High Five For Friday! 10-3-14

And just like that, it’s October! We’ve been back to school for 5 weeks now, wow!

October (c) Kristen Dembroski

1. October – I enjoyed decorating my classroom for October. One can never have too many pumpkins, amiright?

I don't read (c) Kristen Dembroski I don't read (c) Kristen Dembroski I don't read (c) Kristen Dembroski

2. I don’t read – I finally snapped this week. I’ve been so sick of students (AND parents! AND colleagues!) telling me, “I don’t read” with this brazen nonchalance, as if it’s a badge of honor or something to laugh or bond over. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I stole ideas from this article, added several of my own ideas, and I created a full 12-page Keynote presentation entitled, “My reactions to people who proudly proclaim, ‘I don’t read.’ ” If you’d like to see the full presentation, you can download it by clicking here: I don’t read (c) Kristen Dembroski

No-red-ink-2lenhkq

3. noredink – I had all of my students create an account and log into my virtual ‘classroom’ on noredink this week. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s a wonderful FREE website where you can assign grammar homework and quizzes. Right now, my classes are learning about action and linking verbs. They really love this website because it gives you immediate feedback. It also tailors each sentence to student interests (based on a quick interest inventory when signing up). Check it out!

BirthmarkedPBCover

4. Birthmarked – This past week, I’ve been reading Birthmarked by Caragh M. O’Brien. And when I say ‘reading,’ what I really mean is ‘spending every single minute insatiably consuming.’ This is a very interesting read! The main character, Gaia, is entrancing, strong, clever, deeply caring, and easy to fall in love with. And the story is a complete mystery! I find myself fumbling for words as I try to even describe the plot to anyone. I don’t know what to say, because I’m still trying to figure out what’s going on myself! I started reading it because I saw several of my students with it, and now I find that I can’t wait to see them at school to ask them what they think.

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

5. Pumpkin Spice – Everyone is completely gaga and obsessed with pumpkin spice, THE flavor of fall. The thing is, I don’t drink coffee (yeah, I know, I’m weird). So instead, I’ve been finding ways to enjoy the flavor in other foods. For example, I give you: Pumpkin Spice Cookies! I’ve also made pumpkin spice pancakes, which are just phenomenal. Canned pumpkin, plus a dash of pumpkin pie spice, are staples ’round this kitchen, and it’s pretty easy to substitute them in many of your favorite baked recipes. Very filling, tasty, and oh-so-appropriate for the lovely season of colors and change.

How was your week? I hope you are enjoying the changing colors! My husband showed me this Fall Color Report website that indicates where the colors are at their peak in Wisconsin. We are adventuring out this weekend to enjoy them for ourselves!

 

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5 Comments on High Five For Friday! 10-3-14

  1. Tara
    October 2, 2014 at 7:49 pm (9 years ago)

    Oh my goodness! Yes, yes, yes to the “I don’t read.” I have heard this non-stop this week in my classroom (8th graders). It sends me over the edge. I love your slideshow idea. I would love to see your whole slideshow. 🙂 I am always so flabbergasted by the notion, by the brazen proudness of the statement, that I honestly can’t even formulate a response. I would love to know what your responses are in the slideshow.

    Reply
    • kdembro
      October 3, 2014 at 5:44 am (9 years ago)

      Tara – your wish is my command! I’ve added the full presentation to this blog post, so now you can download it and view the entire thing. Have a wonderful day!

      Reply
  2. trudy krisher
    October 3, 2014 at 8:41 am (9 years ago)

    Kristen, I LOVE the response ideas for I DON’T READ! I have so often heard people say this with pride; it dumbfounds me! On the other hand, we Reader/English types often say I’M NOT A MATH PERSON. That’s not a badge of honor, either. So we need to embrace learning of all types, don’t you agree?

    Reply
    • kdembro
      October 8, 2014 at 9:48 am (9 years ago)

      Hi Trudy – thank you SO much! The presentation went over well with the students; laughs, connections, and a lot of great discussion. I hear what you are saying about people not being a ‘math’ person (I’ve never said that – I LOVE math!), and we should all think about the impact of our words and actions. I completely agree that we need to embrace learning of all types. We are doing a unit on growth mindset right now, so this discussion fits perfectly!

      Reply
  3. Z
    October 18, 2014 at 7:24 pm (9 years ago)

    OMGeeeeeeeeez! YES! Enigma, just complete and utter enigma when someone proudly proclaims I DON’T READ. If a camera could capture my facial expression and brain scan during that statement it would be awesome! Great presentation. THANKS for putting into words what we’re all thinking!

    Reply

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