myMA
All Together Now/Todos Juntos Ahora: Reading together to build a strong community of learners
Instructions: All Beginning and Lower School students in preschool through 5th grade will be taking part in an exciting summer reading experience this year. Our theme, All Together Now/Todos Juntos Ahora, will not only frame our summer reading assignment, but will also guide conversations and experiences during the 2023-24 school year. Rising preschool through second grade students should read at least three of the assigned books. Rising third through fifth graders are required to read at least one, however, we encourage our students to read more! Depending on the students’ ability, books may be read independently or listened to read out loud.
Students enrolled in the Spanish Immersion Program in second, third, and fourth grade should complete their reading assignment and written response in Spanish. Students entering Post Spanish Immersion (fifth grade) have the option of completing these assignments in Spanish or in English; however, any student wishing to continue their Spanish studies in middle school should complete their assignments in Spanish.
After reading the books, please use the template below to respond to the writing prompt and illustration assignment. All students are required to bring their completed work to their classroom teacher on the first day of school. The writing prompts and illustration assignment will be used as part of an interactive art installation during the 2023-24 school year.
Writing Prompt: After reading the assigned books, respond to the following prompt: “I'm inspired to help build a stronger school community by…” Use your best handwriting in your favorite color pen for this assignment. No pencils please.
Leveled expectations
- Preschool-Prek: One sentence with adult assistance
- K-1: At least three sentences with adult assistance
- 2-3: One three to five sentence paragraph including a topic and concluding sentence
- 4-5: A short essay including three paragraphs
Illustration assignment: Illustrate your image of what a strong school community looks like. Feel free to use any two dimensional art making medium, including pencils, pens, markers, color pencils, etc. We look forward to seeing your creativity and can’t wait to be inspired by your vision of a strong community! Be sure to use the following attached template for your writing prompt and illustration as we will use them in an interactive art installation.
| Rising Grade Level | Reading Selections |
|
Preschool - Second Grade
|
A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka, Una Pelota Para Daisy por Chris Raschka |
| A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead, Un Día Diferente Para el Señor Amos por Philip C. Stead | |
| My Friends, Mis Amigos by Taro Gomi | |
| I Don’t Care by Julie Fogliano | |
| Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora, ¡Gracias, Omu! por Oge Mora | |
| The Night Gardener by Terry Fan and Eric Fan | |
| Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima, Casi Un Narval by Jessie Sima | |
| Maybe Something Beautiful, Quizá Algo Hermoso by Isabel Campoy | |
| Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel | |
| Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne, Winny de Puh por A.A. Milne | |
|
Third - Fifth Grade
|
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, Telaraña de Carlota por E.B. White |
| Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, Charlie y la fábrica de chocolate, por Roald Dahl | |
| Blancaflor, the Hero with Secret Powers: A Folktale from Latin America by F. Isabel Campoy & Nadja Spiegelman, Blancaflor, la heroína con poderes secretos: un cuento de Latinoamérica por F. Isabel Campoy & Nadja Spiegelman | |
| Stuntboy, In the Meantime by Jason Reynolds, Stuntboy: El superhéroe de los superhéroes, por Jason Reynolds | |
| Wishtree by Katherine Applegate, El árbol de los deseos por Katherine Applegate | |
| Ways to Make Sunshine by Renée Watson | |
| The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies |
EXTRA SUMMER READING CHALLENGE!
Instructions: For students who are interested in more reading this summer, Dr. Mahone and Dr. Vanderbeck challenge you to read ALL the books on your book list. After reading each book, be sure to answer the comprehension questions and have a parent sign after each book on the form. All readers who successfully take on our challenge and turn in their completed worksheet on the first day of school will be treated to a special lunchtime book club picnic with Dr. Mahone and Dr. Vanderbeck. Yummy treats and games will be played to celebrate your amazing summer reading experience!
