Summer Reading Program

Dear Christian Academy Parents and Students,

Once upon a time, before the smart phones and the internet, cable and streaming services, people would entertain themselves by reading books! While some may think that reading a book is old-fashioned, we at Christian Academy of Greater St. Louis believe that the numerous benefits of reading are too important to ignore.

Did you know studies have shown that reading increases your vocabulary and comprehension? Reading reduces stress, helps you sleep, and fights depression symptoms. It can even help to lower your heart rate and blood pressure. In addition to these benefits, a good book can take you to a faraway place, help you slay a dragon, introduce you to new friends and new cultures, and just about anything else you can think of! 

It is time for our summer reading adventure to begin! Everyone will be reading and creating one-pagers based on the requirements for their grade level. Remember, don’t think of it as summer homework, rather think of it as an opportunity for summer adventure!

Here are some suggestions:

1. Lose the distractions! Turn off the TV, music, cell phone, and anything else that will be competing for your attention. Practice self control.

2. Find a place where you can use your imagination. It could be on the couch, in a bean bag chair, under a tree in the backyard, in the back of your closet with a flashlight, or any special place that you want to create.

3. Read with pen and paper. Jot down some notes (nothing formal) that will help you remember. Write enough that you will not forget the main characters and the adventures that they get into.

4. Read with a goal in mind. Set a timer for 20 minutes or 30 minutes, and read until the timer goes off. Or, read a certain number of pages or chapters.

5. Read with your ears. If you have problems concentrating with just your eyes, try listening to the audiobook. Many are free online, or check it out at your local library. You can also read your book outloud to yourself or to a sibling or friend.

6. Start a Book Club with a friend or two. Choose a book that the two (or three) of you want to read together. Everyone can read the same chapter on their own, and then get together (in person or maybe on Zoom) to talk about what you read. What did you like about it? What didn’t you like? What do you think will happen next? Then decide how many pages to read next, and do it all over again. Before you know it, you will have read the entire book together. Now, that’s an adventure!

There really isn’t a right or wrong way to read. Just read! Don’t let your imagination and your artistic skills get rusty over the summer. Have an adventure or two! We can’t wait to hear about it when we all get back together in August. If you have any questions over the summer, check the school’s website. The information is all there. You can also email your teacher. Just don’t be surprised if you have to wait until she takes a break from the book she’s reading before she answers your email. 

Have fun!

Mrs. Holloway and Mrs. Powers

English Department

What is a one-pager?

A one-pager is a way to show your understanding of the novel that you read. Follow the directions below.

An excellent one-pager should include the following:

Title/Name 

Your name, the title of your novel, and the author’s name. This information may be larger than the other text, have a border, stand out by color, etc.

Facts/Information

The bulk of your one-pager should demonstrate your understanding of the novel using a combination of images and text. This is your opportunity to show what you know. Be sure to show what you know about the book’s main character(s).  You can also include information about the book’s setting and theme. You may also include your favorite quotes from your book.

Border

A border must be included and it should add some meaning to your one-pager. It should not simply be a different color. To add meaning a border may contain words, phrases, symbols, images, etc.*

*Optional for middle school

Illustrations

Illustrations and diagrams are a MUST to be included on a one-pager. They should be labeled and/or

described to explain their complete meaning. All illustrations should be hand drawn and should

be neat and COLORFUL. Draw your illustrations with a pencil first, then trace over them with colored pencils or fine-tipped markers.

Text

All text should be neat, spelled correctly, and grammatically correct. Write text with a pencil

first, then trace over it with a pen or fine-tipped marker.

Appearance

Your one-pager should be neat. COLOR is a must! Very little white space should remain on your one-pager. Colorful background should support your understanding of the novel. Do not overfill or underfill your page.

Paper

Please use 8 ½ x 11 inch white, unlined paper for your one-pagers. Do not use notebook paper. 

NOW...get started on your one-pagers, and start showing off what you discovered while reading your novel. We can’t wait to see what you bring 

back in the fall! Happy adventuring!