Sebasticook Valley Middle School
Language Arts
Summer 2009
June 15, 2009
Dear Students,
Over the summer it is important for you to maintain your reading skills. The only way to do this is by reading. I expect that you will read at least two books over the summer. You may count up to three books toward your total of 25 books next year. These books will not count toward first quarter reading.
As eighth graders you will be studying US History. One of the books you read should be related to this subject. Plan to read a historical fiction or non-fiction book related to one of these time periods: the Civil War, Westward Expansion, the Great Depression, or World War II (life on the home front). In the fall we will be writing reports on a great American from one of these time periods. Be on the lookout for someone who interests you. I have some books available for students to sign out over the summer.
Make notes on the books you read regarding characters, theme, important events, etc. This will help you to include these books in discussions next year. Complete a verification (format below) for your books so we can add them to your reading record. Be sure to record title, author, genre, and rating.
It would be great if you also worked on your writing over the summer. Though I don’t expect it, it would be beneficial for you to do some writing - diaries, journals, stories, poems, etc. Diaries and journals can also be a source of writing ideas for next year. I’ll be interested in seeing anything you write over the vacation if you want to share it with me.
If you have any questions over the summer you can e-mail me, rdoyle@msad48.org. After July 1, my address will be rdoyle@rsu19.org.
Have a great summer, and Happy Reading,
Ms. Doyle
Verification of Reading Grade 8
In order to verify the books you read, you are required to write a short piece. Include the following information. Be sure to write in sentences and paragraphs. This verification should be 3-4 paragraphs and at least one page in length.
For historical fiction:
Title, author and genre
Give a brief description of the protagonist and the conflict.
What do you believe the theme of this story to be? Use examples from the book to support this theme.
Describe the historical setting (time and place). Also tell how the author brought this time period to life.
Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
For other fiction:
Title, author and genre
Give a brief description of the protagonist and the conflict.
What do you believe the theme of this story to be? Use examples from the book to support this theme.
Describe the setting (time and place)
Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
For nonfiction:
Title, author and genre
Give a brief summary of the main idea of the book.
Tell at least 3 things you learned from the book. Be specific and include details.
Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?