A new year has begun in 5th grade at Taylor Elementary. Our first week found us working together to make a crossword puzzle out of all 48 of our names. That was a problem that we had to solve the 1st day of school. We were successful once we realized that we needed to start with the longest names and work our way down to the shortest ones. There was team building involved as we helped one another in finding where we could connect our name in the puzzle. It is a very colorful reminder that we are all an integral part of the 5th grade. We must think of our peers and how we can support each other. This is not a competition to see which one of us can finish first, but what we must do so that all of us finish together because we are stronger as a whole then any of us individually.
We made self-esteem shields to show to us and everyone else that each one of us is successful daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. We designed pennants that show who we are and what we like. Our parents were also involved by explaining what school was like for them. We started to create some items for our parents to see and do at Back-to-School Night (Tuesday, September 10). Some time was set aside on Thursday to explore our new playground equipment and cool down with a freeze pop. A peer scavenger hunt was a great way to find out new items about old and new friends.
Of course there were baseline tests to be taken in Reading and Math. Spelling and Reading Comprehension levels were also checked. Agendas, folders, books, workbooks, journals and binders were all passed out in anticipation of starting our education for the year.
Our 1st week was varied, exciting, and fun. We learned about each other and about ourselves. As more than one student said, "I think I am really going to like 5th grade."
