Dear Future Fifth Grade Students,

I am beyond excited to be your teacher next year and cant wait for our fantastic year together! Fifth grade is going
to be a year filled with exciting learning opportunities. We will continue your study of mathematics and learn all about our
incredible country with US History. You will grow as both a reader and a writer through our study of fascinating pieces of
literature from short stories to poems and novels to nonfiction.
This summer, I encourage you to spend time outside, with your family, visiting exciting places, having fun, AND
practicing your math, reading, and writing skills! Below are your summer assignments, so please make sure to READ
THEM CAREFULLY!
If you have any questions about the summer assignments, please feel free to contact me. You can email me at
cmitchell@stisabellaschool.org any time before August 15th. I cant wait to see you on the first day of school!
Sincerely,

Mrs. Mitchell
READING & WRITING ASSIGNMENTS (required assignments)
1. One of my goals for our year together is to get you as excited about and enjoying reading pieces of
literature as I am! So for your summer reading assignment, I have chosen one of my favorite books Wonder by
R.J. Palacio. When we get back to school in August, we will use this novel to discuss many important themes,
including: compassion, friendship, kindness, appearances, courage, and so much more. (Some of you may have
already read this book, but I request that you please read it again, searching for different meanings and hidden
treasures that you might not have realized your first time reading it.)
2. After you finish reading Wonder, please complete BOTH reading activities that are included in this packet.
3. Finally, you will write a 2-Star Paragraph. (The question and a graphic organizer are included in this packet.)
4. In addition to reading Wonder, I encourage you to keep reading! Ive included a book log as well, so please list
any other books you read this summer.
5. PLEASE BRING ALL ASSIGNMENTS, WORKSHEETS, AND THE BOOK WITH YOU ON THE
SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL.
SUGGESTED READING LIST
Hopefully you will visit the bookstore or library over the summer, and if you do, you might find some of these books
fun to read as well!
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm (AR level 4.1)
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander (AR level 4.3)
Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo (AR level 4.3)
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate (AR level 3.8)
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster (AR level 6.7)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling (AR level 5.5)
Million-Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica (AR level 5.4)
Matilda by Roald Dahl (AR level 5.0)
Auggie & Me: Three Wonder Stories by R.J. Palacio (AR level 4.3)
SUGGESTED WEBSITE FOR EXTRA SUMMER PRACTICE
As Mrs. Naretto suggested in the Weekly Packet for June 10th, I am highly recommending the Summer Skills Books.
Their website, www.summerskills.com, has information regarding how you can order the books. Im recommending
BOTH the Summer Math Skills Sharpener and the Summer Language Arts Review.

Name:

Date:

Instagram Activity
You are going to create an Instagram feed for one of the characters in Wonder. All of your pictures should be
symbols that directly relate to our summer reading book. On the back, provide quotes from the text that support
why you drew that specific symbol. Feel free to have fun with this activity and be creative when completing the
name, biography, and website portion of the characters Instagram profile!

902
posts

3621
followers

902
following

Edit Your Profile

Picture of
character

Name: ___________________
Bio: _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Website:______________________________________________
1

Symbol #1.

Symbol #2.

Symbol #3.

Symbol #4.

Symbol #5.

Symbol #6.

Name:

Date:

Finding Timeless Text Activity

Directions: Find an example of timeless text from our summer reading book, Wonder. It can be something a character says,
beautiful language the author uses, or something the narrator says that gives information about the theme, characters, or plot
of the story. The text you choose should be because you are drawn to the language used or because you have a strong
reaction to what is being said. Timeless means that the text goes beyond whats just in the story, but can be applied to our
lives or maybe even teach us a lesson. (Ive included an example from Charlottes Web on the following page, so you have
an idea of what Id like to see you write.)
Title of Literary Work: Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Timeless Text Quote:

Page # Where Quote Can be Found:
Pause and reflect on the timeless text you chose. What makes it timeless? In other
words, why did this particular quote stick with you after reading it? (Maybe it holds
deeper meaning, and once you write about it, it will help you better understand the text
and life!) Then, explain why this quote is important to you. Write your thoughts below. You
should write at least five sentences.

Name:

Date:

Finding Timeless Text Activity

TEACHER EXAMPLE
Title of Literary Work: Charlottes Web
Timeless Text: The long sparrow will return and sing, the frogs will awake, the warm wind will blow

again. All these sights and sounds and smells will be yours to enjoy, Wilbur this lovely world, these
precious days
Page # Where Quote Can be Found:

Pg. 164

Pause and reflect on the timeless text. What makes it timeless? In other words, why did
this particular quote stick with you after reading it? (Maybe it holds deeper meaning, and
once you write about it, it will help you better understand the text and life!) Then, explain
why this quote is important to you. Write your thoughts below. You should write at least
five sentences.

At this point in the novel, Charlotte knows she is dying soon. Shes telling Wilbur to enjoy each
moment of his life and appreciate the beauty of the world around him.
Sometimes its easy to get caught up in our busy days and not enjoy the loveliness that surrounds
us. For example, I often worry about all the things I need to do. I have homework every night, soccer
practice, and a lot of chores at home. It can be difficult for me to remember to slow down and not
complain about how busy I am. I know that life is short, and that I should take delight in all the wonderful
things that surround me
In addition, this quote makes me think of being out in nature in the springtime, like going on a hike
or walking through a park. You can feel the warm breeze and smell the fragrant flowers. Its something I
really enjoy doing. I think that when I am feeling overwhelmed with school, its important for me to go
out in nature and enjoy these things like Charlotte says to do in the novel.

Please compose a 2-Star Paragraph in response to the following question about Wonder. I have also included your 2-Star
Paragraph Outline as well, which you can use if you would like. Im requesting that you type the final paragraph and
bring the printed version with you to class on the second day of school.

Do you think Auggie ultimately sees himself as ordinary or

extraordinary?
Title

(Go!)

Topic Sentence

Explain

(Stop!)

(Slow down!)

Key / Star Idea

(Go back!)

Conclusion

Explain

(Stop!)

(Slow down!)

Key / Star Idea

Use this log to track any and every book you read this summer! Lets make it our goal as a class to
read as many books as we can. If you need more space because youve been enjoying so many
books, please feel free to write them on the back of this log. Ill be keeping my own summer
reading log over the summer as well I cant wait to share the books Ive read

- Mrs. Mitchell

Novel & Author

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