Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe
by Fannie Flagg

Set in a small Alabama train stop town in the 1930s, this gem of a book almost could have been shelved as just another light romantic comedy. Various women's voices tell anecdotes of Whistle Stop, as the chapters jump back and forth through time. We hear from Mrs. Threadgoode, reminiscing fondly from her nursing home in the 1980s, and the chatty Dot Weems, editor of the gossipy town newsletter (1929-1969), and then listen in on spirited dialogue set in the town of Whistle Stop itself. ... Among revelations big and small, Fannie Flagg mixes direct and empowering confrontations with racism, sexism, and ageism with the colorful and endearing language of the depression-era South and the cafe's recipes for grits, collard greens, and, of course, fried green tomatoes. -- From 500 Great Books by Women; review by Colleen McQueen

Dear Parents and Friends,

Welcome to the October 2008 Grandview Library Newsletter.

In the News
I get my fill of news from several sources. I listen to National Public Radio (NPR) during my morning commute, pick up the New York Times and the Journal News on the way home, and then I listen to my husband's recap of the day's events when he walks in the door. It hasn't been pretty. I'm feeling a bit of the tremor that's shaken our economy. Perhaps it takes this kind of jolt to get our attention -- to help us readjust our thinking and habits as a world, as a nation, and as individuals.

Don't Worry, Be Happy
Simple things can bring joy and peace of mind.
I find cooking comforting. It slows me down and centers me. This week, I prepared fried green tomatoes and homemade applesauce. The apples came from an old orchard in upstate New York and the green tomatoes were the last fruits from our home garden here in Nanuet.

Working with your children makes me happy. They surprise me, make me laugh, and remind me not to take myself too seriously. Sometimes they chime in with something that is totally unrelated, but absolutely perfect, when it is most needed. Years ago I read the book, The Geranium On The Windowsill Just Died But Teacher You Went Right On by Albert Cullum. I try to remember the lesson.

Curious George
The Kindergarten and 1st grade classes enjoyed the antics of Curious George in our new listening center. They listened to several books and then wrote about one of the selections in our Curious George Project Organizer. To view some images which "walk you" through this unit Click Here.

Ladybug Research
The Kindergarten and 1st graders are learning about ladybugs. We read three non-fiction books about ladybugs and filled in our Ladybug Project Organizer together. Then the children had an opportunity to work on the notebook computers. This model and follow approach works beautifully with young students. The children made ladybug book covers for our fact booklets. To view some images which "walk you" through our ladybug unit Click Here.

Research ~ Note Taking & Non-Fiction

The second graders are learning to take notes. We worked together using simple non-fiction books from which students could easily extract just the facts. We practiced bulleting key words instead of writing sentences. After working collaboratively, the students practiced taking notes in our Getting to Know Nonfiction Project Organizers.

Biography & Music

The third graders are listening to books about five composers written by Ana Celenza.

• Pictures at an Exhibition
• Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue
• The Heroic Symphony
• Bach's Goldberg Variations
• Farewell Symphony

The books highlight a particular piece of music and come with CDs. I've located video performances which are presented immediately after listening to the stories. The children will select one composer and use our Life of a Musician Timeline Project Organizer to write a biographical sketch.

Until next month, remember -- don't panic, be happy. Enjoy the simple things in life and hug your children.

Warmly,
Mrs. Chauncey