Dear parents of soon-to-be 5th grade students,

Though this letter’s intent is to share the novel I have chosen for your child’s summer reading, I would like to welcome you to my classroom.  My wish is for us to share a wonderful school year.

When I think of choosing one novel from a plethora of many superb choices, I find myself favoring those that have become classics and/or have been awarded the Newbery Award for children’s literature.  The Cricket in Times Square fulfills both of those characteristics.  It was first published in 1960.  The New York Herald Tribune said “This is absolutely grand fun for anyone, a nine-to-ninety book…” The Horn Book Magazine endorses that sentiment by saying, “Delightful reading for the whole family.”  Having chosen this novel in years past, and remembering my students’ enjoyment of it, I feel hopeful that your children will share that same reading pleasure.

My post-reading activity is going to be a combination of skills.  Please review these directions with your child.  

l.  Illustrate your favorite part of the book.  If you cannot decide, a piece of drawing paper can be sectioned into two halves, with each half containing a favored part.  

2.  Your picture will be colored in crayon or colored pencils…no markers.

3.  Under your illustration, write a four or five sentence paragraph that explains your picture and why you liked it.

Click here to see a little message to my future students.

Sincerely,

Miss Boron

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