Incoming 8th Grade

On Level

For your summer reading, you will read at least one book and return to school in August with a completed Summer Reading Notes Page , prepared to share and discuss your text.

The book you select should be at an appropriate reading level.
See the notes below regarding book selection and assignment.

Honors

For your summer reading, you will read at least 2 books of your choice from different genres. You will then return to school in August with a completed Summer Reading Notes Page for each text. Be prepared to share and discuss your texts.

The books you select should be two different genres, be of an appropriate reading level and of literary merit.
See the notes below regarding book selection and assignment.

How do I select a choice book?

Select at least one book (2 for Honors) for your summer reading. The book you choose should be at an appropriate reading level. Choose a book(s) that works well for you:

Does the book fit your personal reading purpose (to laugh, to learn, to explore)?
Does the book interest you?
Do you comprehend the story? Open up to any random page. Count the number of words that you don’t know. If there are more than two words that you don’t know, the book may not be a good choice. If there are four or more words you don’t know, then the book is probably not a good fit, at this time.

If you need assistance choosing a high quality text, these lists can help you get started:

Common Sense is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. This site provides unbiased information to help families make educated decisions about their children’s use of media. If you would like additional information about your child’s book selection, visit https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

What do I do during and after reading?

Complete a copy of the attached Summer Reading Notes Page for each book you are to read (one for Onlevel, two for Honors) to provide information on the book(s) prior to returning to school in August.

The assignment asks you to provide information on the book's character(s), setting, conflict, and resolution. This assignment is designed to provide an opportunity to engage with your book and analyze the text.

Summer Reading Notes Page (Printable)

Summer Reading Notes Page (Digital)

*Please feel free to make copies of the graphic organizer if you need more room than allotted.

What will happen when I get to school?

Your ELA teacher will explain the exact procedures for collecting your summer reading assignment within the first two weeks of school. You may also be asked to engage in a class discussion about your book, so you should be prepared to do so upon return to school in August.

Assessment

Official assessment of the summer reading assignment will be contingent upon the course and teacher discretion. The following objectives may be assessed. Instruction on these objectives will take place before an assessment is given and used for an official grade.

I can read and comprehend literary fiction on grade level, reading independently and proficiently.
I can cite textual evidence to analyze a text as well as draw inferences, conclusions, and/or generalizations from the text.
I can acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
I can present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
I can engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, on grade-level topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

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