Not Our Best Day.....

Yikes... is the word that comes to mind after today.  It's been gradually getting more and more serious, and today just did us in.

This is what most students looked like (or should have felt) after realizing how many ways they let our 5B Family down today...

Whoa, Baby... Off task, blurting, untrustworthy, distracting, slow-moving, chatting in line, interrupting... and I have to say, the worst one I saw was during our science experiment today.  It almost made me cry (again...not like I did during Pink and Say).  It had to do with picking partners.  I saw the way 1 group treated a classmate when choosing partners.  I was surprised and disappointed to know we have 5B family members who would make one of their own feel so unwelcome. I'm feeling pretty down about how this week as gone.  This definitely isn't the class that I have bragged all year about and to the rest of teachers.

So...you said your farewells and set your "evil twin" to outers pace, right?  Please lock the doors, and don't let him or her back in your life.  He or she is not being helpful, caring and in any way a positive influence on our 5B Family, ok?

Now, let's have a.....fresh, new start on Thursday to show what 5B is really made of ...and remember... as Hunter loves for me to remind you.... You are AMAZING... (now, just act that way!)

I'll know you checked the blog... if you watch this quick video.  Your proof will be to share ALOUD what part of it you liked best.  We will watch again after you share your favorite saying or phrase or advice that you got from it.  Click to watch here.  Oh, and you may recognize one of the people in the video from earlier this year!

Have a good night...so we can have a FABULOUS DAY tomorrow!

Limerick Post for Tonight!

I do not have much to say.

Which leaves you more time to play.

I'm still at school,

Slow as a mule.

But I guess this is okay.

Prove your trust doesn't stink

by posting thoughts on this link.

Be wise when you choose.

There's nothing to lose.

A Twix bar is what I think!

That's it!  Have a good night!
Oh, here's a link to the candy factory Sawyer will be visiting:)  Click Here To Take a Tour!

Magnificent MAP's Growth for 5B!

5B should be so proud!!  I've seen a wonderful amount of growth in scores from reading, language AND math over the past several days.  We have an average of 5-8 points of growth for each test, but I have to share some crazy, amazing scores of growth!  We have a few students that have shown up to 12 and 15 points, then up to 17 and 19, and EVEN 21 points of growth from the fall to spring!

But here's one that has beaten them all!  Everyone should be proud to have a classmate from 5B show 27 points of growth!

So, as you can see, 5B has definitely shown what it means to concentrate, take in new information, remember and it prove it to the world (or at least us!) their amazing learning!   Our recess and ice cream scoop rewards will start after everyone has completed their MAP's testing....so that means.... We sure hope to see Rodney back after his trip to Florida!!

Great work, everyone!  Truly proud of each and every one of you! Tomorrow should be a "back to normal" schedule with regular classes and math in the afternoon.

Don't forget...

Don't forget your coffee mug and if your family is donating
some juice for our talks:)

Start on Tuesday (tomorrow) for the Biggest Klutz.  Let's see if this first group shows some deep thinking, amazing conversations and role model behaviors for the rest of the groups to follow!

I've sent your families an email about the Poetry SLAM for Friday, May 9 from 2:30 - 3:15!  I'm really excited about this!

I'll know you checked the blog if you do a little preview reading for me about a topic we'll touch on from now until the end of the year.... the Civil War....  Go to this website link about interesting and strange facts about the Civil War.  Read through the list.  On the TodaysMeet link (click here), share which one you thought was most interesting or strange!  There are some PRETTY weird ones, that's for sure!  Happy dreary night:(

Happy Sunday, 5B!

More gloomy, cloudy, dreary days, huh?!  I'm ready for some sun!  How about you?  Well, we'll have to make our own "sunshine" with our goofy personalities, awesome attitudes and responsible behaviors, right?!

I hope you had some enjoyment this weekend. You tested like crazy last week, and we have just a bit more this week.  Everyone has Math MAP's on Monday, and that means another chance to earn a delightful treat:) with some extra recess for the class!  We are already WAY UP THERE with extra minutes!  I think the Language test was a bit tougher for people on Friday because it was in the afternoon, it was  Friday and it was "another test", but keep a positive attitude!  The Math MAP's will be during our normal math time in the afternoon again, but it will be in our own homerooms for testing. Also, remember you are welcome to bring your own snack if you like.

Big Reminders for the Week...Hmmm....(READ WHOLE LIST)
*SCIENCE HOMEWORK - for 5 students who were NOT done on Friday after a week of work time...Remember... Grumpy Sorenson's in the HOUSE if you don't have your work done.
*Some people had math homework from different teachers
*Memorizing/writing poems for Poetry Slam - put on calendars for parents - Friday, May 9 from 2:30 - 3:15:)  Can't wait!!
*Reading for Camp Read S'More! Keep bringing in your pages signed!
*Book Club Reading - Coffee Talks this week!  Bring coffee cups this week for your assigned day.  Be ready to share, drink some "coffee" and show your enjoyment for reading!  Remember, if your family is donating juice, we'll take it anytime:)
*Field Trip permission slip for St. Paul, MN
*Band on Thursday again - 2 days to remember your instruments!
*PUBERTY starts on FRDAY of this week!  Woo-hoo!  Yeah, Baby!  What a way to end the week, huh?!

Hopefully, we won't have any screwy schedules on Monday to start off the day.  From the weather forecast though, it looks to be a long, rainy week:(  Ugh...  Plan on being indoors a lot, I'm guessing... Oh, and another bummer - we have no Tech Class on Monday:(  However, it started putting the eBook Video Challenge together, and although everyone did a super job (maybe minus one grumpy student... yes, you know who you are:), our rhythm was too fast.  It didn't stay with the music. So, we'll do some re-recording on Monday.  I have an idea on how to keep everyone on beat though, so hopefully we can get it done in just one class period, ok?  I'll let you see the first draft though before we start!

Alrighty then, let's see... I'll know you took time to check the blog and prove it to me by....hmmmm...what should I have you do this time? Oh, I know.... as soon as you come in the classroom, grab your iPad and earbuds.  Find a groovy song you LOVE to move to and jam a bit to that song until I see/hear what song it is.  Don't tell anyone to do this.  I enjoy seeing how responsible or IRrespsonsible 5B students are for blog checking!  Show me your moves, Baby!  Oh, if you don't have working earbuds, then just have your music on loud enough for you to hear but not so loud it takes over the room:)

Shopping Day on Friday! Yippee!

Well, it's time to choose your style of money management, 5B.  Will you spend ALL of your hard earned money on 1 or more items and deplete (empty out) your piggy bank OR will you hold off and keep saving until you find something you know you want for sure?  I can't wait to see what you choose!  Remember to review the item(s) you may want to purchase again by going on the link on the blog.  We only have about 10-15 minutes to browse, get in line, pay and leave.


Also, remember about our MAPs testing in the morning - Language:)  Most people showed amazing growth from the fall to spring!  On top of your yummy reward...

We have a LOT of recess earned!  Whoa, Baby!  Remember, the more growth you show, the more we ALL celebrate:)  Get a good night's rest and bring a snack if you wish!

Homework Reminders:

Science - The Nervous System

Writing - Memorizing Poem for Poetry Slam:)  Tell parents about it!

Get Coffee Talk note signed TWICE:)  (or fines will be enforced...)

Book Club Reading and Response Pages for Coffee Talks next week

I'll know you checked the blog tonight if you (now this will be a weird one!) do our pledge like normal, but AFTER that you bend over with your gluteus maximus stuck in the air.  Stay that way so I know are ready to read from our new read aloud book, The Day My Butt Went Psycho!  Don't tell anyone else about this.  I really want to see who checks the blog, who is willing to take on a challenge and who may earn another cha-ching ($) for their shopping event!  We'll read right after that until we go to the Cadet Store:)

Peace Out, Homeys!
TGIF tomorrow!

It's Never Too Late to Celebrate Earth Day.... Right?

Here's the Louis Armstrong link from today's reflection on Earth Day:  Click Here.  A few of you asked to have it on the blog.

Blog Proof #1
I saw some amazing comments from everyone's blogs today.  I approved them so you could see them as well.  That will be ONE of your "proofs" for checking the blog.  Go onto the KidBlog link on the side of the blog under Global Classroom Connections and read some comments from your classmates.  I'll know you did this if you add a Comment to 1 of your classmates.  If someone has already added to a blog post, please choose a different person to Comment on, ok?

Blog Proof #2
Tomorrow is a special day in our district.  We have 3 different possible principals walking through our building to replace Mrs. Sovereign's job for next year  - since she is retiring:(  At some point, he/she may stop by our room.  I'm looking for a super, duper question that is appropriate and helpful to ask him/her to see how they answer it.  It's like a chance for you to "interview" our future principal!  So, go to this TodaysMeet Link and write a question you think is worth asking.  If you're not sure, ask a family member to help you come up with one!

Just reminders....
1) Band on Thursday - bring instruments!
2) Awesome job on your Reading MAPs tests!  An improvement of 138 points from our class!  Wowser!
3) Coffee Talk notes should be signed and returned for tomorrow.  Remember parents should sign in TWO places:)

4)**A note will be coming home Thursday about a CHALLENGE for the Polar Plunge - if the school can raise $500 by Friday at noon, Mr. Adams and Mr. Felderman (elementary and high school principals) will do the Polar Plunge!  If $1000 is raised, Mr. Carver will join in, too!  Any money raised will go straight to HOCA (Howard County Cancer Association) for families needing help.  SO, if you read this tonight, and your family wants to donate, bring in your donations and we'll start adding them to the school's total!

Ok.. that's all for now!  So glad we finished Swear to Howdy! Now we have to decide what we'll do to finish off the year.... Keep reading Out of My Mind from earlier in the year, or should we start something new?  Hmm...

Remember you have TWO jobs to prove you checked the blog!  Can't wait to see what your questions for the principals might be and what you have to say about your classmate's posts on KidBlog!

Blog Proof....

What day did we NOT even talk about today?  It's a holiday... a special day for our world??

Write it down and show it to me in the morning!  Ah... can't believe we didn't talk about it!  If you don't know, look it up!

Happy Tuesday night!

Up for the Challenge????

Let's see, 5B...

It is WAY too nice for a long blog post tonight.  Isaiah wants to fly his kite, so this will be short:)

Here area some song choices I thought COULD be possible ideas for the video challenge...  These don't have to be what you choose as your final decision, but I'm just trying to make it easier on us since we have so little time...

Check out these links.  Then go to the TodaysMeet link to share which one you like the best.  If you feel like there is a TOTALLY better one, then suggest it instead of the options below, ok?  Enjoy the awesome fresh air, sun and spring weather:)

Option 1 (would not require anyone to sing - just acting and dancing)
Option 2 (would not require anyone to sing - just acting and dancing)
Option 3  (would need to rewrite our own words)
Option 4  (would need to rewrite our own words)
Option 5 (would need to rewrite some of our own words)
Option 6 (would need to rewrite own words...but as you can see it can be done like it this version) - might be fun??

TodaysMeet to Vote:  Click Here!

Enjoy the spring weather....FINALLY!!!

Don't forget a snack if you choose to bring one for MAPs Reading test tomorrow.

Polar Plunge Madness in 5th Grade!

Well, it seems there's a lot more going on in 5th grade than what happens in the classroom:)  I'm so proud of so many students that have had the courage and spontaneous attitude to help out for a cause that is important to them - "Taking a Plunge" in honor of those who are battling cancer of some sort.  Thanks to Trystin's mom (Rhonda), click on this link to see some brave 5th graders (and 1 6th grader) who recently took the "plunge!"

(Ah, man... I tried and tried to attach it, but because it was a shared to me on Google Drive, I can't share it out to others: since I'm not the "owner".(  Rhonda, if you can send it by email, I'll share it with our 5B Blog followers and audience:)

Wait...well, I tried something, but I'm not sure that it will work.  If so, super!  If not...sorry...  I can show it in class on Thursday morning as well!

Here's the "Something Special" place to click.  I won't say anything about it.  Just click on the link to see what I was talking about at the end of the day today!
The way I'll REALLY know you checked the blog is down below in a difficult-to-read-color.  Highlight over it to see what you're supposed to do for PROOF!  Yep, making you work hard at this, aren't I?  Heheheheee!
I'll know you checked the blog if you let me know how many Cadet Pride Bucks you have at this point.  Go to the TodaysMeet Link (WAY DOWN BELOW......KEEEPING GOING ALL of the WAY DOWN.....) to let me know.  Don't get fooled... It will look like the blog is done...but just keep going down:)  Sneaky...sneaky....Sorenson:)  


Have a great night!  Don't forget these items for Thursday:
1)  The note about whether you are bring your OWN lunch for our St. Paul field trip or you would rather have the SCHOOL sack lunch?  I'm missing 3 students!  Maybe a fine can be paid for those who haven't returned it yet....

2)  If you/your family is fine with you having a single serving, healthy snack for our whole 5th grade activity for Thursday to wrap up the immigration unit, that would be great.  It is COMPLETELY optional.

See you in the morning!  

TodaysMeet Link Here....

Germ Bug Hit Isaiah:(

Hey, 5B,
Here I thought I was the one getting sick.  Well, Isaiah is miserable and has a fever.  The poor little guy just moans and cries saying his head hurts, throat hurts and can barely stand up:(

So... with THAT knowledge.... you should probably make the prediction that I will NOT be in school tomorrow with you guys...sniff, sniff, tear... Sorry...

BUT we have a REALLY goofy schedule with music program practice in the afternoon.  Anyone who mentors at the 12:45 - 1:10 can still go, but you can't any longer than that.

AND I'll be Skyping in around 10:00 a.m. to explain the last set of book clubs for the year!  See, even when I'm supposed to be home with my own sick baby, I can't stay away from you guys!

I don't know who is subbing for me, but I do know how amazed every sub we've had has said that you are.  So, please continue to show 5B's superb reputation.  And keep in mind the conversations we've had about both "thinking" before acting and trustworthiness and iPads, ok?

I'll know you checked the blog tonight if you simply send me a message on this TodaysMeet Link.  I most likely won't be at the program tomorrow night either:(  SO SAD.....  I'll see you all tomorrow around 10:00 a.m., ok?  Ms. Klenke will come in to set up her Skype so I can call in.  Show all of the adults how well Skyping works for our class!

Dreary Sunday... Anybody Agree?

Happy Sunday, 5B...

This gray sky and rainy weather has made me feel sooo tired that I even took a nap!  I never do that!  I think I need to get to the fitness center and wake up.  

This picture below is what I want the weather to look like now and for the rest of the year!!!  (Especially because you are ALL in it:)

You guys are the coolest!  It's going to be an emotional end of the
year for me!  It's going to fly by sooooooo quickly!  You make everything
AWESOME!!!

This week will be a short BUT VERY BUSY week.  Think about everything going on this week!

Monday:  

Finish up all Immigration projects! 

Bone Quiz (retakes if want)

Tuesday:  

Goofy Schedule - Book Club Choices Announced for Last Book Club Groups of Year

NO GROUP BAND!!  (Still lessons if you have them that MORNING, NOT afternoon)

Music Program Practice in afternoon and Program at 7:00 at HS, be there at 6:40 dressed to impress:)

Wednesday:  

Goofy Schedule -  GROUP BAND TODAY  

Start Unit Assessment for Literacy

Muscle Quiz!

Thursday:  Goofy Schedule - Finish Unit Assessment for Literacy

Share Thinglinks

Guidance Class

Special Group Activity in afternoon with all 5th grade to celebrate immigration unit
Friday:  NO SCHOOL!  Happy Spring Break... but YES, there IS school on Monday, April 21

I'll know you checked the blog if....  You watch this short clip of Isaiah re-enacting a part from a movie. He did this all on his own, so when I realized what he was doing, I HAD to share it with you guys!  Kids are so stinking cute!!!  Prove you checked the blog and watched this by taking a guess what movie this scene is from.  Whisper it to me when you come in on Monday morning:)

A LOT of Poetry Today...

We went CRAZY with poetry today!  With our main focus being the song/poem "Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears," I thought you'd like to see a photo of what the poem was representing....Then notice the questions I ask to help me understand even more.

Look below and continue to make MORE meaning from the poem today!

Also here's the link to the song for those of you who really liked it:  Click Here

Annie Moore 1892

When someone passes through Ellis Island and everything that goes with it, do they ever think of going back?

If they go back, do they remember everything they went through when they were younger, perhaps when they were 15 years?

Would it be sad or difficult to think of the place (Ellis Island) that gave you freedom, life and a future has shut down forever?  Would it be like your past is disappearing?

Hmmm... Does this help you even more??  We'll chat about this in the morning.  I'll know you checked the blog if you share your NEW thinking after seeing my questions above.  Add it to this TodaysMeet Link.

That's it!  See you for TGIF!!! 

Crazy Day, Today, Huh??!

The day started off strange for me, not being with you guys, but it seemed you were ALL being amazing staying focused on your jobs for literacy.  I continue to be impressed...and get a little sadder each day thinking that our time will be coming to an end before too long.  I am so happy with how well everyone respects each others' learning.

HUGE THANK YOU to Mrs. Bodermann who makes it so easy on all of us whenEVER we need her!  What an amazing role model we have in our room, everyday:)!!

The meeting I was at in the morning and the one I was at all afternoon was FANTASTIC!   It was about using technology, apps and more resources for us to use!  I have so many ideas running through my head, that I had write them down or I'd forget them!  I'll share more about these cool findings as the year goes on.

Career Day also seemed to go over quite smoothly.  I have some pictures from it as well.  I'll share a few of them tomorrow, put them on the blog later or tweet them out, ok?  You'll need to put a note on your Twitter # on the board, though....You know how easily I'll forget:)

Ok.. so now for blog  proof...
I'll your blog checking responsibility....IF you write a short 4 lined poem (of ANY style) about this topic:

When I Grow Up....

(Here's my example)

I think I want to be
something that makes me happy and challenges my brain.
It could be just about anything
as long as I do what I'm passionate about.

(see... I just went with any form/style I wanted as long as it was 4 lines long:)

I can't wait to see/hear them in the morning:)

Great Day in 5B!

Another super day...as usual for 5B!  I'm always so impressed how well 5B can pull it together....

I'll keep it short tonight... Here's a quick poem for you.

No need to scratch your noggin'...
'Cuz I'm almost done bloggin'...  

I'm expecting 100% amazing 5B behaviors with the sub tomorrow morning.  Mrs. Bodermann knows how fantastic you can be everyday as well, so she'll be able to let me know what you showed your best.

I'll know you have checked the blog by doing 2 things....
1)  Check out the new section on the right top of the blog that is called "5B Talents" or something. Then give Jasmine's link a-listen:)
2)  Write down one compliment about her song, poem, style, courage, etc. that let's her know that it's ok to try something new, be yourself and always have confidence in yourself!  (Like we all need to remember:)

Have a great start to your day tomorrow morning.... Mama Sorenson/Officer Sorenson will be anxious to see how fabulous things went:)

Almost 4 Weeks with No Weather Interruptions! Yippee!

Happy Sunday, 5B,
I hope you enjoyed this weekend's weather again like last weekend.  Apparently, the weather during the week likes to stay nasty so that you don't get distracted and want to be outside:)  How nice of Mother Nature, huh?!

This week should be pretty busy and filled with activity!

Monday:  Those who earned Book-It for March get a special gym-time award:)  Lucky for you guys!
Some of Mrs. Sorenson's math students have a game board due to be used with Mrs. Halverson on Monday. Be sure it is done with the expected requirements.  Mrs. Halverson is counting on YOUR work to lead HER lesson.

Tuesday:  Don't forget band:)  There will also be a short Skype activity with a different Connecticut class during band time.  Mrs. Petroski is leading this lesson, so we'll see what she has planned for us!

Wednesday:  3-hour early out and CARERR DAY!  Be sure that you have filled out your brochures so you know what types of jobs you are interested in.

Thursday/Friday:  Finishing up our Immigration Journals, Thinglink websites, Video Reflections, etc.  All should be worked on like crazy during the week.

Go enjoy the outdoors.  I'm headed to do something outside and maybe a quick stop by the fitness center for some swimming:)  Enjoy your Sunday!

I'll know you checked the blog if watch this short video.  Click Here.  Then, do your best to draw a picture of that main character in the video that got quite a surprise!

Moving onto Muscles! (If Mrs. Sorenson can actually say it correctly!)

5B,
It's kinda late, so I'll keep it pretty short.

BIG REMINDERS...
1)   Independent Book Club - Sharing your ENTERTAINING talks on Friday!!  Be ready.  Fines may be enforced if work is not done.  You've had a week to prepare and read:)

2)  CADET-NATION shirts on Friday!  Remember, I'll be happy to reward 5B as a class for EVERYONE wearing their shirts! Mine need washing tonight, so I'll have to be responsible to git'er done!

I'll know you checked the blog if you listen to the tune of this song for science class tomorrow.  Don't worry about the words AT ALL... we are NOT using the words on the screen, so don't even look at them.  Listen over and over so you know the tune well.  The better you know the tune, the easier it will be for learning the new song about muscles on Friday!  I LOVE this song!  (You probably have heard the song/tune before).

Here's the link to the song:  Click Here!

I'll have Isaiah share ONE muscle name with you tonight.  The rest we'll go through tomorrow.  Watch the short video of Isaiah to learn the scientific name for a common muscle you use ALL of the time.

Name Those Bones...

5B did fantastic on their bone quiz today!  I am quite impressed.  I'll share with you tomorrow how you did!

Today was another busy, busy day of working and focus.  Some of us are really starting to struggle with the independent work time.  I know 5B is completely capable of working alone, giving 100% effort and being trustworthy...  Yet... we are starting to get a little "off" lately.

Example "off" behaviors:
Using the "chat" box for email when supposed to be working on Immigration Journals
Chatting during work time
Emailing during class about nothing related to the topic
Talking a bit bossy to our classmates
Lining up seems to take a bit longer than necessary

See what I mean?  They are just little events, but when we start to put them together, they seem a lot more of a problem.  So... let's be sure to end 4th quarter and 5th grade with a BANG! Ok?  You're the most AMAZING class!  Be sure to show your strengths!

I'll know you checked the blog if you visit this link (Click Here) to help us celebrate April as Poetry Month!  Read, listen to and even watch a video of the poem.  Share one of the lines from the poem including the animal and what it did!

Oh, and BE SURE to remind me to tell you about the March Reward for Book-It.  Today was the last day to get in the sheets.  Anyone bringing them in after this point can still get a free coupon for pizza, but they will not participate in the extra reward:(  Sorry....

Happy April Fool's Day to ALL of My 5B Babies! (mama, mama)

I definitely enjoyed celebrating this day of "foolishness" with 5B because of all of the funny phrases they shared!  It was quite a blast!  Be sure to share your phrase about armpits, smelling, Barney songs, girls drooling, pink tutus, etc. with your families!  I'm sure they'll enjoy watching/hearing/seeing you perform!

A BIG reminder about a BONE quiz this week...
HINT...
HINT....
HINT...
HINT....
HINT.....

Also, great job Skyping and leading our session with Connecticut in Room 11 today.  You guys are naturals and seem so comfortable having conversations through video.  That's very mature!

Don't Forget MARCH

Finally.... the last news that I'll share isn't even my news... It's news about one of our 5B family members... It seems this is the year that our classmates and families are finding reasons they need to move away from our district:(  One of your classmates had some sad news to share after you all left today.  He gave me a note from his parents about their plans.  Read the note below, and sadly (sniff, sniff) I'll know you checked the blog, if you go up to that student in the morning, and give him a friendly, caring pat on the back to help him deal with this big change:(  I'm tearing up as I write this...

Why do our 5B Babies leave???  Sorry they are sideways... I couldn't get them to rotate for some reason...