December Activities

 We were feeling festive as we made some holiday twinkle lights.

 When we finished reading Fig Pudding we tried stolen. Some of the kids liked it and some tried it, but didn't care for it. I love being able to give them these experiences.

 Ugly Sweater Day was a success this week.

Halloween Activities

 During Halloween week we played candy corn BINGO in class and learned all about Homonyms.

 We also engaged in a scavenger hunt and learned many facts about fall and Halloween.

Of course we also dressed up and paraded around school. What fun.

Our Study of Mexico

 We are approaching the start of one of my favorite books, Esperanza Rising. As a prelude to the book we have been learning all about Mexico. This year I actually have a student who just moved here from Mexico this summer. Ximena made a poster and printed some amazing pictures of foods and traditions of Mexico. The other students love to listen to her stories and so do I.

 Three times a week during our 45 minute fifth grade block we take a "brain break" and bust out our dance moves. I feel it really helps keep them motivated and on task, PLUS they love it.

 Today we had a Mexican themed party and introduced the students to various Mexican foods and drink. The kids thought they were taking a test so when they came in and the room was all decorated they were so incredibly excited.

 

 We served quesadillas, kid friendly sangria, tortilla chips with cheese and churros.

Now the students are REALLY excited to start reading tomorrow.

Year 16 Complete

That's a wrap for my 16th year of teaching. It was a wonderful year and I'll cherish the memories of my students. Onward to the summer and the start of year 17...in 10 weeks.

5th Grade Graduation

I had to say farewell to one of my all time favorite students. I've worked with Jared Roggow for three years and what a wonderful boy his is. He has grown and improved leaps and bounds and I will miss him tons next year.

Clayton Island Tours

On Friday I had the pleasure of attending the 4th grade field trip on the Clayton Island Tours. We all had a wonderful afternoon on the St. Lawrence River. It  means so much to be able to show students this beauty that is right in our backyards.

 

 

 

Because of Winn Dixie Party

We finished our book Because of Winn Dixie and had our annual Winn Dixie party. We mirrored our party after the party the characters had in the book. We had Dump Punch, egg salad sandwiches, peanut butter sandwiches, pickles and Littmus Lozenges. The kids had a blast and so did I.

 I am going to miss this group tremendously.

We are also watching the movie and comparing it to the book. Stayed tuned for our end of the year writing pieces.

OLWEUS

 We created the cutest Converse Chuck sneaker designs for our Anti-Bullying Group with the theme of not letting anyone walk all over you. The kids had so much fun being creative.

Because of Winn Dixie

We created, wrote and typed our Top Ten Lists just like Opal was given in the book Because of Winn Dixie.  The kids had such a great time writing these lists and then sharing them with their classmates. I really enjoyed learning more about them as individuals.

SU Day at GES

Last Friday we had all of our students wear orange and blue to support SU being in the Final Four. One of my all time favorite students wore a shirt similar to mine so it was the perfect time for a photo. We even sent the picture to his mom and it made her day. I have such great students.

Brain Break

Fluffy Guardinia came to visit our class for the week and she has been the perfect Brain Break at the end of each class. They just love her and spoil her.

Investigating the SETTING

 We are reading a very challenging book right now so we took some time to work on the various settings of the book so far. Students were broken up into pairs to dig back into the text for details and then draw their version of the setting. It was a great activity and the kids really enjoyed doing it.

5th grade ROCKS

Dictionary Skills & St. Patty's Day

 Vocabulary is a huge component in any given book, story, poem, etc. We have been learning all sorts of new and interesting words this year and we have come to understand that the dictionary is an important and useful tool.

 Team work at its best.

Today GES has pulled out all the stops and just about everyone is wearing green in honor of St. Patty's Day and our principals favorite holiday. I love the students enthusiasm and excitement.

Fluffy and Presentations

 Fluffy Gardenia visited our classroom last week and helped all of my readers work extra hard. On Friday we let the kids take a little break to play with her and assist her in some exercise.

Yesterday my fifth grade group from Dermady created and presented on the book that they had read Rules. They created a Powerpoint about all aspects of the book and did so well. I am very proud of their efforts and bravery to speak in front of their class.