(856) 629-7444 FAX: 875-6757 www.monroetwp.k12.nj.us Monroe Township Public Schools Williamstown Middle School 561 Clayton Road Williamstown, New Jersey 08094 Dear Incoming Fifth Graders, Charles M. Earling Superintendent Dana R. Mericle Principal Kathleen L. McKinney Assistant Principal James W. Collins Assistant Principal Donald E. Whirlow Assistant Principal We are excited to have you join us in fifth grade this September! We also eagerly await hearing all about the book you will read over your summer break. As you know, our district has selected Rules by Cynthia Lord for all incoming 5 th graders to read. During your time reading, you are to take notes on various topics that include the main problem and solution, moral, lesson, or theme, to whom you would recommend the book and how you would rate the book on a scale of 1-5. We have included note pages for you to use. When you return to school in September, we will set aside class time to discuss the book and all its exciting twists and turns. During that time, your 5 th grade teacher will explain the letter essay writing assignment you are to complete in response to the book you read. Have your note pages completed and ready to use upon entering school in September so that you can use them to write your letter in class. Do not write this letter at home! As young readers and writers coming to 5 th grade, you will have the opportunity to respond to what you read in fun and exciting ways. We are looking forward to exploring the book with you through your first letter essay assignment. Together we will continue to discover the power and pleasure of books! Students interested in obtaining an audio or e-reader copy of their summer reading book may download either the Overdrive or Hoopla app. These free apps allow you to check out audio and e-reader versions of popular books for free through your local library. You will need your library card ID number to sign up. Contact your local library for more information. Sincerely, The 5 th Grade English Language Arts Teachers Students are required to complete the summer reading as outlined. When students return to school, they will finish the assignment with the guidance of their English Language Arts teacher. At that time, clarification will be made as to any changes in the final products.
Name: 5 th Grade Summer Reading Notes In September you will be writing a letter to your 5 th grade teacher about the book you were assigned for summer reading. Use the following organizer to gather information as you read; this information will be needed to write the letter. Book Title: Author: Brief Summary / Main Problem and Solution:
Snoring Alert! Frustration Alert! Readable Alert! Good Book Alert It s a Winner Alert! The story was not interesting to me. The story was slow or confusing. The story was okay, but I would not choose to read it again. The story was interesting in parts, and I may reread it. The story was captivating, and I would read it again! Rate this book on a Scale of 1 to 5. Use the scale above. EXPLAIN YOUR REASONS AND GIVE EXAMPLES.
Recommendation of book: WHO would you recommend to read this book AND WHY? Explanation of Theme or Moral/Lesson of the story: Who told the story? What was the theme of this book and/or what moral or life lesson was learned?
Your connection to passage: (DO NOT FILL IN THIS WILL BE DONE IN SEPTEMBER IN CLASS)
5 th Grade Summer Reading Letter Essay Rubric Points Earned Points Possible 5 5 10 100 Requirements Title of book, underlined and author s full name in the first paragraph Written in proper letter format including your name (Salutation / Closing) Discuss/Explain the problem the main character has and how it is solved. Use text evidence from the book to support your answer. (one paragraph) Rate the book 1 to 5 Stars giving at least one example of a like or a dislike from the book(be sure to use text evidence); also mention if the book was too easy, just right, or too hard Recommendation of book to another person / persons telling specifically who would like the book and why (explain in one paragraph) Explanation of lesson learned explain and use at least one example of text evidence from the book. (one paragraph) Personal connection paragraph explain the connection you made. (one paragraph) Choose one: Text to Self: This situation reminds me of something that happened in my own life. Text to Text: I remember another book where something similar happened. Text to World: I saw something similar to this on TV. Mechanics / Grammar spelling, punctuation, word usage, indentation of paragraphs