Upper Elementary Summer Learning
Of course, we know families have many plans and special trips and activities scheduled for summer vacation, so, ultimately, the summer is yours to navigate as you wish. However, studies have proven and we have directly experienced the positive benefits of continual reading and math practice between school sessions. Maintaining this practice makes for a much smoother transition into the next year and also helps reinforce the lessons and skills that were accumulating in the previous year.
We do believe that this summer practice can and should be FUN. Therefore, we have designed our summer recommendations to provide sufficient choice and play opportunities.
Our core expectations are:
1. Math Practice - Multiplication Flashcards and Math Books for Returning Students
2. Summer Reading (2 free choices and 1 Award Winner)
3. Typing Practice with Typing Club
4. Geography Practice (make a map)
5. (Optional) Letter to Teachers (will be done in first week of school so this is a chance to get ahead)
1. Math Practice
Math Books - Returning students were given the next math book upon request at the end of the year, and they can contact Mr. C for another book if needed. Incoming students are welcome to reach out to Mr. C to inquire about a book or appropriate practice for the summer.
Math Fact Flash Cards - All Students should use their old card set they made last year or create an index card set of Math Fact multiplication cards (2s through 9s). It is important that they make them on their own and not just buy a set. The creation, taking care with neatness and order, is part of the learning process of the cards. Students should practice 5 times a week and it is great if a parent can quiz them.
example: front side of index card should be labeled with "5x5" back side of card has the answer "25"
2. Summer Reading and Writing - 3 Books (2 free picks and 1 Award Winning Book)
HAVE YOUR CHILD SUBMIT BOOK PICKS USING THIS GOOGLE FORM LINK IN THE COMING WEEKS: forms.gle/WPFkv8wPLA8DsvdJ7
FIRST PICK - Select an award winning or nominated book
Read a book that has won a classic children's award. Common awards are the Newbery, Belpre, Carnegie, etc. See links below for a list of Award Winners:
Newbery: http://laglib.org/newberymedalwinners.html
Nominations : www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/newberymedal/newberyhonors/newberymedal.htm
Belpre: https://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/awards/4/all_years
Carnegie: https://carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/
Corretta Scott: www.ala.org/rt/emiert/cskbookawards
Other awards: https://libguides.bc.edu/c.php?g=43969&p=279270
Read a book that has won a classic children's award. Common awards are the Newbery, Belpre, Carnegie, etc. See links below for a list of Award Winners:
Newbery: http://laglib.org/newberymedalwinners.html
Nominations : www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/newberymedal/newberyhonors/newberymedal.htm
Belpre: https://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/awards/4/all_years
Carnegie: https://carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/
Corretta Scott: www.ala.org/rt/emiert/cskbookawards
Other awards: https://libguides.bc.edu/c.php?g=43969&p=279270
2nd and 3rd Reading Pick - FREE READING CHOICES
The next required reading choices are completely up to the student and family. We do ask that selections are appropriately challenging, which we ask parents to gauge. There are many recommended books on the Lists pages on this website and we as fantastic resources when making our selections. They do not have to be long chapter books, but GRAPHIC NOVELS do not count as one of these selections. We love graphic novels and they are encouraged to read as many as they want this summer, but it is important to find some chapter books they an get into as well.
Two helpful sites when making a decision (checking on theme and age appropriateness) and looking to purchase these books are commonsensemedia.org and thriftbooks.com. These sites are amazing resources for any parent!
The next required reading choices are completely up to the student and family. We do ask that selections are appropriately challenging, which we ask parents to gauge. There are many recommended books on the Lists pages on this website and we as fantastic resources when making our selections. They do not have to be long chapter books, but GRAPHIC NOVELS do not count as one of these selections. We love graphic novels and they are encouraged to read as many as they want this summer, but it is important to find some chapter books they an get into as well.
Two helpful sites when making a decision (checking on theme and age appropriateness) and looking to purchase these books are commonsensemedia.org and thriftbooks.com. These sites are amazing resources for any parent!
3. TYPING CLUB - We recommend that students practice an average of 30-60 minutes per week.
Typing is a crucial skill and summer is a great time to work on it. PLEASE DO YOUR BEST TO HELP YOUR CHILD NOT LOOK DOWN AT THEIR FINGER AND USE THE PROPER FINGERING TECHNIQUES.
Each student is registered to practice and challenge themselves with their keyboarding skills at our class portal sign in page at for typingclub.com https://village-gate-childrens-academy.typingclub.com/.
ALL STUDENTS CAN SIGN IN WITH
USERNAME: firstname (if there is a previous UE student with this name, your username will be first name with initial of last name, example. Mike Jackson would become mikej)
PASSWORD: peacetable
or
EMAIL: [email protected]
If you don't have an active user account yet, please contact Mr. Marcus at [email protected]
4. Geography Practice - Make a map of anything. Practice mapmaking skills by creating a detailed as possible map of your neighborhood, city, state or even just your house.
5. Optional Writing Assignment - A letter to your teachers (We will be doing this the first week of school. Students can get a jump start on it if they would like)
You will be asked to write a friendly letter to your teachers over the summer. Please bring letter with you on the first day of school. It does not need to be typed.
Some things to write to your teachers about:
- your family (brothers, sisters, pets)
- your favorite things
- your summer
- what you are looking forward to this year
- questions you have for us about the coming year
The letter should be written to:
Dear Mr. C, Mr. Marcus and Ms. Jenny,
Use the sample letter below to see how to format your letter. You can type your letter or write it in your best handwriting. Be sure to have somebody help you check it, so that capitalization and spelling are corrected.
You will be asked to write a friendly letter to your teachers over the summer. Please bring letter with you on the first day of school. It does not need to be typed.
Some things to write to your teachers about:
- your family (brothers, sisters, pets)
- your favorite things
- your summer
- what you are looking forward to this year
- questions you have for us about the coming year
The letter should be written to:
Dear Mr. C, Mr. Marcus and Ms. Jenny,
Use the sample letter below to see how to format your letter. You can type your letter or write it in your best handwriting. Be sure to have somebody help you check it, so that capitalization and spelling are corrected.
Phonics Review for Spelling Foundation
| phonics_review_for_spelling_foundation.pdf |
