Sixth Grade Summer Reading and Project 2017 Dear Sixth Graders, I hope you are enjoying your summer. Welcome to middle school. I am looking forward to our sixth grade year together, especially reading literature that will introduce you to new experiences and ideas. Summer reading is vital to keep your brain alert and academically active. Here is your assignment for the summer: First, choose one book from the list below. These books have been chosen carefully and hopefully will give you a different perspective on how others live. Choose a book that you will enjoy reading and spending time evaluating. Complete the summer reading reflection activity and bring your completed project on the first day of school. This project will introduce you to close reading which you will be involved with all year. The goal of close reading is to slow down and have deliberate and meaningful interaction with a text. Close reading increases reading comprehension and critical thinking. Plan to have your book with you during the first two weeks of school. Your first writing assignment of the year will involve your summer reading book. Remember, this project is due the first day of school. If you have any questions, please email me at dlewis@oakwoodway.org. Books can change lives! See you in August! Mrs. Lewis So B. It 2017 Sixth Grade Summer Reading Book List Choose one of the following: by Sarah Weeks ISBN-13: 978-0064410472 Esperanza Rising ISBN-13: 978-0439120425 The Breadwinner ISBN-13: 978-1554987658 Code Talker ISBN-13: 978-0142405963 Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key ISBN-13: 978-1250061683 by Pam Munoz Ryan by Deborah Ellis by Joseph Bruchac by Jack Gantos
Supplies needed: one 9 x 12 standard file folder, any color or pattern glue scissors or paper cutter colored paper that reflects your book (optional) any additional art, borders, papers, etc. that you feel enhance your project Format: Other than the new book cover, I encourage you to word process your project. The majority of your writing will be word processed in middle school and the project will be good key boarding practice. You may use any font size, style, and color that reflects your book. Each visual representation must be colorful and neatly done. The writing should reflect careful thought and planning. Always write using complete sentences with correct spelling and grammar. The placement of your answers can be anywhere on the page of the file folder indicated. Instructions 1. Write your first and last name on the tab of the file folder. The books that help you the most are those which make you think the most. Pablo Neruda 2. Front of File Folder (20 pts) On the front of the file folder, create a new cover for your book that looks nothing like its current cover. The title of your book should be prominently displayed. Include one significant quote from the book on your cover. (Don t forget quotation marks!) Please include the author s name as well. Your book cover must be in color and should cover most of the front of the file folder.
You know you ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel as if you have lost a friend. Summer Reading Book Reflection Activity 3. Back of the File Folder (20 pts) Answer the following personal reflection questions. Please retype the questions on a separate piece of paper and type your answers directly under the question. (Maybe a different font color for questions and answers?) Always use complete sentences, accurate grammar, and correct spelling when answering questions. Personal Reflection Questions I chose to read this book because Describe the similarities and differences between the main character and you. What connections are there between the book and your own life? Explain. What is something you have learned from your reading? What were your feelings after reading the book? Did it make you laugh, cry, smile, cheer, cringe? Explain. 4. Inside File Folder/Left Side (40 points) Draw/create a picture of your favorite scene, character, or object from the book. In four to six sentences explain why it is your favorite, and why it was a significant to the story. Using complete sentences, list five inferences you can make from the story. (An inference is a guess based on evidence, information, and facts that are true. Inference is never stated directly in the text.) What is the theme (the ME message) of your book? Provide three examples from the text that support your theme choice.
5. Inside File Folder/Right Side (40 pts) Questions (10 pts) List two questions you would like to ask the main character from the book. You do not have to answer these questions. What question would you like to ask the author? List two other questions you had while reading. Word Cloud (20 pts) Books are portable MAGIC! Create a word cloud of ten words that you did not know the meanings of and/or that you thought were significant to the story. Please use color. (There are many free word cloud websites. A favorite is Word Art.) Summary (10 pts) In no more than an a six-to-eight sentence paragraph, summarize your book. Make sure you include the book title, author s name, and main character s name in your summary. Do not write in first person.
New book cover Title Author s name Favorite quote Personal reflection questions and answers Front of File Folder Back of File Folder Favorite scene, character, or object with explanation. Five inferences Word cloud Questions TheME with three examples from text Summary of book paragraph Inside File Folder/ Left Inside Inside File Folder/Right Side These are only suggestions, you may design inside pages any way you like.