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!
Below you will find a list of “Getting Ideas for Entries in Your Writing Notebook”. You should write in your notebook at least three times a week for a total of 20 summer writing 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. You will also find a list of “Getting Ideas For Reading Responses 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. 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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This (Character, place, event) reminds me of…because…
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This situation reminds me of something that happened in my own life. (Tell the story and talk about the connections.)
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This character I (like best, admire, dislike the most) is…because…
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The setting of this story is important because…
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This book makes me think about (an important social issue, a problem, and so on)
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When I read this book I felt…
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If I were the character, I would…
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(Character) reminds me of (myself, a friend, family member) because…
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If I could talk to one of the book’s characters I would (ask or say…)
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The big ideas in this book are…
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I think the author wrote this book to…
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I learned…
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This book makes me want to (action, further reading…)
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If I could be any character in this book, I would be…because…
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What I want to remember about this book is…
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My feelings about (the book, character) changed when…
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. |
