There are copies of the all books available for summer checkout from the MTMS Library - have your students come to the library before the last day of school to check out their book for the summer. Email msmith@mendhamtwp.org with questions. Students may also check out the audio version or ebook version in Sora. The Mendham Township Library is eager to support MTMS students during their summer reading. They can also provide copies of the required readings and much more to keep your child reading this summer. Please stop by the library, call 973-543-4018, or email hello@mendhamtwplib.org." If you would like to purchase a copy of the books, we suggest visiting Chapter One Books in Mendham, who will offer a !0% discount on Summer Reading titles.
Incoming 5th graders
Incoming 5th graders can choice to read either Magic Tree House #22: Revolutionary War on Wednesday by Mary Pope Osborne or The History of the American Revolution by Emma Carlson
After they have finished the book each student will complete the Then vs. Now Revolutionary War graphic organizer. Using words and/or drawings they will identify 3 areas to compare (clothing, food, school, transportation, communication) and describe what life was like THEN (1776) and what life is like NOW.
In the fall 5th graders will visit Jockey Hollow and Washington's Headquarters and learn more about the local history in connection with The Revolutionary War. EXACT DATE TBD
Incoming 6th graders
Incoming 6th graders will read I Survived the Revolutionary War , 1776 by Lauren Tarshis. Students may choose to read the traditional novel or the graphic novel version.
After they have finished the book, incoming 6th graders will select one post-reading activity to complete and bring to school in September.
In the Fall 6th graders will participate in a trip to Washington Crossing Historic Park for the Rescuing the Revolution Field Trip Program EXACT DATES TBD
Incoming 7th graders
Incoming 7th graders will read the book History Smashers: The American Revolution by Kate Messner.
After they have finished the book, incoming 7th graders will select one post-reading activity to complete and bring to school in September.
7th grade will participate in Liberty Hall Museum at Kean University's Road to the Revolution Outreach Program in their Social Studies class on Wed. December 9th.
Incoming 8th graders
Incoming 8th graders will read the historical novel Rebellion 1776 by Laurie Halse Anderson.
Incoming 8th graders should come to school prepared to do on in-class assignment on the novel.
Students will participate in a school visit by the author of their summer reading novel, Laurie Halse Anderson on Monday September 28th., as part of a program with 8th graders from Mendham Boro and Chester hosted by MTMS.
Post-Reading activities for grades 5-7.
Incoming 5th graders will complete the Then and Now activity. Each incoming 6th and 7th grader will select one post-reading activity to complete.
5th grade
After reading, students will complete the Then and Now Activity . Completed activities will be brought to school during locker set up to be included in a class bulletin board.
NOW vs. THEN: Life During the Revolutionary War graphic organizer directions:
- Using what you have read about the Revolutionary War, compare what life was like then (around 1776) to what life is like now.
- Use words, drawings, or both.
- Complete both columns for CLOTHING, FOOD, TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATION and SCHOOL.
- Circle one thing from NOW that would be hardest for you to live without.
- Draw a ⭐ next to one thing from THEN that you wouldn’t mind using NOW.
- In a few sentences, answer the question: Would you rather live in 1776 or today? Why?
6th and 7th Graders
Revolutionary War Trading Cards
Students will design 3 trading cards. Trading cards may feature:
- A character from the book
- An import historical figure mentioned in the book
- A major event mentioned in the book
- A location mentioned in the book
Each card must include:
- Illustration
- Short biography/summary/description and relationship to the Revolutionary War.
- Stats
Stats for characters and historical figures could include: strengths, fears, skills ... Stats for for important events could include: date of event, number of troops involved, casualties, outcome… Stats for location could include: key events that happened there and importance to Revolutionary War, important landmarks, notable residents...
Character Survival Kit
Students will create a survival kit that the main character of their book or important historical figure in the book would need to survive The Revolutionary War in 1776. Each survival kit must contain:
- 6-10 items from the time period drawn or printed.
- A written explanation for each item that includes: what it is, why it is needed, and how it connects to events in the book.
Hall of Fame
Students will complete three Hall of Fame entries.
- Student may draw a picture of the person or event in the frame or find an image to paste into the frame.
- Under each selection the student must justify their choice, using at least 1 quote from the book - remembering to cite appropriately (author’s last name, page number).
Credits:
Created with images by Sensay - "Open book on a wooden table in a garden.,Sunny summer day, reading in a vacation concept" • DRasa - "Abstract patriotic red white and blue glitter sparkle background for 4th of July Memorial, Labor, Independence, Presidents and Veteran's Day.,Banner.,Flat lay.,Copy space."