Commack Middle School

Summer Supplemental Reading Program
 

7th Grade Honors Students Parent Letter

Dear Parents,

 We are pleased that your child will be taking Honors English and Honors Social Studies next year.  As you know, the honors program is a fast-paced, enrichment program designed for students who, like your child, are innately interested in English and Social Studies, who have outstanding reading, writing, and conceptual skills, and who are eager to work hard to learn much.

The teachers of English 7H and our librarians have agreed that it is reasonable to require all the honors students to read at least two books during the summer which will enhance their education through literature.  The required readings include any one of the following novels:

·       Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

·       Dicey's Song by Cynthia Voight

·       I, Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino

·       The House of Dies Drear by Virginia Hamilton  

The supplementary novel must be selected from the following choices: 

·         A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

·         A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck

·         Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

·         The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho 

·         Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling 

The required novels will be loaned to the students for the summer.  If you have any difficulty finding copies of the supplementary novel, a number of copies of each book will be available in the main office of the Middle School on a first come-first served basis, after June 25. 

In addition to their summer reading book, students will also receive a writing assignment, a “Reading Response Assignment,” for the two summer reading books, a rubric showing the criteria by which the writing assignments will be graded, and a manila envelope containing his/her personal narrative which was completed during the school year.  All of these must be returned to their new English teacher by Wednesday, September 15, 2004. 

As always, we appreciate your support of our program, and we thank you for encouraging your child to excel. 

Sincerely yours, 

Pamela J. Travis-Moore
 Principal
 

Summer Reading List for the English and Social Studies 7 Honors Program 

As a student entering the English and Social Studies 7 Honors program, you are encouraged to read as much as possible during the summer vacation.  This reading must include at least two books ( one “Required” and one “Supplementary”), as indicated below.  For each of these books, you are to complete a “Reading Response Assignment” based on your reading, which is due on Wednesday, September 15, 2004.

The “Required” novels will be supplied by the English Department on a first come first served basis.  While the “Supplementary” readings are available in local libraries, some of these books will be available on loan from the department in limited quantities after June 25.

All of the books are available at local libraries. 

Required Readings 

All 7 honors students are required to read one of the books listed below: 

                                                Johnny Tremain by Ester Forbes

                                                Dicey’s Song by Cynthia Voight

I, Juan de Pareja  by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino

The House of Dies Drear by Virginia Hamilton 

Supplementary Readings 

All 7 honors students are required to read at least one book from the supplementary list below:

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

                                                A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck

                                                Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George

The Clay Marble by Minfong Ho

                             Harry Potter & the Goblet of  Fire by J.K.Rowling

Seventh Grade Summer Reading Response Assignment           

Please respond to items 1 through 4.  Please note that while answering the questions you may NOT use the same passages twice.  Your completed assignment will have three complete paragraphs of approximately fifty words each and a completed character trait chart.  In your responses, be sure to provide evidence from the passages you have selected and answer ALL parts of the question. 

This assignment is due on Wednesday, September 15, 2004, and will count as a writing grade for marking period one.  Your response must be typed in “Times New Roman” 12-point font, double-spaced and stapled in the top left corner.  The proper heading should be:

Your Name                                                                              Date

Teacher                                                                                   English 7   Period ___

                                                        Title and author’s name 

1.      A Meaningful Passage (a line, paragraph, part of a page, dialogue) (25 points)

·         Select and copy (quotes or italics) a significant passage (1-5 sentences) from the novel that was important to the plot 

·         Explain the importance (significance) of the passage and why you chose it   

·         Use specific examples (at least 2) from text as support.

2.      Characterization  (25 points)

The way a character acts, speaks and thinks reveals different aspects of his/her personality.  Such characterization helps the reader to determine a character’s personality trait(s).  Complete the attached chart.  Be sure to:

·         write down the name of one of the main characters in the novel

·         write three of his/her character traits (adjectives)

·         use proof/supporting details from the novel (an interaction with others; an event involving him/her; a statement spoken by the character) that demonstrates the trait of the character you have chosen.

3. If I Could Change…(25 points)

Pretend you could make a significant change to the novel.  What change would you make?  Why is this change needed?  How/why does this make the story better?  How would this change impact the main conflict of the story and the characters (two or more)?  Be sure to:

• describe changes made
• explain why change is needed and why this is better
• explain how this impacts the characters and plot.

4.  Making Connections (25 points)

Choose one of the following and respond in a paragraph of approximately 50 words.  Be sure your comparison relates to a significant idea from the novel.

• Relate a passage from the novel to something you have previously read, either on your own or in school (a novel, short story or play), by discussing the similarities and/or differences.

OR

• Relate a passage to your life, a TV show, a news event or a movie by discussing the similarities and/or differences.  Be sure to:

• copy a passage in quotes or italics
• explain comparison
• make a connection of a significant (important) nature
• use specific examples to support your opinion.

ENGLISH 7 SUMMER READING RUBRIC

Name __________________                                          Date __________

Teacher _________________                                            English ___ Period ___ 

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