A little Late But Not Forgotten...

5B continues to have more and more fabulous, hard-working days!  Between Preschool visits, joint-writing activities with New York (and Texas for 5D), Socratic Seminars, iMovie trailers, and all of our regular reading and writing activities, our literacy time just FLIES by! I'm loving the cooperation and respect I'm seeing during the main idea/movie trailer project between partners.  These should be neat to see when they are finished.

Tomorrow will be QUITE the busy day with reading our Readers Theater scripts, finishing "The Graveyard Boogie" (oh, ask your families if they can think of other well known singers to add to our story!), Skyping with NY 5B to share our stories (and just chat with them about Halloween plans), finish our iMovie trailers, and doing a little math game/activity from Mrs. Suckow.  Then it will be a short switch for social studies in after recess, and we'll get ready for our Book-It Kick Off with Families!!

Remind your families they should bring a snack/drink for BOTH of you.  Also, if there's a fun book your family is reading at home and even blankets/comfy pillows!  This should be a relaxing, enjoyable reading experience!  I'm excited to see you snuggling up with families while enjoying reading!  Maybe I will even ask you "What is Reading?" in front of your families!  You think we'll scare them?  Hey, it IS Halloween, right?  It's about treats and tricks!

Don't forget to return your report card envelopes ASAP:)

It's a busy night at our house, so I'll let you go.  I'll know checked the blog if you come in the room, check out the little pumpkin game I brought in of Isaiah's, then tell me which hole you will try to aim for when it's your turn to toss the bean bags!  If you get it in that hole, you'll get a little treat!  (Since you had to do a trick!)  There's a picture of the game below (it's backwards though).

Happy Halloween Eve!

Missed Last Night... Won't Happen 2 Days in a Row...

The biggest news in 5th grade today was that REPORT CARDS came home!  Yeehaw, baby!  I love report card time and conferences because it's cause for celebration of learning!  When you go over your report cards with your families, be sure to explain the scoring of the 4, 3, 2, 1 as I did in class this morning.  Here are some visuals as reminders!

4 Means....

This is VERY RARE!  You should have fireworks and "Hallelujah" choruses singing in your heads.  The is SO FAR ABOVE what I would expect at 5th grade!  Not many 4's are given out, especially during 1st Quarter!

3 Means...

You are doing EXACTLY what I would hope you can and should do.  You should be feeling

pretty darn good about yourself.  Proud, proud, proud is how you should feel and give yourself a nice pat on the back for a "job well done."

2 Means...

You have good days with this skill and you have some "not so good" days with this skill.  Sometimes you do it, and sometimes you don't.  It could be that you're not putting in 100% effort, or it could be you don't understand it very well yet.  You're getting there though. 

1 Means...

Something needs to change.  This should be a conversation you have with parents, teachers and most importantly, yourself.  Are you not trying at all?  Are you not learning from mistakes?  Or is this a truly challenging skill that you want to improve on and will do what you need to for some progress.  

Overall, I feel like several 3's and even 4's (that's pretty amazing) were earned during the 1st quarter.  I'm excited for you to chat more at conferences.  Be sure your parents see that orange note in the envelopes, too.  Also, be sure they see that YOU are included in our conferences coming up in about 3 weeks.  Remember, it's pretty silly to have a conference about YOU without.... hmmm?  YOU!  Right?

I'll know you checked the blog tonight if you read what NYC 5B has done to our story, "The Graveyard Boogie."  Read it and tell me in the morning what you liked BEST about their middle section and what SURPRISED you the most! I was shocked at where the story went.  

This first line was from us....

Then, they saw HIM...   a singing, dancing skeleton doing the graveyard boogie!

Suddenly the skeleton decided to stop and grabbed one of the teenagers and started to waltz. 1...2..3…… 1...2...3…… 1….2….3. Then the skeleton spun the girl around and around in a never ending spiral. As she was twirling, her skin dissolved slowly exposing her white skull and little by little the rest of her skeletal structure. Once all her flesh was removed from her body and they could only see her bright white bones, she started to grab her friend to spin him around and around. She and the other skeletons kept on spinning whoever they could grab onto. The last person left human, Jeffery, started bolting up the sides of the hole to climb out of the grave. As he escaped, the grave closed just like the gates to the cemetery closed when they first walked in, sending a shiver down his spine.

Jeffery ran to the closest store to buy a flashlight, a pack of AA batteries, and some beef jerky because he was starving. He was worried about how long it would take him to get back into the graveyard, through the gate, into the grave, and onto the dancefloor to hopefully twirl his friends the opposite direction, bringing them back into the world of mortality. As he went down the battery aisle, he heard a voice talking to him.

“Hi! How can I help you sir?”

Jerfery looked up and gasped. Behind the counter was a real live talking, moving skelton. Then he realized.  “Great costume!”, he complimented the store worker.

“You must be mistaken. We sell Halloween costumes in aisle 13, but I’m not wearing one,” replied the store worker.

Jeffrey sprinted out of the store dropping everything, including the beef jerky.  The skeleton attendant followed him.

The skeleton picked up everything, including the beef jerky and decided to eat a sliver. As Jeffrey continued running towards the graveyard, he looked behind him and saw that the skeleton was slowly growing flesh back on it’s bones. Jeffrey realizes that the skeleton was now almost human again. He thought to himself, “It must have been the beef jerky.” Jeffrey decided he had to get the beef jerky to his friends in the grave with the help of the store worker.

Busy, Crazy Day...but WAY AMAZING!

Your post tonight is full of jokes/riddles.  Your job is to read the questions and write down what YOU think the answers are on a piece of paper for each of the riddles below.  Bring it with you to class on Tuesday.  We'll go through them as a class and see how many you get right!  

1. What's a ghost's favorite color? 

2.  Which 2 candies do all of the "intelligent" kids want on Halloween? 

3.  How did the baby ghost get from the cemetary to the haunted house?

4.  Why did the skeleton go to the neighbor's backyard barbecue?

5.  What did the werewolf eat right after he got his teeth cleaned?  

Remember to bring BACK the book you are practicing for the preschool buddies!  Expression and fun should ALWAYS be a part of Read with Someone, right?

Boo-Bye!

Well, What a Friday Surprise We Had, Eh?!

I was REALLY disappointed right when I heard that school was going to be cancelled on Friday!  Then, about 15 minutes later... I got over it!  I actually came to school and worked for about 3 hours, spent some time at home (working on activities for school) and then relaxed a bit.  Isaiah and I went to Dolphin Tale 2 that night.  It was a nice little surprise to start the weekend!

Hopefully you enjoyed your surprise day as well.  I was thinking.  It would have been fun to see what people are up to on days like those.  So, the next time we have a cancelled day of school (most likely it will be due to snow, not fog again), I'll put up a TodaysMeet to see what everyone is up to!  You can just go check it anytime during the day (if you have access to Internet) and see what your 5B Family is doing:)  I did this the last 2 years with my homerooms.  We often didn't miss a SINGLE day of contact with each other because of it!  See how technology keeps us all CONNECTED (fist bump, fist bump!)

Well, with one LESS day last week, that means we're going to have to work out tails off this week!  We have a lot of projects and activities planned, and I'm thinking the ONLY way to accomplish them is FOCUS, EFFICIENT, and RESPONSIBLE 5B students!  Since last week was Character Counts week, let's see how often we can still catch each other showing Cadet Pride!

Here's our week...
Monday: 
Group Band
Library (picking out a book to read with Pre-K buddies for our visit - a book on the topic your buddy enjoys:  kittens, snakes, tractors, dogs, camping, turtles, etc.)
Story with NYC 5B "I'm Right Behind You"  (I got it from Matt!  It's a SUPER beginning!)
Movie Trailers for Halloween stories
Preparing for Socratic Seminars

Tuesday:
One for the Murphys - NEED TO READ!
Visit to Pre-School Building - We'll be walking, so think about the chilly mornings.
Story with NYC 5B "I'm Right Behind You"
Movie Trailers for Halloween stories
Preparing for Socratic Seminars

Wednesday: 
One for the Murphys - NEED TO READ!
Movie Trailers for Halloween stories
Get "Graveyard Boogie" back and finish its ending!
Preparing for Socratic Seminars

Thursday:
Group Band
Movie Trailers for Halloween stories
Get "Graveyard Boogie" back and finish its ending!
Socratic Seminar #3! Topic:  Halloween!

Friday - Halloween!
Skype with NYC 5B to share each story!  Socialize also!
Share Movie Trailers for Halloween stories!
Book-It Kick Off!  Parents coming in, reading, eating!
Go get ready for trick-or-treating!

See how busy we will be?  The ONLY way it's possible is to have an absolutely 100% Effort Filled Week!  Can we do it?  You know the answer!!

Ok, I'll know you checked the blog if tell me as you come in "I'm going to the circus tent table to find my new spot!"  I'll say, "Sounds good!" Look for your name on a post-it note.  It will say your name at the top and "to _________" at the bottom.  That means you move to the other person's home!  

We have band RIGHT away (grrrr...Mondays and Band - don't get me wrong... I'm glad you're in band...just not first thing on Monday mornings).  So please check out your NEW JOBS, too!  Let's kick off this week with some HOOT and HOLLERS!  

Now stop reading... and get outside and enjoy the fresh, fall air!

I mean it...

Stop reading....   

Seriously....  

Why are you still reading?  Don't you listen?

Um... hello?  Go away now!   I'm not kidding....

Wow, you're stubborn!  Ok.. See you Monday morning!

Not Sure Why... But Seems Like a Long Week...

Good Evening, 5B...
I'm thinking we were a bit "squirrelly" today.  I'm thinking we may just need a good laugh.  So, I found a fun website to make up a story.  It is a type of MadLib. You choose words to place in blanks, and you don't know where they'll show up in the story.  Here are the words I chose...

When you click, Build Story, you'll see what your story looks like when these words are inserted!  I thought mine was pretty funny when I read it.

Your blog proof tonight will be to visit the website.  Put in your OWN word choices.  Please just make sure they are school appropriate, and BUILD a STORY.  The biggest prove will be to either take a screenshot of the finished story, copy it down or copy and paste it into an email TO YOURSELF.  I'll know you checked the blog if you either show me the paper your wrote it on or go grab your iPad when you get to school and show me the email you sent.  We will share them with the class in the morning.

I'll share mine with the class in the morning, too!  I was curious to see what Jordan and Jacy had to do with underwear, a bumble bee and Cheetos!  (And I'm the one who chose the words?)

Have fun with it!  Click Here!

Also, I'm excited to see what "I'm Behind You" starts out like from our NY 5B classmates!  This should be a good one to continue!  I'm sure they'll enjoy ours as well!

Wacky but Wonderfully Filled Day of Learning!

5B really did

 today!  

I can't believe how much I learned and how interesting YOUR passions were to me as I listen to you present!  Obviously, your classmates were equally interested based on all of their comments, super discussions, questions and compliments!

They aren't all posted, but here are a few from today!

Emily - Why am I (or people) so short?

Jason- What's the longest flight for a paper air plane?

Landen - How did wrestling begin (and was there one person who invented it)?

Brady, Carter and Tyler all did a super job today as well.  Tomorrow we'll hear/see from Noah and Cameron.  Keep those passions coming!  What else doing you wonder about?  

BIG NEWS!!!!

5B's question on the webinar with Steven Johnson (author and creator of PBS TV show "Where Are We Now?") DID GET ANSWERED!!!!!  Yeehaw!!  I was taking a bite of a sandwich and the host said, "And here's a question from a class in Iowa..."  I dropped my sandwich, ran to get my phone and started recording.  I didn't get to record the part where we repeated our question because my phone was across the the room, but I managed to get the majority of his answer!  

I'll know you checked the blog if you watch the video clip below and answer this question:

What did author Steven Johnson compare coding to in his answer?  

Watch Here to Find Out....

Reminders for Thursday....

Group Band

Dress Up Day - Job Day! 

 Doctor?  Inventor?  Hair stylist?  Biologist?  Coder? Teacher? Mom? Big Bird? 

(The sky is the limit!)

Short But Sweet, Can't Be Beat!

Meetings after school = VERY SHORT BLOG!

Tomorrow will be WAY busy...another day of barely seeing you.  We start the day with a Bus Evacuation Drill.  This is a TRUE test of serious, responsible students who are being challenged with a real scenario of danger.  I'd love to brag about how quickly, quietly and respectfully you listened to the bus driver who is giving instructions.

Let's make the best day EVER with Cadet Pride from your "walk in the door" to your "walk out at dismissal" time! 

Okey, dokey, artichokeys?

Oh, here's what you do to prove you checked the blog.
Visit this link and tell me what the picture is.  Click Here

If for some reason you don't recognize it, look in the address bar for a word that should spark your memory.  You could also ask someone near you (an adult or if at school, Mrs. Vandervort).

Remember to tell your families about the Book-It Kick Off on Halloween from 2:40 - 3:10!  The more the merrier!

Sorry it's late...

This is what the Sorensons have been up to...

Isaiah wanted a "spooky skeleton"!

Mom wanted something more simple!
Dad's will get done tomorrow.  I'm thinking it will be a Hawkeye one.

So, I had very little time for ANYTHING else tonight, but I knew I'd a have a bunch of you asking me, "Why wasn't there a blog?" or "You forgot the blog, Mrs. Sorenson!"  You guys are so good at it! I think we had all 20 kiddos have it checked today! I think that's a record actually.  We should celebrate that responsible behavior.  

Today was an amazing day!  And we came up with a new phrase for our 5B Family (We-Are-Family)!   Let's keep it going for the rest of the week, alrighty?!

I'll know you checked the blog if you ask me, "So, what's the special event we have planned for Halloween, Mrs. Sorenson?"  I will give you a little something (but I won't tell you the answer until we start literacy class!)

Brag to your family about what a great day of listening and Cadet Pride!  Loved all of the TEAM gear today!  I'd say Cameron went all out with his football jersey AND PADS!  Funny!  We won't make this a competition this time.  We'll just celebrate our Cadet Pride with a "Congrats, Cameron!"

Tomorrow's Character Counts dress up is to "Give a Hoot and Holler for FAIRNESS".  Lyli said she had LOTS of stuff for this.  She may bring in some extras for us if she can.  I'll have to see what I have??

Also reminder... Science test coming up.  You should be using your study guide and asking your family to quiz you.  

Last Week Had UPs and DOWNs...

Happy Sunday, 5B!

I think we'd all agree that last week had some super, amazing moments and events (like Socratic Seminars, Skype activities, rounds in literacy, working with Luther experts, catching each other do and giving compliments secretly, sharing what's "Nutty" about us, etc.).  These were definitely our UPs!  So many wonderful things to be proud of.....

However, there were definitely some "not-so-proud" moments during last week that kind of remind us that we can't forget to T.H.I.N.K. before we act, say and do.  For example, the side comments and running around in Library, unnecessary chatting in line and other transitions, problem solving and immature actions in music class, and finally the blurting at the end of our day on Friday that resulted in no one able to see what was in the brown box for our class.  

You see how easily excitement and enthusiasm can turn into disrespect and uncaring behaviors?  I know, it has happened to me before as well, but I know I improve each time, so I don't keep making those mistakes.  

So, Goal #1:  Library

ALL 5B students prove to Mrs. Shekleton that you are trustworthy when she is not watching your every move (on iPads, while working with a partner, while looking for books in the book area, while waiting your turn, etc.).  OK?  

This week is Character Counts Week!  

Monday's Trait is RESPECT!  This is a perfect way to show yourself, Mrs. Shekleton, your parents, and me that you can make mistakes but FIX them by showing RESPECT!  Remember we are a 5B Family (a Team!) so be sure to wear clothes that show you understand RESPECT is needed when working with a TEAM towards a common goal!  (Favorite team or cheer gear)

Also, remember, these will be hanging on our door as another way to secretly catch classmates showing Cadet Pride.  You did a super job with the first set.  Keep your eyes peeled!

OK, quick reminders...

Monday:  Group Band 8:20

Wednesday:  3-hour Early Out

Thursday:  Group Band 8:20

AND... I'll know you checked the blog if you check out the Perplexus games below.  This was what was in the box on Friday.  My mom (what a sweetie) bought them for our classroom!  We have the Original and Epic.  Now we'll have 2 Epic.  But  the other 3 are new. 

Warp

Rookie

Epic (we have 2 now)

Original (as you can see above:)

Twist

When you come in Monday morning, tell me which one YOU think is the coolest!  Name it for me so I know you really checked the blog!  Then go give Ethan a "high 5" because he knew what was in the box ALL day and didn't say anything to anyone!  

Short Post.... But Long Proof that You Checked the Blog...

Great but WAY busy day today with Socratic Seminars, brainstorming ideas for our Halloween story with NYC, Skyping our Luther experts, etc.  Wow, I'm exhausted!  How about you?

Tomorrow we will Skype with 5B in NYC to share our TOP 2 ideas/titles from their brainstorms on the same Padlet we used today in class. Since we have so many things happening tomorrow:  Cadet Store shopping, Cadet Time, Skype with Pre-K Buddies at the Kessel building and Skype with NYC, we don't have much time to discuss.  So, here's your PRIVILEGE for checking the blog.  YOU get to help vote on the best ideas from the NYC's list.  Read through ONLY the NYC ideas (they'll be doing the same for us), and then choose 2 of your favorites. Know which ones you want.  When you come in, say, "Mrs. Sorenson, I'd like to make my 2 votes."  I'll hand you a copy of the Padlet to circle your 2 favorite ideas/titles.  Then hand it back to me when you're done.   I'll look through them and see if there are any in common, and we'll go with those as our choices when we Skype with NYC at 9:45.  

 Click on THIS LINK to go to the Padlet.

Have a great night....tomorrow is ALREADY FRIDAY!  Woo-hoo!  The end of our 1st quarter of school together?  Is that possible? Wow, time does fly (or seem to run away from us) when you're having fun! (oops...I said the "f" word!)

5B Has Got it Goin' On!

The struggles we were having last week with the "right" choices and T.H.I.N.K.ing before we act/say/do are definitely going away.  Our angels sides are surely winning this tug-o-war game!  Go Team 5B Angels (Ding...Ahhhh).  Keep it up.  What a great day for everyone.  Also, thanks to Tyler for a yummy birthday snack to end our day.  We'll do that birthday dance tomorrow, ok?

Here are some reminders and heads ups for tomorrow!

#1 Fundraiser Due Thursday

Bring in all of your fundraising forms (filled out with your name and WITH prize choices, too).  This is our #1 way to go on field trips, bring in guest speakers, have special events, etc.  If we all do a little part, we can make it a successful fundraiser!

Isaiah did some selling as well as a preschooler.  I told him he didn't need to enjoy the Big Blast with all of the inflatables and bouncy houses in December if he didn't try to sell a few items.  (Yes, I know, mean mom!)

#2 Socratic Seminars - Coding in Elementary? No way!

If you are a "discusser" for tomorrow's Socratic Seminar, be ready!  We've seen one session go smoothly.  Let's see what our next deep thinking will bring us.  Elementary kids having coding classes?  That's not right....or is it?

#3
Collaborate with NYC 5B for Activity

 Hopefully tomorrow we will get to meet up (online - not Skype) with NYC 5B students to start up a new activity involving Halloween... So get your brains started for some fun ideas to use in Halloween stories!






#4  Meet/Skype with our Luther Experts

 We also will connect (fist bump x2) with our Luther Experts to just say hi and get an idea of who you will be communicating with for your writing pieces!  Remember....

DARE

to

STINK!

Lastly, I'll know you checked the blog if you view this video to find out what special the name of our project and challenge will be for Character Counts week next week.  Be sure to show your families the note and keep it in a safe spot!  Click Here for the Video.  Tell me WHO you want it to be... You'll know what I'm talking about after watching the video!

Another Short One Tonight...

It's been rough with no fresh air....  Don't let the dominoes turn into a mess, ok?  Help each other make better choices and stand up politely to classmates by reminding them of their off task behaviors.  

Here's your blog checking proof.  Go over the words to the song "Rain, Rain Go Away" below. Practice the hand motions and movements that are explained with each line.  Practice until you know it by heart.  I'll be asking ALL blog checkers to sing it together with actions (no, don't worry, you won't have to sing it alone).  

Rain, rain, [Move your fingers down like falling rain.]
go away. [Push your hands out, as if you were pushing the rain away.]
Come again another day. [Make a "come here" motion with your hands.]
Little Johnny wants to play. [Pretend to put on a baseball cap like a boy would wear, then move your arms like you are running.]
Rain, rain, go away. [Move your fingers down and then push away the rain.]

Have a good night.  I'll do a little rain dance to help change this weather for us!

Rainy Day... Inside All Day...

For a Monday, 5B, you guys ROCKED!  You were on task, worked your tails off in literacy, and even had a pretty amazing planner time that allowed us extra time to read from One for the Murphys, the Global Read Aloud.  Oh, and we had a class from Council Bluffs, IA (way, way WESTERN side of Iowa share thoughts about the book.  We'll have to read over them tomorrow as a class!

Our only OOPS today was library class.  A few iPad situations, running around in the library and chatting seemed to get 5B a bit "off".  Now, this is just a reminder....  Last week, 5B was very close to losing the "choose your own spot" privilege" in art.  Now, this week, library seemed to be displaying some behaviors that don't show Cadet Pride.  I appreciated all of the reports from students about what they felt was wrong in library class today.  Thanks for being such great leaders with high expectations.

Here's my worry.... (even though you guys truly know what it means to show Cadet Pride)....

If we get into a habit of letting a bunch of little behaviors that are NOT acceptable, we end of having a HUGE mess to have to deal with.  I know we are better than that.  So each of you has a part in this 5B Family.  Don't let your decisions impact others negatively.  T.H.I.N.K. before acting, speaking and doing, right?

Here's what we HOPE comes from a lot of dominoes!  Watch the almost 4 minute video of a domino trick below.  Be sure to watch it carefully so you can do the blog proof.  I'll know you checked the blog if you can tell me what your FAVORITE part of the video was.  There are SO MANY, so be ready to tell me which ONE.

Click Here to see an INSANE trick used by dominoes, a creative mind and a LOT of patience and effort!  It is SOOOO crazy amazing!

Let's make our dominoes (behaviors) create something AMAZING and want us to CELEBRATE 5B! (Celebrate good times, come on!)

Reminders:
Dan Wardell - IPTV visits tomorrow
Band Lessons - some of you
Art Homework - Zentangles (if you don't remember these, check out this link to help) Click Here

Fantastic Fall Weekend...

As much as I struggle with saying goodbye to summer or warm weather, I have to say the colors of fall really do excite me and just give me a such a relaxing feeling.  As I go around town, I see all of the fall decorations of gourds, pumpkins, corn stalks, etc.  It's really cool to see how things can change so drastically and still be fabulous.  That's a great way to look at life, don't you think?  Sometimes changes can be difficult, but if we give them a chance, we may see what "awesomeness" they can bring!  Wow, that's pretty deep for the start of the week, huh?!

Well, I hope you enjoyed your weekends.  It sounded like many of you had fun things planned.  Hopefully, you got to do them:)

This week should be pretty "normal"...whatever that means, right?!  Our only schedule change will be on Tuesday, and that's our special assembly hosted by Dan Wardell from IPTV.  If you haven't seen him or have never watched IPTV (where pbskids.org) is on, then you'll be a first timer:)

I'll know you checked the blog this weekend (or at least before Monday morning) if you visit the Iowa Public Television website (CLICK HERE) and play ONE of the games from the huge list!  They are mostly for younger kids, but that's ok!  So, the proof will be to PLAY that ONE game, but give it a rating for how helpful it would be for younger kids!  Go to this TodaysMeet link (click back on those words) to write down the NAME of the game you played and 2 things about it:  1) What made it fun?  2) What were kids learning to do in the game?

Here's my example!
I played Martha Speaks - Catch.  1)  It was fun because it was about dogs.  Most kids like animals!  2) It help kids learn about new words (vocabulary).

Don't forget GROUP BAND at 8:20 MONDAY MORNING!  Also, a few of you have lessons.

Crazy, Out of Routine Week... Means We Need More...

More meditating to start off our Friday!  That's how I'll know you checked the blog this time.  I'm taking part of the idea from Cam who said on the TodaysMeet from yesterday that you should "come in and be quiet!"  Well, I'm not going to be so bossy:)  However, let's start out our day with some calm, focused, routine thinking about how our regular (thank goodness) Friday is going to be!

Reminders for band lessons tomorrow - bring your instruments and lesson books.



Also, it's crazy that tomorrow is already....FRIDAY!

I know when our weeks fly by as quickly as they do, it's because we are so focused, having a great time that we don't realize how we pass the hours and days!  Yeh us!

Oh, and here's the EXTRA proof for checking the blog!  When I come to you while you're meditating.  I'm going to whisper the name of Ethan's new kitten in your ear!  He and his mom stopped by after school with the cutest little black kitty (with a round white spot on her belly).  Her name is...  Pinky.  You'll have to highlight over it to be able to read it well.  DON'T tell anyone.  If you are doing your job of checking the blog, great!  Don't do someone's job for them! OK?

Peace out all!

Really Late...and Really Short!

Hey, sorry it's so late!  I had oodles of things to do and just got to the blog now.  So...  here's what you do.  I'll know you checked the blog if you go to this TodaysMeet link (click on it) and be sure to add YOUR first name only.  Share what YOU think should have been on the blog tonight!

Don't forget GROUP Band tomorrow and you can bring a snack or gum to chew during our MAPs tests for language/writing.

Have a great night!

Talkin' Tuesday...

Wowee!  After yesterday's amazing serious attitudes, inspirational activities and anti-bullying ways....

See if you can find YOUR face in the HERO....

I think today was a wee bit chatty... BUT you worked your tails off on the MAPS Reading Tests! 

Ok, so these 2 kiddos don't look too stressed out with their MAP's testing, but taking tests should be just like how you work and learn every other day of the year, right?  So, great job being comfortable, boys!

I also thought this was a great picture of showing how to Read to Self!  Reading to Self can be quite interactive like the way Jacy is reading to learn how to make a duct tape pencil topper from this nonfiction text!  We do know that Reading is THINKING...GRRR.... with Strategy....

I'll keep it short tonight.  Remember tomorrow is an early out!  It will ANOTHER goofy schedule, but I'm hoping to have 5B back on track.  We will continue working on our 3 different activities (video to yourself, comic strip app and mini booklets for NYC 5B students!) and wrapping up some more testing!

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

You come in, put your name on the Smartaboard, and find a spot in the room to dance your little heart out as if you hear music blaring (of course, there won't be and you'll have to pretend!)  Keep dancing like that UNTIL I whisper in your ear the magic word.... which is... "puffalump".

SERIOUS DAY in 5B.... So Mature...

5B...
I know you did a lot of DEEP thinking and serious reflection about yourselves and how to stand up for others with our Anti-Bullying Activities today.  Many of you said you enjoyed switching to the different classrooms:
Mrs. Suckow's - Comic App with superhero story about standing up to bullying
Mrs. Halverson's - What is a Hero? words that make a true hero
Mrs. Wilson's - Toothpaste/Rumor Spreading
Mrs. Sorenson's - Jonah's story with notecards - make your own video pep talk

We will take time this week to finish up these activities.  I was so proud of how all of the 5th graders dealt with all of the mature situations so well.  I also enjoyed seeing who checked the blog last night by reading your comments on the TodaysMeet link.  I hope many of you choose to be mentors for the younger students when it comes time:) You are wonderful role models!

Please be sure your families see the note I sent home today about all of the different topics we've been discussing in school.  It's important that we all work together and join in on the learning that is happening - not just in the school building - outside of it as well:)

Reminders...
TOMORROW - MISIC TEST for READING
*You can bring 1 healthy, single serving snack to munch on before the tests
OR
*You can bring 1 piece of gum to chew during the test to keep you alert:)
(NOT BOTH THOUGH...)

I'll know you checked the blog if you look at the picture I added below.

Read all of the compliments on the bottom.  Think of someone in our class that you could give one or more of these compliments to (it could be to yourself if you want).  This blue sheet will be taped to the door as you come in on Tuesday morning.  Carefully tear off the compliment you want to give to someone.  Write his/her name on the front.  On the back, write down what they do to show this.
Ex:  On Front:  (Mrs. Suckow) You're Smart   On Back:  You know a lot about math!

When you are done writing on the back, hand it to ME:)  Do NOT put your name on it.  Then just have a seat and be ready for attendance!

Our Weeks Are Just Flying By!

We are in OCTOBER, officially now!  At least last week was still September!  It just baffles me how quickly the days, turn into weeks, then to months!  Before you know it, we'll be in December!  Then, we'll blink and spring will lead us to our last days!  Ahh... See, I am like your mama...already worried about how little time we have together before my "babies" grow up and move on!!

Ok.. I'll pull it together now:)

Last Friday was crazy but lots of fun!  It was great celebrating the last day of homecoming with such Cadet Pride from all of 5B (ok, well, Noah was gone...but we are sure he was showing Cadet Pride while salmon fishing!).  Here are are Cadet Spirit Filled Pics!

Ethan... casting his signature pose!

It was really a great day for 5B!  You guys are truly, truly such an amazingly respectful class!  You blow my mind!  So proud of everyone!  

Some MAJOR REMINDERS for this WEEK...

MONDAY

#1: WORLD BLUE OUT DAY!  We talked about this on Friday, saw an inspiring video of Bars and Melody (Click Here to see again), and heard a great discussion from our Socratic Seminar members about how bullying can affect a person's life from Kindergarten age through adult.  It's a serious topic that needs attention and support!  The book, One, shows us that it truly only takes one person to help make us feel strong.  YOU can be that one!  

So, be sure to wear BLUE again on Monday.  Almost our WHOLE DAY will be dedicated to this important cause - BULLY PREVENTION!  We will have our own activities in the morning in 5B's homeroom, and then ALL afternoon we will rotate between ALL 4 5th grade rooms to participate in activities that build our self-confidence and help us stand UP to any bullying we encounter as a victim or bystander!  It will be a special day to remember!  

#2:  Don't forget BAND!!!  Group Band is ALWAYS on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:20 - 9:00.  I'll send home a note on Monday:)

WEDNESDAY

Another 3-hour early out!  

SOMETIME THIS WEEK....

We will finish up with our MISIC tests for Reading and Language.  I'm not sure of the dates, but I'll let you know for sure when I find out!  

So.... Yep...Busy as usual!  

I'll know you checked the blog if you go to THIS LINK (click on it) and share why YOU think Standing Up Against Bullying is such an important part of YOUR life...  It's is a TodaysMeet link.  You'll need to put in your FIRST NAME ONLY, then join the chat.  Write your thoughts there.  That's how I'll know you checked the blog!  

Have a great Sunday!  See you soon!  Don't forget to wear BLUE!!!!  (and your band instruments!)

Move Over Socrates (Ancient Greek Philosopher), Here Comes 5B and 5D!

Wow!  Today's Socratic Seminars were SO amazing!  I just can't brag enough about how mature and adult-like the discussers were today in their meeting of the minds!  The serious topics, the personal stories and the depth of thinking was so shocking!

This was such a great model for future discussions.  I know in 5D, the evaluators noticed how often (or not enough) the participants spoke.  It was super.  In 5B, the evaluators said interrupting seemed to be a big area of concern, but it was because everyone in the group seemed to be so on the topic and was so eager to respond!  How amazing!  Here are some great pics of 5th grade's first EVER "Socratic Seminars"!  A definite repeat will happen!

Audience members also did a fabulous job of paying attention and watching how deep the discussion could get!  You're up next, kiddos!!

5B is asked by Lyli, "Would you tell on a bully if they threatened you to NOT
tell the teacher?  What if you are a really shy person?"
That led to a great conversation.  

Colten shares a response to the question given by saying, "I think the
stronger people are the ones being bullied, and the weaker people are the
bullies."  Great insight!

Another awesome event for our day was when we got to see our classmate waving at us from a webcam in Algoma, WI while his family was salmon fishing!  We texted his family and then saw a MASSIVE fish he caught soon after the webcam wave!  See, 5B Family sticks together EVEN when we are not in class!  The only time we DON'T want to hear/see from you is if you are eating cactus bread at Pizza Ranch!  (Right, Cam?!  Thanks for making me jealous!)

If you look below the tree near the bench, you can see
Noah in Wisconsin!  

Ok... Tomorrow wraps up our homecoming week of dress up days!  Today was great with spirit wearing tropical attire!  There were TWO students that really topped it off for me today!

The 5B Spirit Award Winners are:

Annabelle!

Flowery clothes from head to toes!

Jacy!

Looked like she just got off a plane from some tropical island!  

And from yesterday's Favorite Sport/Team Day....

Jason!

Smothered in Blue/Cadet Gear 

Quick Reminders!

ALL STUDENTS eat SCHOOL PACKED LUNCHES TOMORROW!  Because of the short day, pep rally and goofy schedules, this is the ONLY option!  Thanks for reminding to talk to the class, Kyleigh!  What would I do without my amazing students?

Also, wear your BEST CADET PRIDE tomorrow!  I can't wait to see what 5B does to show respectful, fun and enthusiastic SCHOOL SPIRIT!  Remember, anything that becomes distracting though, will need to be removed or washed off, so be smart about what you choose to wear:)

I'll know you checked the blog if you come in and ask me for the words to our school song.  Start reading them to be ready to sing as a class!  If you know all of the words, great!  I'll expect you to LEAD the class!!!  (Don't worry, I've got the music for it, too!)  

Nighty night, ya'll!