Summer Assignment Guidelines (1st-5th) for 2011-2012

Over the summer months, we would like to invite your child to read as many books as he or she would like. To keep track of the progress, we have provided a reading log for your child to fill out each time a book is finished. Books read to your child can be included on this log.

Summer reading is a proven moethod of encouraging reading. Allowing your child to self-select books helps develop enthusiastic readers. Teach your child to use the "Five-Finger Rule" when selecting books. It is one of the best ways to test a book for readability. the rule is as follows.

1. First choose the book you think you would like to read.
2. Find a page of text somewhere in the middle of the book. Find a page with lots of text and few or no pictures.
3. Begin to read the page. It is best to read the page aloud or in a whisper if possible while doing the test so you can hear the places where you have difficulty.
4. Each time you come to a word you don't know, hold one finger up.
5. If you have all five fingers up before you get to the end of the page, wave the book "good-bye". It is probably too difficult for you right now. Try it again later in the year.
6. If you have no fingers up when you finish the page, then the book may be too easy a read for you.
7. If you have less than five fingers but more than one or two fingers up when you finish the page, the book may be just what you need to grow as a reader.

SUGGESTED BOOKS FOR SUMMER READING FOR FIRST GRADERS GOING INTO SECOND GRADE

Authors/Series Names

Shel Silverstein
Arnold Lobel-Frog and Toad
Cynthia Rylant
Jan Brett
David Adler-Young Cam Jansen
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Peggy Parish-Amelia Bedelia
Nate the Great
Box Car Children
Tommie de Paola
Beatrix Potter
Franklin Books
Henry and Mudge
Dr.Seuss
A.A. Milne
Arthur Books
Easy Biographies
Books about animals
Books about Canada, Mexico, and the United States
Books about Matter, Magnets, Life Cycles, Plants, Light, Sound
Easy lives of the Saints
Laura Ingalls Wilder

During the first week of second grade you will hand in your reading log. We have provided a list of suggestions, but you may choose any books you like. Over the summer read at least 4 books. On the Reading Log please write down the date you read the book, the Title of the book, the author of the book and then fill in one circle for each book, telling your teacher what you thought of the book.

SUGGESTED READING LIST FOR SECOND GRADERS GOING INTO THIRD GRADE
Choose at least eight from the list to read

Primary Books

 Intermediate

Reading: Choose at least 8 books from the suggested reading list. Write the Title, Author and Rating on the Reading Log. Parents please initial. rising third grade students may be at different reading levels. Therefore you will see early, primary and intermediate leveled books. Please choose the one that is just right. Parents may read more challenging books or partner read with their child (the child follows the text and reads as you read). Please remember that the Fairfax County Public Library has an excellent summer reading program that kids enjoy. Students may also use Raz-Kids.com.

Math: Third grade is an important year in the development of Math skills. Please review basic addition and subtraction fact families. Practice skip counting. Give students opportunities to use money and make change. While there are no required Math pages to complete over the summer, we highly recommend that you purchase a 2nd grade workbook to review computation and problem-solving skills. The Original Summer Bridge Activities: 2nd to 3rd Grade, by Julia Ann Hobbs & Carla Fisher (paperback, April 2006) is a good choice.

SUGGESTED READING LIST FOR THIRD GRADERS GOING INTO FOURTH

Reading: Your child is required to read a minimum of 4 books this summer from the suggested reading list or of his/her own choosing. Students need to fill in the fourth grade reading log with the title and author of each book. When they complete each book the parent must sign the log. The log will be turned in the first day of school in August. Please find a book that your child can accomplish reading on his/her own at the appropriate level. This will ensure (s)he will get the most out of the summer reading assignment. Just as professional basketball players still have to practice their dribbling skills, your child needs to practice reading. It really is the only way to become more proficient.

Math: In order to make a smooth transition into fourth grade, please practice the math facts (+,-,x, /) a minimum of 30 minutes each week.

Writing: It would be beneficial for your child to become more comforatable with cursive over the summer. Please refer to their third grade handwriting book to ensure that they are forming the cursive letter correctly.

Reading: After much discussion, it has been decided to have students focus on reading for pleasure and exploring new writers over the summer, rather than formal reports. Rising fifth graders are expected to read a minimum of three books of their choice which may be selected from the suggested reading list, including at least one work of fiction. On the return to school, students must bring a completed fifth grade reading log and a copy of their favorite fiction read. The students will be completing activities in class on their book.

Battle of the Books: This is an optional diocesan competition open to fifth and sixth graders which is coached by Mrs. Tierney and Mrs. Brooks-Kenney during the school year. The list is provided for students interested in reading ahead.

Math: In order to make a smooth transition into fourth grade, please practice the math facts (+,-,x, /) a minimum of 30 minutes each week.