Summer Assignments and Review

English

Why do we read over the summer? First, we want you to continue your engagement with the Great Conversation (truth, beauty, goodness). If it is “great,” then why would you take the summer off from it? Second, our Upper School selections begin a thread of that conversation that will continue throughout the year. It’s advantageous to have a head start on that thread—there is nothing worse than blank stares during the first few weeks as you gain traction. Summer reading helps ensure that momentum is already a reality.

Upper School students must purchase the version listed below in order to earn points for summer reading (be prepared to bring it to class). There are no summer writing assignments that correlate to these texts. Instead, students will be held accountable for the summer reading via either an essay or a test during the first few weeks of school, so be sure to finish the book by the first day of classes.

Grade 9 English

• Read J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit (ISBN: 978-0547928227)
• Questions? Contact Mrs. Burns (aburns@tbcs.org)

Grade 10 English

• Read C.S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce (ISBN: 0060652950). Follow these instructions.
• Questions? Contact Mr. Summers (rsummers@tbcs.org)

Grade 11 English

• Honors Enlightenment and American Literature: Read Frederick Douglass' Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (ISBN: 0486284999)
• AP English Language and Composition: Read Frederick Douglass' Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (ISBN: 0486284999) and William Zinsser’s On Writing Well (ISBN: 9780060891541).
  • There is an optional reading guide related to an assessment at the beginning of the school year.
• Questions? Contact Mr. Norris (knorris@tbcs.org)

Grade 12 English

• Honors Senior English and AP English Literature and Composition: Read George Orwell’s 1984 (ISBN: 0451524934).
  • Students are expected to read Orwell’s novel in preparation for class discussion the first week of school, making any notes they wish. Give specific attention to the following ideas: Orwell’s’ view of mankind’s dignity, his perspective on gender/sexuality, the value of language, the power of fear, and individual identity against the collective.
  • We will conclude our study of Orwell the first week of school with a timed, in-class essay exam. Students will be permitted to use the text as well as any notes they have prepared. The general topic will concern the nature and role of government.
• Questions? Contact Mr. Summers (rsummers@tbcs.org)

History

• AP United States History: Complete this summer assignment.
• Questions? Contact History Department Chair Dr. Sorensen (rsorensen@tbcs.org).

Science

• AP Biology: Check out a copy of your textbook, Campbell's Biology in Focus, from Dr. Blakeley (hblakeley@tbcs.org). Read and study chapters 1 – 3; complete the summer assignment.
• AP Chemistry: Check out a copy of your textbook from Ms. Bell (ebell@tbcs.org). Complete the summer assignment.
• AP Physics 1: Complete the summer assignment.

Math

Students entering grades 9 – 12 have math review or a required assignment (for those taking an AP class). Complete the review or assignment for the math class you will enter in the fall.

For questions about math review and/or assignments, please contact Math Department Chair Mrs. Graham (lgraham@tbcs.org).

Suggested Reading

If you are looking for book recommendations to boost your relationships or nurture your faith, check out this book list from school counselor Mrs. Neely:

• Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
• Daring Greatly by Brene Brown 
• Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman
• The Art of Forgiving by Lewis Smedes
• Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverted Kids by Susan Cain
• Restless by Jennie Allen
• Freefall to Fly by Rebekah Lyons
• Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
• The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
• The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman

Reading

Middle School summer reading is not required. Our English teachers suggest choosing some books that interest you in order to keep your reading comprehension skills sharp! Here are some recommendations:

• Grade 5: In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord
• Grade 6: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition) by William Kamkwamba
• Grade 7: The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White
• Grade 8: Chains and Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson

Students in grades 5 – 8 may participate in our Summer Reading Program by reading and taking AR quizzes or completing the appropriate Checklist Challenge. Students who meet the summer AR point goals or complete the Checklist Challenge will earn a free dress day in the fall.

Typing

Students who are not yet fluent typists would benefit from summer practice (e.g., Mavis Beacon, Type to Learn, etc.).

Math

Summer math review is required for students enrolled in Pre-Algebra and above next fall (see course list below). Review work will be collected by your new math teacher on Monday, August 29. For questions about Middle School math review, please contact Mrs. McDonough (jmcdonough@tbcs.org).

Our Lower School students work really hard during the school year, and we want them to experience just what God has planned for them this summer. As parents, you are discerning about what your child most needs during the summer months, so we do not have required summer homework for Lower School students. However, we are often asked about summer review and how students can keep up their skills. Here are some ideas families may consider:

Math

Practice math facts and pursue speed of recall. Visit XtraMath and read the Family Quick Start Guide to learn how this free resource works.

• Students who completed Math 2 should practice addition and subtraction facts.
• Students who completed Math 3 should practice multiplication facts.
• Students who complete Math 5/4 should practice division facts.

Daily Math Starters workbooks are published by Scholastic and available on Amazon. Select the grade level of math your child just completed, e.g., search for "Daily Math Starters Grade 2," if your child just finished Math 2. A Lower School teacher committee reviewed these books, and Mrs. Gephart's mentor teacher is the author!

• Purpose: Keep your child's math engine running with review
• Idea for implementation: Do one problem from the back (harder), one problem from the front (easier)…work toward the middle. 
• Other ideas for younger Lower School students:
  • Play games 
  • Build puzzles

Reading

Students in grades K – 4 may participate in our Summer Reading Program by reading and taking AR quizzes or completing the appropriate Checklist Challenge. Students who meet the summer AR point goals or complete the Checklist Challenge will earn a free dress day in the fall.

Grade-Level Suggestions

Review the reading, writing, and enrichment activities according to the grade your child will enter next fall:

• Kindergarten summer learning activities (PDF)
• Grade 1 summer learning activities (PDF)
• Grade 2 summer review
• Grade 3 summer review
• Grade 4 summer review