4th grade Summer 2012 English assignment for Yinghua Academy
Required reading:
The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
Any grade level nonfiction book (real people, true events, facts, biography, autobiography,
science content, history content, etc.)
Assignment #1:
The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies
The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies is a clever and humorous story. The author helps the
reader explore math concepts, marketing ideas, sibling bonds, and the economics of lemonade. At
the beginning of each chapter the author introduces a word. For example, the first chapter begins
with the word “slump”. Throughout the chapter the characters and events demonstrate the
meaning of the word. You will create a project using the key words for each specific chapter (slump,
breakup, joint venture, partnership, competition, etc.).
Project Details
1) Using large index cards (4 by 6 or larger) or plain white 8 ½ by 11 paper cut in half, you will create
a chapter card for each chapter.
a. One side will include the key word from the chapter and its definition. Below the definition, write
a two sentences summary of what happened in the chapter.
b. The other side will include a picture of something that happened in that chapter. The picture can
be a hand-drawn illustration, a hand-sketched cartoon, or a collage from newspapers or magazines.
2) Once you have completed all 14 chapter cards, please create a title card.
a. A title card should include the book’s title, the author, your name, the date, and a picture that
relates to the book.
3) When you are finished with the project, please store it in a zip-lock bag. Then bring it to school
on the first or second day of school.
Assignment #2: Select a Nonfiction Book
(nonfiction: real people, true events, facts, biography, autobiography, science, history, etc.)
1) Select a nonfiction book of your choosing.
Title:
Author:
2) What did you learn about as you read the book? Support your answer with at least 4 examples.
Write a complete paragraph. Yes, you may write more than one paragraph to answer a question.
Example:
The book, Big Head!, by Dr. Pete Rowan tells people about the brain and the other
stuff in people’s heads. I learned that the brain is surrounded by a case called the
cranium. Then, the author explained the brain’s communication system and how brain
cells work. One kind of brain cell is called a neuron. Neurons have three main parts
called the axon, dendrites, and synapses. The body clock was also explained. The
hypothalamus is in the brain and it is very small. The hypothalamus helps us know when
to wake up and go to bed. The book explained so many facts and ideas about the brain
and how it works.
3) In the book, find photographs, illustrations, charts, graphs, or diagrams that were important or
interesting to you. Describe at least 5 photographs, illustrations, charts, graphs, or diagrams.
Example:
page #
14
Describe the main idea of the photographs,
illustrations, charts, graphs, or diagrams
The picture shows that the brain is lumpy
and looks sort of sticky too. The picture
made me think of….
18
The diagram shows that the parts of the
brain people use when they are reading.
27
The graph tells us about brainwaves and
sleeping. I learned that…
4) Type up numbers 1, 2, & 3 and turn in on the first or second day of school!