Dear Rising Fifth Grade Students,
We are enthusiastically looking forward to learning with you in August. We hope you will have a wonderful summer and will be ready for another year of friendship and learning.
There is a great deal to look forward to next year. For example, in General Studies we will continue the history of the United States started in fourth grade. In reading, we will explore novels that will allow us to travel back in time and read about the time periods we are studying in Social Studies. We will be writing poems and plays, as well as creating board games that reflect the history and the books we will read. In Science we are looking forward to a year in which we will scientifically explore our surroundings. There will be many hands-on experiences as we learn about the elements, physical and chemical changes, weather, and more. Plenty of lab work and a Science Fair project are important parts of fifth grade Science.
In Judaic Studies we are going to study more Torah. Together, you will be able to look at the world of Jewish learning with renewed excitement and interest. Bring an inquiring mind and an appetite for fun and games, because you will need both. Be ready to look beneath the surface of our Torah text and discover a wealth of insights; the riches you find already belong to you. Dream of making the world a better place and you will realize, as you study the prayers, hopes, and history of our people, which your generation can make it happen.
Fifth grade will take you there: the road is filled with the modern and eternal lessons of life. An especially exciting part of our studies is “Israel: culture, history, and current events.” Also, Hebrew language will offer delightful opportunities – you’ll know how to order pizza, make a phone call or complain of a headache--real conversations for real people! Up for the challenge? If you are, let the greatest of years begin!
During the course of this summer, prepare for fifth grade simply by grabbing a book and reading. You can go back in time or forward to the future. If you are a sports fan, you can eat lunch with your favorite athlete by reading a biography. You can sample the career of a detective by reading a mystery. With reading, the world is awaiting you. It is one of the few things you can do without money!!! All you need is a library card, time, and a comfortable reading spot. The personal and academic benefits of reading are enormous.
The message is clear: READ, READ, READ. You must read a total of three books this summer.
For General Studies summer reading, you will need to read at least two chapter books that you have not previously read this summer. Complete the attached form for each book and turn it into your teacher by the second day of school. All book choices should be grade level appropriate.
For Judaic Studies summer reading, you may choose your own Jewish themed book, either fiction or nonfiction, as long as it is not something you have read previously and it is age-appropriate. The written assignment, also due the second day of school , is a one page summary of the book and a paragraph explaining why you would or would not recommend this book to others. Also, please bring in the summer Hebrew packet of work.
We look forward to hearing about the exciting characters you met and places you traveled through your summer reading.
We are looking forward to getting to know you!
Your Fifth Grade Teachers

Name: ______________________________________________ Date: ____________
Title of Book __________________________________________________________
Author _______________________________________________________________
Main character(s)
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What problem(s) did the main character(s) face? How was the problem solved?
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If you could be a character from the book you just read, who would it be? Why?
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What lesson do you think the author wanted you to learn from this book?
Rate this book: (Circle your choice)
Best ever Great Very good Good Average Bad Worst ever

Why did you rate the book this way?
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Draw a picture about one of your favorite moments from the book. You may use draw this picture below, or on a separate piece of paper.