Mrs. Taylor

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GATE Summer Reading<o:p></o:p>
For Rising 6th Grade GATE Students - Summer 2009<o:p></o:p>
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<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Reading</st1:City></st1:place> is an essential skill for all academic work and the more students read the better readers they become!  Wide recreational reading can extend vocabulary, increase comprehension, and stimulate higher order thinking. <o:p></o:p>
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Every rising 6th grade GATE English/Language Arts student is required to read A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park.  This novel is aligned with the concepts and themes addressed throughout the year in GATE ELA and social studies; therefore, students will have multiple opportunities to showcase and connect their new learning with their already present knowledge.  A Single Shard can be checked out from the local library, purchased in bookstores or purchased on-line.  <o:p></o:p>
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As your child reads this novel, he/she may find it helpful to record some of his/her thoughts (relative to character, theme, point of view, imagery, symbol, setting, etc.) in the form of a double-entry journal (refer to the back for more information).  This recording method will assist them with their comprehension and synthesis of the text.  Please note that the double-entry journal is a suggested activity and students who choose to complete the journal response will receive an extra-credit grade for the first nine weeks.  Als0, when students return to school, they will complete a diagnostic writing assessment addressing the many themes and issues presented in Park’s novel.<o:p></o:p>
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Required Novel:<o:p></o:p>
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park<o:p></o:p>
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Suggested Additional <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:City w:st="on">Readings</st1:City></st1:place><o:p></o:p>
Please read for enjoyment from any of the Newbery Award or Honor books, SC Book Award books, or Classics that are at or above sixth grade reading level.  Historical fiction and nonfiction from ancient cultures through 1600 are also recommended. Libraries and bookstores have lists of these books and reading levels.<o:p></o:p>
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**Note:  Please preview books that your child chooses to read.  Books that are studied during the school year have been read and reviewed by a team of teachers.   All of the Newberry Award or Honor books, however, may not have been previewed.<o:p></o:p>
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<H2 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">6th GATE - Summer Reading Assignment<o:p></o:p></H2>
Parent Acknowledgement<o:p></o:p>
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I have received and understand the 2009 summer reading assignment for my child.<o:p></o:p>
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Student Name                                                                                              <o:p></o:p>
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School                                                                   Grade Level           ____________<o:p></o:p>
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Parent Signature                                                              Date   ___________<o:p></o:p>
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<H2 style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Double-Entry Journal<o:p></o:p></H2>
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A double-entry journal is used to reflect, remark on, and digest what you read.  Thomas Jefferson was an early practitioner of reflective journaling.  He would capture key points of his reading and add his own reflections, recording them in a journal, which he called his “commonplace book”.  <o:p></o:p>
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Like Thomas Jefferson, you may want to use a double-entry journal as you read this summer’s required reading assignment.  A bound composition book or spiral notebook works well with this assignment; however should you want to type your responses using a computer, you will need to print out your final document.  <o:p></o:p>
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It is suggested that each page be divided into two columns.  The left-hand column is titled with the chapter number and is used to take summarizing notes of that chapter which may include: chapter summaries, examples of literary elements (plot, character, point of view, theme, and/or setting), and/or direct quotations with the page number listed.  <o:p></o:p>
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The right-hand column is used to record your personal response to the chapter.  Your responses could be questions or connections that you may have to the chapter.  The following are some suggestions on how to begin your personal response:  This reminds me of a time when; I agree/disagree with what this character did because; I think if I were in this situation I would; I predict that…will happen; This was difficult to read or understand because; A better solution to the problem would be; This chapter made me feel…because.  Below is an example of how your double-entry journal should be organized:<o:p></o:p>
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               Content                                                           Personal Response<o:p></o:p>
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Mrs. Taylor

GATE Summer Reading Assignment-Rising 6th Grade