What is a Senator?

Next week we will embark on our first reading theme, Competition and Cooperation. Most think of sports when we say these words, but what about democracy? I had the opportunity to intern for Senator Kennedy in his Capitol Hill education office during my college years. I saw first hand that hundreds of men and women must compete and cooperate to run our nation. Our class set out to answer some questions:

1. Why is it called Capitol Hill?
Kids' Guess: The Capitol is there and it is on a hill.
Real Answer: The Capitol sits on a hill in Washington, D.C. This was part of Pierre L'Enfant's design.
2. What is a senator?
Kids' Guess: The leader of a state and he/she works with the president.
Real Answer: A senator is an elected official that represents his or her state.
3. How many U.S. senators does each state have?
Kids' Guess: 2, 8, 3, 100
Real Answer: We have two senators from each state.
4. Who are Florida's two U.S. senators?
Kids' Guess: Sen. Lawson
Real Answer: Sen. Nelson and Sen. Martinez

It was a good one!

Smile, it's the first day of school! Students arrived on time and with beaming smiles on their faces! It didn't take them long to realize that fifth grade was going to be a lot of fun, a lot of work, and hopefully a year to remember. My throat is sore due to all of the yapping I had to do today, but soon enough my little ones will be sailing smoothly on their own. What a great bunch of children to share my days with. I feel very fortunate and I truly look forward to getting to know each of their unique personalities. I took some pictures of all the happenings today, but I've got to wait for you to say it is okay to share online (so make sure to sign those media/Internet forms in their holder folders). Stay tuned for pics!

Welcome Back!

Yesterday we were busy as bees as we prepared to welcome students back to school! Here are some pictures of our day. See you on Monday!

No peeking!

What fun would it be if I let you peek inside our classroom this soon? It is about time to start another school year and welcome a new batch of brand new fifth graders. I have been working hard along with the other teachers at Gilchrist to get everything ready for our students. I look forward to meeting this smiling faces on Friday. Maybe a sneak peek before then!

Good luck to my former students who will be heading off to middle school (and high school!)!!! You are going to do fabulously! xoxo

Any of your favorites?

This painting makes me very happy! It reminds me of how much I adore children's books in all their colorful, imaginative glory. I hope that my former and future students are reading some classics this summer (preferably at a higher reading level than these). If your child has outgrown these classics or you have duplicate copies find a great organization to donate them to. Whether that be a public library branch, Head Start, a preschool, a church, or a neighbor with young children. Share these timeless stories with others!

What is That???

Yesterday morning I woke up bright and early for my trip to the farmer's market. I was not looking for my usual...blueberries or tomatoes, this time I was in search of a colorful combination. You see each year I host a Back to School Brunch for the fifth grade team of teachers. We have two new members this year that we were excited to welcome. While munching on our delectable brunch options, Mrs. Berry said, "What is that?" She had used her tactile senses to feel one of the flowers in the assorted bouquet. I couldn't remember the name off the top of my head (looks like a brain), but just knew that it had the word comb in it. Well if they offered up medals in speed Googling or Wikipediaing then I could safely say I would place and be able to watch the American flag be raised to sounds of the national anthem! So "What is That?", it's scientific name is the Celosia cristata, also known as cockscomb. It is is said to look like a rooster, you know cock-a-doodle-do. It's an annual that grows in tropical conditions (welcome to Tallahassee) and each flower can produce over 40,000 seeds!

Soon Enough

Before you know it the school gates will open for another year of school. How I do love summertime, but it is right about now each year that I am anxious to meet my new students and to discover so many things that I never knew before. This will be my sixth year of teaching, and I still am passionate about what I do each day. Enjoy these last couple of weeks to stay up late, ride your bike through the neighborhood, go on a adventurous trip, and of course read a great book. I look forward to the gates opening, but not just yet!

This is a picture of my adorable Goddaughter Caroline on our trip to Charleston this summer. She is a smart cookie and could probably open/break through any gate in her way!