Sebasticook Valley Middle School
Language Arts
Summer 2011
June 17, 2011
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 encourage you to read at least two books over the summer. You may count up to three books toward your total of 25 books next year.
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 homefront). 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. Check your local library for books on these time periods.
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 for your books so we can add them to your reading record. Be sure to record title, author, and genre. Follow this link for the verification format.
Maintaining writing skills is also important. 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.
There are several writing related contests happening over the summer. If you are a musician you may be interested in the Grammy Music Video Contest. This is sponsored by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. You can find information about this at www.drugfactsweek.drugabuse.gov. Creative Communications also sponsors summer writing contests. This is the group that publishes the Celebrate Young Poets books we used in class. The essay contest deadline is 7/19 and the poetry contest ends 8/16. You can go to their website, www.poeticpower.com for more information.
If you have any questions over the summer you can e-mail me at rdoyle@rsu19.org..
Have a great summer, and Happy Reading,
Ms. Doyle