Grab your cape and let's go!

You guessed it!  The theme for this year is SUPERHEROES.  You might be wondering, "Why superheroes?"  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 there are heroes all around us!  And, there is a hero inside each of us...just waiting to be released. Sometimes it takes a QUEST to unearth the hero inside of us. I am thrilled that you have been selected to adventure out on this 180 day quest with me! 

During our adventure 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.  Our INVESTIGATIONS will truly expand our thinking and grow our skills.

Are you prepared for this quest?  You'll need to pack of course...and more than just your cape.  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 except the Magician's Elephant which I'm currently in the middle of. 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!   What has been your favorite book of the summer?  I'll want to hear all about it when you return to school!

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 your facts under your belt.  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 stressful this way and you won't ruin those last precious days of vacation with math stress.

Finally, you should RELAX.  Do not worry about school.  We will have FUN and you will have a very SUCCESSFUL fourth grade adventure.  I promise!  I'm excited for our quest.  I'm even more excited to help reveal the superhero inside of you!

Rest up and show up on the 2nd all packed and ready for our QUEST.  We depart at 9:00 AM sharp. I just can't wait!