Summer Literacy Assignment

As we approach the summer break, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of encouraging your children to read during the summer. Reading is a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and personal growth, and its benefits extend far beyond the classroom. By promoting reading over the summer, we can help our children maintain and enhance their literacy skills, foster a lifelong love for learning, and prepare them for future success.

This summer all students will complete a summer reading assignment. This assignment is mandatory and will be included in the trimester 1 reading grade for the 2023-2024 school year.

All rising 1^st & 2^nd graders received a spiral bound assignment book to complete and turn into their teacher next year. Lost books will not be replaced; however, parents/guardians can print the books from these links:

• Rising 1^st Graders
• Rising 2^nd Graders

All rising 3^rd – 8^th graders received a trade book to read over the summer and connected to Google Classroom to submit their assignments. Student trade books were selected to build background for their 1^st module of the next school year. Students have a choice board of assignments for students to choose from. Students must complete at least three assignments (one from each row) and turn in completed assignments on Google Classroom.

Below are the trade books for rising 3^rd – 8^th grade students and the codes to access Google Classroom:

• • • • Rising 3rd Grade – The Girl Who Hated Books – Google Classroom Code: otklomv
      • Rising 4th – The Dust Bowl – Google Classroom Code: cw4wske
      • Rising 5th – Return to Sender – Google Classroom Code: yycoe7i
      • Rising 6th – Poseidon: Earth Shaker – Google Classroom Code: rit4bxl
      • Rising 7th – The Red Pencil – Google Classroom Code: aspmsvm
      • Rising 8th – Tales Our Abuelita Told – Google Classroom Code: 5nzo52x

Reading over the summer is crucial!

• Preventing Summer Slide: Research has shown that students who do not engage in reading during the summer may experience a decline in their reading abilities. "Summer slide" can result in a loss of academic progress and make it challenging for students to catch up once the new school year begins.
• Expanding Vocabulary and Language Skills: Reading exposes children to a wide range of vocabulary and sentence structures, helping them develop a richer and more varied language. Through reading, children encounter new words, phrases, and ideas that expand their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. A broad vocabulary is essential for effective communication and comprehension across all subjects.
• Building Comprehension and Critical Thinking Skills: By engaging with different genres and styles, students develop their ability to make connections, draw conclusions, and evaluate information. These skills are not only essential in language arts but also in other subjects and real-life situations.

To support and encourage summer reading, here are a few suggestions:

1. Visit the Library, borrow books from SORA (WOLCS’ e-library), & participate in WOLCS Summer Pin Challenge: Access to books is important and the community offers many free opportunities for families.
2. Set Reading Goals: This summer we are challenging all students to participate in the summer pin challenge. For every 7 pins a student earns, they will also earn a $25 gift card.
3. Create a Reading Routine: Establish a regular reading routine at home. Designate a specific time each day for reading, whether it's in the morning, afternoon, or before bedtime. Make it a family activity by setting aside time for silent reading where everyone gathers to read their own books.
4. Be a Reading Role Model: Show your children the value of reading by being a reading role model yourself. Share your own reading experiences, discuss books you've enjoyed, and read alongside your child. When children see their parents or caregivers reading, they are more likely to embrace reading themselves.