For current 5th grade students, please read the following carefully in preparation of your fall English classes:
Dear 5th-into-6th Graders,
When I look back, I am so impressed again
with the life-giving power of literature.
If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of
myself in the world, I would do that again by reading,
just as I did when I was young.
— Maya Angelou
Indeed, students gain a better sense of themselves through the exploration of different characters and their experiences in literature. Summer is a time of fun, exploration, and growth for middle school students; it is the perfect time to READ, READ, and READ! Imagine how we will grow as individuals and learn about our world.
To read for pleasure can be one of the most rewarding activities in life. Now that the school year is coming to an end, we encourage you to continue to enjoy worthwhile books over the summer.
Please read at least two books from the 2015 Summer Recommended Reading for Rising 5th and 6th Graders and the Recommended Book Series lists prepared by Ms. Feldman.
In addition, there are two required summer reading titles. Please read Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Muñoz Ryan and Shakespeare’s Secret by Elise Broach. There will be a writing activity on these books at the beginning of 6th grade. We advise that you finish it at the end of August. As you read each book, circle any vocabulary you do not know and underline important passages. Create a graphic organizer for each book, and bring both organizers to school when you return in September. See instruction below for this part of the Assignment.
* * * Directions and sample graphic organizers can be found here. * * *
This means that you will read at least FOUR books this summer. Of course, we would like if you read a lot more than four books. We wish you a wonderful summer and look forward to welcoming you back in the new school year.
Happy Reading!
Ms. Almog and Ms. Leibowitz
6th Grade English Teachers
Wordsmith.org: Today's Word
