Summer Reading 6th Grade Project #1: Fiction

  • This assignment is due on the first day of school, Tuesday, Sept. 4th 2012.
  • This assignment is a single grade for the first marking period.
  • Students will be assigned their lexile scores by their teachers no later than June 15th.
  • A roster of students’ lexile ranges will be available in the MS office during the summer.

1. Determine your Lexile Group: Each student will be assigned a lexile range by his or her teacher by June 15th, and each student should pick a fictional novel from that grouping on the website . After selecting the novel, the student should write a 1 page paper on the assignment provided. Get your book approved by your teacher no later than ______. Please identify the lexile range when you get your book approved. This assignment is due Tuesday, Sept. 4th 2012. This assignment is a single grade for the first marking period. Both projects are mandatory.

2. Assignment:

A. Complete the Story Elements handout to organize your ideas before you begin to write.

B. Write a 4 paragraph essay answering the question listed below. Use the rubric provided as a guide to write effectively. Please double space your work. All work should be completed using the Times New Roman stylein a 12 point font size.

3. Question: How has the author of your fictional novel used these basic elements of literature to create a story?

In four paragraphs discuss:

A. The setting or time and place of the story.

B. The plot or sequence of events the characters carryout.

C. The resolution or final stage of the storyline. (How have the characters changed?)

D. The theme or life lesson learned.

4. Rubric: Please use the attached rubric along with the graphic organizer as guides as you write your paper.

5. Suggestions for success:

Use topic sentences at the start of each paragraph.

Use transitional words (i.e. however, furthermore, in conclusion) to write your response.

Avoid slang words and abbreviations.

Focus on a strong Beginning, Body, and Conclusion.

CCS: RL.6.2, RL.6.3, RL.6.5 W. 6.2, W.6.4

Summer Reading 6th Grade Project #2: Non-Fiction

  • This assignment is due on the first day of school, Tuesday, Sept. 4th 2012.
  • This assignment is a single grade for the first marking period.
  • Students will be assigned their lexile score no later than June 15th.
  • A roster of students’ lexile ranges will be available in the MS office during the summer.

1. Determine your Lexile Group: Each student will be assigned a lexile range by their teacher, and each student should pick a non-fiction book (biography or autobiography) from that grouping on the website . After selecting your non-fiction book, the student should complete the assignment listed below. Get your book approved by your teacher no later than ______. Please identify the lexile range when you get your book approved. This assignment is due Tuesday, Sept. 4th 2012. This assignment is a single grade for the first marking period. Both projects are mandatory.

2. Assignment: Complete the Cube Pattern handout. We will cut and paste it in school.

Create a 3 or 4 slide power point detailing how your biography or auto biography is written.

Consider these questions as you read/write:

  • How did the author tell his/their story?
  • Is the book historical?
  • Did you get a positive or negative impression of the subject of the biography/autobiography?
  • What contribution did this person make to our world?

Use charts, graphic organizers, and pictures to illustrate your ideas. Please print the slide show.

3. Grading/Rubric for Non-Fiction

A: Contains ample informational text that is specific to the non-fiction selection. Uses graphic organizers or charts effectively. Uses varied backgrounds and word/clip art as needed. Develop the answers to the above questions thoroughly.

B: Contains information somewhat specific to text. May or may not use graphic organizers effectively. Partially answers with some proficiency the above listed questions.

C: Partially provides information specific to non-fiction text. May not use graphic organizers/charts effectively. Partially or incompletely answers the above questions.

D: Poor response to specificity of text. No graphical elements. Incomplete answers to questions listed.

F: Incomplete response. Student does not successfully complete the assignment. Student does not answer the above questions.

CCS: RI.6.1, RI.6.2, RI.6.3,RI.6.6 W.6.2,W.6.4

How You Can Find A Book This Summer

1. Go to

2. Enter a Lexile measure. My lexile score is ______. Click Submit.

3. Next, choose Interest Categories. Select Fiction/Literature and one or more of the following: Adventure, Fantasy and/or Mystery.

4. Click Submit at the bottom of the screen.

5. Go to Search Options on the right side of the screen. Under AgeRange, slide both squares so your age appears. Scroll down and click Update.

6. Choose a book from the list.