The Recommended Assignment:

Roxbury High School Edition

Start Here: Read Your Choice Book

and Consider Themes

Choose a book! We have provided a recommended reading list for each grade level. While these choices are highly encouraged, you are not limited to these options.

Now that you've chosen a book, here are some suggested activities to complete while reading!

When you read a book critically, it's always helpful to take notes. I highly recommend taking some preliminary notes regarding the different themes that occur in your book. Feel free to make a copy of this graphic organizer to take notes as you read. You may want to jot down important passages pertaining to a particular theme or record some page numbers you'd like to go back to. These are the habits of successful readers!

Take it to the Next Level:

Record a Book Talk Response

This year, consider expanding your thoughts on a specific theme in your summer reading book. Choose a theme from the list below. Each theme is paired with social studies sources for further contemplation. Select a question you believe you can answer well and share your thoughts! You may wish to consider a more formal "Book Talk" response. Tip: You will want to finish your summer reading book before composing your response. It is always helpful to understand the entire book before making a statement on the text.

Choose from one of these hyperlinked Summer Reading Themes:

Tip: How to Present a Successful Book Talk Response

First, Hold the Book

Check it out from the library or pull it off your bookshelf, just be sure to hold the book! Show people the number of pages and the cover.

Tell About the Book, Its Theme, and Your Answer to the Question

Briefly summarize its theme, central conflict, or other details in a minute or so without giving away spoilers! Then, introduce the theme you’ve chosen for your book and begin to answer the question you selected.

Read a Short Passage and Connect with Sources

Support your answer to the question with a passage or passages from the book. Choose the selection beforehand. It is critical that you read this passage slowly, with emphasis and clarity.

You then want to connect the book to the social studies resources. The intent is to synthesize your understanding with additional sources provided.

Note: Middle school students are encouraged to synthesize one source, while high school students are encouraged to synthesize two of these sources.

Here are two sample responses you may refer to as a guide:

Sample Book Talk Response #1

Sample Book Talk Response #2

TIPS!!!

I recommend you write your entire response before recording your video. This script will keep you focused and organized.
Use the graphic organizer previously mentioned to keep you on track.
Keep it direct and brief! The entire Book Talk should take no longer than five minutes.

Lastly, Reply to Two Peers’ Book Talks

Consider continuing the conversation by replying to a peer's post. Replies are typically less formal and more conversational. Your reply could contain some questions or could simply convey your own interest in the book.

Please post your original Flipgrid response by mid-August. This will allow ample time for students to reply by the start of school.

Challenge: Create!

Like last year, we are challenging students to demonstrate their learning, celebrate their success, and indulge their creative side. We challenge students to create a product to commemorate their summer reading experience. This may be a song, a journal, a painting, a poster, a collection of photographs, a diorama, a collage. The options are limitless!!!!

Keep It Going Options!

Students who are interested in completing additional analysis and synthesis may do so!

Please keep in mind these additional assignments are all optional.

Option #1: Complete the assignment again, but with another theme!

You can complete this using the same book you read for Assignment #1. This will allow you to practice thinking about the same text in multiple ways.

Option #2: Complete the assignment again, but with another book! This will allow you to compare and contrast how different authors develop similar themes.

Option #3: Just keep reading! Read a book that interests you. Read a book that is an appropriate next step in your training as a reader.