”To read without reflecting is like eating without digesting.”
~ Edmund Burke ~
In order to promote continued literacy development for all students,
Assignment:
· Incoming 9-12th graders will sign up for a topical
discussion group that sparks their intellectual
interests(see attached list). Topics range from the causes of school violence to the validity of
DNA testing. Students sign up in English class or by sending an email to swhitney@gloucester.k12.ma.us
with their topic selection.
· Over the summer, students will read the primary text associated
with their topic. If you have already read that book or have difficulty obtaining it, choose a book from the other recommended texts on the selection list. Students are also highly encouraged to read additional texts
that relate to their assigned topic—newspaper articles, documentaries, short
stories, fiction, and books from the other recommended texts list.
· Books are available at one of the following locations: Sawyer Free
Public Library, local bookstores, online, or one of the school libraries. Tuesday evenings through the summer the young adult librarian at Sawyer Free Library will be available to help student find reading materials.
· Students will complete a Discussion Group Entry Ticket
· In September, students will discuss their topic/book with a
faculty members and a group of their peers.
Assessment:
Students will be evaluated based on
the completion of their Discussion Group Entry Ticket and the quality of their
participation during their meeting in September. Students who demonstrate
proficiency on both of these tasks will earn a reward. Rewards might include free
tickets to school-sponsored events, gift certificates to local restaurants and
establishments, a pizza luncheon, etc.
Due Date:
Summer Reading Discussion
Group Entry Tickets will be collected during the first week of
school. Discussion groups will also take place during this time.
Have Questions? If you have any difficulty
working on this assignment over the summer, please contact the school librarian at: swhitney@gloucester.k12.ma.us. I will be more than happy to
answer any of your questions!