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Summer Reading

SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT: GRADES 6–8

Westmark requires that all rising Middle School students complete a summer reading assignment in order to develop their reading skills, foster their connection to and engagement with literature, and activate their imaginations. The assignment consists of three parts, outlined below, to be completed by the first day of school. Students will receive a grade for completing their assignment.

PART 1: SELECTING AT LEAST TWO BOOKS

Over the summer, all students are required to read at least two books of their choice. The books they select should be of interest to them and fit within the following parameters:

  • Students should select at least one book at their independent reading level: they should be able to decode the book easily and read the book aloud without difficulty.  
  • Students are encouraged to select a second book to read with assistive technology, like Learning Ally. This technology will enable them to access and engage with books that they may not be able to easily read on their own.

BROWSE RECOMMENDED BOOKS

If a student needs help determining which books are at their reading level, follow the steps below:

  • STEP 1: Turn to a page in the middle of a book. 
  • STEP 2: As your child reads aloud, count any errors.
  • STEP 3: Use the following guidelines to determine if the book is a good choice.
    • If the student makes three or fewer errors, the book is a good choice for them.
    • If the student makes more than three errors, the book may be too difficult to read and understand independently. Listening to an audiobook or having an adult read the book aloud would be recommended.

If you need additional help determining which books are at your child's reading level, watch the video "Choosing Books for Kids Who Struggle with Reading," made by the organization Understood.

WATCH THE VIDEO

PART 2: KEEPING A SUMMER READING LOG

The summer reading assignment asks students to harness their executive-functioning skills. To aid in doing so, Middle School students must complete a daily log of their reading. Students should plan to read a minimum of fifteen hours over the summer. They will turn in their Summer Reading Log to their Reading Teacher on the first day of school. Click the button below to download an editable PDF of the Summer Reading Log.

DOWNLOAD SUMMER READING LOG

PART 3: COMPLETING A WRITING ASSIGNMENT

In order to make meaningful connections to what they read, students must also complete the Summer Book Reflection via Google Forms for one of the books they read over the summer. The form, which will be sent directly to the student's English Teacher, must be submitted prior to the first day of school.

COMPLETE SUMMER BOOK REFLECTION

GRADING CRITERIA

Students will be assessed on the completion of their summer reading assignments. Please keep in mind these deadlines:

  • The Summer Book Reflection must be submitted via Google Form to their English Teacher prior to the first day of school.
  • The Summer Reading Log must be turned in to the student's Reading Teacher on the first day of school.

The student's English Teacher will grade the Summer Book Reflection according to the following criteria:

  • The student has completed the assignment. They include their name, the title of book, and author on their report.
  • The student writes in complete sentences using the Sentence Writing Strategy as follows:
    • The sentence starts with a capital letter.
    • The sentence has end punctuation.
    • The sentence has a subject.  
    • The sentence has a verb. 
    • The sentence makes sense. 
  • Student responses show a thoughtful understanding of the text.
  • The student has turned in the assignment on time.

ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE

If you need additional assistance, please contact Robyn Bridges, Reading and Assessment Coordinator, Literacy Instructional Coach (rbridges@westmarkschool.org), or Marissa DeSiena, Curriculum and Special Projects Coordinator (mdesiena@westmarkschool.org).