Facetime from the top of the world . . .

Yesterday we had the great opportunity of Facetiming my husband, Mike,  who happened to be at the top of a 150 foot wind turbine in New York City.  

Students were able to ask many questions about his work.  Mike and his co-worker, Paul, informed the students about the importance of math and science in their work.

Such a great real-world opportunity for the students!!

Photos to follow!!!

Presenting the check to Central Vermont Humane Society

From the Central Vermont Humane Society's Facebook page.

"A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated so generously at Holiday with the Animals on Saturday – including lots of children. Students from Hardwick Elementary School brought proceeds from their Bow Wow Biscuit fundraiser – a community service project that raised $150 for homeless animals! And another young lady donated gifts from her birthday party for the second year in a row!"

and the learning continues . . .

In reading we have been reading autobiographies and biographies.  Some students are reading a biography about George Lucas, while others are reading an autobiography about Jerry Spinelli.  They students are amazing at doing literacy circles, and often choose to facilitate their own groups.

In writing students have finished up their personal narratives and will begin information writing, including research.  This writing pairs nicely with the lessons learned in reading workshop.  They have also been creating some great Haikus.

In math we have finished our unit on decimals and have begun working with fractions.  At this time students are learning how to represent equivalent fractions using a number line, array, and numbers.  Fractions are complicated and students often feel frustrated when they don't "get it" right away.  I encourage them to honor themselves with the time to learn.

In science we have been working on identify the differences between physical changes and chemical changes of matter.  Soon we will be moving onto photosynthesis.

Life in Mrs. Forbes 5th Grade . . .

We have had quite a variety of activities and learning in our classroom.  Cindy Cykon, my friend and a fellow teacher, came in to help students plan and implement a fundraiser for The Central Vermont Humane Society.  Students did everything from designing marketing to delivering the finished Bowwow Biscuits.  We raised a total of $150.00!!!  So proud of all the work, dedication, and caring the students have.

Bowwow Biscuits Dough

Xavier and Alder volunteer to do the dishes

Jackob, Mai, Mave, and Alder mixing dough

Wyatt and Jake mixing dough

Caitlyn, Jake, and Alder

Cindy, Dustin, and Andrew hard at work.

Thank you Cindy for helping the students see how important it is, and how rewarding it can be, to help.

What in the World have we been up to?

Life in 5th grade has, and continues, to be very, very busy!!!

We enjoyed a field trip to Burt's Orchard where we picked several apples to make apple crisp for the Harvest Dinner.  A huge thank you to Burt's Orchard and all parents who donated.  We couldn't do this without you all!!!

We are currently working on a service project with Cindy Cykon, a teacher and friend of Mrs. Forbes.  We are marketing, selling, and making Doggie Treats.  Look for more information to follow.  Contact Mrs. Forbes to order some!!!

This year we have been learning about character strengths, the benefits of movement to learning, social skills, and mindfulness.  This is done through morning meeting, Go Noodle, Mind Yeti, and Second Step.

Students are working on adding "YET" to the end of "I can't do this" when faced with a difficult, new concept.  Here are their reminder "YET" signs they made for their desks.

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In math students have been working on place value and multiplying and dividing by the powers of ten.  They have been adding, subtracting, and multiplying decimals, along with a bit of diving decimals.  We use a math workshop model where students are in groups and transition through three stations during math period. The workshop model encourages peer-to-peer learning and allows students to learn at their own pace.

More to come . . .

Beginning of the year

WOW!!!  

The beginning of the school year is just around the corner.  The first day for students is August 29th.  

This date, along with others, can be found on the School's Website:

 Hardwick Elementary School Webpage

You will find the school calendar, lunch menus, and much, much more!

I've spent much time getting the classroom and curriculum ready for students, including a new reading nook that is just right for reading and working.

A bit about me.

My name is Lisa Forbes.  I've been in education for over 20 years, and have been teaching for five years.  I entered education and teaching because of my love of children, and a love of learning. My husband, Mike, and I have lived in Worcester for 31 years.  We have two children, Trevor 24, and Jennifer 21.  We also have Chloe, our dog, and Lynx, our cat.  When I'm not teaching or researching new and exciting ways to help children learn, I'm usually in my flower gardens.  Other activities I enjoy are quilting, boating, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.  

I will be posting information, classroom activities, and student work on here from time-to-time.  Please look back for more on the classroom!!

Please don't hesitate to call, email, or stop by with any questions or comments.

Lisa Forbes
lforbes@ossu.org
472-5411 x2552

You may also check out the Bobcat Hotline anytime at 472-2555. 

See you soon!!!
   Mrs. Forbes