Summer Requirements Program
Countless studies in education have proven the benefits of summer reading. Stephen Krashen in his study The Power of Reading discovered the following results:
- People who read, write better.
- Outstanding high school writers reported extensive summer reading.
- If children read one million words a year, at least one thousand words will be added to their vocabulary.
- Spelling improved when kids read.
- In summary, readers demonstrated better reading comprehension, writing style, spelling, and grammatical development.
Likewise, the implementation of continuous practice with basic math skills over the summer leads to positive, confident math and science students in the fall who are setting themselves up for success and less stress throughout the school year.
Therefore, in an effort to form the best and most successful students – students who continue to excel above the national standards, students who are fully prepared for their rigorous academic years ahead in high school, and students who are overall confident and secure in their knowledge and basic skills – All Saints has adopted a new Summer Requirements Program in Reading and Math.
Summer Reading List - Grades 5 and 6
Summer Reading List - Grades 7 and 8
Math:
The math requirements are intended to focus on basic skills that need to be kept sharp throughout the time off. The result of mastering basic math skills is a student who is less stressed, confident, and successful in several classes including math, science, and computers. All math assignments are due the first week of school for a grade toward the homework portion of the math grade.
Again, please read carefully the requirements and assessments for each grade level pertaining to your children, as they vary.
Download the math worksheets (Excel) – Math Worksheets
Reading:
Through the collaboration of various teachers from all grade levels and our library media specialists, every effort has been made to provide a summer reading list with books that appeal to various types of readers. Students will find the selections enjoyable and appealing. Selections and requirements have been made according to grade levels. Please find and read the selections and requirements that correspond to your child’s upcoming grade level. All reading assignments are due the first week of school for a quiz grade toward reading.
For students entering Sixth, Seventh, or Eighth grade:
Reading Requirements
Choose one (1) book to read from the appropriate grade level Summer Reading List provided.
Then, choose one (1) of the following assignments.
The assignment should be typed or written VERY neatly, using the proper heading
Reading Assignment Choice 1: Story Set-up
The Story Set-up should include
1. Title of the Book
2. Author
3. Setting(s): In a few sentences, describe the “wheres†and the “whens†of the story. Comment on how the setting contributes to the plot.
4. Characters and their Traits: List the main character and a few of the minor character. Describe each with several descriptive phrases that highlight their physical and character traits.
5. A Plot Sequence: Bullet-style statements in full sentences that highlight the important events of the story. Keep in mind that you want to include the conflicts or problems of the character(s) and how they were resolved at the end.
6. Theme(s): A few sentences describing the central message of the story. (Example: The theme in Pinocchio is that love is what we are all about. Pinocchio became a real live boy when he stopped being selfish and disobedient.)
7. Personal Reflection: Write a short paragraph incorporating the following:
a. Did you like the novel? Why or why not?
b. What was your favorite scene? Why?
c. Did you like the ending?
d. Did you see yourself in any of the characters? In what ways? Did you see any situation that you’ve been in mirrored in the story?
e. Would you recommend this novel to next year’s class? Why or why not?
Reading Assignment Choice 2: A Letter to the Author
This letter must be at least three paragraphs. Each paragraph must be at least 75 words.
Paragraph one: Tell the author how you feel about the settings in the novel. Comment on the descriptive passages, the time of the novel, and the place where the events take place. Setting can create a certain mood. How did you react to the mood of the story?
Paragraph two: Tell the author about the main character, and how you enjoyed the traits he or she exhibited. Was the character humorous, and if so, recall when and how it contributed to the enjoyment of the story. Was the character brave or troubled, and how did this contribute to the development of the story. Compliment the author on the formation of the character through the conflicts and/or problems that this character had to resolve.
Paragraph three: Tell the author about a particular scene from the story that impressed you greatly. It could be a dialogue between two people, or a scene when the main character is faced with difficulty, or a humorous scene that had you holding on to your sides. It might even be a suspenseful scene or a scene filled with danger. Describe it in detail and comment to the author why it was so well-written.
Close your letter with your personal reasons why you would recommend this book to others. Give your reasons in at least two or three sentences.
Reading Assignment Choice 2: A Newspaper
This assignment involves selecting a scene from the book that demonstrates a conflict between two people, or between a person and nature (like a storm), or between two groups of people. On scrap paper, list the elements of the scene: the characters, the setting, the struggle itself, and the people who were affected by this conflict.
Read a news story or two from a newspaper to get an idea about how to write up your selected scene as though it really happened and was written in a daily newspaper.
Give your story a title and write it making sure you give all the facts. You might want to open with a quote from a character. Make sure that you write in the third person, that is, that you write about the people, the events, and the setting. The article should be about 150 words. You will need a second story, perhaps shorter than the first. This one should be related to the first in some way. We call this a “spin off†story. Example: Back to Pinocchio. Let’s say that you chose to write about the scene when Pinocchio goes down to the sea to find and rescue his father from the belly of the whale. Your “spin off†story could be about this particular whale and how the fishermen have had problems with him as they set out to fish. Don’t forget to give this story a title as well. You may draw or obtain graphics for your stories.
Again, check a daily newspaper to observe how photos are used to balance a page as well as to draw the attention of the reader. You may type your one page newspaper on Publisher or on any program that will allow you to create columns. Name your newspaper and be sure to include a date.
This can be a fun project. If you enjoy the writing, the photos, or the layout part, you might want to think about joining the newspaper staff for the school newspaper next year!
Grade K-1 – Summer Bridge Activity Book
Grade 2 – Summer Bridge Activity Book + Read one grade level chapter book and complete corresponding form to be provided by the teacher.
Grades 3-5 – Summer Bridge Activity Book + Read one book from the recommended reading list and create a book jacket for the book identifying the author, title, main characters of the story, identifying the setting of the book, and writing a detailed paragraph explaining the main idea/theme of the book.
