Getting our Game On

Hello Students and Families!
I am excited for the 2019-20 school year to begin.  While I know that some of you may be sad to see that our theme won't be Harry Potter this year (truthfully, I'm missing Harry a bit too!) I know that our "Game On!" board game theme will be lots of fun for students, teachers, and families.  It is not that we want to totally nix the electronics...we don't, but we do want to spend some meaningful time TOGETHER.  Board games allow people to come together to have fun while also developing game-play strategies, communication skills, coping strategies, perseverance, etc., etc.  We want to include all of the best games from our own childhoods as well as the better contemporary games.   Game play will also be an important part of our math class.  I know kids learn best when they're having fun and I know this theme will give us great opportunities to have fun and learn deeply.  

​I'm so thrilled to be working with your family this year. The GREAT news is that you'll have a team of teachers working hard to bring out the the very best in each child. I'll be the primary teacher, and my students will take the following classes with me: English Language Arts, Mathematics, some Science and some Social Studies units. I'll be co-teaching with special educator, Mrs. Tricia Chapman, who will be working, like me, to ensure that all students achieve great success. Mrs. Linda Cote and Mrs. Kristen Berthao will also be important parts of each student's success.  Mrs. Cote will be teaching some of the science classes and Mrs.  Berthao will be teaching some of the Social Studies classes 

​Are you wondering if you've got the game required for a successful year in fourth grade?  The great news is that there is still time to prepare.  You can find a list of essentials by clicking on the "Supplies" tab up top.  Most importantly, you'll need to have a sharp mind ready for the problem-solving and the academic challenges that will be the hallmarks of our classroom. How can you prepare your mind for the year ahead? 

Continue to prepare by reading.  I hope you have enjoyed, are enjoying, or will enjoy the 4th-grade summer reading selections.  You can follow this link to view some choices.  First, please read ONE of the four books that are offered as choices (The Lemonade War, The One and Only Ivan, All Four Stars, or Frindle) Then, read ANY other book of your choice.  There are suggestions listed at the linked site but you can read ANYTHING you choose. We’ll use your summer reading books to introduce “BOOK TALKS”.  We’ll be cultivating a love for reading all year and we’ll use “BOOK TALKS” to share that love with the class. In order to get a jump start, I challenge you to read as many as you can. All books count.  Picture books count and so do graphic novels. I’ve been reading quite a bit this summer. In fact, one of my favorite things about summer is having the time to read more books (and eat more ice cream).  I’ve read all kinds of books this summer including historical fiction, non-fiction, young adult fiction, and fiction.  While a lot of my reading has been for pleasure, a few of my selections have been read in hopes of improving my practice as a teacher. I love to read and have many favorite authors. I've read every Kate DiCamillo book. I think she is my favorite author.  Her books just warm my heart and fill me with hope.  I admit though, I have a few favorite authors!   J.K. Rowling is certainly near the top of my list.  What has been your favorite book of the summer?  I'll want to hear all about it when you return to school! Better yet, you can shoot me an email by clicking on the Contact Mrs. Brigham tab.

Also, you can keep your math mind sharp by reviewing your multiplication facts on a pretty regular basis.  A few minutes of review work every couple of days should do the trick.  I know you'll be a more confident math student if you come to school with fact fluency.  Do a little review here and there and I promise it will make a BIG difference for you.

Finally, you should RELAX.  Do not worry about heading back to school.  We will have FUN and you will have a very SUCCESSFUL fourth-grade year.  I promise!  I'm excited about our adventure and the challenge of revealing the talents inside of each of us!

Rest up!  You'll need a fully charged battery.  We'll work hard and play hard this year!  I'm really ready to roll and I hope you are too!

Fondly, 

Mrs. Brigham