Bookworm Buzz

Thanks to Cutler for informing me that Amulet 4, The Last Council by Kazu Kibuishi, had been released or I would have never known! I LOVED it. Emily, the main character, is surely in for a long battle this time, but fortunately she has help on her side. As usual, I can't wait for number 5. I have one copy for the class and am looking for contests to win more copies because I know that all of you Amulet fans will want to get your hands on this one.

Read on Reader,

Mrs. W

Spotlight on...

This is a picture of Maddie at NASA this summer. She continues to aspire to be an astronaut, so while she was at Disney,her dad took her for a day trip to NASA...she was soooo excited! They had a blast...Looking good Maddie!

A Big Bite

Well it may be Fall, but it sure feels like summer! We had another awesome week in room 23. We have continued to work on routines and have started to really get into all of the curriculum areas. In social studies, we are reviewing basic map and globe skills and are making a map projection from puzzle pieces. In science, we have begun the scientific method and will do an experiment this week. Everyone is excited to get to Terrariums, which should be sometime early next week, and all students will need an empty jar for their plant clippings. An empty two liter bottle, that has been rinsed will work fine, just remember to cut off the top! I will be asking students to bring in any plant clippings they can find in the yard, or from houseplants, to help fill their terrariums. In reader's and writer's workshop we have been working on STAMINA! Stamina for reading independently and for writing from a memory. I conferenced with each student this week about their book bags, as "just right," book selection is still a work in progress for many 4th graders. As a class, we are working on transitions, both in the classroom and at Specialists. This class has a lot of spirit and spunk! We just need to work on making smooth transitions without so much chatter. It's great to see so many students excited, happy and willing to learn. I know they can do it! I am looking forward to another great week in 4th grade at JFK!
Mrs. Williams

Spotlight On...

Here is Cate at her first Red Sox game. She decided this summer that she liked baseball! She had a great time and is surrounded by a family of baseball fans, many of whom are Yankee fans! We should get along just fine!

A Big Bite

The first full week of school was very successful and we accomplished a great deal! We have continued to master routines in reader's and writer's workshop. The students have spent quality time with their independent reading books and are starting to write in their reader's notebooks. Each student has written individual goals for fourth grade, a bio poem, and now has a writing partner. We are learning about context clues and word parts (suffixes and prefixes) and will take the first of many English tests this week. We studied polygons in math and practiced using a compass to draw circles. The first math test will be this week, on Wednesday. In Open Circle we discussed "non negotiable rules." A parent letter was sent home on Friday for you to read. We enjoyed a presentation from the music department on instrument lessons, it was very exciting! I enjoyed seeing so many of you at Parent Orientation. If you were unable to make it, the curriculum information was sent home with your child on Thursday. If you have any pictures of your child participating in an extra curricular activity, at a fun place, or just one that you would like to share, please send it along to me and I will post it as a Spotlight entry. So far we have featured Hayley and Patrick. This week Cate is featured in the Spotlight. Also, the Kennedy Playground committee has sent home information about the Ladybug 5k and Children's Fun Run on October 29th. You never know who might be there! Mrs. Merten has been working dilligently to update the JFK website, check it out! Have a great Sunday!
Mrs. Williams

Spotlight on...

Here is Patrick with Big Nate Author, Lincoln Pierce! Patrick is a HUGE Big Nate fan, and a fan of Lincoln Pierce too! Mr. Pierce was at the Wellesley Free Library on Friday. September 9th. He talked about his career as a writer and gave a demonstration on cartooning. It was a great! Patrick raised his hand in front of the LARGE audience and asked Mr. Pierce if he had plans to write more than the 8 books he is scheduled to write for Harper Collins. We'll have to see! In this picture, Patrick is getting his book signed by Lincoln Pierce, very cool!

A Big Bite

It was a great first week in room 23! Everyone is happy, excited and ready to learn! We spent a good amount of time getting to know each other and establishing routines for our class. We have begun math, writing, reading and Open Circle. We were entertained by Casey Carle, the Bubbleman, as a reward for summer reading and participated in the 4th grade chorus program. In addition, we had an instrument demonstration by the music department. We even got outside twice during this rainy week for recess! We will continue to learn about routines and get more involved with math, reading and writing next week. We will begin spelling and continue handwriting review. Don't forget to attend the Parent Orientation at JFK this Wednesday, from 3-3:25 or 3:35-4:00. See you then!
Mrs. Williams

A Big Bite

Dear 4th grader,
Tomorrow is the first day of school, albeit a week late due to Hurricane Irene, but the first day nonetheless. I am so excited to meet all of you! If you have your summer reading list complete, please bring it in. We will have the reading incentive program on Wednesday. All students who return the form by this Friday will earn an extra recess!
Get a good night's sleep, don't be nervous, we are going to have fun tomorrow!
Love,
Mrs. W

Author Alert!

Lincoln Pierce (pronounced "purse,") will be at the Wellesley Free Public Library, this Friday at 4:00 to sign books and to give a drawing demonstration. Click here for more details! Lincoln Pierce is the beloved author of the Big Nate Comic series and the Big Nate novels. It should be a great time!

Spotlight on...

Here is Hayley! She did the Kid Fun Run at the Beach to Beacon 10k in Maine. She ran 3/4's of a mile. Awesome job Hayley!!!! Running is so good for you and a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Juicy Nibble

This morning, Shakta Khalsa will be featured on Blog Talk Radio with Donna Freeman of Yoga in My School at 11:30 EDT. Please click here to tune in to this interview. Shakta is the founder of Radiant Child Yoga, and has been my teacher and friend. RCY is the style of yoga that I use in the classroom and I am a RCY level 3 instructor. I know that it will be great!
Love,
Mrs. W