Summer Reading

Dear Freehold Township Families,

As the school year draws to a close and we embark on the excitement of summer we wanted to take a moment to emphasize the importance of summer reading for your children. Reading is not only a fundamental skill but also a gateway to imagination, knowledge, and lifelong learning.

In an effort to promote reading over the summer months we are pleased to announce the launch of a summer reading initiative. The goal of this program is to encourage students to be lifelong readers, think critically about their reading, connect students and families with local libraries and bookstores, and expose students to different characters and authors. Our educators have created summer reading lists based on student reading abilities, choice, and interest.

• If your child is entering K, 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grade, we encourage them to read for enjoyment this summer. There is no required assignment. The book list provided suggest titles for your child to read independently or with you at home. It is suggested that reading take place as a daily activity!

• If your child is entering 4th or 5th grade, they should choose a title from the suggested reading list. If it is not possible to choose a title from the suggested reading list, they should choose a title they have not yet read. Your child should then complete one activity from the Summer Reading Choice Board. This assignment should be brought to school at the start of the year in September. All fourth and fifth grade students will be required to submit their assignment by September 20, 2024.

• If your child is entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, they should choose a title from the suggested reading list. If it is not possible to choose a title from the suggested reading list, they should choose a title they have not yet read. Your child should then complete the assignment from their corresponding grade level. This assignment should be brought to school at the start of the year in September. All sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students will be required to submit their assignment for a grade by September 20, 2024.

Summer reading lists and accompanying activities can be found linked as PDF documents below. Titles are available through the Monmouth County Library, Barnes & Noble in Freehold, BookTowne in Manasquan, and Thunder Road Books in Spring Lake should you opt to purchase books. Titles that are available in Spanish are marked with an asterisk on reading lists for incoming 4th through 8th grade students. Students with Learning Ally accounts can also access titles through that platform. Students will also be made aware of their summer reading through informative discussions in their classrooms prior to the end of the school year.

We hope you will join us in encouraging your child to make reading a priority this summer. Together, we can help them unlock the countless benefits that reading has to offer. Thank you for your continued support in nurturing your child's love of learning!

K-3

• Incoming Grades K-3 Students Suggested Summer Reading Book List

4-5

• Incoming Grades 4-5 Students Suggested Summer Reading Book List
• Incoming Grades 4-5 Students Summer Reading Choice Board

6-8

• Incoming Grades 6-8 Students Suggested Summer Reading Book List
• Incoming Grade 6 Students Summer Reading Assignment
• Incoming Grade 7 Students Summer Reading Assignment
• Incoming Grade 8 Students Summer Reading Assignment

• Expands Vocabulary and Comprehension Skills: Reading exposes children to new words, concepts, and ideas, helping them develop a richer vocabulary and better comprehension skills. The more they read, the more fluent and confident they become in understanding and analyzing texts.

• Fosters Imagination and Creativity: Reading opens up new worlds and experiences for children, allowing them to explore different cultures, time periods, and perspectives. It stimulates their imagination and creativity, encouraging them to think critically and problem-solve in imaginative ways.

• Promotes a Love of Learning: When children discover the joy of reading and find books that capture their interests and passions, they develop a lifelong love of learning. Summer reading offers the freedom to explore a wide range of genres and topics, empowering children to become enthusiastic, self-directed readers.

• Prevents Summer Learning Loss: Research has shown that students who do not engage in educational activities over the summer months can experience a decline in their academic skills, often referred to as "summer slide." By reading regularly, your child can maintain and even enhance their literacy skills, ensuring they start the next school year on solid ground.

To support your child's summer reading journey, here are some tips:

• Visit the Library: Encourage your child to visit the local library regularly and choose books that pique their curiosity. Many libraries offer summer reading programs and activities to keep children engaged and motivated.

• Set Aside Time for Reading: Designate a specific time each day for reading, whether it's before bedtime, during quiet moments, or as part of a family reading hour. Create a cozy reading nook where your child can relax and immerse themselves in a good book.

• Lead by Example: Children are more likely to develop a love of reading if they see their parents and caregivers enjoying books themselves. Take time to read together as a family and discuss the stories you've read, fostering a culture of literacy and learning at home.

What are the benefits of a Library Card?

With your library card you can borrow books, DVDs, CDs, large print books, circulating magazines, and more! You can also use library computers for Internet access. Cardholders can use most of the library’s online electronic resources 24/7 from any location where they have an Internet connection.

Who is eligible for a Library Card?

Library cards are free to anyone living or owning property in one of our member municipalities; those that pay the county library tax. A reciprocal borrowing agreement allows residents of Monmouth County member municipalities to receive an Ocean County Library card. Ocean County residents with an Ocean County library card are eligible to receive a Monmouth County Library card.

How can you join the Library?

You can join the Library at any Branch Location circulation desk by completing a registration form. A resident parent or legal guardian must register children of any age under 17 for a youth card.

What identification do I need to join the Library?

The library requires identification that includes your name and street address, preferably a current valid driver’s license. New residents can bring a lease, a recent utility bill, etc. Post office box addresses are not valid as proof of residency.