June, 2010
Dear Students and Parents,
Summertime is perfect for reading the books you’ve wanted to read all year, but just haven’t had the time. It’s also a great time to continue your life as a writer by collecting ideas in your writer’s notebook. Research has proven that summer reading not only keeps reading skills strong, but also enhances critical thinking skills. So take the opportunity this summer to strengthen your reading skills by sitting back and get Lost” in a book!
Continue to write in your writer’s notebook at least once or twice a week for a total of 10 summer entries. Remember to date your entries. Bring your summer writing notebook with you on the first day of school, Wednesday, September 8, 2010. You will use your notebook to publish a piece with your new class.
Below you will find a list of “Getting Ideas for Reading Response to Literature”. Click here to Download a Reading Log to record the books you read this summer. You should read at least two fiction and two non-fiction books. Choose one book that was your favorite and write a response to literature. Bring your Reading Log and “Response to Literature” on the first day of school, Wednesday, September 8, 2010. You will use this log and response as a part of a school wide reading celebration shortly after school begins.
A suggested reading list is below also. Feel free to choose any of the books listed or choose books of your own.
Remember parents, kids learn by watching, so pick up a book yourself and join in on the fun!
Have a wonderful summer and enjoy your travels into the world of reading and writing.
Sincerely,
Valerie Capitulo
Principal
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Collect personal artifacts and about and them
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Create a timeline of personal events. Write about an event.
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Make a list and choose something to write about.
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Write about something you do well.
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Observe your surroundings. Write about what you see.
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Find a photograph and write about what it makes you think about.
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If you go anywhere special, sketch a picture and write about your experiences.
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On a walk to the park, at a pool or beach, or simply to the store, sketch a picture and write about it.
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Look through an old, writing notebook. Think about an . entry. What does it remind you of? Add to the entry or create a new one. You can write the entry in a new genre.
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Read an old notebook entry. Zoom in on one part of the story and try to slow down time.
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Think of a memory and write it down.
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Draw a map of a favorite place. Write down some of the stories that youJve experienced· there at different times.
Click here to download the following group of books that are old favorites, series books and books by your favorite authors. Please encourage your children to read all summer long.
Here are a few reading tips that can help them become successful readers:
| Find a favorite place to read |
Encourage reading at least 45 minutes a day |
| Pick a quiet time of the day |
Find a common time to read with parents/siblings, etc. |
| Take books with you on trips |
Have your own personal reading logs |
| Read before bedtime |
Share the books that you loved to read when your child’s age |
| Play reading games: reading license plates, menus, etc. |
Visit your local library and bookstore and check the grade levels with the librarian |
| Find out when there are storytelling events in your neighborhood |
Have your own personal reading logs |
| Write a letter to your favorite author |
Find out more about the author’s life via the internet. |
