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!

Wonderous Wednesday!

What a DAY, 5B?!
Let's look back to see what we accomplished?  It was QUITE a lot!

Finish Swear to Howdy - Check!  

Whoa!  What a roller coaster of emotions we had through this book!  From hilarious, surprising, gross, painful, scary, sad, shocking, and so on.  I'd have to say this author gave us a little bit of everything!

Bravo to Wendelin Van Draanen!  We'd love to read a sequel if it is ever published!





Challenge Our Brains - Check!

You guys are all so original!  As I walked around to see all of your levels in Trace that you created for a partner, I imagine that any one of you could be a creator of an app that uses problem solving and creativity!

We will continue to use Trace to challenge our minds to use strategies!





Learn a New Way to Take Notes - Check!

Most of 5B seemed to get that hang of this quite easily!  Visual note-taking seems to be natural for some of you.  It appears to a strength for Lyli!









Celebrating October's Fun - Check!

I've heard this story probably 30 or more times, and I don't get sick of it.  The author's expression when sharing the story is a fantastic model for ANYONE every reading!

Click Here to SEE Jerry Seinfeld in his LIVE stand up act in New York telling the story of Halloween! (This is optional or if you want your parents to see it, I'll bet they'll LOVE it!)

It was also fun to celebrate October by Reading with Someone in literacy jobs.  I think many of you chose to read scary and haunted stories!  It's always nice to have a buddy when reading something kind of spooky.





And I have to say the best part of my day was when I walked into the classroom after lunch and EVERYONE was waiting quietly with their afternoon materials out, sitting patiently ready to continue the last part of our Kahoot game!  OMG!  MODEL CLASS!!!!!!!

I'll know you checked the blog if you watch this short video below.  I'll know you checked the blog if you can tell me how you felt after watching this.  If you are at school, it may not come through for some reason.  So, if that's the case, you can just tell me about the other parts of the blog, and I'll know you checked.  Please DON'T tell anyone else about the video.  I want to share something extra with you tomorrow!

Click Here to View Video