Dear Fabulous Fifth-grader,

          I can’t wait to get back into our classroom and start preparing for the new school year.  Teaching is my absolute favorite thing to do.  Don’t get me wrong- I love summer: the beach, barbecues and good books!  My porch is my favorite place in the summer, because it’s where I can curl up and read for hours in any kind of weather.

 Let me mention a great book I just finished.  It’s called Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson.  The story tells about escaped slaves during the American Revolution.  As the lives of these unforgettable characters unfold you learn about the harsh conditions that Washington’s soldiers had to endure at Valley Forge.  Forge is the sequel to Chains, a book that introduces Isabel and Curzon, the amazing characters whose story will continue in a third book called Ashes (which I can’t wait to read!) One thing I love about these books is their historical accuracy.  Each chapter begins with a quote from a primary source, that is, an actual document from that period in history. It’s so exciting to me to be able to connect with the past while reading such a fascinating story. Historical fiction is my favorite genre (type of story). I wonder what your favorite is. 

That’s just one of the many ideas we will discuss in reading workshops and conferences. You will be choosing books as well as reading class novels and sharing your reactions.  I’m really curious to hear about the books you are reading this summer. 

          If you have time I’d love to hear from you about what you are doing or what you are reading this summer.  You can e mail me at lee@burlington.mec.edu or you can send me a postcard at Fox Hill.  I’ll be in and out of school over the summer setting up our classroom.  I’d love to hear your suggestions about what makes a great classroom, too!

I know the idea of coming back to school makes some excited, and some- well- not so excited, but remember, you have so many cool activities and experiences to look forward to.   I am so happy I can be a part of making your last year at Fox Hill a super memorable one. 

I can’t wait to hear from you!

                                                                                   Sincerely,

                                                                                   YMrs. Lee