Fourth Grade Journey

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

Monday, November 30, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (11/30/15)...



Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to their site...
                

Books I Read this Past Week… 


Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagan

*4 STARS out of 5 Stars!  (Adult Novel)










Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

*4 STARS out of 5 Stars!  (Young-Adult Novel)








The Fairy Swarm - The Imaginary Verternary Series: Book Six
by Suzanne Selfors

*4 STARS out of 5 Stars!  (Middle-Grade Novel)







Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week 


13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

*My young-adult novel (Reading for BBC - Boy's Book Club)









The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney

*My middle-grade novel









The Adults by Alison Espach

*My adult novel


Music Monday #12: Hall of Fame by The Script...

"Hall of Fame" by The Script with will.i.am

*This has got to be one of my favorite songs and videos.

*The message is powerful, meaningful, and important.

*I love how the video was put together and it always captivates my students' attention.

*This was our twelvth Monday where we featured a musical selection.

*Each Monday I highlight a piece of music to share with my writers.  

*We begin with showing a video that goes along with the musical selection.

*The class will watch the video between 1-2 times.

*After the second viewing, the writers begin to record their thoughts in the notebooks.

*As they write, I play the music in the background (minus the video).

*My fourth graders can record their thoughts, ideas, connections, likes/dislikes, or reactions to the song.  They can also write about the message of the song.  

*I have my students write between 5-10 minutes.  At the end of our writing time, I see if a few of the writers would like to share what they wrote.  


Music Monday Selections (2015-2016)…

Week #1:  What I Am by will.i.am
Week #2:  Proud by Heather Small
Week #3:  Dreamer by Chris Brown
Week #4:  Live Like a Warrior by Matisyahu
Week #5:  Sunshine by Matisyahu
Week #6:  Better When I'm Dancin' by Megan Trainor
Week #7:  Thriller by Michael Jackson
Week #8:  Hopeful by Bars and Melody
Week #9:  Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammar
Week #10:  The Rainbow Connection from The Muppets
Week #11:  What Does the Fox Say by Ylvis

Friday, November 27, 2015

Friend Friday #118 (Wonkenstein: The Creature from My Closet)...

Hi!  I'm Grace and I'm reading the book called Wonkenstein: The Creature From My Closet and written by Obert Skye.  


I think this book is fantastic because there are lots of funny parts in the story and I like reading books that make me laugh.  



My favorite part in the story is where Robert tells about his thumb buddy because it is cool that he collects them.  





The character that I liked best was Robert because he is the main character and was finn to read about.


I think the author wrote this book because he had this funny idea and wanted to share it with kid readers because he knew they would like it.  He also wanted to take two characters and put them together into one character. 


I would recommend this book to my friends because it is super funny and at times can be scary so I'm pretty sure they would enjoy it. 


Reading to me is fantastic and excellent because it takes you to different places.  


**Grace is a 4th grade reader in my class.  
*After book talking this book/series, she was the first to read this book.
*Based on how much she enjoyed the first novel in the series, I'm pretty sure she will continue on to the other books.  




The Fairy Swarm (#6) by Suzanne Selfors...

How I Heard About It:  The Imaginary Veterinary Series is one of my favorites for middle-grade readers.  I have read all the books and enjoyed each one of them.  This is the final one and I was a bit sad to learn that the series was coming to an end.  

What It Is About:  Ben and Petal are back again for their final adventure in Buttonville.  They have spent the summer working for Dr. Woo and their tasks aren't over yet.  This time around, a swarm of fairies have arrived in town and are causing problems for everyone.  Petal and Ben are quickly on the "case" and want to do their very best in capturing these fairies to impress and help Dr. Woo.  The kids try to protect the people of Buttonville, catch the fairies, and keep one step ahead of of Victoria; the girl that is always getting in their way.  In addition, they must also "battle" the poacher Maximus Steele.  When the kids learn from the fate of Dr. Woo and the worm factory, they want to do their best even more.  Their good old friend (from book #1) will prove to be a valuable asset.  

What I Thought Of It:  As I mentioned above, I really enjoy this series.  I have also found my fourth grade readers from year to year really love it just as much.  It is awesome when young readers find a series that takes them from book #1 all the way through until the end filling them with wonder, enjoyment, and fun.  The final story in the series did not disappoint.  I enjoy the characters of Ben and Petal and loved their adventures in Buttonville.  The final story brought everything together and had quite the satisfactory ending.  It is exciting to me to have ALL six books in the series in my classroom library and know they will be read by many students.  

Who Should Read It:  In my opinion this is the perfect book/series for readers in fourth grade.  It could actually be used in grades three through five.  The stories have the perfect amount of text and illustrations.  The chapters are the perfect length along with the perfect length of the entire story.  This is definitely a series you need in your classroom.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars



Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Wonder Wednesday #118 (My NCTE Experience/Part ONE)...

A First-Time Experience

*Last weekend was one of the best weekends of my life.  I'm still on cloud nine after my first experience at NCTE.

*The convention was held here in Minneapolis and I was fortunate enough to attend all four days.


*I actually had the honor of presenting with the Nerdy Book Club on a panel Friday afternoon.

*Not only did I learn an incredible amount of thought-provoking information, I had the opportunity to meet so many Twitter friends and authors.

*Here is a glance of my first time at the convention...

 Thursday, November 19th (My first day at the convention)

 Friday, November 20th (A session about the Power of the Newbery)

 (Mr. Colby Sharp and Mr. Schu doing what they do best - talking books)

 (The engaging panel and our class read aloud - Crenshaw - comes alive)

 (A full house for the "Embracing Trouble in the Reading & Writing Classroom)

(The incredible Kate DiCamillo signing books)

 (Donalyn Miller kicking off our presentation about the Nerdy Book Club)

 (I'm up to talk about my "Nerdy" journey in front of a "Nerdy" audience)

Picture Wednesday #12 (Have You Seen the Turkey?)...

Have You Seen the Turkey?  


*Today was the last day of school before the Thanksgiving holiday.

*I wanted to find something fun for my students to write about and celebrate the holiday.

*This particular photograph fits the bill and then some.  We got some great laughs when we first saw it!

*Each Wednesday we write in our writer's notebooks about a particular image.

*They can record their thoughts, reactions, connections, likes/dislikes, reminders, noticings, or anything else they would like.  

*Some of the writers choose to write a fiction story based on the picture.

*We write between five and ten minutes and then do a quick share at the end.  

*The photos always lead to lots of conversation and the sharing of ideas.  I try to get them to write first and then we can share what we wrote and what we were thinking.

*The writers are really enjoying writing about these photographs. 

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Treat Tuesday #118 (Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins)...

Treat Tuesday - Banana Chocolate Chip

*The kids are both coming home for the Thanksgiving holiday.

*When my wife asked what they wanted over the weekend, they both replied with this "treat".

*It is one of our favorite breakfast foods to enjoy.

*They are SO tasty.  Enjoy...



Ingredients...

*1/2 cup shortening
*1 cup brown sugar
*2 cups flour
*1 teaspoon baking soda
*1/4 cup sour milk (to sour milk, add 2 teaspoons vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk)
*1 cup mashed bananas
*1 teaspoon vanilla
*2 eggs beaten
*Dash of salt
*12 ounce bag of chocolate chips

Directions...

-Cream shortening and sugar, add vanilla and eggs.
-Stir in dry ingredients alternating with sour milk and bananas.
-Mix until moistened, stir in chips and pour into muffin tins and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.


Treat Tuesday:  Middle-Grade Novel

The Fairy Swarm:  The Imaginary Veterinary-Book Six
by Suzanne Selfors







Treat Tuesday:  Adult Novel

Avenue of Mysteries by John Irving

Monday, November 23, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (11/23/15)...



Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to their site...
                

Books I Read this Past Week… 



The Quirks and the Freaky Field Trip by Erin Soderberg

*5 STARS out of 5 Stars for this middle-grade novel

My Book Review





Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week 


Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagan

*My adult novel









Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

*My young-adult novel (Listening to on audio)









The Fairy Swarm - The Imaginary Verternary Series: Book Six
by Suzanne Selfors

*My middle-grade novel








13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

*My young-adult novel (Reading for BBC - Boy's Book Club)





Music Monday #11 (What Does The Fox Say?)...

"What Does The Fox Say" by Ylvis

*We have a short week because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

*I wanted to pick something different and just plain fun for these three days.

*I tried to find something with a "turkey" but had no luck.  I went with a FOX instead.

*This was our eleventh Monday where we featured a musical selection.

*Each Monday I highlight a piece of music to share with my writers.  

*We begin with showing a video that goes along with the musical selection.

*The class will watch the video between 1-2 times.

*After the second viewing, the writers begin to record their thoughts in the notebooks.

*As they write, I play the music in the background (minus the video).

*My fourth graders can record their thoughts, ideas, connections, likes/dislikes, or reactions to the song.  They can also write about the message of the song.  

*I have my students write between 5-10 minutes.  At the end of our writing time, I see if a few of the writers would like to share what they wrote.  


Music Monday Selections (2015-2016)…

Week #1:  What I Am by will.i.am
Week #2:  Proud by Heather Small
Week #3:  Dreamer by Chris Brown
Week #4:  Live Like a Warrior by Matisyahu
Week #5:  Sunshine by Matisyahu
Week #6:  Better When I'm Dancin' by Megan Trainor
Week #7:  Thriller by Michael Jackson
Week #8:  Hopeful by Bars and Melody
Week #9:  Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammar
Week #10:  The Rainbow Connection from The Muppets

Friday, November 20, 2015

Friend Friday #117 (Giants Beware)...

Hi!  I’m Mackenzie and I read the book called,  Giants Beware written by Rafael Rosado.  


I think this book was brave and adventurous because Claudette, Gaston, Marie and a puppy named Valiant had a very brave adventure.  

My favorite part in the story was when they met the giant because he didn't like eating baby feet, but he liked tickling them.  



The character that I liked best was Claudette because she was brave and fun to read about.  She was a girl, but did many things that people would think only boys could do.   


I think the author wrote this book because you should put trust in everybody and especially yourself.


I would recommend this book to my friends because it is a funny story and I know they would like it and the pictures.  


Reading to me is awesome because it inspires me to be the best person I can and to do brave things.


*Kenzi is a fourth grade student in my class.  
*This is one book that I feature to my students to encourage them to read.  
*She was excited to get to read it first and seemed to really enjoy it.  
*Now it is getting passed on to the next reader.  




Thursday, November 19, 2015

Trailer Thursday #117: (All About NCTE)...







Life Lesson #10: Be Happy...

"Be Happy"

*It is Thursday and that means it is time for another "Life Lesson" video clip.

*This particular clip is one of my favorites and I find that the students love it just as much.

*A simple video with a powerful punch.

*One of my goals is to help my students reach their full potential.  

*Each Thursday I feature a different video with a "life lesson" in it.  

*After viewing the video once or twice, we chat a bit about it as a group.

*I then have the writers record their thoughts in their writer's notebooks.

*They can write their thoughts, reactions, connections, wonderings, learnings, or whatever is on their mind regarding the video.

*Encouragement is also given to reflect on the "message" of the clip.

*After about 5-10 minutes of writing, we listen to a few of the students share what they wrote.

*It is my hope that through these "life lessons", my students can become the best young people they can be.


Life Lessons (2015-2016)...
Lesson #1 - Be Courageous 
Lesson #2 - Be Kind
Lesson #3 - Be Courageous (part two)
Lesson #4 - Be Motivated
Lesson #5 - Be a Buddy, Not a Bully
Lesson #6 - Be Inspired
Lesson #7 - Be Spooky (Halloween Edition)
Lesson #8:  Be Kind (Kindness Retreat)
Lesson #9:  Be Shoutful

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

The Quirks and the Freaky Field Trip (#4) by Erin Soderberg...

How I Heard About It:  One of my favorite series for fourth graders is The Quirks by Erin Soderberg.  The last few years Erin has visited my classroom and been our guest author to discuss the first book in the series.  I have also read book #2 and book #3 which were so fun and entertaining.  This past Saturday I went to the book signing party for the fourth and final book in the series.  

What It Is About:  The Quirk family is back with this fourth and final installment of their "quirky" adventures.  This time around Uncle Cork is visiting from Europe.  He spends several days with them and brings a new "spirit" to this already crazy family.  The girls class is heading on a field trip to a spooky museum.  Grandpa and Uncle Cork volunteer to be chaperones.  Of course little brother Finn wants to go, but everyone tells him NO.  If you know Finn, you know he always finds a way to get what he wants.  The time of year is Halloween so everyone is gearing up for costume time.  Penn and Molly end up on different teams on the field trip to create the best monster at the museum.  During the field trip Penn's imagination runs wild which can only mean one thing:  Chaos!  

What I Thought Of It:  I loved this book as much as I have loved the other three.  Erin writes such an engaging story.  This family is awesome and to be honest, I'm a bit sad their story is over.  Many of the questions readers had during stories one, two, and three are finally revealed during the telling of this story.  The character of Uncle Cork added a new dimension and showed a new side of the mother.  The overall message at the end of the story is heart-warming and one that all of us should remember.  

Who Should Read It:  The series is perfect for fourth grade readers.  They are chapter books, include illustrations, and aren't too long.  All of these elements make it perfect for the middle-grade reader.  Strong third grade readers could handle the books all the way up to a sixth grade reader that enjoys magic, fantasy, and quirks.  The stories would also make for excellent read alouds.  Be sure to introduce book #1 because I guarantee the reader will then move on to the rest of the series.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars

Wonder Wednesday #117 (NCTE)...


Wonder Wednesday - NCTE Here I Come...

*I can't believe that this convention starts tomorrow.

*Back in December 2014, I was at a local workshop that Donalyn Miller was presenting at.  We started talking about the convention being here in Minneapolis.


*The next thing I knew I was being asked to join the "Nerdy Book Club" panel during the convention.

*My first instinct was to say no because public speaking isn't my thing.  But after further thought, I knew I had to say yes because I might not get this chance ever again.

*After finishing up my reserve teacher plans this afternoon, I headed home and grew more and more excited for the next four days.

*I'm so excited to attend the various sessions, visit the author booths, meet "online" friends in person, socialize with members of the "Nerdy Book Club", and of course participate in the round table presentation.

*Here is a screen shot of my portion of the presentation...



*I know it is going to be an exciting four days of learning, connecting, socializing, and heading out of my comfort level to experience something I think I've been waiting for my entire teaching career.

*I'm sure I will be "tweeting" and taking pictures to document the experience of #NCTE2015.

Picture Wednesday #11 (Dream Big)...

"Dream Big"

*This has to be one of the cutest photographs we have written about this year.

*I saw this photo via Twitter on "Fascinating Pictures" and knew my fourth graders would love it.

*Each Wednesday we write in our writer's notebooks about a particular image.

*They can record their thoughts, reactions, connections, likes/dislikes, reminders, noticings, or anything else they would like.  

*Some of the writers choose to write a fiction story based on the picture.

*We write between five and ten minutes and then do a quick share at the end.  


*The photos always lead to lots of conversation and the sharing of ideas.  I try to get them to write first and then we can share what we wrote and what we were thinking.

*The writers are really enjoying writing about these photographs. 

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Treat Tuesday #117: Hot Cocoa Ice Cream...

Treat Tuesday - Hot and Cold

*I ran across the video below on Facebook and after watching it, totally wanted to give it a try.

*I haven't tried it yet, but definitely will over the holidays this winter.

*Looks so easy and tasty!

*The recipe and video come from the website Delish.






INGREDIENTS

  • 2 c. heavy cream
  • 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 hot cocoa packets
  • 1 c. mini marshmallows, plus more for garnish

DIRECTIONS

  1. In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  2. Fold in sweetened condensed milk, hot cocoa packets, and mini marshmallows.
  3. Transfer mixture to a 9-x-5" loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Top with additional marshmallows and freeze until firm, 5 hours.
  4. When ready to serve, remove from freezer to let soften, 10 minutes.

Treat Tuesday:  Middle-Grade Novel

The Quirks and the Freaky Field Trip by Erin Soderberg








Treat Tuesday:  Adult Novel

Life and Other Near-Death Experiences 
by Camille Pagan

Monday, November 16, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (11/16/15)...



Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to their site...
                

Books I Read this Past Week… 




The Marvels by Brian Selznick

*5 STARS out of 5 Stars!

My Book Review







Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

*4 STARS out of 5 Stars!

My Book Review




Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm

*5 STARS out of 5 Stars!

My Book Review








Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week 


Life and Other Near-Death Experiences by Camille Pagan

*My adult novel









The Quirks and the Freaky Field Trip by Erin Soderberg

*My middle-grad novel









Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

*My young-adult novel