We're often asked what children should be working on this summer to be ready for fourth grade. In our mind, there are many ways to be ready. A ready student is curious and willing to wonder and engage in new learning.  Encourage them to read, write, build, observe and investigate. Yes, we strongly encourage students to read this summer. Make sure to read the information shared by your class teacher in their welcome letter for specific info regarding your class.

In addition, the Winthrop School Library website offers many reading options such as links to Sora and our school databases. Over the summer, students can explore their interests in a variety of ways, through books, magazines, websites, and real-life adventures. The most impactful learning happens when students are engaged in the topic and use their own curiosity as a guide. If your student loves math, sites like mathbeforebed provide examples of math in everyday life to encourage problem solving conversations and flexible thinking. Let curiosity lead the way to great reading and learning opportunities!

This summer, we are also recommending that incoming fourth graders have a look at the Massachusetts Children's Book Award  selections, both the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 lists. These books are chosen by MA teachers and school librarians, and they provide a diverse range of titles and levels for grades 4-6. All of these books are available on Sora (login instructions here). Students can log in to Sora with their school Google (Chromebook) login credentials. They have learned how to do so during library classes, and many have been enjoying Sora throughout the school year. Winthrop School has added the public library to its Sora account, so if students select  "+ Add Library " and link the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium to their login, they will gain access to a wide range of additional ebooks and audiobooks from the public library. If you prefer to read books in print, visit the public library to make your selections--they will help you find what you need!

Choose books this summer that reflect your interests and that spark joy. Read for fun, read for learning---fiction or non-fiction. Keep reading! We'll share our reading journeys in the fall!