SUMMER READING & MATH

Your child may be off campus for the summer, but not taking a break from learning! Find here PreS-8th Grade summer assignments and suggested reading lists for children of all ages.
Suggested Reading Lists

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Incoming PreSchool
  • "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambauld
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Incoming PreKindergarten
  • "The Little Red Hen" by Jerry Pinkney
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Incoming Kindergarten
  • "Last Stop on Market Street" by Matt de la Peña
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Incoming 1st Grade

Reading
  • "The Night Before First Grade" by Natasha Wing
  • ​​"The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister
Math
  • Practice addition and subtraction math facts to 10.
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Incoming 2nd Grade

Reading
  • "Miss Rumphius" by Barbara Cooney
  • At least one other free choice book
Math
  • Practice addition and subtraction math facts
  • Workbook 1A/1B review or complete pages (saved from 1st Grade classwork)
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Incoming 3rd Grade

Reading
  • Read "Sidney and Sydney: Third Grade Mixup" by Michele Jakubowski. Then, on white paper, do a colorful illustration of your favorite scene, and add a one sentence caption at the bottom of the page. Please bring this in on the first day of school or send it to school with attention to: Caitlin Hurtgen.
  • At least one other free choice book.
Math
Students entering 3rd Grade in the fall are registered for the math portion of IXL (from "I excel"), which is a math practice website with unlimited questions on thousands of math topics, as well as a comprehensive reporting system. Some teachers and their students have been using IXL this year. Here is the link to the sign-in page of IXL: IXL sign in  (Please note that there are also iOS and Google Play mobile apps for easy access.)
  • All students should complete a Diagnostic test to pinpoint  IXL “smart scores” after which they will be given a personalized program of skills to work on for the summer.
  • Students entering 3rd Grade should plan to do 20 minute sessions, 2-3 times per week.
**Please visit blog.ixl.com for more information on this program. 

Questions regarding this program, or a specific grade level assignment, should be directed, as follows:
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Incoming 4th Grade

Reading
  • Frindle by Andrew Clements (Read independently or as a shared reading with an adult). Be ready to discuss during the first two weeks of school.
  • Select one book from the four choices below:
    • Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
    • Hatchet by Gary Paulson
    • The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
    • Stone Fox by John Reynold Gardiner
You select one of these titles and either read it independently, with a parent, or listen on audiobook. Then complete one of the choices listed on this document.

Math

Students entering 4th Grade in the fall have been registered for the math portion of IXL (from "I excel"), which is a math practice website with unlimited questions on thousands of math topics, as well as a comprehensive reporting system. Here is the link to the sign-in page of IXL: IXL sign in  (Please note that there are also iOS and Google Play mobile apps for easy access.)
  • Students should enter into the Diagnostic Arena if they are new to IXL to identify individual skill level. Upon completion of the diagnostic students will be able to practice topics appropriate to their level. 
  • Current TCS students should continue to work in the “Diagnostic Arena” to pinpoint  IXL “smart scores” and have been given a personalized program of skills to work on for the summer.
  • Students entering 4th Grade should plan to do 20 minute sessions, 2-3 times per week.
**Please visit blog.ixl.com for more information on this program. 

Questions regarding this program, or a specific grade level assignment, should be directed, as follows:

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Incoming 5th Grade
Reading
  • A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park (possibly should be a shared reading with an adult in that it involves the 1985 Civil War in Sudan; may want to do a little bit of research prior to reading)
  • Here is your detailed assignment for your required reading of A Long Walk to Water.
  • Select one book from the four choices below:
    • Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
    • Hatchet by Gary Paulson
    • The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
    • Stone Fox by John Reynold Gardiner
You select one of these titles and either read it independently, with a parent, or listen on audiobook. Then complete one of the choices listed on this document. Questions concerning Required Summer Reading Assignment feel free to contact:  Kerri Kelly

Math
Students entering 5th Grade in the fall are registered for the math portion of IXL (from "I excel"), which is a math practice website with unlimited questions on thousands of math topics, as well as a comprehensive reporting system. Some teachers and their students have been using IXL this year. Here is the link to the sign-in page of IXL: IXL sign in  (Please note that there are also iOS and Google Play mobile apps for easy access.)

  • All students should complete a Diagnostic test to pinpoint  IXL “smart scores” after which they will be given a personalized program of skills to work on for the summer.
  • Students entering 5th Grade should plan to do 20 minute sessions, 2-3 times per week.

**Please visit blog.ixl.com for more information on this program. 

Questions regarding this program, or a specific grade level assignment, should be directed, as follows:


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Incoming 6th Grade

English
  • In preparation for the annual Elmore Leadership Expo, read Fantastic Failures: True Stories of People Who Changed the World by Falling Down First by Luke Reynolds.
  • Complete this One-Pager assignment for Fantastic Failures. 
    • We will collect the hard copy of this assignment on the first day of school.
  • Read one choice book from the TCS MS Suggested Reading List. Be prepared to share your opinion of this book with your class. 
  • Looking for a stretch?
    • Keep a journal - get in the daily habit of exploring your thoughts through writing.
    • Read three books from the TCS MS Suggested Reading List from three different genres. 
    • Challenge yourself to read as many Nutmegs as you can.
    • Check out recent Newbery winners and make sure you’re up to date on these major award winners.
    • Whatever you do, just keep reading and writing!
Math
Students entering 6th Grade in the fall are registered for the math portion of IXL (from "I excel"), which is a math practice website with unlimited questions on thousands of math topics, as well as a comprehensive reporting system. Some teachers and their students have been using IXL this year. Here is the link to the sign-in page of IXL: IXL sign in  (Please note that there are also iOS and Google Play mobile apps for easy access.)

  • All students should complete a Diagnostic test to pinpoint  IXL “smart scores” after which they will be given a personalized program of skills to work on for the summer.
  • Students entering 6th Grade should plan to do 20-30 minute sessions, 2-3 times per week.
  • Math teachers will be monitoring progress at the end of the summer and at the beginning of the school year. These summer sessions will help your child be better prepared for a pre-course evaluation during the first week of school. We want to ensure your child is successful and prepared for their upcoming year in math. 

**Please visit blog.ixl.com for more information on this program. 

Questions regarding this program, or a specific grade level assignment, should be directed, as follows:
_____________________________________________________________________________

Incoming 7th Grade

English
  • Read the required novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. (Be ready for discussion and deep thinking when you get back to school!)
  • Complete a one-pager about The Outsiders. Use this template and follow the directions closely. Your one-pager is due on the first week of school.
  • Read one choice book from the TCS MS Suggested Reading List. Be prepared to share your opinion of this book with your class. 
  • Looking for a stretch?
    • Keep a journal - get in the daily habit of exploring your thoughts through writing.
    • Write a letter to a friend or family member far away - getting mail is exciting!
    • Read three books from the TCS MS Suggested Reading List from three different genres. 
    • Challenge yourself to read as many Nutmegs as you can.
    • Check out recent Newbery winners and make sure you’re up to date on these major award winners.
    • Whatever you do, just keep reading and writing!
Math
Students entering 7th Grade in the fall are registered for the math portion of IXL (from "I excel"), which is a math practice website with unlimited questions on thousands of math topics, as well as a comprehensive reporting system. Some teachers and their students have been using IXL this year. Here is the link to the sign-in page of IXL: IXL sign in  (Please note that there are also iOS and Google Play mobile apps for easy access.)

  • All students should complete a Diagnostic test to pinpoint  IXL “smart scores” after which they will be given a personalized program of skills to work on for the summer.
  • Students entering 7th Grade should plan to do 20-30 minute sessions, 2-3 times per week.
  • Math teachers will be monitoring progress at the end of the summer and at the beginning of the school year. These summer sessions will help your child be better prepared for a pre-course evaluation during the first week of school. We want to ensure your child is successful and prepared for their upcoming year in math. 


**Please visit blog.ixl.com for more information on this program. 

Questions regarding this program, or a specific grade level assignment, should be directed, as follows:

______________________________________________________________________________

Incoming 8th Grade

English
  • Read the required short story collection, Flying Lessons and Other Stories. (READ ALL OF THE STORIES! Be ready for discussion and deep thinking when you get back to school!)
  • Complete a one-pager about Flying Lessons and Other Stories. Choose ONE story and design a one-pager to reflect your thinking.  Use this template and follow the directions closely. Your one-pager is due on the first week of school.
  • Read one choice book from the TCS MS Suggested Reading List. Be prepared to share your opinion of this book with your class. 
  • Looking for a stretch?
    • Take the personal essay prompts and brainstorming you did in the spring of 7th grade and push yourself to write additional responses. Your teachers would be excited to see your work in the fall! 
    • Keep a journal - get in the daily habit of exploring your thoughts through writing.
    • Read three books from the TCS MS Suggested Reading List from three different genres. 
    • Challenge yourself to read as many Nutmegs as you can.
    • Check out recent Newbery winners and make sure you’re up to date on these major award winners.
    • Whatever you do, just keep reading and writing!
Math
Students entering 8th Grade in the fall are registered for the math portion of IXL (from "I excel"), which is a math practice website with unlimited questions on thousands of math topics, as well as a comprehensive reporting system. Some teachers and their students have been using IXL this year. Here is the link to the sign-in page of IXL: IXL sign in  (Please note that there are also iOS and Google Play mobile apps for easy access.)

  • All students should complete a Diagnostic test to pinpoint  IXL “smart scores” after which they will be given a personalized program of skills to work on for the summer.
  • Students entering 8th Grade should plan to do 20-30 minute sessions, 2-3 times per week.
  • Math teachers will be monitoring progress at the end of the summer and at the beginning of the school year. These summer sessions will help your child be better prepared for a pre-course evaluation during the first week of school. We want to ensure your child is successful and prepared for their upcoming year in math. 

**Please visit blog.ixl.com for more information on this program. 

Questions regarding this program, or a specific grade level assignment, should be directed, as follows:
  • General questions regarding access to IXL or use of the program: Brett Merrill
Questions regarding specific grade level assignments:  Brett Merrill or Paul Birdsall.
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341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443
P. 203-421-3113  |  F. 203-421-4390  |  Health Office F. 860-469-2550
Founded in 1955, The Country School is a coeducational, independent school serving students in PreSchool-Grade 8. The Country School is committed to active, hands-on learning and a vigorous curriculum that engages the whole child.