Wednesday

Bonus question: "What is the current common name for influenza? We're reading a story in class called "Marven of the Great North Woods," and the main character is very worried about his family's exposure during the influenza epidemic of 1918. The disease was worse in the cities, and Marven's parents decide to send him far away to a logging camp in Minnesota to protect his health.

Monday

March

Now that Spring has officially "sprung," you could make a long list of some things you associate with what many call the best season of the year. Is it the 'chirping' of frogs, the warmth of the sun(yes, that is the title of a terrific Beach Boys'song!), or maybe absence of numbing cold air in the morning when you go outside to retrieve the local newspaper, which, despite the plastic wrapping, opens at least partially wet from the night's spring rain.


Some people of a certain age find themselves drawn back to the Olympic Peninsula and other locations in the Pacific Northwest at this time of year. Discarding the warm but dusty places in the South or Southwest for the green trees and lawns around here, they are tanned and ready for months of fishing, hiking,or the simple joy of lawn-mowing and all the various forms of yardwork. After a few weeks they likely wonder why they left in the first place.

And what about those 'chirping' frogs and the other soothing sounds from this area during the Spring months? Sure, birds sing in other parts of the country at this time of year, but they don't sound as thrilled and happy with the new season as do the Robins and Sparrows in our town. But pleasing sound of Spring are not limited to the natural world. There are very small, motorized vehicles blaring tinny instrumental children's songs through neighborhoods on the occasional sunny days.

A day is a only day after all, but a Spring day is longer lasting and not only because of Daylight Savings Time. Playing hours, unlike library hours, are extended. That means time for neighborhood fun after dinner and homework are finished such as walking dogs, gardening, riding bikes or horses, or even a few extra jumps on a trampoline.

Did someone just mention food? Of course they did, and if barbecues and springtime don't go together then the world has changed way too fast. Watermelon, corn, Brussel sprouts,lettuce, onions take on new meaning this time of year and the expanded opportunities for exercise as noted above allow us to eat possibly just a bit more without cause for worry. (now write a 'strong ending' for this essay)

Friday and Almost Spring

The list of "Arithmetic Raccoons" from Room 17 continues to grow. Thats good news for our fourth graders since fluency with Math facts is essential a good understanding for all the Math they will need in the years to come. A little extra practice at home is strongly advised.
Yesterday we worked on developing strong beginnings in stories and essays, and the kids became very excited about writing when we worked on a story involving a snowball fight between two sisters. Now everyone wants to know how it ends. We'll work on strong endings next week!

Tuesday

We just started a new read-aloud titled, Frindle, and the kids are liking it so far. Today we read the chapter called Mrs. Granger. Mrs. Granger is a white-haired teacher who wears her hair in a bun, nevers comes to school in pants, and loves the dictionary. Wouldn't it be great if we could get one of the women teachers here at Franklin to dress up as Mrs. Granger for Halloween or one of the spirit days?

Family Reading Night

 
Family Reading Night at Franklin turned out a lot of students and their parents. Author Mike Graf signed his books about Olympic and other National Parks. Lots of books, cookies, and hot chocolate made for a fine evening.

Family Reading Night

Come to Franklin tonight at 6:00 PM for our Family Reading Night. Have some hot chocolate and a cookie and hear author, Mike Graf talk about the importance of reading to children.

Tuesday

Most days here in Room 17 include a weather report and forecast for the next several days as part of our current events discussion. While we haven't had much snow in our "neck of the woods" other parts of the country are still digging their ways out of the white stuff. Snow makes a good topic for stories and essays and gives a chance to work on good endings for our writing. We've worked on strong beginnings and middles with lots of detail and examples, and now it's time to learn how to make stronger endings for essays and stories. We'll look at some good examples of good endings as we finish the oral presentations of the Family History Reports, some of which contain excellent finishes. Nice work!