Going-Into-Fourth-Grade Summer Book Report

Dear Students and Parents,

The fourth-grade teachers wish you a happy and relaxing summer. We would also like to extend a special, early welcome to our incoming students. We are looking forward to meeting you and working with you.

We would like all of our new students to continue reading during the summer. Hopefully, you will read at least thirty-minutes each day, whether you are at home, at camp, or traveling.

This summer, you are required to read and respond to one book of your choice. The book should be one that is grade appropriate. Remember to choose a book that is comfortable for you. You can do the "five-finger test" by reading the first page and putting up a finger each time you come across a word that is challenging, new, or different. If you have more than five fingers up when you finish scanning the first page, then you should choose a book that feels more comfortable. Once you have selected a book, choose one project that interests you. Bring this project to your new class on the first day of school.

Enjoy your summer, and whether you're camping, hiking, swimming, sun-bathing, touring or visiting, take along a good book and read, read, read!

Project Choices:

1. Written Response

Write a report outlining the major parts of your book. Make sure you organize your writing into paragraphs. This written response should be no longer than one page. In your writing include a description of the:

· Plot - make the problem and solution clear

· Character - describe the character's traits and actions

· Setting - describe both time and place

· Authors Message- what the author was trying to tell the reader

· Opinion- your feelings and thoughts on the story

2. Story Quilt

Make a story quilt of at least 9 quilt squares that depict the story. Create squares from construction paper that are anywhere from 9 to 12 inches. Inside the square draw a 1 inch border all the way around. Inside the 1-inch border create a design. You must have a square for the characters, a square for the setting, a square about the author, and a square that tells your opinion of the book. On each of the remaining quilt pieces illustrate your favorite parts of the book, and include a few sentences that summarize what is happening on the square. These squares should tell the plot of the story. When you are finished, string the squares together to form a quilt.

3. Electronic Presentation

Create a video/DVD/Power Point presentation, which gives information about the plot, characters, and setting of the book. If you choose to create a video or DVD, you may dress like a character from the story, create props, and even use friends and family members to help with the acting. This electronic presentation should be no longer than five minutes.

Have fun and be creative!

Sincerely,

The Fourth Grade Team