I recently studied a novel called In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord. Shirley Temple Wong, the main character, is a young girl who moves with her family from China to New York City. She speaks no English and, because she has no way to communicate with her fellow schoolmates, Shirley gets ignored and feels very far from home. But summer arrives, and Shirley discovers the miracle of baseball. She becomes an avid fan of Jackie Robinson as he leads the Brooklyn Dodgers to victory and the playoffs, and Shirley bonds with her classmates by mastering the game of stickball and learning how to speak English. As Shirley discovers that the grandson of a slave can make a difference for the Dodgers, she also learns why America truly is the land of opportunity. This is a very inspirational novel and it has a surprise ending that makes you want to stand up and cheer!

 

Roberta Chewning, Assist Teacher

(4th/5th grade level reading)

I am so excited for this upcoming year! My little Kindergartners are so great and hilarious to be around.  We have been doing a lot of fun things in our class. For example, we have gotten together with 3rd and 4th grade buddies. We made trees and leaves with them. We're also learning about Johnny Appleseed!  This is my 5th year at Fairmont (Edgewood Campus). When I am not teaching, my husband and I love to go to UCLA games. Here's to a fabulous school year!