy weather!  As we wrap up our study in literacy, we will never forget ..."May the Force be with .......  NATURE!!!  

To wrap up our unit, we will be sharing our inquiry projects on Monday.  Also, here's a link of 50 AMAZING photos to show how powerful Mother Nature truly is.  Click Here.  I'm curious which your favorite was.


This week has a few bumps in it, but I'm guessing it will be a WHOLE LOT more normal than last week:)
Monday - SHOULD be normal:)  Tech Class!
Tuesday - 1-hour early out - Conferences this night.  PLEASE remind your families to email me with a time that they'd like to make up their conferences from Thursday's cancellation.
Wednesday - 3-hour early out  - Scheduled from earlier...Ahhh...
Thursday/Friday - SHOULD be normal:) Art and Library!

Can you believe this week is the LAST week of February?  This is so crazy???!! It feels like we are still trying to get back into things after Christmas break!  Maybe all of this snow and cold will disappear when March comes. That's when we can BACK into a routine.

In order to keep things moving in literacy, we will continue the 2nd part of the unit assessment right away on Monday morning.  I wanted to give you a heads up to be POSITIVE, pumped up and full of EFFORT to end the unit.  I corrected the first half, and it is excellent for most of you:)
Watch this VERY OLD video clip from Saturday Night Live (SNL) that hopefully most of your parents would have seen/known when they were younger!  If they haven't seen it, then I feel REALLY OLD!!!  Watch it, and find at least 1 other person to do this with.  It can be just 2 people, or it can be several, as long as you are all saying it together with the actions of Hanz and Franz!

Get rested because I KNOW you'll be tired on Monday and with a 5 day week ahead of you!

Well, What Was Our Motto Today, 5B?

Yep!  

That's what we did today!  We just saw that an adventure was in front of us and just went with the flow... Didn't we?! It seems we have so many "out of the ordinary" days lately, that we can "handle"..(haha...get it? handle bars???) just about anything!  So proud of how well 5B just adjusts to any situation and welcomes any new adventure.  I think Austin and Anna Mae from Lime Springs felt comfortable today thanks to YOU!  Show them the same tomorrow, ok?

Compliment #2:  
Thanks to 5B students for a wonderful job leading their conferences on Tuesday night.  I feel like all parents were quite impressed with how professional it went.  Thanks so MUCH to 5B parents for allowing your child to be the "expert" on themselves and letting them take charge of the conference.  I hope you were satisfied with the conference.  Please get in touch if you have any additional questions, ok?

Compliment #3:
FABULOUS time getting your inquiry projects done today, knowing that we may not be in school very long or at all on Thursday.  I thought all groups were learning something new, creative and did a great job finding a way to share their new information in a presentation.  So happy that you ALL are so independent, resourceful and true problem-solvers.

Ok.. So, with the craziness of the day and weather and all of the "unknowns," I am sharing the email Mr. Carver shared with the staff below.  Pay special attention to the "Conferences" section if you are scheduled for THURSDAY....

If conferences ARE moved to Tuesday, please email a time that would work for your family, and I'll be happy to make it work.  We will be creative to be sure everyone gets a conference, and the students are still able lead as they have practiced. 

5B Babies...  I'll know you checked the blog if you share ONE thing you enjoyed about our crazy day today on this TodaysMeet link.  

Hope to see you on Thursday... If not.. check out the same TodaysMeet link and we can all chat on Thursday if you want? 

Happy President's Day...Good Thing We DIDN'T Schedule School, huh?!

Check out this link about 7 FUN FASCINATING FACTS about our American Presidents.  Did you know that one of our former U.S. Presidents had a pet alligator??  And... one of our past presidents was only as tall as ME!!  Now, that's SHORT!!  Weird! Wacky and Wow!  Find out at least one new and interesting piece of our U.S. history;)   Here's the link!  Click!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Valentines from friends, had an exciting (or relaxing) 3 day weekend and is ready for conferences this week!  Because we already have a 1-hour early out for conferences, the schedule will be a Twisted Tuesday....so, IF we are 2 hours late, you'll already be expecting a CRAZY schedule, right?!  

HUGE REMINDERS for Tuesday (and the rest of the week)...

CONFERENCES - Be sure 5B students are able to come:) - School dismisses at 2:25 p.m.

BAND You'll have a normal large group meeting.

INQUIRY PROJECTS- Be sure to bring ANY materials your group needs.  We'll be working, video taping and trying to wrap up this week.

NO SCHOOL Friday, Feb. 21.

I'll keep it short, but here's your blog proof...  Add to this TodaysMeet Link by sharing ONE strange or interesting or surprising or goofy event that happened over your 3 day weekend.  You'll see mine if you go to the link!  I ran into a 5B student at a place I would have NEVER expected!!  

See you Tuesday... Be ready to use our time wisely! 

5B Cupids

Posted by Lawson and Sawyer

We had our Skype with Orange, Texas.  We learned about court cases and how to make your case stronger or weaker.  Let's work on our debating skills for next Skype. GET BOLD

Here were our judges...









Its been a fantastic week so far lets keep it that way.

Reminders come to Conferences if signed up. IF NOT MAKE sure you sign UP
Bring Valentines if you choose to for Friday. Remember, it is Valentine's Day:)










Storm icy stuff coming on Sunday and Monday But no School on Monday because it's President's Day.


We will know you checked if Blow a kiss to Sawyer. And '' honey I love you but please don't smile'' to Lawson.

5B Gets Interviewed!

Wow!

It was quite a day of compliments in the land of 5B today!  Not realizing it is was going to happen, 5B and other classrooms had a chance show off their knowledge, use and understanding of why technology is so important in our classrooms and education in general.  The videos shot today are for 2 main purposes:  

1)  For a large educational conference this spring/summer to raise money for schools in need of change - specifically integrating technology into the daily lives of kids

2) For a more local presentation that will be used to attract people to come live in northeast Iowa - specifically Howard County and surrounding areas

5B did an amazing job of just doing what they do everyday, learning, working together, staying focused, discussing, and of course, using their iPads!  Morgan and Carter got to be interviewed individually!  They said they were a bit nervous....Don't worry, I was, too!  

Reminders

Math pages - depending on your teacher:)

Book club reading - meeting with both Island and Tsunami on Thursday

Inquiry supplies/items you may know to bring

Conference Sign Ups - 3 students need to get notes to families as reminders please:)

Activity Planned for Tomorrow

I have a little surprise for you for Thursday.  We will be meeting with a class (one we met WAY early in the year as a favor) from Texas through Skype.  We will be acting out a court case with Mrs. Reynolds' class from TX.  I'm attaching a link to a Google Doc shared to ALL 5B students.  When you click on the link, it may take you to the Single Sign On page like when you open your email.  Read the facts of the case Lee vs. Kris.  We will be DEFENDING Kris's side of the story.  There are questions below the story.  Add your name FIRST, then write what you think we could say to help DEFEND why Kris should NOT have to pay the money.  Those people who put more effort into the Google Doc will be our leaders for this activity.  We'll talk more about it in the morning, too!  Get your "lawyer's suit on" and be ready to WIN THIS CASE.  Mrs. Reynolds from TX and I will be the JUDGES:)

Here's the link. Click Here!

If you can't get to it, just email me and I'll get it to you by email, ok? Or just check your email for the link. 

 - This is blog proof AND your chance to prove you can FIGHT with words and WIN a case!

BUSY at Home... Means SHORT Blog:)

Twisted Tuesday does NOT mean that 5B students are twisted at all!  Fabulous working... as usual... NOT a single person complained, rolled his/her eyes, gave a whine, groaned, sighed out loud or ANYTHING today when we did not have recess!  Can you believe that?  Did you even realize it?  It just goes to show how many of you take learning, effort and doing your best so seriously!

Amazing Students = Popcorn for EVERYONE!!  

The only main homework is to remind Island to be ready for their LAST book club meeting tomorrow! I still have to read....so don't ruin it for me:)

Here's an idea of what we are going to be doing for 5th Grade Heart Art Activity (that we were supposed to do on Tuesday - oops...sorry)...  Looking at the pictures on the link below, which one do you like best?  I'll explain more on Wednesday:)

Click Here for Link to Pictures

Peace Out!  Oh, and Lawson and Sawyer..... you forgot to remind me about the BLOG, Dudes!!  WEDNESDAY....for sure!

Anyone Exhausted from Last Week's Working?? If yes, GOOD!

I was kinda tired throughout the week, but it felt SO great to be able to start activities, remember what they were about, complete them, have book club discussions, news articles, math groups, and more events of the American Revolution!  Wow!  5B's brilliant minds rather enjoyed the challenges!  Yippee!

This week SHOULD be "normal" except for Friday's events (S.T.E.M. Day with all 5th grade and Valentine celebration).  However...  I'm hearing/seeing it is supposed to be REALLY cold again tonight and Monday.  So, I wish I could drive to each of your houses, personally pick you up in a warm vehicle and get you to school, but..... that's not happening...

Be ready for work, work, work this week whether we have a normal week, late starts, or anything goofy, OK? I know Luther students have already been reading your news articles and have a lot of comments for you!  They have WONDERFUL suggestions, and they've taken their free time to help you work on your writing so that it is ready to be shared GLOBALLY:)  No PRESSURE:)





I heard how the 5th grade boys and girls did at their tournaments on Saturday... I'll wait to let them share with you how things went:)  I hope dance pictures went smoothly tonight also!  I decided to NOT crash the Lego movie party on Saturday.  I went to my parents house, so I didn't get to watch over any 5th graders:)  Lucky you guys, huh?

HOPEFULLY, I'll see you on time on Monday, and OH, tomorrow night is the board meeting in Elma.  This is the meeting that will decide whether 4th grade OR 5th grade will be taught in Lime Springs next year.  If your family is interested in the news, tell them I'll be at the meeting awaiting to hear also!

I'll know you checked the blog if you check out the video of Isaiah down below.  He JUST learned today how to do something new!  Watch the video to see.  When you come in Monday, do what he did in the video and say "Oh, snap!"  

Oh, and I'd LOVE to know what Olympic events you've been most interested in.  If there's something cool you saw, learned, were surprised about, etc., EMAIL me, ok?  I saw some figure skating today and alpine skiing (that's the new thing I learned! I thought it was called slalom...NOPE, not anymore!)

WE MADE IT! A FULL WEEK!!

I'm as surprised as some of you are about this!  On the side of the blog, there were 6 people that predicted this to be a normal week!  Woo-hoo to you!  I was not one of them.  There were 2 of us (that's somebody and ME) who thought we'd have 1 day with a late start or early out from weather.  And finally, there were 4 each that thought we'd either have 1 or more snow days.

Great predictions to those who thought we'd be here!  Maybe you should look at being a meteorologist!


I know this post is a bit later.  Sorry about that.  I TOTALLY forgot to remind you that this Friday is the FIRST Friday of the month, which means it is CADET NATION t-shirt day!  I'm going to send emails to each of you and your parents (if I have their emails) to try and get as many 5B as possible to wear them!  If we have 15 or more students, I'll be happy to "treat" you to a Thanks for Helping Show Cadet Pride snack!  So, if you know a way to get ahold of your class through some method (email, text, call, etc.,), PLEASE do so!  I'd love to see how our 5B Family helps take care of each other and shines with Cadet Pride.




Reminders...




CONFERENCE SIGN-UP.... If parents can't get online for some reason, call the school at 563.547.2300 and ask Linda to tell you what times are free on Tuesday, Feb. 18 or Thursday, Feb. 20.

CONFERENCE PINK SHEET...  Please return...You've had the week to share it with your families. It's YOUR job to get it back to school to help prepare for YOUR conference:)

NEXT WEEK:  VALENTINE'S Day...  I'll send a note home on Friday, but I wanted to give you a teeny heads-up that we'd be celebrating Valentine's Day after the S.T.E.A.M. activities next Friday.  From about 2:45 - 3:20, you'll have the chance to share Valentine's IF YOU CHOOSE.  This is OPTIONAL, of course.  I'll probably have something to share since it's an extra special reason for me:)

That's it for now, I guess.  Check out the picture of Isaiah below.  He was showing off a talent he can do with his tongue.  I'll know you checked the blog if you grab your iPad in the morning (like when you're in the hallway) and take a picture of YOU doing your best "copy" of Isaiah's picture.  If you can't do it, just try your hardest!  (My tongue doesn't work that way, so don't feel bad if you can't either.)

Patient 5B During MAPs MESS:)

Great day, again!

I want to compliment all of 5B for their patience, hard work and effort put into their Reading MAPs tests today.  I'd say almost everyone showed progress, which is fantastic!  And some of you improved so much that I would have thought it was a SPRING score:)  You go!  Be sure to share those post-it with your progress!

At our teacher meetings this afternoon, we made some great plans for our S.T.E.A.M Day next Friday, February, 14!  We are excited to see what kind of problem solvers you will be in another real-world situation!  What I saw today from all groups was excellent.  It was great to see that 1 of the groups did, in fact, (that's a fact, Jack!) change the life of Stuffy the Stuffed Animal and gave him a safe Tower of Power!

However, every group showed that their problem solving skills could make a difference in the life of someone (or something).  Everyone today made their index cards into TECHNOLOGY!  Now, that's engineering.

Keep that creative thinking, common sense about use of materials and problem-solving awake for next week's task!  

That's all I will share for tonight.  I am going to give you 1 job to do to prove you checked the blog tonight.  It is a math problem (since we had no math today).

Solve this problem - (if you need to ask someone for help, please do!)  Turn this mixed number (5 2/3) into an improper fraction!  I know the group I'm working with should be able to do this, so hopefully it's not a brain buster!  

Write it down somewhere and hold onto it until AFTER we do the pledge.  I'll share the correct answer to everyone then:)

We just might make a "normal" week!  Yippee!  

TA-DA Tuesday! Loving 2 Full Days in a Row!

REALLY SHORT!

Thanks for not having a problem about leaving iPads at school!  Quite impressed with no complaints, whining or grumpy attitudes!  You guys are so mature!

Remember any math homework, reading book club homework or healthy snacks for tomorrow!  Also, get that conference note shared to parents and return the bottom part please!

We'll have MAPs testing, work on our Student-Led Conference presentations,  and some different activities in the morning for our half day:)  Should be a smooth flowing day:)

I'll know you checked the blog if..... hmmm.....

What should I have you do?


Hmmm....



Let's see....



What would make you think???



And put extra effort....



Hmmm???





I know!





Keep reading.....

Go back and count how many "m"'s you see in the Hmmmm's that I wrote up above (not counting this last one in the directions).  Show me that number with your fingers in the morning!  Don't say it.  Just show me:)

A-MAZING MONDAY! (as usual!)

I know everyone seemed tired today, but it didn't stop you from showing amazing effort and focus on work today.  A teeny tiny reminder was needed during literacy with people in the futon area, but I'm sure that was an "oops" that will be different for tomorrow!  Always, always so proud!

I'll keep it short tonight since last night was pretty long.  Here is a HUGE

from....

to 

Hunter and Paetyn for cleaning Fire Fish's bowl!

He can SEE!!!!  

Quick Reminders...

Conferenece

Parents - Sign up for conferences online

5B - get that pink note to your parents about what may be helpful to discuss at conferences.  We need everyone to be satisfied with the information that is shared.

Book-It

Bring back January Book-It.  Don't forget your pizza coupon to celebrate.  

Writing

I didn't collect the TFK articles today, so be sure you have it done for Tuesday please.

Band

Tomorrow!  

I'll know you checked the blog if you do the "Honey, I love you, but please don't smile" to someone and have them sign a paper that you tried it on them.  If you're at home, try a brother or sister!  Love to see that!  If you are checking in the Discovery Center, try it on Mrs. Vandervort or another adult.  They'll be sure to giggle or smirk!  Have the person you said it to sign the paper saying, "Yes, Kelly, made me smile with the 'Honey phrase'" or "Nope, Kelly didn't get me to smile with the 'Honey phrase'".  Let's see if your magic works on people outside of 5B!

Good Luck!

Well? What's In Store for This Week?

Let's just see, 5B...  Ya think we'll have a somewhat "normal" week?  I know Wednesday is a 3-hour early out already, but will we get full days for rest of the week?  Hmmm.. Only Mother Nature has the answer, right?

Homework
I hope everyone rested up.
Writing:  I know I gave homework in writing class to read through 2 of the 3 articles from  Time For Kids and find the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How of the articles.  Be sure you are responsible with our "paper" homework.  This will determine if you will get to continue having the privilege of taking home your iPads.  :)  Show me it's "easy cheesy" to be responsible! (like always)
Math: There also may have been math homework for some groups.
Reading: And I KNOW there is book club reading for ALL groups for this week.  Rescue on Ruapehu is the only one that has it for Monday.
Also, your Inquiry Group may want to start thinking about what kind of presentation you'll be wanting to do and what materials may be needed.
Social Studies:  Check out music that you think is a good fit for your iMovie project.

Conferences
Also, I wanted to remind you and your families of the bright pink parent note that SHOULD have come home last week (at least by Thursday).  That is the conference link for parents to sign up for conferences.  It's a MUST that you (5B student) be at your conference since you will be LEADING it:) I'll be sending home a paper note to be sure all families get this important message.  5B students will start working on our Student-Led Conferences Monday or Tuesday already of this week!

Upcoming Events!
This Week...
Monday:  switch groups for Cadet Time
Wednesday:  3-hour early out

Next Week...
Friday:  Special STEM activity for ALL 5th graders (Lime Springs is coming over!)
Friday:  Valentine's Day:) Note will be coming home, too!

Ok.. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekends... I'll know you checked the blog if you vote for your opinion on the 2 DIFFERENT SURVEYS at the top right side of the blog.  The one that is titled Super Bowl and the Weather Predictions.  Then tell me what you voted for on Monday as you come in:)

Ok.. in honor of my husband....

Go