Dear Parents,

To prevent the “summer slide”, keep your child reading and practicing math throughout the summer. If you have access to an iPad, there are tons of interactive apps and books to practice skills.

After each book or summer adventure, encourage your child to draw or write about their book or adventure in the summer reading journal provided. Students should bring their summer journal to school on the first day of second grade. We will be sharing our favorite summer reading books and adventures the first week of school.

Your child can sharpen their math skills while having fun with XtraMath. Your child’s school-issued user ID and password will remain the same throughout the summer. Encourage your child to play a few minutes each day to greatly increase their math skills.

I look forward to the first day of second grade. I hope you have a fun-filled summer full of love, laughter and learning.

Best,

Maegan Bell

My Summer Reading and Writing Journal

Directions

1.  Choose a “just right” book using the Five Finger Rule below.

Five Finger Rule

1.  Choose a book that you think you will enjoy.

2.  Read any page.

3.  Hold up a finger for each word you are not sure of, or do not know.

4.  If there are five or more words you did not know, you should choose an easier book.

2. Once you’ve found your “just right” book, have fun reading it. Try to read for 15-20 minutes every day.

3. Draw or write about your reading in this Summer Reading Journal. Here are some ideas for writing:

ü  Who are the characters in your story?

ü  What does this story remind you of?

ü  Where does your story take place? Describe it.

ü  What is the story mostly about?

ü  What did you like about the story? Why?

ü  Draw a picture of your favorite part.

ü  What are three new facts you learned about the topic?

4. You can also use your journal to write about summer activities like going to the pool, playing with a friend, summer sports, or going on vacation. I can’t wait to hear about all your reading and adventures when I see you in August. Please be sure to bring your Summer Reading and Writing Journal to school on the first day of second grade.

Happy Reading and Happy Summer!

Love,
Miss Bell