You guessed it!  The theme for this year is HARRY POTTER.  You might be wondering, "Why Potter?"  There are lots of good reasons why the fourth grade teachers are excited about our theme.  Do you know what we've noticed in our line of work?  We've noticed that learning is magical and it truly unlocks your POWER!  And, there is magic inside each of us...just waiting to be released. Sometimes it takes a true adventure to unearth our power.  Harry Potter seems like just the literary character to inspire, doesn't he?

But I haven't really answered the question, have I?  Much of children's literature is filled with magic and adventure.  Many titles could inspire wonderful things in our students.  Why Potter?   I am a POTTERHEAD.  I have been since 1997. Do you know how I first encountered Harry and the magical school, Hogwarts?  A student.  A thoughtful and bright child gave me Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as a gift.  It was the first edition published in the U.K. before the rights to the book were sold to Scholastic.  I have loved Harry, his friends, and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for nearly 20 years now.  I can't wait to share the magic with my students this year.   I am thrilled that you have been accepted into Hogwarts and have been sorted into BRIGHAM HALL! 

In addition to these literary adventures, we'll explore the WONDERS all around us.  We'll visit the 50 states of our great nation and we'll even travel to Canada and Mexico. While traveling we'll take time to smell the roses as we learn all about plants and how they adapt.  Speaking of adaptation, we'll search out animals around the globe and examine how they survive in their environments and we'll tap into all kinds of energy.  Our arithmancy studies will truly expand our thinking and grow our skills. You'll be so thrilled with yourself that you'll holler, "GO, Math!"  

Are you prepared for this quest?  You'll need to pack of course...and more than just your robes, wand, and cauldron.  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 critical thinking and problem solving needed to survive whatever comes your way.  How can you prepare your mind for the unknown you ask? 

Start by reading.  I hope you'll enjoy the Lemonade War.  We'll use this book to launch our Social Studies work where you and I will be exploring and working hard to meet the grade four economics standards.  While you do have to read one other book, in addition to the Lemonade War, to meet the summer reading expectations, I challenge you to read as many as you can.  Can you read 6 books by the time school starts?  I bet you can.  I've read every Kate DiCamillo book. I read Ramie Nightingale  just this summer. I tinkhe 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 Prof. 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 versus trying to re-learn them all during the last weekend of summer vacation.  It will be way less burdensome this way and you won't ruin those last precious days of vacation with math stress.

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

Rest up till August 31 when you'll head to King's Station.  Seek out platform 9 1/2.  Come with your trunk all packed and ready for MAGIC and WONDER.  We depart at 9:00 AM sharp. I just can't wait!

Fondly,​

Prof. Brigham