2013 SOMS Summer Reading Program Dear Students and Parents: Summer is approaching, and with it will come opportunities to travel to new and exciting worlds...of the mind! Reading, whether on the beach or on the couch, is an activity SOMS students are strongly "The most, MOST encouraged to pursue this summer. The benefits of reading are numerous. Research indicates that students who engage in reading often will: Experience greater success in school by developing literacy skills. Develop higher-order thinking skills. Broaden experience, knowledge, and understanding of topics that are of personal interest. Make connections between personal experience and experiences of others. Hone reading habits that will have benefit students’ experiences beyond high school (in higher education or through a career or trade)
important thing is to read. Read all the time; read when they tell you not to read, what they tell you not to read, read with a flashlight under the covers, read on the bus, standing on a corner, waiting for a friend, in the dentists waiting room. Read every minute you can. READ LIKE A WOLF EATS. Read." -Gary Paulsen
Research also shows us that: The number of books read during the summer is consistently related to academic gains. Children in every income group who read six or more books over the summer gained more in reading achievement than children who did not. More than any public institution, the library contributed to the intellectual growth of children during the summer. The use of the public library is more predictive of vocabulary gains than attending summer school.
Even with all of these benefits, during the summer months we know that many students often choose activities other than picking up a good book or magazine. The SOMS Summer Reading Program is intended to ensure that all students have read at least one book over the summer and productively engage in reading throughout the summer months. How do I participate? It’s simple. Students may choose their own reading material, although if looking for suggestions, the attached handout may prove helpful. (The lists, as well as this letter, will also be available on the SOMS website, http://southoldhammiddle.com/ Students are expected to do two things: 1) Keep a record of books/articles read through the summer (the reading log is enclosed in this packet) and 2) Upon completion of one book, he/she will write a friendly letter, addressed to “Dear Language Arts Teacher,” which will be directed to the appropriate teacher when teams have been determined. When school resumes in August, students who have completed the summer reading assignment will enjoy a special “Back to School Reading Celebration.” Students should follow this format for the 1-2 page letter:
Paragraph 1: o Identify yourself by name o Introduce yourself to your teacher share some interesting facts or hobbies o Explain How you view yourself as a reader What you find easy about reading What you find hard about reading What thinking/reading strategies you find most helpful when reading and why Paragraph 2: