Fourth Grade Journey

A Fourth Grade Teacher's Journey Through the World of Books

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Wonder Wednesday #226: Year-End Polls

Wonder Wednesday - BEST Of

*With only six days left of the 2017/2018 school year, the time has come to vote for our favorite books of the year.

*It is one of my favorite activities to do with my students.  I'm always curious to see which titles have resonated with my fourth graders.

*Here are some of the categories we will be voting on in the next few days...




Favorite #Classroombookaday TITLE (More than 172 titles to choose from)



Favorite Class Read Aloud TITLE

Wishtree by Katherine Applegate 

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Engineers by Jarrett Lerner

Refugee by Alan Gratz

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor 



Favorite Breakfast with Books Book Club TITLE
1st:  The Quirks:  Welcome to Normal by Erin Soderberg (September/October 2017)

2nd:  Lemons by Melissa Savage (October/November 2017)

3rd:  Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (November/December 2017)

4th:  Sticks and Stones along with Bubbles by Abby Cooper (December/January 2018)

5th:  Saving Marty by Paul Griffin (January/February 2018)

6th:  Raffie on the Run by Jacqueline Resnick (March 2018)

7th:  Smart Cookie by Elly Swartz (April 2018)

8th:  Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead (May 2018)



Favorite Independent Reading TITLE  (From their independent reading list)

Monday, May 28, 2018

Without Refuge by Jane Mitchell

How I Heard About It:  This novel came to me via the publisher.  It was perfect timing because I had just finished reading Refugee by Alan Gratz to my class.  I was curious to compare the two stories about refugees.  

What It Is About:   When life becomes unbearable for Ghalib and his family, they decide to leave Syria.  After much consideration, the family begins to make their way toward Europe.  While on foot, they must cross, and/or attempt to cross, borders that are being guarded by military.  The family encounters various refugee camps.  Some of them they find safe to stay at while others they realize will only cause them more danger.  At one point, Ghalib's family becomes separated and do everything they can to reunite their family.  There are moments when Ghalib doesn't think they will make it to safely.  When he learns they must cross an ocean; he isn't sure they will ever get to their destination and the hope for a new life.  

What I Thought Of It:  The story was good, but since I was just coming off Refugee by Gratz; I found myself comparing that story to this one.  There was wonderful information in this story, but I wasn't emotional tied to the characters and/or events.  The author did a wonderful job of providing accurate and true information about the life of a family on the "run".  I did think some parts of the story moved a bit too slowly for my taste, but overall thought it was a satisfying read.  

Who Should Read It:  Because of the content, writing, and length of the book, I would say sixth grade readers and above would be best suited for this book.  I'm not sure fourth/fifth grade readers would be able to grasp the story and/or enjoy it.  The book would be great for a class read aloud in grades five, six, and middle-school because it would lead to such rich discussions.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  3 STARS out of 5 Stars

The Endling: The Last by Katherine Applegate

How I Heard About It:  How could one not hear that the one and only Katherine Applegate was releasing a new novel?  A few months ago while on Twitter I learned that a new novel was coming from one of my favorite middle-grade authors.  I was thrilled.  I ordered it from Amazon as soon as it was released.  

What It Is About:   This is the first of a new series.  I would classify it as animal fantasy.  The story begins with the "daime" pack being in danger.  Byx is the youngest member of this pack.  After a terrible event that targets Byx's pack, she realizes she may be the last member alive.  Her species is dog-like, but they are also human-like.  Byx heads out on a journey to find safety and the possibility of other "daimes".  While on her journey, she comes across other animal type creatures along with humans.  Each one of them is on a personal journey of their own.  Byx meets Tobble, who is a wobbyk; Khara, a human girl; Renzo, a thief; and Gambler, a felivet.  This group travels many miles through a war-torn kingdom.  While traveling they encounter many challenges and dangers.  Byx knows she may be the last of her kind, and does everything she can to make sure she doesn't put herself in danger and/or get killed.  

What I Thought Of It:  It has been quite some time since I've read an animal fantasy story.  It is a genre I don't normally gravitate toward, but how can you go wrong with Katherine Applegate.  I enjoyed the story of Byx and her adventures.  At first I was a bit confused by the names and locations, but decided not to let "names" get in my way of the story itself.  It always amazes me how writers can create mythical "characters" that seem so real and human-like.  The plot was engaging and kept me interested until the very last page.  Katherine's writing is exquisite and she has such a way with words.  I can see young readers being spell-bound by the characters and action within the pages of the novel.  

Who Should Read It:  In my opinion, this novel would be best suited for fifth and sixth grade readers.  A strong fourth grade reader may be able to handle the length and content of the story.  Middle-school readers will also find this an incredible read.  Young readers who enjoy animal fantasy will eat up the adventure of Byx and her friends.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars



Thursday, May 24, 2018

Life Lesson #27 - Be DIFFERENT

"Be DIFFERENT"

*This is the TWENTY-SEVENTH Thursday of our school year together and that means it is "Life Lesson" Thursday.

*One of the biggest messages I try to share with my students is to make a positive impact on the world.

*This isn't always easy, but I work very hard to spread this theme/lesson/idea each and every day.  

*I love this video.  I love it because it is different from the other ones I've shared this year.  I love the subtle message.  The video clip always leads to a great discussion.  

*I set aside time during each day for us to work in our writer's notebooks. 

*We talk about what types of writing we can do in the notebook.  Here are some of the possibilities...

-What we notice in the video
-What we wonder about
-Connections we have to the video
-Thoughts, feeling, emotions about the video clip
-Reminders we have from the lesson/message
-Create a fiction story about the video


*Once the video is shared with the writers, we spend a few minutes "talking" about what we observed.

*My writers set up their HEADING in the notebook and we get busy writing.

*During the start-up of the year, I have my students write for about five minutes.  We slowly build our stamina for writing and slowly add time to the writing block. 

*At the end of the individual writing time, we call on a few volunteers to share their actual writing and/or further thoughts about the video we watched and wrote about.

*If there is time, I sometimes share the video clip with my class at the end of the writer's notebook time.  


2017/2018 Life Lessons...
Week #1:  Be a Reader                                                                      This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #2:  Be Kind to Others                                                              This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #3:  Be Safe                                                                             This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #4:  Be Responsible                                                                 This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #5:  Be Brains                                                                           This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #6:  Be a Friend                                                                        This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #7:  Be Life-Changing                                                              This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #8:  Be Spooky (Halloween Fun Edition)
Week #9:  Be a Bully - NOT!                                                              This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #10:  Be Courageous (to continue on)                                     This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #11:  Be Motivated                                                                   This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #12:  Be Inspired                                                                      This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #13:  Be Merry                                                                          This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #14:  Be a Team                                                                       This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #15:  Be Giving                                                                         This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #16:  Be SHOUTful                                                                  This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #17:  Be Happy                                                                        This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #18:  Be a Reader                                                                    This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #19:  Be POWERful                                                                 This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #20:  Be Brave                                                                         This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #21:  Be Positive                                                                      This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #22:  Be a Friend                                                                      This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #23:  Be Strong and Courageous                                             This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #24:  Be DANCE-Like                                                              This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #25:  Be Inclusive                                                                     This Week's Life-Lesson
Week #26:  Be a TEAM                                                                      This Week's Life-Lesson

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Wonder Wednesday #225 (The Power of Reading)

Wonder Wednesday - The WONDER in Reading


*I'm trying to leave my students with images, messages, and reminders of the power of reading.

*One way I do this is to provide them with some videos that capture the "essence" of reading and/or books!







Monday, May 21, 2018

The Key to Everything by Pat Schmatz

How I Heard About It:  This novel came to via the publisher.  The book hit the world on May 8th.  I loved the cover the was excited to see what the story was about.  

What It Is About:   What does an eleven-year-old do when her father is put behind bars and the mother is absent?  Tash finds herself living with her uncle.  She is also looked after by the elderly lady next door who she calls Captain Jackie.  When her uncle needs to travel, and the Captain can't care for her, Tash has to spend a month at a summer camp.  She isn't thrilled about this, but once at camp, find herself enjoying herself.  Upon her return, Tash is upset to learn that Captain Jackie is "missing" and no one seems to know where she is. After some investigation that Tash and her uncle conduct, they learn that Jackie has taken a fall and is spending time in a rehabilitation center.  The situation throws Tash for a loop and she works hard to put her life back into the order it was before she left for summer camp.  

What I Thought Of It:  The story started without much background information.  The first few chapters were also a collection of letters from each of the characters.  This was a bit confusing, but once the "letters" were over, the plot fell into a rhythm and nice pace.  I enjoyed the character of Tash.  She was strong, unique, and determined.  Captain Jackie added greatly to the story and was multi-faceted.  There weren't any great big surprises, but was an easy and enjoyable read.  

Who Should Read It:  I would recommend this novel to girls in grades four, five, and six.  The story revolves mostly around Tash so I'm thinking female readers will relate to her story more than boys.  Middle-school girls would also be readers to put this book into the hands of.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  3 STARS out of 5 Stars

Music Monday #31 - See You Again by Wiz Khalifa



"See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa

*Music Monday is HERE and I'm excited to share a year's worth of musical selections with you.

*I know it is going to be a GREAT year of music, writing, thinking, and sharing.

*This is the last Monday of the school year.  I have used this song for the last couple of years as a good-bye to my students.  Not only is it a great message, but the writers LOVE the song and connect to it.  

*Today is our THIRTY-FIRST Monday together and that means it is time for our musical selection.

*I truly believe Mondays are my favorite day for our writer's notebooks.  

*Each Monday I present a piece of music to my fourth graders.  I usually present the song via a video so they are hearing and "seeing" the music.  

*After I share the video, we discuss the song/video for a few minutes as a class.  It is always a joy to hear what my young listeners have to say about the song.  

*They then get busy writing in their notebooks.  We start off at the beginning of the year writing for about five minutes.  This will gradually increase as the year progresses.  

*Here are some ideas I give the writers to think about during their writing time...

*Their opinions of the song.
*Their likes and dislikes of the song.
*What the song reminds them of.
*Any connections they may have to the music.
*What they think the message in the piece may be.
*What listeners can learn from the song.
*A fictional story about the music/video.

*These are just some ideas I give to the writers.  They are really free to write anything they would like as long as it connects to the song.

*After our silent reading, we spend a few more minutes sharing out what we wrote.  

*I keep a collection of the videos on our Schoology Site so that my students can always go back and rematch them anytime they wish.


Our Musical Selections for 2017/2018... 

Week #1:  "What I Am" by will.i.am                                                  Click Here for Week One MUSIC
Week #2:  "Hopeful" by Bars and Melody                                         Click Here for Week Two MUSIC
Week #3:  "Somebody" by Lemonade Mouth                                  Click Here for Week Three MUSIC
Week #4:  "Dream Big" by Ryan Shupe                                            Click Here for Week Four MUSIC
Week #5:  "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield                                 Click Here for Week Five MUSIC
Week #6:  "The World's Greatest" by R. Kelly                                    Click Here for Week Six MUSIC
Week #7:  "Candyman" by Zedd, Aloe Blacc                                   Click Here of Week Seven MUSIC
Week #8:  "Thriller" by Michael Jackson                                         Click Here for Week Eight MUSIC
Week #9:  "Clay" by Grace Vanderwaal                                           Click Here for Week Nine MUSIC
Week #10:  "I Don't Know My Name" by Grace Vanderwaal           Click Here for Week Ten MUSIC 
Week #11:  "Brand New Eyes" by Bea Miller                               Click Here for Week Eleven MUSIC
Week #12:  "You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hansen         Click Here for Week Twelve MUSIC
Week #13:  "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka                    Click Here for Week Thirteen MUSIC
Week #14:  "Rise Up" by Andra Day                                          Click Here for Week Fourteen MUSIC
Week #15:  "Carol of the Bells" by The Piano Guys                     Click Here for Week Fifteen MUSIC
Week #16:  "This is Me" from The Greatest Showman                Click Here for Week Sixteen MUSIC
Week #17:  "A Million Dreams" The Greatest Showman        Click Here for Week Seventeen MUSIC
Week #18:  "I'll Be Your Water" by Keb Mo                              Click Here for Week Eighteen MUSIC
Week #19:  "The Champion" by Carrie Underwood                  Click Here for Week Nineteen MUSIC
Week #20:  "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake             Click Here for Week Twenty Music
Week #21:  "Legends" by Sleeping with Sirens                    Click Here for Week Twenty-One MUSIC
Week #22:  "Geronimo" by Sheppard                                   Click Here for Week Twenty-Two MUSIC
Week #23:  "Fresh Eyes" by Andy Grammer                     Click Here for Week Twenty-Three MUSIC
Week #24:  "One Shining Moment" by Luther Vandross     Click Here for Week Twenty-Four MUSIC
Week #25:  "Happy People" by Little Big Town                  Click Here for Week Twenty-Five MUSIC
Week #26:  "The World is Ours" by David Correy                 Click Here for Week Twenty-Six MUSIC
Week #27:  "Wavin' Flag" by K'Naan                                Click Here for Week Twenty-Seven MUSIC
Week #28:  "We Know the Way" from Moana                    Click Here for Week Twenty-Eight MUSIC
Week #29:  "Hall of Fame" by The Script                            Click Here for Week Twenty-Nine MUSIC
Week #30:  "Be Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw                     Click Here for Week Thirty MUSIC

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (5/21/18)



Thanks to Jen and Kellee for hosting this idea on their site.  Here is a link to the site...
                
Books I Read this Past Week…


My Name is Venus Black by Heather Lloyd

*Young-Adult Novel (4 STARS out of 5 Stars!)

My Book Review







The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller

 *Middle-Grade Novel (4 STARS out of 5 Stars!)







The Key to Everything by Pat Schmatz

*Middle-Grade Novel (4 STARS out of 5 Stars!)









Books I Will (continue to) Read this Week



Endling the Last by Katherine Applegate

*My Middle-Grade Novel








The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson

*My Middle-Grade Novel (Audio)









Without Refuge by Jane Mitchell

*My Middle-Grade Novel

Saturday, May 19, 2018

My Name is Venus Black by Heather Lloyd

How I Heard About It:  While looking through my GoodReads list of books to be read, I came across this title.  I don't remember adding it, but was ready to read a young-adult novel. I actually downloaded it via my Audible app and listen for the last couple of weeks while going to and from work.  

What It Is About:   When Venus Black was about thirteen years old, she was arrested for the murder of her step-father.  She refuses to talk about what happened and finds herself spending five years in a prison for young people.  Venus left her mother and younger brother with special needs behind.  Right around the time she was arrested, her brother Leo goes missing.  It tears Venus apart, but there is nothing she can do from behind bars.  Five years later, when Venus is released, she decides to begin a new life and put the past behind her.  She is estranged from her mother and has no idea if Leo is alive or dead.  She takes on a new name, new identity, and slowing begins to take her life back.  As the days proceed on the outside, Venus' past slowly creeps back and she is confronted with both her mother and Leo.  

What I Thought Of It:  An incredible audio story.  I enjoyed it from the beginning to the very end and my attention never wavered.  There were so many aspects of this work of fiction that I enjoyed.  Mainly the characters were well written, realistic, and thought-provoking.  The plot centered on the relationships that Venus had, but there was also a major sense of suspense as to what happened with Leo, his life, and if he would be reunited with his mother and sister.  There were times when I was frustrated with the decisions that some of the characters made, but to me this is an excellent sign of tremendous writing.  

Who Should Read It:  I know this novel is billed for the "young-adult" reader, but I think the book could be read by both the young-adult and adult reader.  The plot is engaging, pulls the reader in, and explores quite a few relational type issues.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Wonder Wednesday #224 (Mindfulness)

Wonder Wednesday - A "Retreat" away from the Classroom

*The last days of teaching are always a busy time, but it was wonderful to get out of the classroom and give myself some PD.

*This was my second day of Mindfulness Training that my district is offering.

*I have been implementing many Yoga Calm/Mindfulness concepts and activities throughout the school year.  I have seen a definite move in the right direction.


*The students that we are getting at our school are coming with more and more needs and as educators we need to find ways to meet them where they are at.  Taking time for thought, movement, and relaxation is so important.

*I came away with many new ideas and I can't wait to implement them in the remaining 15 days of fourth grade.  It is even more exciting to think about the possibilities that I will start next fall with.

*Our training was provided by 1000 PETALS.

*Here are a few videos that may get you started on your own journey...





Tuesday, May 15, 2018

The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller

How I Heard About It:  Many of my Twitter friends shared such positive thoughts about this novel that I put it on my last Amazon order and was thrilled when it arrived in the mail.  I didn't know much about the story, but based on what my reading friends were saying, I was anticipating a great read.  

What It Is About:   Natalie loves science.  She loves her science teacher.  She also loves her scientist mother.  Recently her mother had a set-back at work and has retreated to her bedroom.  Natalie and her father try to make the best of it, but the longer her mother remains distant, the more concerned Natalie becomes.  She makes it her mission to win a science contest in which she will earn some money.  With this money, she hopes to reunite her mother with her science passion and get their life back to normal.  While at school Natalie not only has to deal with the science contest, but navigating rough waters with some of her friends.  When he father takes her to a therapist, Natalie isn't sure why she has to open up about her "feelings" when her own mother doesn't.  

What I Thought Of It:  A journey of emotional awareness for sure.  I thought the story was strong and moved along at a wonderful pace.  The chapters and sections were organized according to the scientific method which I found both interesting and unique.  The character of Natalie was realistic and easy to relate to.  I enjoyed that she showed both a strong independent side, and a side where she desperately needed both her mother and father.  Most stories don't revolve around the topic of science, and I liked how this story did.  I now want to have an egg-drop contest in my own class.  

Who Should Read It:  I'm thinking this novel would be best suited for readers at the end of fourth grade, fifth grade, and sixth grade.  I can see it in the hands of female readers a bit more than male, but that isn't to say boys wouldn't enjoy the story.  If you have a student that has dealt with a family member and depression, this would be the perfect novel to put in their hands.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars



The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown

How I Heard About It:  This has been a novel I've waited a long time to read.  I absolutely loved the first book and couldn't wait to see how the story continued.  I first gave my copy to a student I had last year because he had been waiting all year to read the sequel.  It was fun to share my copy with him.  

What It Is About:   Roz is back.  After being taken off the island, she ends up on a farm as their electronic helper.  She is put in charge of helping with the animals and other tasks around the farm.  When a dangerous storm hits, she must protect not only herself, but the children and animals.  Roz isn't happy in her new environment, wants to be reunited with her adopted son, and return to the island she called home. When the two children on the farm find about about Roz's wish, they agree to help her escape.  From here, she embarks on an adventure of travel, animals, family, friends, and a whole lot of other danger and/or fun.  Her main goal is to spend her life with her adopted son, a goose, and find the island that she called home.  

What I Thought Of It:  If possible, I think I enjoyed this story even better than the first one.  It was so great to get back to Roz, Brightbill, and a whole new cast of characters.  The action/adventure started on page one and didn't let up until the very last page.  I think that Peter's style of writing is unique, spot-on, and engaging.  I found myself chuckling on several occasions while reading.  It was a pure joy to read and such a fun and entertaining read.  Both my former student and myself hope the adventure continues in a third book.  

Who Should Read It:  I think this is perfect novel for third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade readers.  This is actually a book series that some of my hard to reach readers have embraced, read, and enjoyed.  There is something about the plot that really draws in the reader.  Happy Reading!  

Rating:  5 STARS out of 5 Stars




Monday, May 14, 2018

Music Monday #30: Be Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw


"Be Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw

*Music Monday is HERE and I'm excited to share a year's worth of musical selections with you.

*I know it is going to be a GREAT year of music, writing, thinking, and sharing.

*This is a one of a kind song.  When I first heard it a couple years ago, I knew it was the perfect song for Music Monday.  The message is spot-on and the words are so important.  Beyond the curriculum, I think real-life messages are the center point of my classroom.  

*Today is our THIRTIETH Monday together and that means it is time for our musical selection.

*I truly believe Mondays are my favorite day for our writer's notebooks.  

*Each Monday I present a piece of music to my fourth graders.  I usually present the song via a video so they are hearing and "seeing" the music.  

*After I share the video, we discuss the song/video for a few minutes as a class.  It is always a joy to hear what my young listeners have to say about the song.  

*They then get busy writing in their notebooks.  We start off at the beginning of the year writing for about five minutes.  This will gradually increase as the year progresses.  

*Here are some ideas I give the writers to think about during their writing time...

*Their opinions of the song.
*Their likes and dislikes of the song.
*What the song reminds them of.
*Any connections they may have to the music.
*What they think the message in the piece may be.
*What listeners can learn from the song.
*A fictional story about the music/video.

*These are just some ideas I give to the writers.  They are really free to write anything they would like as long as it connects to the song.

*After our silent reading, we spend a few more minutes sharing out what we wrote.  

*I keep a collection of the videos on our Schoology Site so that my students can always go back and rematch them anytime they wish.


Our Musical Selections for 2017/2018... 

Week #1:  "What I Am" by will.i.am                                                  Click Here for Week One MUSIC
Week #2:  "Hopeful" by Bars and Melody                                         Click Here for Week Two MUSIC
Week #3:  "Somebody" by Lemonade Mouth                                  Click Here for Week Three MUSIC
Week #4:  "Dream Big" by Ryan Shupe                                            Click Here for Week Four MUSIC
Week #5:  "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield                                 Click Here for Week Five MUSIC
Week #6:  "The World's Greatest" by R. Kelly                                    Click Here for Week Six MUSIC
Week #7:  "Candyman" by Zedd, Aloe Blacc                                   Click Here of Week Seven MUSIC
Week #8:  "Thriller" by Michael Jackson                                         Click Here for Week Eight MUSIC
Week #9:  "Clay" by Grace Vanderwaal                                           Click Here for Week Nine MUSIC
Week #10:  "I Don't Know My Name" by Grace Vanderwaal           Click Here for Week Ten MUSIC 
Week #11:  "Brand New Eyes" by Bea Miller                               Click Here for Week Eleven MUSIC
Week #12:  "You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hansen         Click Here for Week Twelve MUSIC
Week #13:  "Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka                    Click Here for Week Thirteen MUSIC
Week #14:  "Rise Up" by Andra Day                                          Click Here for Week Fourteen MUSIC
Week #15:  "Carol of the Bells" by The Piano Guys                     Click Here for Week Fifteen MUSIC
Week #16:  "This is Me" from The Greatest Showman                Click Here for Week Sixteen MUSIC
Week #17:  "A Million Dreams" The Greatest Showman        Click Here for Week Seventeen MUSIC
Week #18:  "I'll Be Your Water" by Keb Mo                              Click Here for Week Eighteen MUSIC
Week #19:  "The Champion" by Carrie Underwood                  Click Here for Week Nineteen MUSIC
Week #20:  "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake             Click Here for Week Twenty Music
Week #21:  "Legends" by Sleeping with Sirens                    Click Here for Week Twenty-One MUSIC
Week #22:  "Geronimo" by Sheppard                                   Click Here for Week Twenty-Two MUSIC
Week #23:  "Fresh Eyes" by Andy Grammer                     Click Here for Week Twenty-Three MUSIC
Week #24:  "One Shining Moment" by Luther Vandross     Click Here for Week Twenty-Four MUSIC
Week #25:  "Happy People" by Little Big Town                  Click Here for Week Twenty-Five MUSIC
Week #26:  "The World is Ours" by David Correy                 Click Here for Week Twenty-Six MUSIC
Week #27:  "Wavin' Flag" by K'Naan                                Click Here for Week Twenty-Seven MUSIC
Week #28:  "We Know the Way" from Moana                    Click Here for Week Twenty-Eight MUSIC
Week #29:  "Hall of Fame" by The Script                            Click Here for Week Twenty-Nine MUSIC