Dear Families,
Even though we may be apart this summer, when we read and share books with each other, it brings us closer together. Reading with a family member in person, partner reading with a friend virtually and joining in book club discussions are just some of the ways in which we can come together as a reading community. A good book has the power to transport us to places that we might not be able to go this summer.
Now more than ever, books can help students relax, manage stress and connect with others.
Summer is an ideal time for children to immerse themselves in reading. During this vacation we hope your child reads often choosing from a wide variety of high-quality materials from many different genres: picture books, chapter books, historical fiction, non-fiction, magazines, graphic novels, poetry, fantasy, science fiction and the list goes on…
Summer Reading Activities
Recommended Books: We recommend that students entering grades 1-4 read at least 4 books over the summer.
Book Log: Students should keep track of their summer reading using the book log provided and bring the log to school in the fall to share with their class.
Book Review Activity: Students should complete a book review of one of the books they read this summer using the form included in this packet and bring this form to school in the fall. Students are also encouraged to make a video of themselves reading their book review and email these videos to Mrs. Cross here. We will be sharing them with the Saint Michael’s community either over the summer or when we return to school in the fall.
There are many ways for your child to access high quality books:
• Many libraries including the Newport, Middletown and Portsmouth Public Libraries offer curbside pick-up.
• Digital books can be checked out using the Ocean State Library E-Zone. Simply log on with your library card number and then select and download a book to the device of your choice.
• Paper or digital books can be ordered from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
• Students can reread favorite books that they already have at home.
• Students may read and listen to books using:
• Students may continue to access their Reading A to Z portals and explore books in their Reading Rooms. (https://www.kidsa-z.com/main/Login)
To help you and your child select books, we have provided a summer reading list of titles that can be found online or at your local library or bookstore. In addition, here are links to the Rhode Island Children’s Book Award nominees for 2020 (https://olis.ri.gov/youth/ricba/winners.php) compiled by the State of Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Sciences and the 2020 Notable Children’s book list (www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/notalists/ncb) published by the American Library Association. Please note that these lists are only suggestions to help you get started. You and your child should feel free to choose any titles that are of interest, not just the ones on these lists.
Over the summer we hope your child will take advantage of other reading related activities sponsored by Saint Michael’s. These will include:
• Videos of St. Michael’s teachers and staff members reading you some of their favorite books
• A Virtual Summer Bookworms Club for rising first through fourth graders run by Mrs. Cross. (Details to follow in the coming weeks.)
• Enjoy the Summer Reading Scavenger Hunt and Summer Reading Bookmarks included in this packet.
Please see the back of this letter for more summer reading tips. Thank you for participating in our summer reading program! Have a fabulous vacation filled with outdoor fun and lots of books!
Fondly,
Mrs. Cross
Lower School Reading Specialist
There is an atmosphere at St. Michael’s of high expectation – teachers who speak passionately about their role in educating the next generation of student leadership in the community and in the world; trustees who view St. Michael’s as the finest school in Newport and who aspire to build the finest school in the country; parents who make sacrifices and commitments to help create a dynamic, inspiring community for their children; students who sense the importance of these years in determining their character and future success.
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Phone: 401.849.5970
Fax: 401.849.7890
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