MAY IS HERE (and the kids know it!)

Reading - We are about 3/4 the way through our final novels of the year. The kids are enjoying the adventure themes and the survival-on-an-island settings. We will take our final quiz for the novels on Monday, May 17th. Then we will reflect on the genre and the class throughout the school year and switch classes for the last time that Thursday, May 20th. I can't believe the end of the year is so close!

Writing - Our huge research project is concluded and I have returned the folders with scores on their final drafts. I had each student make a three part chart, categorizing how they feel they did on fifteen different aspects of the project. Some of the parts I graded and wrote notes to them about, while others, like their introduction paragraphs, the kids simply followed their intuition in categorizing them. We still have a final poetry project and a letter to YOU that I hope to get to before the year concludes. I can't believe the end of the year is so close!

Band and Orchestra - Starting next week and running through the 21st, the fifth graders will be getting an instrument appetizer before sixth grade band and orchestra begin. This will allow the instructors to have more time next year to practice since the preparations and instrument introductions will be done at the end of THIS year.

Class Point Party - After we reached our fifty class points last week, we compiled a list of ideas for what to do. A vote left "Mystery Court" the winner. I am still trying to figure out what a mystery court is though! It was Jaida Weavers proposal, so I hope to talk with her more and we will hope to have court in session early next week.

Various Dates You Might Want to Put on Your Calendar - I have to put these down here (as opposed to on the calender above) because I cannot get that crazy thing to work like I want it to. Oh well, here they are: Human Development Lesson tomorrow; Talent show Auditions - Mon/Tues, May 10&11; Net Smart lesson with the head of Boys and Girls Club - Friday, May 14th; Lunch in the classroom - Tuesday, 5/18; Field Day & Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader? Game - Fri. 5/21; Yearbook Signing & Talent Show- Mon. 5/24; Blue and Silver & Last Day!- Tues. 5/25

Teacher Appreciation Week - I wanted to thank everyone for the nice flowers that are now decorating my classroom and house! I feel very fortunate to have such a kind and thoughtful class. Thanks again.

Please feel free to send me any questions or concerns. I would love to talk with you. Also, please check the other 5th grade teacher's blogs. I imagine they have been more regular about their blogging! I try to do this when I have free time. There just doesn't seem to be much of it at Langston or at home lately.