Decorating the Tree

I can't but help want to spread the cheer.  I usually decorate the tree myself, but this year the kids were so adamant about doing it themselves that I let them help me.  I love the feelings and smells of this time of year!  Here is what they wrote about the experience:
"Mrs. Boyd had us decorate the tree.  The ornaments were from the kids in her class from years past.  We each got to hang up an ornament or two.  There are lights all of it making it shiny and bright.  The ornaments are mostly snowman.  There is a bow at the top."

Read-A Thon Time!!!

A couple of weeks ago, we had the Read-a-Thon.  First, Ms. Hamilton came in to read us a story called Library Dragon.  We listened for words that have to do with fire.  Some of the words we found were:

scorching, hot, fired-up, flames, boiled, burning, infuriate

Then we were given Reader's Theater scripts and assigned parts.  Our class divided up into 4 groups.  Each group worked together to put on a performance for our class.  The group that had the most entertaining show was able to go and perform for Mrs. Mendicino's class. 

Another treat, was we had a visit from a published author.  She wrote a book based on a true story about a cat and a crow.  Here is the link where you can see the cat and crow in action: 

The Cat and The Crow. 

Overall, the day was full of reading and excitement. 

Bobcat of the Week

Can I get a Woo-Woo for my fella Johnny!!!  Here are the reasons he feels why he was awarded Bobcat of the week:

"I received the Bobcat because I was being respectful to my friends and teacher.  I turn in my homework on time.  I also became Bobcat because I was responsible in turning in my work and working hard. "

Bobcat of the Week

Congrats Lane!!!  He has stepped up his game and is doing a fabulous job.  Here are the reasons he feels that he earned Bobcat of the week:
"I got Bobcat of the week because I was trying and not giving up.  I really was wanting to be it .  That's why I was doing all my homework and classwork."

Bobcat of the Week

Congrats Cody!!! 

Cody was chosen for the Bobcat for the week of November 7th.  He is always trying his best and encouraging his peers to be successful.  You can always count on Cody to give you a pat on the back.  Awesome job Cody!!!

Bobcat of the Week

Congrats Sebastian!!!

This weeks Bobcat is Sebastian.  He is always showing spunk in the classroom.  He consistently shows responsibility for his work and assignments.  Awesome job Sebastian!!!

Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week was a huge success!!!  The kids participated in each day and helped sell ribbons in the courtyard in the mornings.  They even were able to sign a Police Car in a red Sharpie to symbolize their promise to stay drug free.  We had tons of fun participating in all of the fun events. 

Bobcat of the Week

Congratulations Mackenzie!!! 

Mackenzie was awarded Bobcat of the Week for the week of October 31st.  She is consistantly trying her best and showing her best effort.  She is also a good friend to her peers.  Way to go Mackenzie!!!

Red Ribbon Week

Today we visited the front of the school and tied a ribbon on the fence.  Each student put their names on their ribbons and then pledged that they would be "Drug Free 4 Life".  We tied the ribbons on symbolizing our promise.  So, as you drive by this week, take a look at the ribbons and know that your child has made that promise. 

Some of the students posing in red.  Some of us ;)  went all out. 

Today was the start of our Red Ribbon Week.  Red Ribbon Week was started by Special Agent "Kiki"

Camarena's sacrifice.  Below are some sites that tell how/why RRW was founded and celebrated.

DEA

Celebrating a Hero's Life

Each day we are promoting our promise to stay drug free by wearing something symbolizing our pledge. 

Tuesday - Wear Red

Wednesday - "Sock it to Drugs" (wear some crazy socks)

Thursday - "Shade Out Drugs" (wear your sunglasses)

Friday - "Put a Cap on Drugs" (wear your favorite hat)

Each morning the students will be selling red ribbons.  There are plain red ribbons for .50 and some special ribbons for $1.00.  Stay tuned for more photos...

Are we spreading bubbles???

Mrs. Green, our wonderful, school counselor, came to visit us today and conduct a little activity.  The topic for the lesson was rumors, how they are started and how they grow. 

Rumors - There are good rumors and negative rumors. 

Example of a good rumor:  Mrs. Boyd is going to allow us to have free evenings without homework.  (NOT TRUE!!!)

Example of a negative rumor:  Calling someone names; "She/He likes...."

Lesson Learned:

Rumors can be hurtful and we want to stop them.  The analogy that was used today was that rumors are similar to bubbles.  They do the following:stick to you. 

• can sting your eyes.
• can grow. 
• spread quickly. 
• leave a bad taste in your mouth. 

Mrs. Green showed a video clip from PBS kids titled "Gossip and Rumors".  This site also has variety of clips to help kids with real-life situations.  Here are some of the topics that might interest you:

"Food Smarts"

"Time Management"

"Dealing with Anger"

"Embarrassing Moments"

Not only are the students learning academically, but also socially.  It is important for us all to encompass them as they learn and grow on this journey.

Bobcat of the Week

The Bobcat of the Week for the week of October 3rd is....Sarah!!! Way to go little lady!  I am constantly seeing her trying her best academically and socially.  She is always helpful and dependable.  What a sensation she is!!! 

Bobcats for the Month of September

 Ryan was the first Bobcat of the year.  He is a diligent worker and always trying his best.  Way to go Ryan!

 Earlnesia was chosen the 2nd week.  She is an excellent example of a good citizen.  She is always trying to help others.  What an awesome example she is for our class!!!

 Vickie was chosen the 3rd week of school.  She is always helping others, trying her best, and being an excellent model 5th grader.  Awesome job Vickie!!!

Being new to BCE, Eli has jumped right in and been an excellent example of a Bobcat.  I can always rely on him to help others and try his best.  He is one cool cat! 

Being chosen as THE Bobcat of the week is a tremendous honor.  The Bobcat of the Week has several incentives the week after they are chosen.  These incentives were ideas set in place by the students.   

1st in line for lunch

1st choice for Jobs for the week

1 Homework Pass

Bobcat Luncheon held on the first Friday of every month

Our Field Trip to the Phil Harmonic

 The students got a kick out of our bus #.  We passed a 7 Eleven on the way to the Phil and the students begged to stop.  Maybe next time.

Some of the girls getting ready to listen to the orchestra. 

Today we went on a field trip to the Phil Harmonic.  The students were looking forward to getting out of school for a few hours.   As we loaded the bus, the kids got a kick out of our bus #, 711.  The whole way to the Phil the students talked about stopping and getting a Slurpee from 7-Eleven, at least that is what I kept wishing we could do. 
Once we arrived at the Phil, the students were pumped about going in and listening to the orchestra.  As we entered, you could feel the excitement through the buzz of students talking.  Once the lights were dimmed, the conversations came to a hault.  We sat and listened to different pieces from around the world.  The experience was relaxing, fun, and entertaining. 

DARE Begins

 The girls modeling their new tee-shirts.

 The students working on their Red Ribbon poster.

Today we started DARE.  We started out by getting our DARE planners and cool tee-shirts.  We also went over the expectations. We began working on our poster for Red Ribbon week and began talking about different types of drugs/alcohol and the effects it can have on ourselves.  Red Ribbon week is the week of October 24th through the October 28th.  Our posters are due on October 3rd.  We will be meeting on the following dates: 
September 26
October 17
October 31
November 14
November 28
December 12
December 19
January 23
January 30
February 13

Sensory Activity

 The kids had to use their sense of touch to tell me what they were feeling.  Some of the words used were:  dewy, moist, slimy, and mushy.

 The students had a little more difficulty with explaining how the orange sounded as they squeezed it.

 Everyone was really involved in the activity and trying to come up with adjectives.

 Afterwards, the students enjoyed devouring their oranges. 

Just some of the guys goofing around ;)

I love to bring experiences into the classroom.  Today, I wanted the students to experience a food item using their senses, taking the sense of sight away.  We place blindfolds on and began exploring the object that was in front of us.  At first, the kids were worried that I was going to stick something gross or disgusting in front of them.  I promised I wouldn't.  Prior to passing out the object, we discussed the expectations.  The students had to follow directions step by step and at NO point in time where they to tell me what the object was.  As I place the object in front of them, they had to be sitting on their hands so they would not be tempted to touch the object.  They were to smell the object first.  We then brainstormed a list of adjectives for smell.  Next we touched the object and compiled a list of adjectives for touch.  We continued with the same process for the senses of sound, taste, and sight.  Most of the students knew what the object was prior to taking their blind folds off, but they never told me what the object was.  Afterwards, the kids devoured their orange and began writing about their experience.  We will be working on this writing project for a few days.  It will be sent home in 2 weeks.  So...tonight, ask your student about their experience with the blindfold. 

Welcome to Our Blog

Welcome to our blog!  This coming year we a lot of fun activities going on in 5th Grade.  I am very proud to be apart of your child's final year at Big Cypress Elementary.  This year has gotten off to a phenomenal beginning.  I have truly enjoyed getting to know each and every one of the students. 


Over the past 2 weeks we have been keeping busy.  On the first day of school, there were a lot of smiles and some nerves, for both myself and the students.  After we were able to "break the ice", we all began to be a little more at ease.  I believe in the students being involved in creating the classroom environment and how it should be run in order for learning to occur.  The students and I worked closely together to create our classroom expectations.  After about 30 minutes of brainstorming and discussing, we came up with the following...
1. Raise your hand when you want to speak.
2. Respect others by using kind words and treating others how you want to be treated.
3. Keep hands and feet quiet and to ourselves at all times.
4. Follow directions.
5. Listen to the person speaking.
The students all agreed to these expectations.  I have turned this into production to be made into a poster.  Once the poster is presented to us, we will be reviewing it again and signing it.  We are treating this as our classroom contract with one another. 


We also have been doing a lot of "Get To Know One Another" activities and team building activities.  These activities have helped us understand each other and how important it is for us all to work together.  I am truly impressed on how well we are all working together thus far. 


Some things you will see on our blog in the future...

• Skills that we are working on in Reading, Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
• Weekly Spelling Lists
• Supplies or Materials that will be needed for projects
• Upcoming News
• Student Work Samples

I would also like for the students to begin to blog also.  Eventually, it is my goal to have them to type all of the above on the blog.  I truly believe that not only will this experience improve their typing skills, but so much more.  This is also a wonderful way to have home to school communication with one another. 


I am truly honored to be working with both you and your child this year.  If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.  Below is my contact information.  Thank you all for your wonderful support so far this year, and I look forward to learning and growing together.


Laura Boyd
boydla@collierschools.com
239-377-9672