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Returning Students - English Summer Assignments

During April of 2024, students selected a book to read for summer reading. Students were informed about their choices and assigned a faculty member. CLICK HERE for the letter students received in their English classes that details this program.
 

What’s next?

  1. All students need to purchase their own physical copy of the book. Electronic books are not acceptable.
  2. Read the book over the summer and be prepared to participate in a discussion about the book on the selected date during Advisory.
  3. Students will be added to a Canvas page that is specific to their book choices.
  4. Over the summer, students will need to respond to at least one discussion question on that Canvas page.
  5. Students should also create and post at least one of their own questions about the book on the same Canvas page.

There is no test on the summer reading book. Instead, there will be a small group discussion moderated by the sponsoring teacher as the culminating activity, and all students are expected to be active contributors to this discussion. Active participation in the discussion will earn students half of a 100 point test grade in their English classes. The other half of that grade will consist of an activity assigned by their current English teacher. Students who do not contribute to the discussion will need to complete an alternate assignment that will entail reading an additional book and writing an essay. Students who are absent will need to meet individually with the faculty member who led the discussion and discuss the book one on one at the faculty member’s convenience.

Questions to consider in preparation for the discussion:

  • What did you like best about the book and why?

  • If you didn’t like the book at all, explain what you didn’t like. Was it the author’s writing style? Was it the setting? Was it hard to identify with the content of the book?

  • Consider questions you might have about what you read. It is okay to ask questions during the discussion.

  • Which character did you like or dislike the most? Why?

  • Share a connection you made with the book, and explain why you made that connection.

  • What is one thing you learned while reading this book?

  • Explain a moment in the book that you thought was exciting or suspenseful.

  • Would you recommend this book to a friend or family member? Why or why not?

  • Would you read another book by this author? Why or why not?

  • If you could ask the author one question, what would it be?

  • Why do you think your discussion leader chose this book? Were you surprised by his or her choice? Why or why not?

Any questions should be directed to English Department Chair Elizabeth Foster (efoster@hannanhigh.org)