Summer Reading 2016 New Milford Schools Elementary Programs

Summer is a time that should find us looking forward to reading and remembering a

good book can be fun as well as informative. Berkley Street and B.F. Gibbs Elementary

School faculty members encourage all students and their families to engage in reading

together this summer by exploring literature of all kinds. Research has shown that

students who read during the summer months retain more learning, enhance literacy

skills developed throughout the school year, and move into the new school year more

prepared than students who do not engage in reading. Creating a habit of lifelong

reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. Establishing this habit early

and nurturing it throughout their school years, is critical to their success.

This year’s summer reading format encourages students to build time during the day to

read independently. By encouraging students to read independently over the summer, we

support the goal of creating lifelong readers. Our district mission is for all students to

engage in pleasure reading for a minimum of 20 minutes each day this summer.

We want students to pursue reading for enjoyment and encourage it through a wide

selection of quality books. For this reason, we have developed a suggested summer

reading list of faculty recommendations that provide something for every interest. The

list is compromised of award-winning titles, various genres, timeless classics and

popular brand-new titles. Please keep in mind that although specific titles are provided,

students may choose to read any book. Each grade level also includes details about

learning opportunities to support comprehension through writing in response to reading

in a Reader’s Response Log. We ask that each student (or parent for incoming K-1)

maintain a brag sheet of all the books he or she reads during the summer, and submits it

to the classroom teacher in September. Students are encouraged to read all different

genres and forms of written expression including newspapers, magazines, fiction,

historical fiction, biographies, non-fiction and poetry. There is no limit to how much a

student can read this summer---Just Read!

Your support in promoting literacy skills at home is especially critical during the

elementary years. We hope your family has a wonderful time enjoying many great books

this summer!

Mrs. Aufiero Mr. Davies Ms. Odoksta Principal – Berkley Principal – Gibbs Supervisor Elem. Instruction

Summer Reading 2016 Entering Grade 5

Suggested Book List The following list includes teacher recommended books for fifth grade students:

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar (Level O) You can imagine the confusion at Wayside School when the builder made a terrible mistake. You see, instead of building 30 classrooms side-by-side, he built them one on top of another.

Maybe that accounts for the wacky goings-on in Mrs. Jewls' class. Where else will you find children being turned into apples, dead rats wearing raincoats, and little girls who try to sell their toes? If you're confused too, maybe Todd can explain it to you, but just remember, he leaves at noon.

Humorous episodes from the classroom on the thirtieth floor of Wayside School, which was accidentally built sideways with one classroom on each story.

Stone Fox by John R Gardiner (Level P) Few characters are as determined as ten-year-old Willy, once he learns that his grandfather is sick in bed because he has no reason to live. Little Willy and his grandfather make their home on a potato farm in Wyoming, and although the work can be back breaking, it is also a lot of fun, especially when Grandfather plays with Willy. Now with Grandfather too depressed to speak, much less get out of bed, Willy and his loyal dog, Searchlight, have to harvest the crop themselves. They need to rent a horse, but when Willy looks in the strongbox for money, he discovers that they are broke. The problem is solved when Searchlight takes up the harness in her mouth. Willy and Searchlight are able to plow the fields and harvest the potatoes, but when they present Grandfather the money earned from its sale, Willy finds out that his Grandfather is still depressed.

Willy discovers that Grandfather needs 500 dollars to pay off 10 years worth of back taxes on the farm, or they will lose it. In a daring plan, Willy enters the National Dogsled Race, and stakes everything on the wild hope that he can outrun the best dogsled racers in the country — including the legendary Indian, Stone Fox. The fast-paced, thoroughly engrossing description of the race reaches a sudden, tragic climax when Searchlight dies just before the finish line. In a moving end, Stone Fox understands that Willy and Searchlight are the true winners and allows Willy to carry Searchlight across the finish line and collect the prize. The author of a number of children's books, including General Butterfingers and Top Secret, John Reynolds Gardiner got the idea for his story from a Rocky Mountain legend told to him in a café in Idaho. Though the characters are fictitious, the race and its surprising finish are reported to have actually happened.

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary (Level Q) Beverly Cleary's Newbery Medal-winning book explores the thoughts and emotions of a sixth-grade boy, Leigh Botts, in letter form as he writes to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw.

After his parents separate, Leigh Botts moves to a new town with his mother. Struggling to make friends and deal with his anger toward his absent father, Leigh loses himself in a class

assignment in which he must write to his favorite author. When Mr. Henshaw responds, the two form an unexpected friendship that will change Leigh's life forever.

Anastasia Krupnik by Lois Lowry (Level Q) This is the first book of a popular series of middle-grade novels by Lois Lowry, depicting the title character's life as a girl "just trying to grow up." Anastasia deals with everyday problems such as popularity and the wart on her thumb. The book is written in episodic fashion, each chapter self-contained with minimal narrative link to the others. At the end of each chapter is a list written by Anastasia, listing her likes and dislikes, showing the character's growth and development through the story.

Caddie Woodlawn by Carol R. Brink (Level R) Caddie Woodlawn, which has been captivating young readers since 1935, was awarded the John Newbery Medal for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. In her new foreword, Carol Ryrie Brink lovingly recalls the real Caddie, who was her grandmother, and tells how she often "sat spellbound, listening, listening!" as Caddie told stories of her pioneer childhood. Children everywhere will love redheaded Caddie with her penchant for pranks. Scarcely out of one scrape before she is into another, she refuses to be a "lady," preferring instead to run the woods with her brothers. Whether she is crossing the lake on a raft, visiting an Indian camp, or listening to the tales of the circuit rider, Caddie's adventures provide an exciting and authentic picture of life on the Wisconsin frontier in the 1860s. And readers will discover, as Caddie learns what growing up truly means, that it is not so very different today.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (Level R) Who doesn't know Dahl's story of poverty-stricken little Charlie Bucket who finds one of Willie Wonka's golden tickets and, along with four other children, gets a tour of his amazing chocolate factory? Each of the other children demonstrates a common childhood failing, to extreme-gluttony, greediness, excessive gum-chewing, and TV addiction. As, one by one, they fall prey to the factory's enticements, soon only Charlie is left and he gets the ultimate prize. What's not to love in a story that circles around niceness and chocolate? Listeners will find themselves once again rooting for Charlie as Douglas Hodge performs the book with vim, vigor, tons of expression, and the occasional sound effect. This is a joyous leap into a childhood classic that both children and adults will enjoy.

Frindle by Andrew Clements (Level R) Fifth grader Nick Allen knows just how to make school more cool. In third grade, he transformed Miss Deaver's room into a tropical paradise with some paper palm trees and a sandy beach. In fourth grade, he taught his classmates to mimic the high-pitched calls of blackbirds. But now, in fifth grade, he's come up with his most ingenious idea yet. After learning about the origins of words, he decides to change the word pen tofrindle . At first, it seems like a harmless prank, a way to annoy his dictionary-obsessed teacher. Then the whole class starts using the new word, and the joke spreads across town like wildfire. Suddenly Nick finds himself in the middle of a media frenzy over frindle. Will Nick emerge from the controversy a troublemaker or a hero?

Stuart Little by E. B. White (Level R) “When Mrs. Frederick C. Little's second son arrived, everybody noticed that he was not much bigger than a mouse. The truth of the matter was, the baby looked very much like a mouse in every way." So begins E.B. White's tale of a sensitive, erudite mouse that is somehow born to a family of humans. Mr. and Mrs. Little name him Stuart and make him a tiny bed out of four clothespins and a cigarette box. He is a welcome addition to their pleasant New York City home. He can do things that no one else in the family can do, like retrieve his mother's ring from the bathtub drain.

But the Littles still worry about Stuart. They ban all references to "mice" in family conversation; they even tear the song "Three Blind Mice" from the nursery songbook. And they install tiny rope ladders to help Stuart make his way around the house. But he's good at taking care of himself, too. He can board buses on Fifth Avenue, and he can sail a boat like an expert seaman on the sailboat pond in Central Park.

Soon he befriends a beautiful bird named Margolo, found wounded on the Littles' windowsill. He even defends her from Snowball, the family cat, even leaving his beloved home to find her when she suddenly disappears. He finds more than enough adventure in the outside world, but will he find his friend?

Venerated author E.B. White has created another intelligent, lucid story about loyalty and friendship, featuring a charismatic animal friend at its center. Although recently made into a blockbuster film, readers are sure to be entranced by the world of Stuart Little that White has created on the page.

The Indian in the Cupboard by Lynne R. Banks (Level R) When Omri's big brother has no birthday present for him, he gives Omri an old wooden medicine cabinet he's found. The cabinet doesn't seem like much of a present to nine-year-old Omri, until he deposits inside it another present he receives for his birthday: a miniature plastic Indian. His mother comes up with a key for the cabinet, and the real magic begins. When Omri turns the key once, the Indian, named Little Bear, comes alive; but turn the key a second time and it's an ordinary plastic Indian again.

Author Lynne Reid Banks effectively blends the common elements of everyday life with utterly believable fantasy. The first book in this best-selling series enchants readers, while at the same time, reminding them of the responsibilities that accompany friendship and love. Omri's heart-wrenching decision to send his Indian back to its own world, bring up issues of separation for both parents and children alike.

The Library Card by Jerry Spinelli (Level R) When Mongoose finds a blue library card hidden among the candy he's shoplifted, his friend Weasel tosses the card away. But the card comes back.

Brenda, a television addict, must endure the Great TV Turn-Off. No more "Teen Toons." No more "Dude Feud." Then the blue card appears...

On a hot summer day, Sonseray wanders into a library knowing he'll find air-conditioning - and finds much more. And April Mendez takes a ride in a bookmobile unlike any other.

In stories that range from humorous to heartbreaking, Newbery award-winner Jerry Spinelli reveals the amazing possibilities lurking behind library doors.

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo (Level R) Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni's mother walked out on her seven years ago, and she's been asking about her ever since — so that she won't forget her mom. But when she moves to Naomi, Florida, and befriends a lively stray dog, the canine helps her meet some unusual characters who teach her about love, life, and forgiveness.

Raymond and Graham: Cool Campers by Mike Knudson (Level Q-R) Best friends Raymond and Graham are determined to be the most popular guys at Camp Grizzly this summer. But that quest turns out to contain many challenges along the way. Their hilarious antics include sneaking into their rivals' cabin to steal underwear, and even eating worms! Kids in the upper elementary grades will certainly identify with the themes of self-identity and peer pressure in this entertaining story set in that timeless locale: summer camp.

Honus and Me by Dan Gutman (Level R) Joe Stoshack lives for baseball. He knows everything there is to know about the game- except how to play well. His specialty is striking out. Stosh feels like a real loser, and when he takes a low paying job cleaning a bunch of junk out of his neighbor’s attic, he feels even worse- until he comes across a little piece of cardboard that takes his breath away. His heart is racing. His brain is racing. He can hardly believe his eyes. Stosh has stumbled upon a T-206 Honus Wagner- the most valuable baseball card in the world! And he’s about to find out that it’s worth a lot more than money.

Sadako And The Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr (Level R) Based on a true story, Hiroshima-born Sadako is told that she has the "atom bomb disease," leukemia; thus she turns to her native beliefs by making a thousand paper cranes so the gods will grant her one wish to be well again.

Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (Level R) When he finds a lost beagle in the hills behind his West Virginia home, Marty tries to hide it from his family and the dog's real owner, a mean-spirited man known to shoot deer out of season and to mistreat his dogs.

Rules by Cynthia Lord (Level R) This 2007 Newbery Honor Book is a humorous and heartwarming debut about feeling different and finding acceptance.

Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules — from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public" — in order to stop his embarrassing behaviors. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a paraplegic boy, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?

The Abominable Snowman Series: Choose Your Own by R.A. Montgomery (Level S) By making a series of choices, the reader determines the outcome of the attempt by two mountain climbers to scale the Himalayas in order to photograph the mysterious and elusive abominable snowman.

The Cartoonist by Betsy Byars (Level S) Alfie only feels comfortable when he’s drawing comics in the attic—but soon his safe haven will be off limits Alfie is perfectly content to spend his time drawing alone in the attic. Nobody bothers him, and he has his door sealed tight against interruption. Up under the roof, he illustrates amazing cartoon strips about heroes and space adventures, from “Super Caterpillar” to “Super Bird”—even though his own life is anything but exciting.

Summer Reading 2016 Entering Grade 5

Recommended Learning Opportunities Writing in response to reading is an integral part of understanding the ideas in the literature. Through the use of a response log, students can ask questions about the literature, respond to characters’ decision-making skills, make connections to their own lives, and make meaning for themselves.

All students are encouraged to complete a Reader’s Response Log. At least 6 times this summer,

students should select a prompt below (one from each domain) and write an original response. These written responses may be from different books.

Domain One - Story Elements

1. Explore how the main character changed throughout the story.

2. Describe an interesting or important character in your book.

3. Write a letter to a character in the book or a letter from one character to another.

4. Compare two characters in the book to each other by describing their similarities and their

differences.

5. Describe places where the author gives good descriptions of the characters, setting, problem, or

solution.

6. Write a diary entry in the voice of a character in your book.

7. Compare a character in your book to a character in another book you have read.

8. Describe what you notice about the illustration. What purpose do they have? Do they add to the

story?

9. Describe in detail the setting of your book and how it fits into the story.

10. Draw a picture of the climax of the story.

Domain Two - Prediction

11. Based on the title, what do you think the book is about?

12. How do you think the story will end?

13. Which character do you think will change the most by the end? Why?

14. How do you think this conflict will be resolved?

15. Draw a picture of what you think will happen next. Describe it.

Domain Three - Connections

16. How is this book similar to another you have read by this author?

17. Create a Venn diagram that compares the setting of this story with the area where you live.

18. What advice would you give a character in this book? Why?

19. What character would you most like to be? Why?

20. Describe a character’s personality trait that you’d like to possess. Why do you like this trait?

21. Explain how the book reminds you of yourself, people you know, or of something that happened in

your life.

22. Explain how the book reminds you of other books, especially the characters, events, or setting.

23. How have you changed after reading this book? Explain.

Domain Four - Opinion

24. Why do you think the author chose the opening line he or she did? Did you like it? Why or why not?

25. Write about your favorite part of the book and why it was important to the story.

26. Who is your favorite character? Why? Draw a picture of this character.

27. What do you think is the most important scene in the book? Why?

28. How would a different setting affect the story?

29. Was the cover design effective? Did it make you want to read the book? Create a new cover design

for this book.

30. Did you like the ending of the book? How would you have liked it to end? Rewrite a new ending for

the book.

31. Write a question you would like to ask the author. How do you think he or she would respond?

32. Do you agree with the point the author is making? Why?

33. Do you like the ending of this book? Why or why not? Do you think there is more to tell?

Domain Five - Language

34. Copy a sentence from the book that you think is well written. Why do you like this sentence?

35. Find examples of figurative language in the text. Write them down.

36. List five words from the book that you find interesting or unfamiliar. Write their definitions (use a

dictionary for help).

37. Describe the author’s craft: What was good about the authors writing? What things might you try to

do in your own writing that you learned from this author?

38. Describe how the author makes you feel through their writing.

Domain Six - Evaluation

39. Did you enjoy the book? Why or why not?

40. What didn’t you understand in the text?

41. Would boys and girls enjoy this book equally? Support your reasons.

42. Would you like to read more books by this author? Why or why not?

43. Do you think the author chose a good title for the book? Why or why not?

44. What did you learn about the time in which the story took place?

45. Write about an important lesson that was learned in the story.

46. Would you recommend the book to another reader? Explain why or why not.

47. Describe what you would change about the book if you could rewrite it.

48. Explain what you want to remember about this book and why.

49. Make a list of “lingering questions” you have after finishing the book.

Reader’s Response Log

Date Title/Author Prompt #

Reader Response

Date Title/Author Prompt #

Reader Response

Date Title/Author Prompt #

Reader Response

Reader’s Response Rubric

4 Exceeding

3 Meeting

2 Approaching

1 Developing

Comprehension

Exhibits a level of comprehension that extends beyond the literal to the personal, critical, evaluative responses.

Exhibits a level of comprehension that extends beyond literal to the personal with some critical responses.

Exhibits a level of comprehension that is mostly literal or personal, with few critical responses.

Exhibits a level of comprehension that is mostly literal with some personal responses, and no critical responses.

Analysis

Demonstrates a complete understanding and interpretation of text evidenced in the responses.

Demonstrates adequate understanding and interpretation of text evidenced in the responses.

Demonstrates some understanding and interpretation of text evidenced in the responses.

Demonstrates very limited understanding and interpretation of text not evidenced in the responses.

Insight

Responses are thorough and thoughtful.

Responses are fairly thorough and thoughtful.

Some responses are incomplete of irrelevant.

Many responses are disjointed, incomplete, or irrelevant.

Grammar and

Usage

Responses consistently include well-developed sentences and paragraphs, demonstrating an understanding of language and its conventions when writing.

Responses usually include well-developed sentences and paragraphs, demonstrating an understanding of language and its conventions when writing.

Responses sometimes include well-developed sentences and paragraphs, demonstrating an understanding of language and its conventions when writing.

Responses do not include developed sentences or paragraphs, demonstrating a very limited understanding of language and its conventions when writing.

Reader’s Brag Sheet

Date Title Author

Summer Skills Sharpeners 2016 New Milford Schools Elementary Programs

We’re delighted to inform you about two free summer programs that will provide your child with access to powerful, personalized summer programs designed to help them reverse summer learning loss.

TenMarks Summer Math Program, an Amazon Company, will guide your child through their personalized program, one topic at a time, helping them refresh what they know, and learn what they don’t. Each assignment

contains embedded instruction (hints, video lessons, and interventions) to ensure success. Here’s how it works:

1. Visit http://summer.tenmarks.com to pre-register for the program. 2. Before summer break, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to get started. 3. At the start of the program, your child will receive a short diagnostic assessment based on the grade s/he is completing. 4. The assessment will be automatically scored and TenMarks will create a personalized program designed to prepare your child for the upcoming year. 5. You can create custom rewards to keep your child motivated – pizza, ice cream, or a trip to the zoo! It’s all up to you!

ScootPad offers a Summer Program to help your child retain their math and reading proficiencies while preparing them for the upcoming school year. This adaptive platform delivers personalized learning for each individual student. ScootPad’s comprehensive curriculum in Math, ELA, Spelling, eBooks, and Writing, assists students in reinforcing and filling knowledge gaps. Essential learning features include: instruction, practice, assessments, and reports. Here’s how it works:

1. Visit http://www.scootpad.com/signup to try all features FREE for 30 days. 2. You’ll receive an email with details so your child can get started right away.

An hour or two a week is all it takes for your child to strengthen his/her skills, and prepare for the year ahead. We encourage you to explore these engaging summer programs to help prevent the summer slide!

Entering Grade 5 Summer Math Calendar (Choose 3 Each Week to Complete)

Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Discuss vocabulary: perimeter, area, circumference, radius, and diameter. Look up the definitions online.

Spend 15-20 minutes playing Everyday Math Games online.

Discuss vocabulary: parallel lines and perpendicular lines. Draw an example of each.

Practice adding fractional parts of an hour: What time will it be an hour and a half from now?

Draw several circles and find the radius, diameter and circumference of each.

Draw various angles: acute, obtuse, and right. Estimate and then use a protractor to find the actual measurement.

Look at the following fractions: 10/3; 8/5; 17/4; 12/6; 22/2. Write the equivalent whole number or mixed number for each fraction.

Create extended multiplication facts involving powers of 10 and solve. 6 x 10² = 0.254 x 10³ = 24 x 10³ = 7.358 x 10² =

Make a tessellation using a regular shape or shapes.

Identify percentages used in stores. Find the sale price of an item that is discounted by a percent.

Spend 15-20 minutes playing Everyday Math games online.

Think of two numbers with exponents: 2³ or 3². Which number is greater?

Find pictures of various triangles. Name each triangle by its sides (equilateral, isosceles, scalene) and by its angles (acute, right, and obtuse).

Review the formula for finding area: Rectangle: A=b * h Triangle: A = ½ (b* h) Parallelogram: A= b * h

Look at the following set of data numbers: 53, 76, 41, 53, 29, 53, 17. List the maximum (76), minimum (17), mode (53), range (76 – 17 = 59)

Solve the following riddles: If you double me and add 6, you get 20 (7); if you add 5 to me, you get 0 (-5); If you multiply me by 100 and add 25, you get 525 (5).

Draw 2 squares, 2 rectangles, and 2 triangles. Provide the necessary measurements to find the area. Find the area of the shapes. A = l x w (rectangle) A = ½(b x h) (triangle)

Practice writing numbers as a fraction and its equivalent decimal. Example: ¼ = 0.25

Practice adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators: ¼ + ½ =

Review the types of triangles: equilateral, isosceles, scalene, acute, obtuse and equiangular. Look up the definitions online.

Write numbers through the millions and billions and practice reading them. Select two numbers and ask your child to tell which one is the greater number.

When grocery shopping, ask your child to help you find the “best buy” by comparing the cost per unit of different size packages.

Using the same set of data numbers as yesterday, find the median (53) and the mean 53 + 76 + 41 + 53 + 29 + 53 + 17 = 321 321/7 = 46

Ask your child problems like: How many seconds are in 2 minutes? 5 minutes? 2½ minutes? 10 minutes?

Discuss the probability of rolling a 5 each time you roll a die (1/6). Then pose problems like, If I roll a die 30 times, about how many times should I expect to roll a 5? (5 times)

Find the equivalent decimal and percent for each of the following fractions: ½, ¼, ¾. 2/5, 7/10.

Create number sentences that include at least three numbers, different operations, and parentheses. Solve the number sentences. (6 x 5) – 3 = 27

Draw a picture using rectangles, parallelograms, and triangles. Find the area of one of each shape. A = l x w (rectangle); A = b x h (parallelogram); A = ½ (b x h) (triangle)

Draw and label an example of each kind of triangle.

Spend 15-20 minutes playing Everyday Math Games online.

Using graph paper, draw a rectangle that has an area of 24 square units. List the length and width of the rectangle they drew with an area of 24 square units.

Spend 15-20 minutes playing Everyday Math Games online.

Name as many factors as possible for a given number such as 24: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24

Look at different recipes and double or triple a recipe. Decide how much of each ingredient you will need if you double (or triple) the recipe.

Using the same number sentences from yesterday, place parentheses around different numbers. Solve the “new” number sentences. 6 x (5 – 3) = 12

Spend 15-20 minutes playing Everyday Math Games online.

Practice simple algebraic expressions: If y is 4, what is y + y, 3 + y and y * 2?

Look at different recipes. Choose one and decide what half of each ingredient in the recipe would be.

Using the same amount of area (24 square units), make a different rectangle. See how many different rectangles you can make with an area of 24 square units.

School will be starting soon – go back and find your favorite activities and work on them again until school starts!!!!

Notes