Summer Reading Lists

Fourth Grade 2008-09

It is our goal at LCS to instill in our students a love of reading. We want our students to be swallowed up in a book and find joy in imagining the words off a page. The National Council of Teachers of English insists that a successful summer reading program is one of choice. Children need to have some control over the books they choose, allowing them to read to their personal interests and levels. We want them to enjoy their free time, feed their curiosity and sustain the strong reading muscles they have developed in 3rd grade.

In preparation for fourth grade each child is expected to read the one required book listed below (Gooney-Bird Green by Lois Lowry), as well as four books of his or her own choosing. The required reading book will connect directly with the novels we will read in 4th grade Language Arts class so it is important that students have finished this book when they return to school.

We have included several lists to aid each child’s free choices:
the 2008 Battle of the Books List,
and a list of Authors of Merit.

Gooney-Bird Green by Lois Lowry (96 pages)
We will begin the 4th grade year with storytelling. Storytelling was the precursor to modern writing, as it is similarly a form of “pre-writing” for blossoming authors. Often children need to craft their stories aloud to learn how to capture their audience’s attention, before ever putting a single word in print. Gooney-Bird Greene is a delightful child with an impressive imagination who captivates her classmates with her tales of intrigue and adventure and each one is “absolutely true”.

POSTCARDS:
In lieu of a formalized book review, you will find several blank postcards enclosed in your summer reading packet. These postcards are self-addressed to Louisville Collegiate School. As you finish reading, please illustrate the postcard, write a few thoughts about the book on the back and send it off. The 4th grade team will look forward to hearing from you throughout the summer. If you misplace or lose your postcard, there will be pile of them available in the Lower School Office.