• SUMMER READING EXPECTATIONS

    June 2021

    Dear Incoming Sixth Grader:

    Summer is a great time to rest, relax and have fun with family and friends. While enjoying your summer, you are strongly encouraged to read books! It is not imperative that you read long and difficult books, but rather choose a wide variety of texts and enjoy your reading!

    • Keep a list of the books you read (at least 5) on the provided reading list. If needed, the reading list can be uploaded from the first page on the CPS website.
    • Please return your reading list in September signed by your parents

    In addition, Please take a photo of you reading a favorite book in an exotic place, a comfy position, or some other “fun” setting. Please bring your photograph to class during the first week of school!

    I am requiring each incoming sixth grader to purchase and read at least one of the following Newbery Medal/Honor books:

    Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit

    The New Kid by Jerry Craft

    Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

    Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

    Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli

    Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

    These texts will provide a common literary experience for you and your classmates with which to start our September book discussions. It is strongly suggested that you read the book in August, closer to the beginning of the school year. Please bring your book on the first day of school. You are asked to record at least 7 notes on various passages where you noticed and thought something. Please briefly describe your thinking on each note. Remember that engaged readers ASK QUESTIONS and think about unfamiliar words; confusing scenes; predictions; inferences; connections; imagery; characterization; theme; symbolism; narrative signposts you learned in fifth grade (compare & contrast; aha moment; tough question; words for the wiser; again and again; and a memory moment); and a lot more!

    If inspired write poems, stories, letters, articles, nature observations… keep a journal, a diary… send me postcard …write with a pen, a pencil, a marker, …have fun!

    Emails to me over the summer are always welcomed! I am looking forward to teaching you in the fall!!

    Happy reading and writing! Enjoy your summer vacation! See you at the end of August!

    Ms. Gray

     (lgray@carlisle.k12.ma.us)