Summer Reading Project Ideas

Please complete one or more of the following activities to show off what you read this summer.

Be sure your projects capture the big idea of the text or a favorite part. We will ask for your

completed projects during the first weeks of the new school year. All students who participate

will receive a certificate and will also be invited to a special summer reading event in the

beginning of the school year. Additional prizes will be awarded for the most creative projects

and the projects that show the most effort. THIRD GRADE STUDENTS WILL ALSO BE INVITED

TO A SPECIAL EVENT AND HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE PRIZES AT HALL SCHOOL THIS

FALL! If you have any questions during the summer or at the start of the school year, please

direct them to Kristen Stevens at kstevens@willingtonct.org.

· Keep a reading log- Keep track of all the great things you read this summer and show

them off to your friends and teachers this fall!

· Create an ABC book- This is a fun way to show what you have learned about an

informational text. You can also get creative and make this work for stories!

· Make a poster- Your poster can illustrate a favorite part, a favorite character, the

setting of the story, etc.

· Create an advertisement- You can do this in the form of a t-shirt, billboard, cereal box,

menu, video, etc.

· Illustrate your own comic strip- Capture the important events in a story using pictures.

· Put yourself in the character’s shoes- Write a letter or journal entry from a character’s

point of view.

· Write a short sequel- Have you ever wondered what would happen if the author added

another chapter to a story? Here’s your chance to make it happen! Extend the ending

of a story so it ends the way you want it to.

· Use technology! Create a…

-PowerPoint presentation

-Character Voki at www.voki.com

-Wordle or Tagxedo at www.wordle.net or www.tagxedo.com (a fun way to capture what was

important in the story, article, etc.)

· Use graphic organizers- Describe characters and settings or compare characters,

settings, and texts. Graphic organizers can be found on the following sites:

Ø www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer

Ø http://edhelper.com/teachers/graphic_organizers.htm

· Create word searches, crossword puzzles, and more related to your book- You can

make your own puzzles for free on http://www.discoveryeducation.com/free-

puzzlemaker/?CFID=46786349&CFTOKEN=40368365.

· Read for the World Record (and other Scholastic summer reading activities)- See

http://www.scholastic.com/summer/kids. Write a paragraph or two describing how you got

involved with the Scholastic Summer Reading Challenge!

· For additional ideas, see the following website:

http://www.kirkwood.k12.mo.us/parent_student/te/hilperl/Three_Four/book_projects.htm

Please do not forget that these are only suggestions.

You are welcome to come up with your own ideas.

Have fun!

Archaeology:

DIG IT!Anthropology

GEOLOGY

Biology

FOSSILS

Archaeology

AncientCivilizations

Ancient

Civilizations

FOSSILS

THE GOVERNOR’S SUMMER READING CHALLENGE

Students and Families:

To learn more, ask your teacher, principal, or school or public librarian, or contact

the Connecticut State Department of Education at 860-713-6751 or www.ct.gov/sde.

Name

Grade

School

Town

My favorite book was

I liked this book because

The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge

SUMMER READING JOURNAL

Archaeology:

DIG IT!

CONNECTICUT READS 2013 The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge

Title of Book

16.

Title of Book 17. 1.

18. 2.

19. 3.

20. 4.

21. 5.

22. 6.

23. 7.

24. 8.

25. 9.

26. 10.

27. 11.

28. 12.

29. 13.

30. 14.

15. Total Number of Books Read

                                  

                       

              

       

                        

                 

           

      

                          

                   

  

                    

         

         

       

                            

                   

   

           

                  

                     

                   

             

                                    

                   

 

                                

               

         

                       

                       

             

                  

                         

                     

       

                        

           

                      

               

               

                 

            

         

                    

                   

           

                          

                   

                                    

                   

    

                          

                   

  

                                  

                     

                

   

           

     

S u m m e r R e a d i n g L i s t *

Dig Into Reading! ~ Grades K­2 Suggested summer reading compiled for the Connecticut Department of Education

by Linda Williams, Connecticut State Library

PICTURE BOOKS

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin A young worm discovers, day by day, that there are some very good and some not so good things about being a worm in this great big world. Lexile: 360 IRA

Muncha! Muncha! Muncha! by Candace Fleming After planting the garden he has dreamed of for years, Mr. McGreely tries to find a way to keep some persistent bunnies from eating all his vegetables. Lexile: 560 ALA

Oh, No! by Candace Fleming A series of animals falls into a deep hole, only to be saved at last by a very large rescuer. ALA

Underground by Denise Fleming Pulp paintings and rhyming text spotlight the underground world of burrowing, tunneling, and digging animals. Includes “Creature Indentification” page. Lexile: BR

Yucky Worms by Vivian French While helping Grandma in the garden, a child learns about the important role of the earthworm in helping plants grow. Lexile: 620 ALA

Spike, the Mixed­Up Monster by Susan Hood While Spike, a tiny axolotl salamander, practices being the monster he believes he is, other animals call him cute and funny but when a gila monster arrives and the other creatures hide, Spike shows his true nature. Connecticut Author

Rocks in His Head by Carol Otis Hurst A young man has a lifelong love of rock collecting that eventually leads him to work at a science museum. Lexile:

ALA, NSTA

Water Hole Waiting by Jane Kurtz A thirsty monkey waits as the larger animals drink from the water hole on the African savanna. Lexile: 280 NSTA

I'm Dirty! by Kate McMullan A busy backhoe loader describes all the items it hauls off a lot and all the fun it has getting dirty while doing so.

Goldie and the Three Hares by Margie Palatini When Goldilocks, running from the three bears, falls down a rabbit hole and hurts her foot, a family of hares tries to help but she proves to be a very loud, demanding, and tenacious guest. Lexile: 610

IRA

Mud by Mary Lyn Ray As winter melts into spring, the frozen earth turns into magnificent mud. Lexile: 320

Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds The carrots that grow in Crackenhopper Field are the fattest and crispiest around and Jasper Rabbit cannot resist pulling some to eat each time he passes by, until he begins hearing and seeing creepy carrots wherever he goes. ALA

Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night? by Brianna Caplan Sayres Illustrations and rhyming text reveal what

trucks, tractors, and construction vehicles do to get ready for bed after a hard day’s work.

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith A child explores the ordinary life of his extraordinary great­grandfather, as expressed in his topiary garden. Lexile: 360 ALA, Connecticut Author

The Great Fuzz Frenzy by Janet Stevens When a tennis ball lands in a prairie dog town, the residents find that their newfound frenzy for fuzz creates a fiasco. Lexile: 420 NCTE

Demolition by Sally Sutton This picture book follows the demolition of a building as well as the construction of something entirely different in its place. ALA

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson On a cold winter night many animals gather to party in the cave of a sleeping bear, who then awakes and protests that he has missed the food and the fun. ALA

440

     

 

 

 

   

   

       

               

               

                           

       

               

   

                                        

               

           

                        

       

           

                              

           

                          

                  

             

  

       

   

             

                

           

                   

                 

                        

             

                                      

                 

                        

                     

                     

                                

                      

       

                 

               

                                    

    

             

 

                                    

           

 

                       

                 

                  

 

               

           

                 

                                      

             

S u m m e r R e a d i n g L i s t

BEGINNING READERS

The Digging­est Dog by Al Perkins Scorned by his new dog friends because he never learned to dig, Sam suddenly discovers his inherent dog talent and turns the countryside into a series of ruts and holes. Lexile: 340

Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion When a white dog with black spots runs away from home, he gets so dirty his family doesn’t recognize him as a black dog with white spots. Lexile: 370

GRAPHIC NOVEL

Stinky by Eleanor Davis Stinky, a monster who lives in a swamp, gets upset when a boy named Nick starts hanging around his swamp, and so he tries to scare Nick away. Lexile: 170 ALA

FOLKLORE

Clay Boy by Mirra Ginsburg Wanting a son, an old man and woman make a clay boy who comes to life and begins eating everything in sight until he meets a clever goat. Lexile: 320 IRA

Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens Hare turns his bad luck around by striking a clever deal with the rich and lazy bear down the road. Lexile: 580 ALA

NONFICTION

Underground by Shane Evans A family silently crawls along the ground. They run barefoot through unlit woods, sleep beneath bushes, take shelter in a kind stranger’s home. Where are they heading? They are heading for Freedom by way of the Underground Railroad. ALA

Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner During a cross country ski trip through the winter woods, adventurers can discover all sorts of animals living under

the snow. Lexile: 700 ALA, NCTE, NSTA

Seed, Soil, Sun: Earth’s Recipe for Food by Cris Peterson Follows a corn plant from tiny seed to giant plant in an explanation of how air and water combine with seed, soil, and sun to grow food. Lexile: 1050 IRA

Subway Ride by Heather Lynn Miller Follows five children as they ride subways in ten cities throughout the world.

Connecticut Illustrator (Sue Rama)

Seeds by Ken Robbins From flowers to fruits, everything begins with a tiny seed. Young readers will learn how seeds grow, and how they vary in shape, size, and dispersal patterns. From cherry pits to exploding pods, to sticktight seeds that cling to your shoes, acclaimed photographer and author Ken Robbins illuminates how wondrous nature springs up throughout the year before our very eyes. IRA

Construction Zone by Cheryl Hudson Willis Simple text and colorful photographs describe the excitement of a busy construction site. Lexile: 790 NCTE

BIOGRAPHY

Barnum Brown: Dinosaur Hunter by David Sheldon The story of a young boy who wanted to grow up a dinosaur hunter and how he built an amazing dinosaur collection for the American Museum of Natural History. Lexile: 1060 NSTA

Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai by Claire A. Nivola Tells the remarkable story of one woman’s effort to change the fate of her land by teaching many to care for it. An author’s note provides further information about Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement. ALA, NSTA

*Many of the listed books were selected as exemplary books by one or more of the following organizations: the American

Library Association (ALA), the International Reading Association (IRA), the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), the

National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) or the United States Board

on Books for Young People (USBBY).

     

                            

                   

             

             

         

                       

                       

                       

               

                                      

                 

       

              

                       

                           

                         

             

             

                  

      

              

                   

                 

               

         

                       

               

             

                      

                   

                         

 

                              

               

   

           

            

                     

             

                 

             

              

                                      

­  

 

           

                        

             

                 

                     

                     

           

             

                         

           

           

                                  

                   

                 

             

                          

                   

               

           

   

                 

                   

                     

               

                   

     

 

   

S u m m e r Books by Connecticut Authors & Illustrators Grades K­2 A few newer books written or illustrated by Connecticut residents. See a list of Connecticut authors and illustrators at: http://tinyurl.com/CTauthors illustrators

PICTURE BOOKS

Easy as Pie by Cari Best (Weston) Jacob watches his favorite television show, "Baking with Chef Monty," and bakes a beautiful peach pie, which he gives to his parents for their anniversary.

Scooter in the Outside by Anne Bowen, illustrated by Abby Carter (Connecticut) Every day when Lucy takes Scooter for a walk he hopes to go around the corner to see what is there, but when he finally gets his chance to explore on his own, he learns that he is not ready to go there alone.

Too Busy Marco by Roz Chast (Ridgefield) Marco the bird does not want to take the time to prepare for bedtime because there are so many more important things for him to do.

The Obstinate Pen by Frank W. Dormer (Branford) Uncle Flood is very pleased with his new pen until he tries to write with it and finds that it writes only what it wants to for him, and the series of people who try it after him, until finally his nephew Horace tries something new.

Ready for Pumpkins by Kate Duke (New Haven) A classroom guinea pig learns about gardening by growing his own pumpkin.

Cows to the Rescue by John Himmelman (Killingworth) After helping the Greenstalk family get to the county fair, the cows busy themselves finding solutions to many other problems that arise during the day. Lexile: 510

Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann (Connecticut) A little girl who is obsessed with the color pink eats so many pink cupcakes that she herself turns pink.

Miranda's Beach Day by Holly Keller (New Haven) Miranda and Mama spend a fun day at the beach building castles and catching sand crabs, and Miranda learns that just like the sand and the sea, she and her mother will always be together.

Blue Chicken by Deborah Freedman (Hamden) An enterprising chicken attempts to help an artist paint the barnyard and accidentally turns the whole picture blue. Lexile: 270

R e a d i n g L i s t *

The Tooth Mouse by Susan Hood (Southport) Introduces readers to the Tooth Mouse, France's version of the tooth fairy, and to Sophie, a sweet young mouse who must prove she is brave, honest, and wise enough to take over this important job. Lexile: 530

See Me Dig by Paul Meisel (Newtown) A group of dogs that loves to dig has a fun­filled day of making mischief, in this easy­to­read story.

Think Cool Thoughts by Elizabeth Perry, illustrated by Linda Bronson (East Haddam) On the hottest night of the hottest part of a very hot summer, Angel, her aunt, and mother drag their mattress to the rooftop to sleep and hope for cooler weather.

When No One is Watching by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by David Johnson (Windham) When alone, a young girl enjoys dancing, singing, growling, and cheering but when anyone other than her best friend is watching, she is quiet and shy.

Rocks! Rocks! Rocks! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace (Branford) Buddy likes looking at and collecting rocks. Mama suggests they visit the local nature center. They hike the Blue Diamond Trail to five rock stops. They meet Roxie, a Rock Ridge Ranger. Buddy learns lots about bedrock, erosion, and how rocks are formed. He finds out many surprising things about rocks.

POETRY

The Forget­Me­Nots: Poems to Learn by Heart selected by Mary Ann Hoberman (Greenwich) A collection of more than 120 poems for children to learn, including selections from classic and contemporary poets, with tips and tricks from former Children's Poet Laureate Mary Ann Hoberman on memorization and recitation.

BIOGRAPHY

Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo, illustrated by Julia Denos (Cheshire) Short biography of actress Audrey Hepburn. Lexile: 740

   

             

   

               

                 

                     

             

       

             

                         

                        

   

             

 

                   

               

                 

                 

         

             

                 

                   

                       

 

           

 

             

               

                 

         

         

               

             

                   

     

                  

                 

                   

               

               

           

 

                   

                       

                 

                     

               

   

                     

                     

                

       

       

         

           

             

                   

                   

             

                   

                 

           

           

                   

                       

           

 

                   

                     

           

         

                   

                 

       

           

     

S u m m e r R e a d i n g L i s t *

Dig Into Reading! ~ Grades 3­4 Suggested summer reading compiled for the Connecticut Department of Education

by Linda Williams, Connecticut State Library

PICTURE BOOKS

In the Garden with Dr. Carver by Susan Grigsby A fictionalized account of how plant scientist George Washington Carver came to an Alabama school and taught the children how to grow plants and reap the rewards of nature’s bounty. Includes factual note about George Washington Carver. Lexile: 990 NCSS

Boy of the Deeps by Ian Wallace James, the son of a coal miner, goes with his father for the first time to work in the mines of Cape Breton. Lexile: 690 NCSS

CHAPTER BOOKS

builds a habitat for worms in her school Cam Jansen and the cafeteria as part of the Save the Earth Project.

Mystery of the Dinosaur The Spindlers by Lauren Oliver Bones by David A. Adler Accompanied by an eccentric, human­sized

When she notices some bones missing rat, Liza embarks on a perilous quest through

from a dinosaur skeleton exhibited in the museum, a young girl with a photographic memory tries to discover who has been taking them and why. Lexile: 490

The End of the Beginning by Avi Avon the snail and Edward, a take­charge ant, set off together on a journey to an undetermined destination in search of unspecified adventures. Lexile: 620

Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl Three farmers, each one meaner than the other, try all­out warfare to get rid of the fox and his family. Lexile: 600

Tales From the Waterhole by Bob Graham During the dry season, Morris the crocodile and his animal friends enjoy playing in and near the water hole. Lexile: 490

Watch Out World, Rosy Cole is Going Green! by Sheila Greenwald Rosie’s team comes up with some creative ideas for the Read School Fall Fair, whose mission is to sell “green­themed” products. Lexile: 760

Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Kennedy Although Aunt Arlene tries to interest her in clothing and growing up, ten­year­old Mildred is entirely focused on growing a pumpkin big enough to win the annual Circleville, Ohio, contest, as her mother dreamed of doing before she died. Lexile: 790

Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise In this story told mostly through letters, children’s book author, I. B. Grumply, gets more than he bargained for when he rents a quiet place to write for the summer. Lexile: 730 Nutmeg Nominee 2004

Marty McGuire Digs Worms! by Kate Messner

With help from her Grandma Barb, Marty

an underground realm to save her brother, Patrick, whose soul has been stolen by the evilest of creatures­­the spider­like spindlers.

Nanny Piggins and the Wicked Plan by R. A. Spratt When Mr. Green announces his diabolical plan to remarry, his children are horrified at the thought of losing their beloved Nanny Piggins. Includes a story called “Nanny Piggins and the Tunnel to China.” Lexile: 880

Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst Lulu’s parents refuse to give in when she demands a brontosaurus for her birthday and so she sets out to find her own, but while the brontosaurus she finally meets approves of pets, he does not intend to be Lulu’s. Lexile: 910

On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder Laura and her family move to Minnesota where they live in a dugout until a new house is built and face misfortunes caused by flood, blizzard, and grasshoppers. Lexile: 720 ALA

     

 

 

 

 

         

         

           

             

               

                   

               

  

               

 

               

               

                     

          

               

         

                   

                 

  

                 

 

                       

                   

                     

        

         

         

               

                     

                   

          

               

               

                     

           

           

 

               

                         

        

       

         

             

           

           

               

                 

           

             

        

             

           

                   

             

                       

          

       

       

               

                 

               

                 

   

           

                 

                 

               

                  

S u m m e r R e a d i n g L i s t GRAPHIC NOVEL

Leo Geo: And His Miraculous Journey Through the Center of the Earth by Jon Chad Armed with scientific knowledge and a magic dagger, Leo is determined to outwit man­eating Quadclops giants and Malvisors and travel to the center of the earth. ALA

FOLKLORE

The Secret of the Stones by Robert D. San Souci When they try to find out who is doing their chores while they are working in the field, a childless couple discovers that the two stones they have brought home are actually two bewitched orphans. Lexile: 700 NCSS

POETRY

If You Find a Rock by Peggy Christian Celebrates the variety of rocks that can be found, including skipping rocks, chalk rocks, and splashing rocks. Lexile: 930 NCTE

Bones: Skeletons and How They Work by Steve Jenkins A guide to human and animal skeletons provides informative comparisons while sharing such facts as the number of bones in the human body and the ways that skeletal structures work. Lexile: 980 ALA

Muddy as a Duck Puddle: And Other American Similes by Laurie Lawlor A collection of 26 American similes–one for each letter of the alphabet–including notes on the origins and meanings of each. IRA

NONFICTION

BIOGRAPHY Please Bury Me in the Library by J. Patrick Lewis An illustrated collection of fifteen poems about the joy of books and reading.

Wild Tracks!: A Guide to Nature’s Footprints by Jim Arnosky

Barnum’s Bones: How Barnum Brown Discovered the Most Famous Dinosaur in the World by Tracey Fern Documents the work of an early twentieth­century paleontologist, named after the famous circus icon by his ambitious parents, who grew up to work for the American Museum of Natural History and discovered the first documented skeletons of the Tyrannosaurus Rex and other

Learn how to read the secret language of animal tracks. Find out how to tell how fresh tracks are, which animals made them, how fast they might have been traveling, and more. Lexile: 1040 ALA

A Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston Introduces readers to rocks and minerals, describing how they are created, what they can be used for, and their different forms and types. Lexile: 1110

Wolfsnail: A Backyard Predator by Sarah Campbell Stunning photographs and a fact­filled story deliver a closeup look at a day in the life of a tiny, and unexpected, predator­the seriously slimy wolfsnail. ALA

noteworthy species. Lexile: 1010 NSTA

Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya by Donna Jo Napoli The story of Wangari Maathai, who in 1977 founded the Green Belt Movement, an African grassroots organization, and in 2004 was the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Lexile: 710 NCSS

The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins by Barbara Kerley The true story of Victorian artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, who built life­sized models of dinosaurs in the hope of educating the world about these awe­inspiring ancient animals and what they were like. Lexile: 550 ALA

*Many listed books were selected as exemplary by one or more of the following organizations: the American Library

Association (ALA), the International Reading Association (IRA), the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS), the

National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) or the United States Board

on Books for Young People (USBBY).

            

                 

                       

                     

                     

                     

 

           

     

                   

                         

                       

   

               

   

                     

                 

               

             

     

                 

                     

               

       

           

                

                   

     

 

 

               

                                  

                 

                   

           

               

                        

               

             

                 

                   

 

             

         

               

                 

         

               

                              

                 

                   

                       

                       

           

                 

             

                       

               

                   

             

     

           

           

 

               

               

           

     

              

                                     

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S u m m e r Books by Connecticut Authors & Illustrators Grades 3­4 A few newer books written or illustrated by Connecticut residents. See a list of Connecticut authors and illustrators at: http://tinyurl.com/CTauthors illustrators

PICTURE BOOKS

Snook Alone by Marilyn Nelson (East Haddam) Through the power of faith, a monk named Abba Jacob and his loyal rat terrier, Snook, are reunited after being separated by a ferocious storm. Lexile: 890

Abe Lincoln's Dream by Lane Smith (Washington Depot) When a schoolgirl gets separated from her tour of the White House and finds herself in the Lincoln bedroom, she also discovers the ghost of the great man himself. Lexile: 390

CHAPTER BOOKS

The Brixen Witch by Stacy DeKeyser (Simsbury) Twelve­year­old Rudi stumbles upon a witch's lair while out hunting, takes a gold coin he finds there but loses it again, then must deal with the witch's servant who promises to end the town's rat infestation only if he receives that gold coin, in a story reminiscent of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. Lexile: 720

Lexie by Audrey Couloumbis, illustrated by Julia Denos (Cheshire) When ten­year­old Lexie goes with her father to the beach for a week, she is surprised to find that he has invited his girlfriend and her two sons to join them for the entire week. Lexile: 600

R My Name is Rachel by Patricia Reilly Giff (Weston) Three city siblings, now living on a farm during the Great Depression, must survive on their own when their father takes a construction job miles away. Lexile: 550

Emma Dilemma and the New Nanny by Patricia Hermes (Fairfield) Emma tries to help her parents understand that, although their beloved new nanny has made a few mistakes, no one can behave perfectly responsibly all the time. Emma Dilemma series. Lexile: 510

Strawberry Hill by Mary Ann Hoberman (Greenwich) Ten­year­old Allie's family moves from urban New Haven to rural Stamford, Connecticut, in the midst of the Great Depression. Lexile: 610

R e a d i n g L i s t *

Twelve Kinds of Ice by Ellen Bryan Obed, illustrated by Barbara McClintock (Windham) From the first ice, a thin skin on a bucket of water, through thickly­iced fields, streams, and gardens, a girl, her family, and friends anticipate and enjoy a winter of skating, ending with an ice show. Lexile: 870

NONFICTION

Look to the Stars by Buzz Aldrin, illustrated by Wendell Minor (Washington) Astronaut Buzz Aldrin takes readers on a journey through the history of space exploration, offering the perfect introduction to everything space related, including the development of the first rockets, America's space race with Russia, details of all the Apollo missions, and the space station.

Trains! by Susan E. Goodman, illustrated by Michael J. Doolittle (New Haven) Provides information about the history of trains and introduces a variety of trains and their technologies. Step Into Reading series. Lexile: 390

Boys of Steel by Marc Tyler Nobleman (Cos Cob), illustrated by Ross MacDonald (Connecticut) Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster, two misfit teens in Cleveland, were more like Clark Kent than Superman. They escaped into the worlds of science fiction and pulp magazine tales. In 1934, they created the superhero, but it took 4 years to convince a publisher to take a chance on their Man of Steel in a new format­­the comic book.

The Taxing Case of the Cows by Iris Van Rynbach (Glastonbury) & Pegi Deitz Shea (Rockville) In the 1800s, Abby and Julia Smith refused to pay an unfair property tax. When the authorities confiscated their cows, the Smiths bought them back at auction, year after year, attracting the attention of women's suffrage supporters across the country.

BIOGRAPHY

The Adventures of Mark Twain by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Barry Blitt (Riverside) An illustrated biography of American author Mark Twain, presented from the perspective of the Twain's famous literary character Huckleberry Finn. Lexile: 750

Getting the Most Out of Nonfiction Reading TimeReading together remains one of the most important things adults can do with their young learner. Today, recommendations include reading information or nonfiction books with much more regularity. Nonfiction books present many opportunities to learn new concepts and vocabulary, as well as broaden a student’s view of the world. Nonfiction books are written differently than picture books in that there are often more pictures, graphics, charts and photographs included within the pages. Parents can ease the transition into more nonfiction reading by encouraging your child to preview a book before reading and to be an active reader who asks lots of questions.

Take a “Book Walk”One great way to make predictions about an unfamiliar nonfiction text is to take a “walk” through the book before reading. By looking closely together at the front and back cover, the index, table of contents, the glossary, and the photographs or other images, readers can start to get a sense about the topic. This scanning and skimming helps set the expectation for the reading. Take the time to walk through the book before starting to read.

Encourage QuestionsA second way to develop more understanding with nonfiction books is to encourage your child to be an active reader who asks lots of questions. Parents can model these behaviors by talking or thinking out loud as you turn the pages of the book. This is a helpful way for your child to see and hear what a successful reader does when faced with difficult or unfamiliar topics. For example, “When I looked at this photograph, I asked myself, “Where is Antarctica? Is that the same place as the South Pole?” Then talk together about how and what you would need to do to find the answer to the questions. This will reinforce that many questions can be answered by reading a text closely and by paying attention to captions and picture titles. Some children enjoy writing their questions on sticky notes and working to answer them during the reading.

Previewing a text and asking questions are two terrific ways to navigate nonfiction texts. Enjoy spending more time with some fascinating informational books!

Reading Rockets, Colorín Colorado, and LD OnLine are national education services of WETA, the flagship public broadcasting station in Washington, D.C.

Parent tips for raising strong readers and writers

Growingreaders!Brought to you by Reading Rockets, Colorín Colorado and LD OnLine

Favorite stories get shared many times over. Here’s some advice about how to find a goodchildren’s book and what to do once you’re reading together with your child.

What to look for:■ Look for award-winning books. Each year the American Library Association selects

children’s books for the Caldecott Medal for illustrations and the Newbery Medal for writing.

■ Check the book review section of newspapers and magazines for recommended new children’s books.

■ Check the Books and Authors section of www.ReadingRockets.org for recommendationsand reviews.

Remember: Borrowing books from your local public library and swapping favorites withneighbors are two good ways to learn about new books.

What to do:■ Listen carefully as your child reads.

■ Take turns. Read a paragraph (or page) and have your child read the next one.

■ If your child has trouble reading a word, you can help in several ways:

• Guide your child to use what he or she knows about letters and sounds to sound out the word.

• Ask your child to skip over the word, read the rest of the sentence, and then say a word that would make sense in the story.

• Supply the correct word.

■ Tell your child how proud you are of his or her efforts and skills.

Remember: Your child may be focusing more on how to read each word than on what thestory means, so your reading helps to keep the story alive.

Adapted from Kame'enui, E. J., & Simmons, D. C. Read*Write*Now! Activities for Reading and Writing Fun.

Check out Reading Rockets’ "Books and Authors" section for great read-aloud books:

www.ReadingRockets.org/booksVisit our sister sites, ColorinColorado.org and LDOnLine.org, for more information about learning.

Ed ExtrasFinding and Sharing Great Kids’ Books

Reading Rockets, Colorín Colorado, and LD OnLine are services of public television station WETA, Washington, D.C. Reading Rockets isfunded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. Colorín Colorado, a web service to help English anguage learners become better readers, receives major funding from the American Federation of Teachers. Additional funding is providedby the National Institute for Literacy and the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. LD OnLine is the world’sleading website on learning disabilities and ADHD, with major funding from Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes.

Helpful information about learning brought to you by Reading Rockets, Colorín Colorado, and LD OnLine

Place your school nameor logo here

www.LDOnLine.org

Creating a Home LibraryStarting a home library for your child shows her how important books are. Having books of her own in a special place boosts the chance that your child will want to read even more. Here are some ideas for creating your own home library.

Finding books• Become a treasure hunter! Browse book store sales, garage sales, flea markets, used book stores, and sales at your local library• Organize a children’s book swap with friends, community groups, or your school• Encourage family and friends to give books as gifts for birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations• Don’t forget quality nonfiction and children’s magazines!Building your library• A cardboard box or small wooden packing crate that you can decorate together might make a good bookcase. Or you might clear one of the family bookshelves.• Pick a special place for your child’s books so that she knows where to look for them – in a cozy corner of your child’s bedroom, or close to where the rest of the family gathers and reads if your child is very social.• Help your child to arrange her books in some order – her favorite books, books about animals, or holiday books. Use whatever method will help her most easily find the book she’s looking for.• “This book belongs to...” Bookplates give your child a sense of ownership and can add “newness” to a used book. You can make your own or download and print these colorful designs by children’s book illustrators: http://www.myhomelibrary.org/bookplates.html• If you and your child make your own books together, you can add those to your home library, too.• Borrow books from your local library. Go to the children’s section and spend time with your child reading and selecting books to take home and put in her special spot. You might even have a box or space just for library books, so that they don’t get mixed up with your child’s own books.When collecting and reading books are a part of family life, you send your child a message that books are important, enjoyable, and full of new things to learn! For information on selecting great children’s books, visit:www.ReadingRockets.org/books/aboutkids

Article adapted from “Helping Your Child Become a Reader.” U.S. Department of Education. 2005.

Helpful information about learning brought to you by Reading Rockets, Colorin Colorado, and LD OnLine

Reading Rockets, Colorín Colorado, and LD OnLine are services of public television station WETA, Washington, D.C. Reading Rockets is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. Colorín Colorado, a web service to help English language learners become better readers, receives major funding from the American Federation of Teachers. Additional funding is provided by the National Institute for Literacy and the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. LD OnLine is the world’s leading website on learning disabilities and ADHD, with major funding from Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes.

Place your school name or logo hereEd Extras

Questions? Contact Dee Gilbert 860.429.6777

FIRST PLACE WINNER :

Daniel Conde (1st Grade)

‘Just BEE Yourself!’

Runner Up:

Emily Gounaris (1st Grade)

‘Bee-lieve and Achieve Your Dreams’

First Place winning theme will be used for the 2013-2014 CES Yearbook AND will win a CES Yearbook FREE. Runner-Up* will receive $10 off the yearbook price.

(*winners may choose to apply to 2012-2013 Yearbook or 2013-2014 Yearbook).

CES 2013-2014

YEARBOOK THEME

Congratulations to all 29 of the students who creatively

entered the CES 2013-2014 Yearbook Theme Contest!

Questions? Contact Dee Gilbert 860.429.6777

Student Name & Grade _______________________________ Phone Number ______________________________________ # of Yearbooks? ________ Total Payment ($25 each) _______ Please make checks payable to : Willington PTA

This year’s Yearbook Committee had representation from each grade! A special thanks to (Pre-k) Jennifer Thorpe-Pallo, (Kindergarten)

Sabrina Wentworth, (1st Grade) Tina Gounaris, (2nd Grade) Dee Gilbert, and (3rd Grade & Staff) Amy Redding for working countless hours from October through March!

Pre-Ordered Yearbooks were distributed on Friday, June 7. If you did not pre-order, a limited amount of copies are available for purchase for $25. (Remember, the yearbook features ALL Grades!)

Willington Public Library 7 Ruby Road860-429-3854

willingtonpubliclibrary.orgor visit us on Facebook

Come join us at the Library!

All stories and crafts will revolve around these themes for the upcoming

“Story and Craft Time”Saturdays

10:30 AM through 12:00 Noon

June 15th: Father’s Day

June 22: Curious George

June 29: Caterpillars

ALSO

Family Movie Time: Saturday, June 29 at 12:30 PM: “On the BIG screen”

“Escape From Planet Earth”

Feel free to bring lunch or a snack to enjoy

DigIntoReading!

Willington Public Library

Check out ourSummer Reading Events

@ the Library!(Open to all towns!)

Tuesday, July 9th @ 1 PM in the Community Room: Magic Show

Monday, July 15th @ 3 PM in the Community Room: Daisy the Pig & Two Pugs

Tuesday, July 23rd @ 2 PM in the Community Room: Wingmaster Birds of Prey

Craft Night every Thursday Evening in July! 6:30 PM- 7:30 PM in the Children’s 2013

Visit us on the web at www.willingtonct.virtualtownhall.net

Willington Youth, Family & Social Services

“Where Community Grows” 40 Old Farms Rd. Willington, CT 06279 Tel: 860-487-3118 Fax: 860-487-3125 wyfss@willingtonct.org

For Incoming Kindergartners through Incoming 3rd Graders

(Residency not required)

Safe Kids Day Camp 2013 Hands- On & Interactive Fun!

Tuesday August 13th through Friday August 16th 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Willington Hill Fire Department (24 Old Farms Rd. Willington, CT)

We can help get your youngsters prepared to enter/re-enter school this fall while providing fun instruction of both basic

and more advanced safety concepts. Each day of camp will feature a different safety focus; and

campers will receive visits from local protective and emergency service providers.

· Safe on the Road: School Bus, Bike & Traffic Safety · Safe @ Home, Safe @ School:

· Playground & hallway safety, Fire Prevention & Planning

· My Safe Body: Self-Protection, Body Boundaries & Poisons

· My Community Safety Net: Ambulance & 9-11 Education

. COST: $8.00 ea. day per child. This includes all supplies & a light picnic lunch each day. Please make checks payable to: “WYFSS Safe Kids Camp.” and return with registration form by August 9, 2013 to: WYFSS at Town Offices at 40 Old Farms Rd, Willington, CT 06279. $5.00 late registration fee applies if received after 8/5/13.

Willington Youth, Family & Social Services

Visit us on the web at www.willingtonct.virtualtownhall.net

Safe Kids Day Camp 2013 Camper Registration

Attendance: Please check one ___Full 4 Day Camp ___Partial Camp: Which days will your child attend? ___Tue. ___Wed. ___Thu. ___Fri.

Child’s Name ________________________________________ DOB________________ Gender _______ Grade: _______ Home Address_____________________________________________________________ Is this also the mailing address? If not, please include mailing address Home Phone __________________________ Alt. Phone __________________________ Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name(s) ________________________________________________ Parent(s) Guardian(s) email address:__________________________@________________ _________________________________________________________________________

Emergency/Medical information Does your child have food or other allergies of which we should be aware? If yes, please

explain.__________________________________________________________________ Does your child have any other physical or emotional conditions of which we should be

aware? If so, please explain __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Does your child take any medications? If so, please include medication name, dosage, and

time of day administered _________________________________________________________________________

Child’s Physician__________________________ Phone: __________________________ Child’s Dentist ____________________________ Phone___________________________

Please list emergency phone contacts in the order which you prefer they be contacted in the case of a medical or other emergency: Parent/Guardian Name(s) Phone #1 Phone #2 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Other Trusted Contact(s) Phone #1 Phone #2 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Visit us on the web at www.willingtonct.virtualtownhall.net

Release, Waiver and Assumption of Liability

And Consent For Medical Treatment WYFSS I, the undersigned, by registering my child to attend WYFSS Safe Kids Camp 2012 understand the nature and risks associated with the participation in this activity. I hereby grant my child permission to participate. I am aware that participation is at one’s own risk. I acknowledge that the activity, equipment and facilities may pose a risk of personal injury. I am also aware that each participant is responsible for his or her own safety. I hereby waive and release myself, my heirs, executors or administrators of any and all claims and damage we ever had or now have, against the Town of Willington, its successors and assigns, employees, agents and representative for any and all kinds of injury, including but not limited to personal injury and/or property damage suffered by my child, myself, family members or friends while participating in this program. Consent for Medical Treatment of Minors, as the parent or legal guardian of the above named player, I hereby give consent for emergency medical care prescribed by a fully licensed Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Dentistry. This care may be given under whatever conditions are necessary to preserve the life, limb or well being of my dependent. I certify that the information contained on this form is accurate and complete. ______________, 2013 __________________________________ Date Signature of Parent or Guardian

Please return this registration and your payment to: WYFSS, 40 Old Farms Rd, Willington, CT 06279

By 3::00 pm on Wednesday August 1, 2012 Registrations received after that date add $5.00 late fee.

Please include your payment of $32.00 for the four day camp or

$8.00 for ea. day your child will attend Make checks payable to:

“WYFSS Safe Kids Camp”

REFUND POLICY: No refunds will be issued except under the following conditions:

1. Camp is cancelled due to low enrollment 2. A medical excuse with a note from child’s physician.

NEWPORT AND PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND BUS TRIP

Enjoy an Afternoon on your own in Newport and Experience “Waterfire” in the evening in Providence.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10TH

Grab a bite to eat, shop, and explore downtown Newport or tour The Breakers Mansion. www.newportmansions.org. After enjoying the afternoon in Newport the bus will take you to Providence to enjoy the Waterfire Festival.

WaterFire, is an experience that embraces all of the senses and the entire city! Come to enjoy yourself, to relax, and to discover a remarkable new urban experience in a fascinating modern city. WaterFire is presented for free and begins at sunset.

The buses will leave the commuter lots at 10:00 am and drop off in downtown Newport around 12:00 pm. The buses will then leave Newport at 4:00 pm and drop you in downtown Providence to shop, have dinner and enjoy the Waterfire festivities. Bus leaves Providence at 10:00 pm for an estimated 11:00 pm arrival at parking lot. Fee: $40.00 per person- transportation only

WILLINGTON AND ASHFORD PARKS AND RECREATION

SUMMER TEEN BUS TRIPS

(minimum of 15 to run trip)

BROWNSTOWN PARK Tuesday, July 2ND

Spend a beautiful summer day at the Brownstone Exploration &

Discovery Park! It is the Number 1 Adventure Park in Southern New England.

Tons of stuff to do all day!

The school bus will leave from Ashford Town Hall at 8:45 am and Willington Town Hall at 9:00 am. Get your friends together and grab your swimsuit, your shades, and your sunscreen. (Sneakers or rock climbing shoes must be worn to climb) You may bring or buy your lunch there. We will return to Willington about 5:00pm and Ashford at 5:15 pm. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Fee: $37.00-Fee includes bus and Adventure Pass. $15.00-Transportion Only for Season Pass Holders

Register by Friday, June, 28th

SIX FLAGS NEW ENGLAND Tuesday, August 20th

The Place for Summertime Family Fun! Six Flags has it all! Rides, games, contests, water fun, concerts and more! The school bus will leave from Ashford Town Hall at 8:45 am and Willington Town Hall at 9:00 am. It’s a 1 hour ride to Six Flags Amusement and Water Park. We will return to Willington at 5:00 pm and Ashford at 5:15 pm. Food may not be brought into the park. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Fee: $47.00- includes transportation and an all inclusive park admission pass $15.00- Transportation only

Register by Friday, August, 16th

• Project Based curriculum Project Based curriculum Project Based curriculum Project Based curriculum that teaches

confidence, encourages self-

expression and enriches social

development.

• Activities to inspire physical and inspire physical and inspire physical and inspire physical and

mental growth, teamwork and mental growth, teamwork and mental growth, teamwork and mental growth, teamwork and

imaginationimaginationimaginationimagination

• Healthy snacks, physical activity and

daily homework help

• Fully licensed by the State of Fully licensed by the State of Fully licensed by the State of Fully licensed by the State of

Connecticut.Connecticut.Connecticut.Connecticut.

• BussingBussingBussingBussing providedprovidedprovidedprovided from Center

Elementary to the YMCA Child Care

Program

• Choose from 2, 3, or 5 day option

• Care Provided 2:30-6:00pm

• Care available for school vacation

days and snow days

• Contact us today for more Contact us today for more Contact us today for more Contact us today for more

information, 860information, 860information, 860information, 860----872872872872----7329732973297329

• Financial Assistance AvailableFinancial Assistance AvailableFinancial Assistance AvailableFinancial Assistance Available

◊

◊ Held at Hall Memorial Held at Hall Memorial Held at Hall Memorial Held at Hall Memorial

School School School School

◊

◊ Serving Center Elementary Serving Center Elementary Serving Center Elementary Serving Center Elementary

and Hall Memorial Schooland Hall Memorial Schooland Hall Memorial Schooland Hall Memorial School

INDIAN VALLEY FAMILY YMCAINDIAN VALLEY FAMILY YMCAINDIAN VALLEY FAMILY YMCAINDIAN VALLEY FAMILY YMCA

11 Pinney Street, Ellington Ct. 0602911 Pinney Street, Ellington Ct. 0602911 Pinney Street, Ellington Ct. 0602911 Pinney Street, Ellington Ct. 06029

Ph. 860Ph. 860Ph. 860Ph. 860----871871871871----0008 Fax. 8600008 Fax. 8600008 Fax. 8600008 Fax. 860----871871871871----2550255025502550

LEARN.

GROW.

THRIVE.

YMCA After School Care