Summer Learning

The goal of Hanover Middle School Summer Learning is to encourage and promote all students and families to find the time to sit back and enjoy a few hours a week of reading and math this summer. Similar to previous years, students have the ability to make choices, to read at an ability level that is appropriate for them, and most importantly, to enjoy their reading.

HMS English Language Arts teachers have provided lists of recommended books that are loosely based on the themes for their grade level; however, these are only suggestions. We encourage all students to read a book that is considered right for them. Students are encouraged to follow their interests and find books that capture their attention.  The key to enjoying reading is making a connection with the text!

Grade Level Themes

5^th Grade - Discovery - Being in a new school, students will make discoveries by meeting new teachers and new friends. They will even discover their lockers! More importantly, students will make discoveries about themselves: who they are as a student, a friend, and a learner. 

6^th Grade - Overcoming Challenges - Students are often faced with choosing right from wrong, but sometimes those choices become complicated.  How do the characters in your book handle difficult choices?  What do they learn from each other or about themselves?

7^th Grade - Change - Moving up to the second floor of HMS is more than just a change in location, it’s about growing up and experiencing significant changes in life. 

8^th Grade - Grit - Grit is the sum of determination, courage, and refusal to allow obstacles to stand in the way of goals. Students entering their final year in middle school learn that while things are not always easy, success and goals can be reached with grit.

Summer Reading Assignments

After reading their book, students should take time to reflect on their reading and complete a grade-specific assignment. Monday, September 21 will be a dedicated Summer Reading Day at HMS during which students will have the opportunity to share their summer reading assignment with their teachers and peers.  The expectation is that all students participate in summer reading literacy activities. The English Language Arts teachers will factor the reading and assignments into students’ Term 1 grade. 

Summer Reading Book Lists and Assignments

Below you will find the summer reading recommendation lists and assignments for each grade level.  Please click on the hyperlinks to access this information. 

• Grade 5 Book List: Grades 5 and 6 Postcard Assignment
• Grade 6 Book List: Grades 5 and 6 Postcard Assignment
• Grade 7 Book List: Grade 7 and 8 Assignment  
• Grade 8 Book List: Grade 7 and 8 Assignment

Why should our students read over the summer? 

Research shows the impact of minutes spent reading and typical gains that can be made as shown in the graphic below. It has been widely publicized that students experience significant learning loss when they do not participate in educational activities during the summer break. Summer reading is a great educational opportunity that will allow our students to experience new ideas, new vocabulary, and the chance to exercise their brains.