Parents often ask what they can do over the summer to help their student be ready for school in the fall. The best thing that I can say is to have them READ! Even just a few minutes a day will do wonders. Carve out a bit of time in the morning, after lunch when its really hot, or before bedtime. Read with them. When they see you reading, they learn that reading can be a lifelong hobby. Talk to them about what they are reading. Even if you have not read the book, ask them to tell you about the story. They will love it! What should you read? ANYTHING!! Pick something interesting, and they will eat it up.
Please, also, do not underestimate the power of PLAY. Have them put down the phones and turn off the video games. Go outside and run, play ball, ride bikes, or go to the pool. Play does not have to be super structured. The best times are when kids get together and make up a game. Talk about creativity at work! Some of my fondest memories involve the neighborhood crowd playing in my backyard.
I hope these suggestions are helpful! Happy summer, and thanks for a great school year!
Love,
Mrs. Stewart
Students that bring back the Summer Bingo game in the fall with at least 1 Bingo completed (with parent initials) will earn Redbird Bucks! Complete more Bingos for more Redbird Bucks! Earn up to 50 Redbird Bucks! Click on the following links to access these great summer enrichment tools!
Summer IXL Activities:
Dear Parents and Students,
What an awesome year, I can’t believe that it is almost over!! I have enjoyed the time with these students in fifth grade. They have grown and learned, and become more independent workers. I wish them all great success in 6th grade. They will do great!
The students have expressed interest in knowing the titles of some books that they could read over the summer. I am so happy that I could cry! Reading and journaling over the summer are two of the best ways to stay prepared for next year! Please note that this is simply a list compiled in about 15 minutes, from the books in my classroom library. The public library will have a MUCH more extensive selection, and the librarians will be able to help the kids make good selections. Encourage them to read challenging books!
I have also included links to several vocabulary and math enrichment websites that students can use to keep their skills strong over the summer. Check out the links on the "Helpful Websites" page. Please encourage your student to try these out as a fun way to stay sharp for 6th grade.
Have a great summer!! Stop and see me next year!
Love always,
Mrs. Stewart
• Walk Two Moons - Sharon Creech
• Twenty and Ten - Claire Huchet Bishop
• The Cabin Faced West - Jean Fritz
• From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler - E.L. Konigsburg
• Slave Dancer - Paula Fox
• The Family Under the Bridge - Natalie Savage Carlson
• The Egypt Game - Zilpha Keatley Snyder
• The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Barnett
• Where the Red Fern Grows - Wilson Rawls
• Maniac McGee - Jerry Spinelli
• Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry - Mildred D. Taylor
• A View from Saturday - E.L. Konigsburg
• Nory Ryan’s Song - Patricia Reilly Giff
• A Boy No More - Harry Mazer
• A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L’Engle
• The Castle in the Attic - Elizabeth Winthrop
• Bunnicula - Deborah & James Howe
• Brian’s Winter - Gary Paulsen
• Summer of the Swans - Betsy Byars
• Woodsong - Gary Paulsen
Happy Reading!!