Fourth Grade Journey

A Fourth Grade Teacher's Journey Through the World of Books

Monday, March 18, 2013

Music Monday #5 (One Day)...

This afternoon I shared with my class another incredible song.  Today we listened to the song One Day by Matisyahu.  A parent had sent me this song/video last year and I fell in love with it. 

Earlier this year I had shared the video with the crew for one of our video's of the week.  It was such a hit that I decided to bring it back as a Music Monday selection.  The writers were quite excited when they heard the first few notes of the song.

We spent time talking about the important message in this song and how we can live better lives by following the message of the lyrics.  Happiness is in my heart as I look around and watch my students write and "sing" while they listen to the music.

I've included the video to this song that I shared with my class below the list of Music Monday selections...  

Our Music Monday List for 2012-2013...

Music Monday #1 (What I Am by Will I Am)
Music Monday #2 (Proud by Heather Small)
Music Monday #3 (Good Time by Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen)
Music Monday #4 (Dreamer by Chris Brown)
Music Monday #5 (Home by Phillip Phillips)
Music Monday #6 (Count on Me by Bruno Mars)
Music Monday #7 (Louder by Charice)
Music Monday #8 (Thriller by Michael Jackson)
Music Monday #9 (Firework by Katy Perry)
Music Monday #10 (Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo ole)
Music Monday #11 (Hall of Fame by The Script with Will I Am)
Music Monday #12 (Shooting Star by Owl City)
Music Monday #13 (Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson)
Music Monday #14 (Do They Know Its Christmas by Band Aid)
Music Monday #14 (Do They Know Its Christmas from Glee)
Music Monday #15 (Take a Look at Me Now by Greyson Chance)
Music Monday #16 (My Wish by Rascal Flatts)
Music Monday #17 (Dream Big by Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand)
Music Monday #18 (The World's Greatest by R. Kelly)
Music Monday #19 (Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka and Glee)
Music Monday #20 (Rainbow Connection from The Muppets)
Music Monday #21 (One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston)
Music Monday #22 (One Day by Matisyahu)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (3/18/13)



Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to their site...
                
                 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/



Books I Read this Past Week...

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo

*This is our current book for our BBC. (Boy's Book Club)

*I had the opportunity to get more into this mystery and I'm really enjoying.






The Runway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen

*This is our current read aloud in my classroom.

*We are LOVING it! 









Books I Will (continue to) Read This Coming Week...

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo











The Runway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen











The Center of Everything by Linda Urban











Who Could That Be at This Hour by Lemony Snicket











Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper

*This is a reread for me to get ready for our Breakfast with Books book club on Friday, March 29th. 








Giants Beware by Jorge Aguirre

*This book has been making the rounds in my room and the kids asked if I would read it.

*It will be a quick read for me! 

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Wednesday Wonder #3 (The Wonder of Reading)

I took @ColbySharp's advice from a blog post that he wrote.  He wrote about taking time to sit back and really take in the sights of your students during the reading workshop. 

I did that this afternoon and what a wonder it was.  As I looked from student to student, it just warmed my heart.  I then thought to myself, I need to capture some of these sights.  Iphones come in handy...


*The student above is reading from the new book Timmy Failure that I brought in on Monday. 

*This student is reading from The Loser List #1.  He will probably have it done by tomorrow! 






*One of my most avid readers, he is enjoying The Creature from My Closet #1.  He has been waiting patiently to get this copy in our room.







*Babymouse is still being read in our room.  I think this is her second time reading through all the books in the series. 






*This little reader is enjoying one of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. 

Monday, March 11, 2013

Music Monday #4 (One Moment in Time)

Another Monday and another Music Monday.  It is always so fun when the kids walk in the door on Mondays and start asking what the Music Monday song is going to be.  My answer is always the same:  "You will find out today at 3:00 PM."

This was a song I picked last year during the month of February.  It was right after Whitney Houston died.  I grew up listening to her music.  It really was the soundtrack to my life as they say.  I was stunned by her early death as I know many people were.  I shared this monumental song with my class last year.  Even though it has been over a year since her death, I still wanted to share a piece of music history with my current class.

There are many powerful songs from Whitney Houston I could pick, but this one speaks to the possibility in all of us.  We all have our moment in time and want to be the best we can be.  This is one of the main themes I strive to stress with all my students.  I want them to reach their full potential.  The lyrics in the song are incredible, meaningful, and show the reach our lives can have

It was interesting as I showed the video (included below) how quiet my class became.  Their eyes were glued to the screen showing the Olympic themed video, but I also knew they were listening to an incredible voice.  A few even commented on the strength of her voice.  After the video, we played the song again and the kids got busy writing.  I can always tell if a song is well received by how much the students are writing and conversing with each other.  Today was one of those great Music Monday days! 


I've included the video below the list of our Music Monday selections...

Our Music Monday List for 2012-2013...

Music Monday #1 (What I Am by Will I Am)
Music Monday #2 (Proud by Heather Small)
Music Monday #3 (Good Time by Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen)
Music Monday #4 (Dreamer by Chris Brown)
Music Monday #5 (Home by Phillip Phillips)
Music Monday #6 (Count on Me by Bruno Mars)
Music Monday #7 (Louder by Charice)
Music Monday #8 (Thriller by Michael Jackson)
Music Monday #9 (Firework by Katy Perry)
Music Monday #10 (Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo ole)
Music Monday #11 (Hall of Fame by The Script with Will I Am)
Music Monday #12 (Shooting Star by Owl City)
Music Monday #13 (Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson)
Music Monday #14 (Do They Know Its Christmas by Band Aid)
Music Monday #14 (Do They Know Its Christmas from Glee)
Music Monday #15 (Take a Look at Me Now by Greyson Chance)
Music Monday #16 (My Wish by Rascal Flatts)
Music Monday #17 (Dream Big by Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand)
Music Monday #18 (The World's Greatest by R. Kelly)
Music Monday #19 (Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka and Glee)
Music Monday #20 (Rainbow Connection from The Muppets)
Music Monday #21 (One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston)

One Moment in Time Video (1988 Olympics) - Click here for Olympic Themed Video I showed my class


*Here is another video of Whitey Houston singing the song back in the DAY! 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (3/11/13)



Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to their site...
                
                 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/



Books I Read this Past Week...

Schroder by Amity Gaige

*This is our current ABCT (Adult Book Club for Twitter)
*We will discuss this book on Thursday, March 14th at 7:00 PM.
*I finished the book this past weekend.
*4 STARS out of 5 STARS! 








Timmy Failure -Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis

*5 STARS out of 5 STARS!
*See Blog Book Review










A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean

*5 STARS out of 5 STARS!
*See Blog Book Review










Books I Will (continue to) Read This Coming Week...

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo

*This is our current book for our BBC. (Boy's Book Club)
*I am finally going to get going on this book during the week.









The Runway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen

*This is our current read aloud in my classroom.
*We are LOVING it! 








Timmy Failure - Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis

How I Heard About It:   Through Twitter of course.  It is always fun when you start to see the same title pop up from different people.  The title goes on my radar for a future purchase.  When I walked into the bookstore the other night and saw a huge display for this book, I knew it was time to buy it! 

What It Is About:  This is a light-hearted story that I know young readers will totally eat up.  Timmy Failure is running his own detective agency.  He also has some competition with certain classmates.  What is enjoyable and funny about Timmy, is that he isn't the "brightest" detective and the reader will definitely find humor in his thinking and actions.  Timmy lives with his mother and they are facing several changes in their life.  His mother has brought a new friend into their lives and they are also moving.  All of these changes affect Timmy and his agency.  Another unique aspect of this story is Timmy's sidekick.  His companion is a polar bear.  Yes, you read that right!  The adventures these two have are fun, humorous, and engaging.  There are also wonderful illustrations to go along with the story. 

What I Thought Of It:  Even though this was a 300 page book, I read it in one sitting.  I found myself not wanting to put it down and to get to the end to see how it all wrapped up.  It is an extremely engaging story and draws the reader in right away.  Even at age 46, I enjoyed the story immensely.  I know in my heart this will be a story that young readers will enjoy. 

Who Should Read It:  This is definitely a story that all readers can handle on their own.  Any solid reader in grades three and above would be able to read this story on their own.  I think it needs to be read individually because the pictures and illustrations are such a huge part of the story.  As I was reading this book yesterday, I had a student in mind of who would love this story.  I passed it on to him this morning and he almost didn't put it down all day.  To me that says it all!  Happy Reading...

Sunday, March 10, 2013

A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean

How I Heard About It:   This book was first brought to my attention while my class and I were watching the 2013 Newbery and Caldecott announcement.  When this title was announced as a winner, I wrote it down.  It wasn't until last night, that I picked up a copy at the bookstore.  I read it today in one sitting and absolutely LOVED it. 

What It Is About:  A truly beautiful story about Cally, her single dad, her older brother, her new friend Sam, and a truly amazing dog named "Homeless."  Cally is struggling to cope after the loss of her mother a year earlier.  She is having problems at school, problems at home, and problems with herself learning to cope without her mother.  After participating in a "silence" project at school, Cally decides to continue that silence in all parts of her life.  With many changes happening for Cally, her life takes a new path after meeting a young boy named Sam, a homeless man named Jeb, and a huge lovable dog.  All of these characters learn to depend on each other and how important they are to each other. 

What I Thought Of It:  This book was simply amazing.  I picked it up last night and started to read it this morning.  After 200 pages, I was quite sad to be done with the story of Cally and the people around her.  This was a magical story that touched my heart on so many pages and on so many levels.  Being a dog lover, the story struck a cord with me.  The relationships that Cally formed with Sam, Jed, her dad, and of course the dog were original, touching, and meaningful.  Every page was written with such clarity and purpose.  I found myself rereading many lines and pages.  One of the best books I've in awhile.  I can't wait to share it with my fourth graders tomorrow morning! 

Who Should Read It:  All readers should read this book.  I think children that are in third grade or above could easily handle this book on their own.  The interest level would be for readers between third and sixth grade.  I also know that adult readers (teachers, librarians, and authors) would also enjoy the novel.  A Dog Called Homeless would make for an awesome read aloud or a book club selection.  I'm thinking I'm going to promote this book with an in-depth book talk and encourage all of my readers to spend time with this heart-warming story.  Happy reading! 

Monday, March 4, 2013

A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff

How I Heard About It:  This book title had been getting a lot of "talk" via magazines, book stores, and of course on Twitter.  I had read several of Lisa's other books and so I was excited to read her newest book.  As I communicated with some of my Twitter "friends", I became more and more thrilled to start this book.  I was not disappointed and it actually exceeded my expectations.


What It Is About:  If you are looking for a magical journey, then this is the book for you.  A Tangle of Knots is so many things.  It is a character novel.  It is an adventure.  It is a fantasy.  It is a relationship story.  As I try to describe this book, I realize just how many things this book is.  The story centers around a town of incredibly unique and diverse characters.  At first the reader isn't quite sure how these characters are related, but by the last page everything comes together so beautifully.  All the characters are tied to "special" suitcases, to some "special" cake recipes, and to a mystery or two.  Each and every page brings you more details about the characters, about the mystery, and about the revelation you want to read about. 

What I Thought Of It:  As you can already tell, I am very fond of this book.  I had high hopes for this book, and was pleased that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.  It was such a clever story and I could not put it down.  As a reader I enjoyed how this book was many different things.  To me it was part realistic fiction, part fantasy, and past mystery.  The best part of all, is that everything fit so wonderfully and worked perfectly.  This was a 5 STARS out of 5 stars book! 

Who Should Read It:  Before I read this book, I was debating whether I would use this book for a "Breakfast with Books" book club selection or a read aloud.  Now that I have finished it, I think it would make a perfect book for a read aloud for my fourth graders.  There are so many things in this novel that I don't want them to miss, that I want to be able to read it to them and discuss it as we go.  I'm looking forward to introducing this novel to my class and sharing the adventure with them.  I think any reader who is in fourth grade and above, would love to read this novel.  I know it will become a favorite book on your book shelf.  Happy Reading! 

Music Monday #3 (Rainbow Connection)

Each Monday I share a song with my class.  That is our writing focus during our writer's notebook time. 
For more details, please see the blog entry  from (2/4/13).
We had missed the last two Mondays, so we were excited to get back to our Music Monday.  The 4th graders were excited to see what today's selection was going to be.  I picked an old classic.  Today we listened to Rainbow Connection from The Muppets.  This song brought me back to my childhood and I was excited to share it with my class. 
The class responded well to the song.  We watched the video version first.  While they wrote in their notebooks, we listened to the song again.  After we listened to the song that second time, several students asked if we could listen to it again.  I took that as a sign that they were enjoying the song

I just love this song and think the message is powerful, sweet, and heart-warming.  Our Monday writing has become one of our weekly favorite activities that we participate in. 

I've included the video below the list of our Music Monday selections...

Our Music Monday List for 2012-2013...

Music Monday #1 (What I Am by Will I Am)
Music Monday #2 (Proud by Heather Small)
Music Monday #3 (Good Time by Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen)
Music Monday #4 (Dreamer by Chris Brown)
Music Monday #5 (Home by Phillip Phillips)
Music Monday #6 (Count on Me by Bruno Mars)
Music Monday #7 (Louder by Charice)
Music Monday #8 (Thriller by Michael Jackson)
Music Monday #9 (Firework by Katy Perry)
Music Monday #10 (Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo ole)
Music Monday #11 (Hall of Fame by The Script with Will I Am)
Music Monday #12 (Shooting Star by Owl City)
Music Monday #13 (Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson)
Music Monday #14 (Do They Know Its Christmas by Band Aid)
Music Monday #14 (Do They Know Its Christmas from Glee)
Music Monday #15 (Take a Look at Me Now by Greyson Chance)
Music Monday #16 (My Wish by Rascal Flatts)
Music Monday #17 (Dream Big by Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand)
Music Monday #18 (The World's Greatest by R. Kelly)
Music Monday #19 (Pure Imagination from Willy Wonka and Glee)
Music Monday #20 (Rainbow Connection from The Muppets)


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (3/4/13)



Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to their site...
                
                 http://www.teachmentortexts.com/



Books I Read this Past Week...


A Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff
*I had read great things about this book.
*I read the whole thing on Sunday afternoon.
*5 Stars out of 5 Stars!









Books I Will (continue to) Read This Coming Week...

 Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk by Ben Fountain

*Not getting a lot of time to read this, but when I do I really enjoy it. 







The Snowman by Jo Nesbo

*This is our curent book for our BBC. (Boy's Book Club)









The Runway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen

*We started this book last week in my classroom and we LOVE it! 








Schroder by Amity Gaige

*This is our current ABCT (Adult Book Club for Twitter)
*We will dicuss this book on Thursday, March 14th at 7:00 PM.