Summer Reading for Students Entering Grade 6
Dear Parents,
All future sixth graders are expected to read throughout the summer. Studies show that children who read consistently over the summer break from school will become more successful students than those who do not read. I have attached a list of books that I suggest you help your child choose from to enjoy.
Each student will be required to complete one traditional book report that includes a hand-drawn, attractive cover, a description of the setting and main characters, a summary of approximately three short paragraphs and a description of whether or not your child would recommend the book to a friend, detailing why or why not. Students may choose one of the three books listed here:
- The Bronze Bow
- Bridge to Terabithia
- The Secret Garden
The traditional book report MUST be completed using one of these three books.
Future sixth graders must also read at least two additional books, however, only one additional book report is required. Students may choose one assignment from the 3 suggested below. All book reports are due the first Friday we are in school.
Sketch to Stretch: After reading each chapter, students should draw a visual representation of the events in that chapter. For example, in Laura Ingalls Wilder's "The Long Winter," chapter one details Laura working on the farm, helping her father gather hay. A picture of Laura stomping hay while her father works with the pitchfork would be an adequate portrayal of the events in that chapter. Label each drawing with the chapter number. Please also include an attractive cover displaying the student's name, the book title and author. One picture for each chapter please. The pictures should be stapled together in order with the cover on the front. All work must be done by hand.
Make Predictions: This assignment will require loose leaf or a small notepad. After reading each chapter, students write a one to two sentence summary of the events in the chapter. They should then, in detail, predict what they think will happen next in the story. After reading further, students record whether or not their predictions came true. Were their predictions accurate or partially accurate? Complete this procedure for each chapter, making predictions about characters, events, settings, etc. The purpose of this assignment is to get students to think about what they are reading as they are reading. I am not looking for students to accurately predict the story. Many predictions will not be accurate.
Diorama: Students may create a diorama of a setting that is included in the story. They should be detailed and only include ONE setting. Students must label the diorama with the book's title, author and their own name. They will be expected to write a 2-3 paragraph essay detailing the significance of the setting to the story.
- Mrs. McBarron