Catholic School

St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School

Catholic Education and Values for a Lifetime

Located in Beverly, MA on Boston's North Shore
Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Summer School Work:  Grade 1

The summer is a grand time to lose yourself in a book.  The following is provided as a guide for book selection. I encourage you to read aloud to your children each day – you may enjoy some of the stories as much as your children! The summer is also a wonderful time to visit local public libraries and bookstores.  Check them out for summer reading activities and ask the librarian to recommend books.  

 

Picture Books tend to be beautifully illustrated books for children where the words and the pictures work together to tell the story.  However, the vocabulary of a picture book is not controlled or as consistent as that of an “I-Can-Read” book.  Therefore, some picture books will be more difficult than others. They are just splendid for reading aloud, but specific reading levels will have to be judged individually.  

 

I-Can-Read books are perfect for Kindergarteners/First Graders looking for a longer book.  They can be described as short chapter books, since they are just long enough.  The vocabulary is usually fairly controlled and consistent and will give readers a lot of practice reading high-frequency words.  In addition, many of the books have memorable characters and a marvelous sense of humor.  Again, some are slightly easier than others, so a quick review is always wise.    

 

Please take care in choosing books based not only on reading level but more importantly on content level.  If you have a precocious reader, you probably do not want to offer him or her a book that is written for an older reader since chances are, if your child is innocent, the book might be a little bit too worldly.  Many of these books may have mature themes and can sometimes have a disturbing amount of conflict.  Only you know your child.  Reading the book yourself before sharing it with your child as a read aloud, read with or for them to read alone is best.   

  • Tips for reading aloud-   www.readaloudamerica.org/tips.htm  

  • American Library Association- www.ala.org  

  • The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSA) announced the Web sites added this spring (2008) to Great Web Sites for Kids (www.ala.or/greatsites ), its online resource containing hundreds of links to commendable Web sites for children.          

Summer Assignment  

First Grade Summer Reading Log  

Please assist your child in finding books of an appropriate reading level and content level.  Record information requested for ten books on the Summer Reading Log and have your child bring it back to school on the first day.    

First Grade Summer Math Log  

Your child can “practice math”  during the summer and reinforce their skills by using concrete materials such as shells, coins, rocks, action figures, dolls, etc, for counting patterning, and sorting.  Shopping, cooking, gardening, -- building with blocks, Brio trains, Lego, Playmobil, -- number guessing games, board and card games as well as   learning games on the computer are suggested.  Please record information requested for ten math activities on the Summer Math Log (back of Summer Reading Log), sign/date it and have your child bring it back to school on the first day.  

Enjoy your summer.   

St. Mary Star of the Sea School
13 Chapman Street
Beverly, MA 01915
Tel: 978-927-3259

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