Winter Break Has Arrived

     Program...check.  Rounding decimals math test...check (and ALL passed with proficiency!).  "Santa" letters...check.  "If I Was a Gift" writing...check.  Last day of school before winter break...check.

     Today we had a "snow in" for an afternoon celebration.  We pretended the electricity was out.  We curled up in blankets next to a "fireplace" and enjoyed the story Santa is Coming to Iowa.  We munched on popcorn and candy canes and sipped on hot chocolate and marshmallows. The students played board games and enjoyed each other.

     Yesterday students responded to the prompt: "If you were a gift, what would you be?  Who would you give yourself to and why."  This prompt created discussion about holidays, traditions, cultures, and celebrations.  We acknowledged all holidays that we were aware of: Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanza, Diwali, New Year, and Chinese New Year.  We concluded that this time of the year isn't all about presents.  Rather, it's about love, family, friends, goodwill, and the fun of giving and receiving.  When students responded to the prompt they were told that they needed to choose a gift that would improve the well being of one of their family members.
     I proofread a variety of responses, such as shoes (because their mom only has one quality pair), a car (because their mom's car is unreliable and causes stress), a book (because getting lost in a good book is relaxing), a big dog (because the family misses their dog and they would feel safer with one), a door (because their sister deserves privacy), a vacation (because their family needs a break), a college education (so they can have a house and their mom can have a good job).  Their answers were thoughtful and delightful to read.

     We did a little roll playing and responded to first grade Santa letters.  When we delivered our letters we went into the classrooms above first grade, stomped our feet, jingled bells, and dropped our envelope out the window.  This is a holiday tradition our school has enjoyed for many years.  Below you can see some examples of letters.  They are absolutely adorable!

What have we been up to, you ask?

     I feel like a broken record...we have a lot going on...or maybe it just always feels that way?!  Monday and Tuesday were business as usual.  On Wednesday Mrs. Zahs came to visit our classroom to observe me teach an E.L.A. lesson on main idea.  She was pleased with the student-to-student interaction that was present.  She complimented both student and teacher roles, so we all have something to be proud of!  On Thursday we had hearing checks, fifth grade music program rehearsal, and most importantly, high school students came to teach us Spanish.  Fridays are always madness (good madness...yes, that exists in my room).
     This coming week we are looking forward to our winter program dress rehearsal on Monday and the BIG show on Tuesday; we are hoping you'll be able to join us.  The students are sooo proud of the work they did to memorize songs, lines, and what not.  Honestly, I can't wait to see them perform!  After the excitement of the program fizzles we have two days to jam in some learning before we celebrate with an assembly and classroom parties on Friday.
     There were so many times that my students made me smile this week, and I am truly thankful to have a bunch of talented, fun-loving, adorable, and capable fifth grade students.  Is everything always sunshine and rainbows?  (That's totally a fifth grade thing of me to say; I try to make them giggle with comments like that.)  No, but together we make it work.  And they make me work!  Really, I wonder if they're as tired as I am right now (again, a good kind of tired)...
     Below are some pictures/captions that gives you a little view of our week:

     1.  Fitness Brain Break!  I meant to take a picture of this, but it slipped my mind.  Every morning around 10 o'clock we take a 10 minute fitness break.  During our fitness break we pick six different exercises/stretches to practice.  For example, today we moved around our classroom "track" (around our desks).  Today one meant side shuffle, two = mall walk, three = karaoke, four = lunges, five = jump, and six = slow mo.  We listen to one or two songs on our CD and I roll the die to switch up the movements.  Everyone gets their heart pumping and there is usually a lot of laughter involved.  Sometimes I even join the fun!  We work hard enough that they beg for a drink afterward.
     Although this is a "break" it a valuable, teachable time.  The students are relieved from work with a few minutes to relax, exercise, and learn new movements with their peers.  Our exercises range from burpees to yoga poses.  Ask your child about their favorite exercise!

2.  Here are some of the activities the Spanish students prepared for our class.

3.  Literacy, literacy, literacy.  I want my students to interact with reading grade level texts as frequent as possible.  I want my students to gain research skills.  I want my students to have a solid writing foundation.  I want my students to be comprehensive readers.  I want my students to have an extensive vocabulary.  I want them to learn these skills in a meaningful way so I try to make activities as relatable and powerful as possible.  Here are some techniques I used this week...

It's Good to Be Back in Action!

We were worker bees this week!  We started studying main idea in E.L.A.  Here are our observations for the week:

In science we explored the water cycle.  

We used the following resources: our science textbooks, a website, a short video, an experiment, and finally we created individual "mini projects" (diagrams using craft materials to represent the different components of the water cycle).  Here are some examples of student work...

We aren't currently studying multiplication but as a reminder here is what math looks like in our classroom.  Students are encouraged to find a variety of strategies to solve.  Using the most efficient strategy is preferred, and ultimately the goal is to master standard algorithms.

Also!  We made our classroom craft for Jazzy Jamboree.  Jazzy Jamboree is this coming Tuesday, December 9th.  Come celebrate and fundraise with us!  There will be many family friendly activities and raffle baskets.  The fifth grade basket has a "family fun night" theme.

Bonus pictures for my faithful followers.  A little light into my life...

Happy Break! And Our Presentations

     Well, conferences have officially concluded!  We do have school tomorrow (Friday, 11/21), and although, teachers will report for professional development on Monday the 24 and Tuesday the 25, your child will not return until Tuesday, December 2!  It seems like a long break, but I know the kids are ready.  Our classroom has lost it's normal structure over the last few days--break is just so close they can taste it.
     Other than preparing for break we have been working on "Bill Peet projects."  Bill Peet is the author of Buford the Little Bighorn, Chester the Worldly Pig, Encore or Eleanor, The Whingdingdilly, and The Wump World.  We used this books to practice determining theme, summarizing, inferring, and analyzing characters.  The students were divided into groups of 2-4.  It took us a few weeks to complete (read, analyze, write, type, produce a presentation, and more!) our projects.  The work was worth it though because we started our whole class presentations today and we are finishing them tomorrow.  A teacher couldn't be happier; we are definitely going to have to do this more often!  I will upload pictures tomorrow evening.

     Until then,

      Miss Grell

Long Time No See

     Yes, it has been awhile since I've made my last appearance.  Between the end of the trimester and Iowa Assessments we have been busy these last few weeks!  It is very clear the students are ready for a break, so luckily next week is conferences and the following week is Thanksgiving.  Besides preparing for the state tests the students have also been committing themselves to studying place value (multiplying and dividing decimals by the powers of ten) in math and determining theme, summarizing, inferring, and analyzing characters in E.L.A.  They have made great gains!  I am looking forward to sharing their progress with you.

     Miss Grell

The Power of Positivity

     This week we had quite a few discussions about being positive, happy, and kind.  Positivity and negativity share the same cycle.  If you choose to be kind to the people you interact with, then they will be influenced to be kind to you as well, and in turn they will most likely return the favor to others.  Negativity takes the same simple path.  Like most people, I prefer positivity over negativity.  Is it always easy to choose to be positive?  Definitely not.

     During class we often take a "breather" to send ourselves a positive message.  That may sound like:

I can do this.

I am talented.

I am a team player.

I am a confident and focused learner.

I am capable and intelligent.

I listen to my teacher, my classmates, and myself.

I choose to do my job well and right the first time. 

     This gives students the opportunity to acknowledge their strengths or goals.  And it's not just for children; adults need the same pick-me-up!  Try it sometime or encourage your child to do it at home; you may find that it's completely refreshing!

     My favorite words from this post: positive, happy, kind, influenced, favor, simple, choose, message, opportunity, acknowledge, strengths, goals, encourage, refreshing.  Wow, that felt good!


     Have a fabulous weekend; the leaves on the trees are looking lovely!

BONUS

Here's what I like to do in my spare time...hike.  These pictures were taken at Bellevue State Park.

One of my favorite fifth graders, my nephew!  Playing football against some of the students from my class.  That game was a must see.

HoMeCoMiNg DaY

     There's nothing like school pride.  We had an amazing day as River Kings & River Queens!  The school day started off with a mini Homecoming breakfast (egg casserole, banana bread, and apple juice...click the link for the recipes).  After the students ate they decorated spirit posters (black & red, black & red!) to hang on their lockers.  While they were decorating we received the call that our spirit parade was about to begin!  The school lined the halls and cheered on the high school band members, cheerleaders, flag corps, and football players.  Afterward, fifth grade greeted 200 preschoolers, showed them around the playground, and got an extra "pep rally" from the band and cheerleaders.  We then took a break from the fun to get down to business; yes, we squeezed in some learning (reading, math, ST math).  Finally, we ended our day with a coloring contest, a strategy game (Dots and Boxes), and face paint!

     On a softer side:  Today was a day to remind me that our teachers care about our students and our students are simply wonderful, wonderful children.  Honestly, nothing can make a teacher's heart flutter like watching high school, elementary, and pre-school students interact.  Something else that gets to me (in a great way!): listening to my students sing along to our classroom CD.  It's pure bliss!

     Until next week, let's continue to be awesome!

     Miss Grell

Sorry for Slacking

I missed my last post, and I'm feeling super guilty about it!

Here's a little bit of what we have been doing in fifth grade:

Last Wednesday (9/24) we had a HUGE random raffle!  It was exciting and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Last Friday (9/26) we had an English Language Arts test on text structure.

Last Friday (9/26) we also had a musical guest; a student from our classroom!  You know who you are you and you did an amazing job performing.  Keep practicing that clarinet--your love for it is clear :)

This week (9/29-10/03) is HOMECOMING!  We are celebrating by having dress up days this week.  Monday = Jersey Day, Tuesday = Sweats Day, Wednesday = Whacky Wednesday, Thursday = Dress Up Day, and Friday = RED & BLACK Day.

Today (Tuesday, 9/30) your child brought home their E.L.A test; it needs to be signed and returned by tomorrow (Wednesday, 10/01).  Also, Midterm reports were sent home today; they need to be signed and returned by Friday, 10/03.

I will have a better post at the end of this week!  Promise!

Apologies, 

Miss Grell

Reading Night Shout Out!

Thank you to all families who were able to bring their child(ren) to Reading Night.  It was great to see all of you again--or meet you for the first time in some cases!  I appreciate the support you have for you child's learning.  Although they may not realize it yet, they appreciate your support as well.  Education opens doors and is the master key to success!  If you were not able to attend Reading Night, it was a whirlwind for you (at least it was for me!).  Here are some ways we incorporate reading into our learning:

1)  Accelerated Reader (AR)--the yearly goal for fifth grade is 63 points (minimum!).  Your child should always have a grade appropriate chapter book and a nonfiction book.  You have received or will receive login information to review the books your child has tested on.

2)  English Language Arts Units from the AEA--this is our first year implementing these units.  There are six units based on a variety of literacy skills in accordance with the Iowa Core.  We are currently studying text structures (compare/contrast, chronology, problem/solution, cause/effect, description), and I plan to test the students by next Friday, 9/26.

3)  Reading Buddies with first grade.  We meet with a first grade class every Wednesday from 9:20-9:40.  We read to them and they read to us!  It's a great opportunity to be a positive role model and meet someone new.

4)  Teacher Read Aloud--I am currently reading Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.  If you haven't read it, run to the library, and check it out now!  The students have been hooked by it, so have your child give you a summary (P.S. we're going to finish it tomorrow!).  Anyway, I read aloud for about 15 minutes every day.  It's a time to relax and enjoy literature because everyone loves a good story!

5)  Time for Kids--I haven't incorporated this magazine into our studies yet, but I will be in the near future.  It's filled with age appropriate news stories.

**Also, you should have received your child's FAST testing scores at Reading Night.  If you were unable to attend I will be sending them home on Tuesday, 9/23.**

What Color Was the Sky?

Artist Spencer Finch is the creator of this:

He calls it, "Trying to Remember the Color of the Sky on That September Morning."  Mr. Finch hand painted 2,983 pieces of paper to represent those who lost their lives to terrorism/violence at the World Trade Centers in 1993 and 2001.  Read his full story here.

My class did a rendition of Mr. Finch's masterpiece.  I prompted them with the question:  "In your opinion, what color would the sky be on the best day ever?"  I am beyond pleased with the result, and we now have this proudly displayed on our classroom door:

There's no denying the Attacks of 9/11 were horrible, but it is a common belief that we must reverse the negativity associated with the day.  That belief was the reasoning behind my prompt.  How can we turn the negativity into positivity?  It really is a simple answer--by being positive.  Bring attention to the day.  Remember those who were lost.  Live their dreams.  Remember the heroes.  Act like them.  Remember the families of the lost.  Love like them.  Treat those around you with love and respect.  Make it the best day ever.

Close Ups:

I Will...

     In memory of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 we spent the majority of our afternoon discussing and exploring 9/11 facts and resources.  The learning session started with me defining terrorism by using our social studies textbook.  I then told them "my 9/11 story."  I fielded questions, and of course, answered them in the most age appropriate way possible (click here for elementary age appropriate information).  I informed my students that September 11 is officially known as: National Day of Service and Remembrance.

     In honor of 9/11 the students watched a short video from 9/11day.org.  The video asks,"How will you remember 9/11?"  It also asks viewers to "Share your good deed or heartfelt message."  In response to the good deed/heartfelt message students wrote an "I will..." sentence.  Their "I wills" consisted of: I will..make my bed, help my grandma shop, be a good big brother, donate, help to take of my niece, and more!  I also wrote an "I will" statement:  I will teach my fifth grade students about the 9/11 attacks and true heroism.

     In honor of 9/11 remembrance I let the students explore www.911memorial.org and other nonfiction resource materials (books with pictures of heroes and copies of headlines from newspapers from across the nation) with my guidance.

     I did one final activity with the students; it was the question: In your opinion, what would the sky look like on the best day ever?  We did a little project with this question, and I will be adding another post with more information tomorrow...

     And if you're interested...  My 9/11 Story:  I was in fifth grade during the attacks 13 years ago (the same age at my students!).  I didn't fully understand the severity of what was occurring.  I remember watching the news on the T.V. in my school's library, I remember being confused about governments, and I remember gas prices skyrocketed as everyone tried to fill their gas tanks.  As a learner I tend to be interested in history (specifically American history--my entire being beams with Americanism--I even proudly display an American flag in my car), so 9/11 has been a captivating event to me since that September day 13 years ago.  I have read books, watched movies, and this summer I had the opportunity to visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.  It was the most amazing museum--somber but appropriate.  I would like to share a few pictures from the memorial and museum with you...

How to Ask Your Child About School

     I'm sure you've eagerly asked your child, "how was school today?"  And I'm also sure they've given you the ever boring, "fine," or "OK," or "good."  Or what about the ever famous (and my favorite), "what did you to today?" And your child responds, "nothing..."  I am hear to reassure you, that simply isn't true!

     As a teacher I do my best to make each day welcoming and structured, so I too would like for your child to tell you a little bit more about their day.  Recently, a teacher turned mom wrote a blog post titled "25 Ways To Ask your Kids How Was School Today," so visit her list (by clicking the previous link) if you're looking for some new ways to create conversations or open lines of communication at your house!  You can also visit the full story/view the video at this media link:  http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/not-having-luck-asking-kids-so-how-was-school-today-n197136.

     Still want a few more ideas?  Visit these links:

     "10 Questions to Ask Your Child About His Day at School"

"13 Better Questions to Ask Your Child About School"

***Also, ANNOUNCEMENT:

An informational meeting for Band sign up will be held on Monday, 9/8 and Tuesday, 9/9 at 7:00 PM.  Ask your child or contact me for the location.***

I Can...

     "I Can" statements are utilized in our school district because we believe they help give students ownership over, along with a better understanding for their learning.  During the past few weeks we have been studying the following skills (click the links to visit the Iowa Core):

I can evaluate expressions using the Order of Operations.

Iowa Core, 5.OA.A.1: Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions, and evaluate expressions with these symbols

     A typical math lesson starts with "number work."  Number work is a time for students to interact with numbers and make mathematical connections.  After number work we have a "problem of the day," which is like story problem.  The students must first create an expression that represents the story problem, and there are several number choices for the students to complete.  Our lesson closes with students sharing their problem solving strategies and the connections they made.
     Every few weeks I give "knowledge checks" (which is like a quiz) to see who does and does not fully understand the skills we are studying.  I use the quiz information to reteach the students who are in need of additional practice.

I can use reading strategies to interact with texts.

Iowa Core, IA.1: Employ the full range of research-based comprehension strategies, including making connections, determining importance, questioning, visualizing, making inferences, summarizing, and monitoring for comprehension.

     We started the school year practicing reading strategies through a class read aloud with the book Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.  This was a teacher led experience so I could properly model and refresh the students on how to utilize each reading strategy.

I can determine text structures by comparing text features.

Iowa Core, RI.5.5: Compare and contrast the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or more texts

     Since beginning studying text structures (chronology, compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution, and description) we have focused on chronology and compare/contrast.

     The students have had opportunities to apply what they've learned about chronology by writing a sequence of how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, organizing chronological statements about Michael Jordan's athletic life, as well as a timeline of events about WWII, and finally by recognizing clue words (first, next, then, after, finally, years, months, and etc.).

     Similarly they have had the opportunity to apply what they've learned about compare/contrast by comparing and contrasting two writing tools (pencils and computers) using a graphic organizer (Venn Diagram).  The students also compared two characters from our classroom read aloud Number the Stars.  We used this information to construct a well written paragraph about the two characters.

   

In Honor of Labor Day

     I believe it's important to showcase America's holidays, so in honor of Labor Day we explored the history of Labor Day during class on Friday (8/29).  It was a great opportunity to integrate history, reading, and writing.  We kicked off this mini lesson with a KWL chart (image below).  It's an easy way to organize what students know, want to know, and learn about a topic.

     After we started the KWL chart the students independently read the TIME For Kids article "History of Labor Day: Americans set aside a day to honor the nation's workers."
    Then, I read aloud History.com's article "Labor Day."
    Next, we viewed the History.com's "Labor Day" video (same link, same page as above).  The students were most appalled by the fact that kindergarten aged workers were required to work under harsh conditions in extremely low paying factories.  This also helped them realize that not all children had the opportunity to receive an education.  One instance that makes me (and many others) particularly grateful that in current times American children have the right to receive a public education.
    Finally, the students engaged in 20 minutes of uninterrupted writing in which they were asked to respond to one of the following three prompts:

     I hope you've enjoyed your holiday weekend thus far.  If you took the time to read and watch the above articles and video then you know it's well deserved! I also hope you've enjoyed my bonus post :)

     Until next time, 

     Miss Grell

Walk a Day in Our Shoes

Do you wonder what it's like to be in fifth grade?  The days of the week vary, but below is what a typical day in our classroom looks like--c'mon, take a walk in our shoes:

8:30-8:40 Welcome & Morning Routine

8:40-9:40 Math

9:40-10:10 Math Intervention (small groups for extra practice and support)

10:10-10:40 Reading Intervention (small groups for extra practice and support)

10:40-10:50 Break & Restroom

10:50-11:20 Specials (Music or P.E.)

11:20-12:20 English Language Arts

12:20-12:25 Wash Hands for Lunch

12:25-1:05 Lunch/Recess

1:05-1:15 Restroom/Break

1:15-1:55 Technology Lab, Guidance, or Art

1:55-2:35 AR (Accelerated Reader/Read to Self)

2:35-3:20 Science/Social Studies

3:20-3:35 End of Day Routines

3:35 Dismissal


The students are held to rigorous standards to better ensure bright futures!
As we say, let's be awesome today!



SPECIAL NOTES:


1) We had our first random award drawing on Friday, August 29.  In my classroom students have the opportunity to earn rewards for positive behaviors (manners, following rules, challenging self, being positive, academic excellence, and etc.).  We have one drawing per month, one per trimester, and ten random drawings throughout the year.  I am excited to announce we had five winners who are the proud new owners of prize box items, snack box items, packs of gum, LRC reading time, and lunch in the classroom with friends.




2)  I was nominated by a student to take the Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Ice Bucket Challenge.  I am honored to have received the nomination, but I already completed the challenge earlier this month!  We had a brief discussion about how the challenge wasn't merely about dumping water on your head, but rather, helping those in need of support.  The students discussed different ways to support your fellow person (man, woman, and child).  The following are some of their ideas: make monetary donations to worthy causes, donate food to local food banks, and donate clothes that you've outgrown or aren't in need of.
     I also promised I would post my ice bucket video, so it is posted below.  My brother nominated me...without letting me know first, so watch for him hiding in the tree.  Either way--knowing or NOT knowing I was participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge--I was glad to be a part of this supportive movement.  Enjoy!