Literacy Skills/6-1/LaBarbera/June, 2009

Literacy Skills/6-1/LaBarbera/June, 2009

Congratulations to students who have completed Sixth Grade at Brooks Middle School.
You can be proud of your accomplishments.

1. Summer Reading---Our Lit. Skills classes attended 5 Book Talks with our Teacher-Librarian through this school year. Many books were shared and students had the opportunity to check them out. There are at least 40 books which students are encouraged to read through the summer. Many students enjoy reading the "Maximum Ride" series.... or .. books by Jerry Spinelli.....or James Patterson. The Oak Park Pubic Library houses many of the books we learned about in book talks.
a. Students were told to read a minimum of 7 books this summer. Focus on a topic about which you want to be an expert. Read biographies. Read books in a variety of genre.
b. Characterization analysis--Through the school year, students have analyzed main and minor characters in novels. An " attribute web" involves noting how the character looks, acts, interacts with self and others. How does the character solve problems? Is he or she an antagonist or a protagonist?
c. Literary Analysis---Our extended response writing activities can be carried out in the summer. Read a novel at or above your reading level. Focus on a particular aspect of the book. For example: How does the main character change from the beginning to the end of the book? Write a response that includes what the author stated and your own ideas and experiences
to answer the question. How do you identify with the main character?
d. Log your reading ... Maintain a journal of titles, responses, feelings, and questions that the novels stir in your mind.
e. Our reading adventure was enjoyable in the 2008-2009 school year. It is hoped you will continue to travel to unchartered lands and dreams through reading books.