It's a Safari for the Senses!

We made it!  Our long walk to our first field trip was certainly an adventure!  We weren't exactly sure what to expect, but I think we were all pleasantly surprised.  Traveling from station to station and learning about animals from around the world was like being on a real safari!  Check us out here with this ferocious wolverine!   

Who knew that hippos are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa?  They are very aggressive and can eat over 150 pounds a night!  Look, there's one now about to devour one of our friends!?!





What was your favorite part of the experience?!?  Mine was definitely the walk there (just kidding)!  Which animal was the most interesting?  Were there any facts that totally shocked you?  Let me know so we can remember and enjoy our wonderful journey at the Sensory Safari!


Check out more cool animal facts by clicking here!

We Have Fudge-a-mania!!!

I'm so glad we started our year off with Fudge-a-mania, as our read aloud.  I remember reading Judy Blume books when I was in the third grade, so it has been wonderful for me to get a chance to revisit an old favorite!  I thought you might be wondering more about the author, Judy Blume.   She sure does a great job making us laugh and beg for more each day!  

Well, I looked about and stumbled onto her official webpage.  Click here to read about her inspiration for many of her best books!  I hope you enjoy this site as much as you seem to be enjoying her book!  What has been your favorite part of Fudge-a-mania so far?  Has anyone taken the initiative to start reading more Judy Blume books?  Let me know!  Keep on reading!

The "Poet" Tree is Blooming!!!

Our poetry is growing
We're adding more each day
The metaphors we're using
Will blow readers away!
We think of something simple
Then add music to each word
To say that we're not poets
Would just be plain absurd!
Now if you're at home thinking
Of poetic things to do
Why not take a second
And click the links I've found for you!

Giggle Poetry
Poetry with Jack Prelutsky
Poetry 4 Kids
Story It Classic Poetry

Let me know what you think of our poetry unit so far!

I'm Betting the Farm...It's Going to Be a Great Year!!!

Chets Creek Elementary School - Cultivating a Community of Excellence from Melanie Holtsman on Vimeo.

Welcome back! It was so wonderful to meet all of you at Orientation! What did you think of the classroom? Let me know what you are most excited about this year! I look forward to seeing your smiling faces Monday morning. Get ready to read some awesome books and write some amazing stories!

The Cost of Oil

Today we were fortunate enough to listen in on a Discovery Education webinar featuring Phillipe Cousteau. Phillipe is the grandson of Jacques Cousteau, and has made a name for himself as an oceanographer and environmental activist. The topic of discussion was the current environmental tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico. We heard Phillipe's perspective and news on the Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill. Phillipe shared that the wetland habitats in danger are some of the most fragile in the world and also some of the most important. 40% of all the wetlands in the lower 48 states exist along the coast of Louisiana and are directly in the oil’s path.

We were shocked and saddened by the footage of the disaster. Below is a live feed of the leak from the ocean floor. What can we do to make a difference? Can you remember anything Phillipe suggested? Have you made any changes already? I hope to hear some new ideas about how we can start helping our environment!!!

The Battle Has Begun!

The Battle of the Books is now underway! Since the beginning of school, our classes have been reading books from an approved list in order to earn a chance to compete in the battle. Well after months of careful reading, small comprehension tests, and a final qualifying exam, we are officially prepared to battle. Our teams have been chosen! Check us out!!!


This morning we marched to the media center to initiate the battle. Unfortunately, our two teams were pitted against one another right from the get-go. The competition was fierce. So many books! So many authors! So much information! Our classes wowed the crowd with their extensive knowledge and team spirit! Each team displayed a valiant effort, but Miss Hoffmann's homeroom left victorious.



The battle continues June 4 when we challenge new teams, and we will be pumping iron (reading and reviewing books) until then!!! What did you think of the first leg of the battle? Were you surprised by the questions? Stay tuned for more updates from the battlefield!

The Gravity of the Situation

And we're off! Inspired by our unit on force and motion, we are beginning to construct our Gravity Racers! These cars will be sent down a ramp, powered only by the force of gravity. Our racers have one goal in mind...make it at least 100 cm beyond the end of the ramp! Can they do it?!? We are already encountering problems and making adjustments. Is a cardboard milk carton the best body for our cars? Is bigger better? Which wheels are the best? So many questions, so little time! If you have concerns about your car, leave a question as a comment and your classmates and I can respond with advice!