A just right book for 4th graders that is talk worthy on many levels. There are several deep themes here, grandparent/grandchild relationships, pets as more than friends, thinking of others, loss and the joy of life. It made me think of all the work we have been doing in class with "author's message," and yoga! This is such a great yoga story as well! I bet we could come up with a great yoga set for these characters that would lead to a very meaningful meditation. If you read it, let me know what you think.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Bookworm Buzz
A "just right," read for 4th graders. If you like Andrew Clements, you will like Troublemaker. This is the story of Clay and his transformation from troublemaker to student. When his brother Mitch returns home after spending time in jail, he makes Clay promise not to get in trouble any more. Clay has a hard time making people believe that he has turned over a new leaf, but ultimately he is successful. Both boys and girls will like this book. I especially enjoyed the way Clay used drawing as a way to deal with his anger. Enjoy!
Bookworm Buzz
For my high school friends...This is the story of Hazel and Gus and their journey with cancer, but more importantly, it is the story of their journey with finding love and friendship in just the right places. There are many messages, but the one that spoke to me the loudest was "Honesty doesn't have to be cynical or negative, it just has to be honest." I related to the moms in this book, but felt deep connections to ALL of the characters, even their friend Isaac. I understand why other readers have said that these characters are going to stay with them for awhile. I know they will be staying with me, and I LOVE when an author can do that. Thanks, John Green.
Friday, February 17, 2012
A Big Bite
We won the Pizza Party for having the most coins in 4th grade! Thanks so much to everyone who helped us win; and this is the first time one of my classes has ever won the "pizza prize."It has been a fun week here in room 23. We finished Snow Treasure and everyone applauded when we were finished. Mrs. Toye was with us for our final discussion and she was totally impressed with all that the students have learned and how far they have grown as readers. When we return from vacation, we will begin mythology. In math, we finished chapter 7 and took the test on fractions. Everyone did a great job. In social studies, we took a test on the Northeast and created a passport on Acadia National Park. We will journey to Washington D.C. when we return from vacation. The skies look brand new to us as we have started to learn how to identify and name the various clouds that we see. Party in a Bag for Valentine's Day was a success. Thanks for all of the sweet treats!
Have a great week! Be on the lookout for updates on my Good Reads account.
Mrs. Williams
Friday, February 10, 2012
A Big Bite
The bussers tell me it was a great week! We are 2/3rds of the way through Snow Treasure and we are "hanging off a cliff," for the weekend! Also, in reading we continued to prepare for the upcoming ELA MCAS. In writer's workshop we finished our snowflake poems and began another writing sample about a day off from school. We finished learning about the northeast and are preparing for the test next Wednesday. We also learned about Acadia National Park and watched a video about the Beehive trail. In science, we took the Humidity and Precipitation test and everyone did a great job. We will be learning about clouds and wind next. In math we will be taking the chapter 7 test on Thursday. It will be on fractions and probability. Party in a bag will be on Tuesday as we celebrate Valentine's Day. Mrs. Williams just finished the Newberry winner, Dead end in Norvelt, by Jack Gantos. Check out her review on good reads below. Also, check the important dates/upcoming projects gadget for some important information.
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. W
Bookworm Buzz
This year's Newberry winner tells the story of a young boy named Jack Gantos and his adventures during the summer of his grounding. I had a tough time relating to many of the characters and felt that several of the relationships weren't explored as in depth as I would have liked. I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue but this just wasn't my type of book. Too many unanswered questions...If you read it, let me know what you think, maybe I'm missing something.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
A Big Bite
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Williams
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Bookworm Buzz
For my High School Friends. This photo novel is a thought provoking story about love and loss. It didn't take that long to read, but has taken many hours to digest and process. I have had several AWESOME conversations about this book with Livi and with other teachers. Due to the mature themes, this book is for high school students and older readers. If you read this book and want to discuss it, come on down to JFK, I would love to talk to you.
Bookworm Buzz
A wonderful story of friendship and important life lessons. This wordless picture book DESERVES the Caldecott Medal. A great read for all ages. Enjoy.
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