June 2007

Dear Parent/Guardian:

It is a scientifically proven fact that access to books can provide students with the practice they need to reach their full reading potential. However, students need to be motivated towant to read. They will be motivated by books of their own choosing.

Our goal during these summer months is to develop students' personal reading lives, encouraging them to choose to read at home, on the bus or train, on vacation, because of the pleasure reading brings to their lives.

Research shows that providing time for independent reading increases students' comprehension, vocabulary, fluency and test taking skills. We encourage you to speak with your child about what he/she is reading. What did they learn, characters they connected to and ways the book, newspaper or magazine article enriched their lives are some areas in which to share meaningful conversations.

Choose books on topics that your child will find engaging. There are books that make readers laugh, adventure books, mysteries, biographies, science fiction, fantasies and nonfiction books on topics that intrigue and fascinate. Allow your child to select from a wide variety of these age appropriate books that are at his/her independent reading level. Your librarian or local bookstore will be able to assist you in selecting something. Attached you will find some suggestions for your child's reading enjoyment.

We are also providing you with specific information on the assignments your child will need to complete based on his/her summer reading. These assignments will become part of the Language Arts grade for the first marking period.

We recognize that "one size" does not fit all. Allow your child to find a book they can read and enjoy.

SUMMER READING LIST

Grades K – 3:
1. Students must make a list of books read (parents can help Grades K and 1
students.)
Focus Correction Areas:
~ List must have student’s name at the top of the page.
~ List must include the title of the book.
~ List must include the author of the book.

2. Students must be prepared to talk about the books.
Focus Correction Areas:
~ Tell which book you liked the best.
~ Tell what it was about.
~ Tell three reasons why you liked it.

3. Create a bookmark about one of the books.
Focus Correction Areas:
~ Include one picture or illustration on the book mark.
~ Use at least three colors.
~ Include the name of the book and author on the back of the bookmark.

Grades 4 – 12:
1. Students must make a list of books read.
Focus Correction Areas:
~ List must have student’s name at the top of the page.
~ List must include the title, author, publisher, copyright date, and number
of pages.
~ List must be in order – first book is the best and last book is the one the
student liked the least (student should be prepared to explain why.)

2. Write an essay explaining which books you would or would not recommend
and why.
Focus Correction Areas:
~ Explain which book you would or would not recommend to your teacher.
~ Explain which book you would or would not recommend to your best
friend.
~ Give three reasons for each recommendation (underline each.)

3. Choose one book to make into a movie or television series and create a poster
to advertise it.
Focus Correction Areas:
~ Poster includes pictures that represent the book.
~ Poster includes information about plot.
~ Poster includes who will star in your movie or TV show.

This has been compiled in conjunction with the Bayonne Public Library. Students may borrow the listed titles or other titles by the same author.

Students may obtain these books from the Bayonne Public Library located at 31st Street and Avenue C. Only two books from this list may be borrowed at one time.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN, KINDERGARTEN, GRADE ONE, AND GRADE TWO SUMMER READING LIST

GRADE 3 AND GRADE 4 SUMMER READING LIST

GRADE 5 AND GRADE 6 SUMMER READING LIST

GRADE 7 AND GRADE 8 SUMMER READING LIST

ADDENDUM - All GRADES

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K-3 Assignment Sheet

4-12 Assignment Sheet