summer reading
Click the boxes below to navigate the Summer Reading section:
Grade 7 & 8 Summer Reading Brochure
The Summer Reading informational brochures for grade 7 - 8 as well as 9 - 12 are posted below. The activities and other helpful resources are posted below the brochure.
The Worcester Public Schools Summer Reading Website is now up and running. The Summer Reading Website has brochures for all grade levels including translated versions. Click the link below to visit the full WPS Summer Reading Site or scroll down to view the Grade 7 - 8 and 9 - 12 brochures and activities.
Grades 9-12 Summer Reading Brochure
Summer Reading Activities
For grades 7 - 8 and 9 - 12 students are required to read at least 3 books or 800 pages and complete 3 activities. Here is a list of activities you can choose from to complete your Summer Reading assignments:
-
Dramatize: Write a script, create a music set, interview a character, or become a character from the author’s or a character’s perspective
-
Adobe Spark Video: Summarize the book, create a new ending, or explain the author's or a character's perspective
-
Create a comic book version of the book or a storyboard
-
Paper Slide Video: Draw and video a sequence, voice over as you video
-
Write a letter to the author or a character
-
Keep a double entry journal
-
Rewrite the ending of the book or write a sequel chapter that happens after the book ends
-
Rewrite the story from a different character’s point of view
-
Other (see Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report below)
-
Create a book review (digital or paper)
Alternatives to the Book Report:
double journal entry template:
Where to get books
While Amazon and Barnes & Noble are great places to buy books, there are other resources you should check out first where you can find ebooks and audiobooks for free:
-
SORA- Access SORA through Clever with your WPS student account to read ebooks and listen to audiobooks on your chromebook for FREE. You can also download the SORA app to your mobile devices and tablets (iOS and Android). SORA also works as a webpage on desktops and other laptops. For more information on how to get started with SORA, click here.
-
LIBBY and LILLY
-
Worcester Public Library (library card required- apply online here. Applications also available in Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese.)
In addition, here are some great ebook and audiobook apps that you can download to mobile devices (purchases may be required):
-
Audible
-
Kindle
-
Available for download on PC, MAC, and mobile devices.
-
Click here to visit the Kindle main page with download options.
-
highlights
The following ebooks are from the summer reading brochure and are available now to read (for free through Clever) in SORA. Click each book to view a summary and start reading:
The importance of summer reading
Summer is a great time to relax. When you think of the word "relax," many activities may come to mind. One of the best activities to do when you relax is read. Reading throughout the summer helps our brains stay active and ready for learning when the school year starts up again in the fall.
Reading also provides entertainment. When you read a new book, your mind is exposed to fresh ideas and different situations. Reading can help connect your mind to current events happening in the world around you. It's an outlet...it's an adventure...it's reading.
The videos below are recommended by WPS. Click to watch some captivating speeches on the importance of summer reading.
Blogs and other Resources:
For more information, check out these blogs and websites about the importance of summer reading:
7 Tips To Help Parents Make Summer Reading Fun
American Library Association Summer Reading and Learning For Children
Reading Rockets Summer Reading Resources