Hey 4A! Looking for something to read? Check out the websites under the reading section of the blog or these suggestions from earlier in the year from your classmates. Feel free to add more book titles and suggestions to this list. Be sure to give us the name of the author and a bit about the book (remember not to give away the ending). Even if you aren't finished with the book, share with us what you are reading. We (including myself), can always look for great suggestions! Happy reading! :)
Previous Suggestions
Swindle
Hank Zipzer: Day of Iguana by Henry Winkler
Ivy & Bean
Labrador on Lawn by Ben Baglio
Pendragon
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech
Martin Bridge Sound the Alarm
Riding Freedom by Pam Munoz Ryan
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Marley and Me/Tale of Desperaux
Hey 4A! Have you seen either/both of the new Marley and Me or Tale of Desperaux movies? Have you read the books? Did you enjoy the movie better than the book, or the book better than the movie? Would you recommend the books to a friend even if you haven't seen the movie? Now's your chance to post your own response to this book. Tell the members of 4A what you think..... Remember, don't give away the ending of the books or movie for those who haven't seen the movies or read the books yet!
Current Events
Interested? Check out these articles and a video (an amazing behind the back catch in football) on some of the most fascinating stories from this week.
Family finds $10,000 in box of crackers
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081227/ap_on_fe_st/odd_cracker_box_money
Skiiers rescued from light on MP3 Player
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081227/ap_on_re_eu/eu_switzerland_saved_by_the_music
Amazing Catch
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/One-way-or-another-Hakeem-Nicks-is-going-where-?urn=ncaaf,131346
Family finds $10,000 in box of crackers
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081227/ap_on_fe_st/odd_cracker_box_money
Skiiers rescued from light on MP3 Player
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081227/ap_on_re_eu/eu_switzerland_saved_by_the_music
Amazing Catch
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/One-way-or-another-Hakeem-Nicks-is-going-where-?urn=ncaaf,131346
Anderson's Events/Naperville Reads
Anderson's Bookstore in Naperville and Downer's Grove will once again be welcoming many famous authors to their two locations in 2009. You can check out Anderson's website for more authors, but one author of note is listed below.
Thursday, February 19 (More details to follow soon from Anderson's) - Meg Cabot
Meg Cabot has written more than 50 books for both children and adults alike and is a New York Times Bestseller. Here new series, Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls, details the life of nine year old Allie who is trying to make sense out of the fourth grade. A perfect read for the girls, and boys, of class 4A!
Naperville Reads
Three exciting titles for Naperville Reads 2009 have been selected. My Weird School, My Weird School Daze, and Baseball Card Adventures by Dan Gutman have all been chosen. A major event with Dan Gutman will take place on February 10 (More information will be coming soon).
Thursday, February 19 (More details to follow soon from Anderson's) - Meg Cabot
Meg Cabot has written more than 50 books for both children and adults alike and is a New York Times Bestseller. Here new series, Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls, details the life of nine year old Allie who is trying to make sense out of the fourth grade. A perfect read for the girls, and boys, of class 4A!
Naperville Reads
Three exciting titles for Naperville Reads 2009 have been selected. My Weird School, My Weird School Daze, and Baseball Card Adventures by Dan Gutman have all been chosen. A major event with Dan Gutman will take place on February 10 (More information will be coming soon).
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry has many cool exhibits that will be on display during the end of 2008 and into 2009. Currently, the museum has a Christmas Around the World and Holiday Lights display exhibit that will be on display through January 4. Also, an exhibit called fast forward gives visitors the chance to check out some of the ideas inventors are working on that could change the way we live in the future. While at the museum, you can also check out the Omnimax movies. Currently, the Grand Canyon Adventure (a whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River), and the movie Wild Ocean (a look into food chains/etc) are playing. Be sure to check out the musuem's website for more information regarding new exhbits and movies that will be featured in the coming months.
Shedd Aquarium
Have you been to the Shedd Aquarium lately? If not, be sure to check out the Shedd's Wild Reef Sharks exhibit. Here, over 20 different habitats featuring over 500 species are on display. This exhibit is the largest public display of live coral in the Midwest and has more than 2 dozen sharks in a 400,000 gallon tank.
Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic
Brookfield Zoo is offering its 27th annual Holiday Magic display. The display is from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. from December 26 through December 31. Visitors can check out nearly one million holiday lights, see a dazzling lazer and light show spectacular, see live musical performances, and check out many of the animal exhibits which will be open during the event. Other entertainment including musicians, Brookfield Zoo Idol (singing to the animals), and people creating ice sculptures are scheduled throughout each day of the event.
Naper Settlement Events 2009
Naper Settlement has a ton of interesting events for you and your family planned for 2009. I have included some highlights below. Be sure to check out the Naper Settlement website for more information on each of these events and on various camps they are offering during our days off in early 2009.
January
History Lecture Series featuring George Washington
February
Friday, Feb. 6- New Gallery Exhibit - This exhibit gives visitors a chance to check out what Naperville was like during the Age of Lincoln from the 1830's to the 1860's. The exhibit runs through June and is included with your admission to Naper Settlement.
Saturday, Feb. 7& Sunday, Feb. 8 - Abe Lincoln's 200th Birthday Celebration
Sunday, Feb. 8 - History Lecture Series featuring Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln
March
Sunday, March 8 - History Lecture Series - Underground Railroad
Saturday, March 14 & Sunday, March 15 - Maple Sugaring Days.. See the collection of sap the old-fashioned way and sample some maple syrup.
May
Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17 - Civil War Days... Meet figures from the Civil War era and see a complete Civil War battle with artillery and cannons. The battle takes place at 2:30 on both days.
January
History Lecture Series featuring George Washington
February
Friday, Feb. 6- New Gallery Exhibit - This exhibit gives visitors a chance to check out what Naperville was like during the Age of Lincoln from the 1830's to the 1860's. The exhibit runs through June and is included with your admission to Naper Settlement.
Saturday, Feb. 7& Sunday, Feb. 8 - Abe Lincoln's 200th Birthday Celebration
Sunday, Feb. 8 - History Lecture Series featuring Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln
March
Sunday, March 8 - History Lecture Series - Underground Railroad
Saturday, March 14 & Sunday, March 15 - Maple Sugaring Days.. See the collection of sap the old-fashioned way and sample some maple syrup.
May
Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17 - Civil War Days... Meet figures from the Civil War era and see a complete Civil War battle with artillery and cannons. The battle takes place at 2:30 on both days.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Mysterious Monsters
For our next enrichment project, you will be exploring the topic of "mysterious monsters." In the past, many people have reported seeing all kinds of mysterious monsters. The question is are they real or just in people's imagination? In this enrichment activity, you will dive into these mysteries and present your findings as if you were the monster yourself.
You will choose a monster from the following list. Once you have selected your monster, you can go to the library or use the internet to find out more about it. During your research, think about questions such as: Where have the monsters been seen? What do they look like? How many people have seen them? What do people have to say about the sightings? Of course, there are many more questions that can be asked and many more that you will think of as you begin researching your monster.
Monsters: (If there is another one you are thinking of, please let me know)
The Flathead Lake Monster (Flathead Lake, Montana)
The Ogopogo or Naitaka (Okanagan Lake, British Columbia)
The Champ (Lake Champlain in New York, Vermont, and Canada)
Bigfoot
Nuckelavee
The Loch Ness Monster
Goatman
The Abominable Snowman
Mothman
Once you have begun reading about your monster, please see me for a research graphic organizer as well as directions for your presentation to the class. Let me know if you have any questions.
You will choose a monster from the following list. Once you have selected your monster, you can go to the library or use the internet to find out more about it. During your research, think about questions such as: Where have the monsters been seen? What do they look like? How many people have seen them? What do people have to say about the sightings? Of course, there are many more questions that can be asked and many more that you will think of as you begin researching your monster.
Monsters: (If there is another one you are thinking of, please let me know)
The Flathead Lake Monster (Flathead Lake, Montana)
The Ogopogo or Naitaka (Okanagan Lake, British Columbia)
The Champ (Lake Champlain in New York, Vermont, and Canada)
Bigfoot
Nuckelavee
The Loch Ness Monster
Goatman
The Abominable Snowman
Mothman
Once you have begun reading about your monster, please see me for a research graphic organizer as well as directions for your presentation to the class. Let me know if you have any questions.