LEVEL 6 GUIDE

After each reading students will complete a formative assessment. They will complete dictation after each reading. Dictation is when they write passages as they are being read aloud to them. This helps them memorize spelling and sentence structure. They choose a 3-4 sentence passage, read it, and then write it as it’s read aloud to them. Afterward, they compare their work to the original and make corrections. After writing the passage, have them read it out loud. Written narrations continue with full sentences, correct capitalization, and punctuation. Finally, they will select 6 vocabulary words from each reading. Have them write down the vocabulary word, look up and write down the definition, and then use the word to write a sentence (either from the book or a sentence they make up).

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At the end of the book students will complete a summative assessment. Summative assessments for level 6 are completed as written essays.

Students will also start writing 5-paragraph essays after finishing each book, organized as follows:

• Introduction – Hook, topic, and thesis statement.

• Body Paragraphs – Three paragraphs, each supporting the thesis with examples and details.

• Conclusion – Summarize points, restate thesis, and leave the reader with a final thought.

Book 51: Grimm's Fairy Tales by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon | Bantam Edition

Essay prompt: In Grimm's Fairy Tales, many stories feature lessons about morality, bravery, and the consequences of actions. Choose one fairy tale from the collection and explain what lesson it teaches. Do you agree or disagree with this lesson? Use examples from the story to support your opinion.

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Book 52: The Great Astronomers by Robert S. Ball

📕Recommended print edition: Living Book Press | Illustrated Edition

Essay prompt: In The Great Astronomers, Robert S. Ball shares the lives and discoveries of famous astronomers who changed our understanding of the universe. Choose one astronomer from the book and explain why their work is important. Use examples from the book to support your opinion.

Book 53: A Little Brother to the Bear by William J. Long

📕Recommended print edition: Living Book Press | Illustrated Edition

Essay prompt: In A Little Brother to the Bear, William J. Long shares stories about various animals and their relationships with each other and their environments. Choose one animal from the book and explain why you think its behavior is important for understanding nature. Use examples from the book to support your opinion.

Book 54: Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

📕Recommended print edition: Living Book Press | Illustrated Edition

Essay prompt: In Black Beauty, Anna Sewell tells the story of a horse and the various experiences he encounters throughout his life. Choose one event from the book that had a significant impact on Black Beauty’s life. Explain why you believe this event is important for understanding the treatment of animals. Do you agree or disagree with the message conveyed about kindness and compassion toward animals? Use examples from the book to support your opinion.

Book 55: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin

📕Recommended print edition: Living Book Press | Illustrated Edition

Essay prompt: In Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, Kate Douglas Wiggin tells the story of a young girl named Rebecca and her adventures as she grows up. Choose one challenge that Rebecca faces in the book and explain why it is important for her character development. Do you agree or disagree with how Rebecca handles this challenge? Use examples from the book to support your opinion.

Book 56: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain

📕Recommended print edition: Living Book Press | Illustrated Edition

Essay prompt: In The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain explores the life and adventures of a young boy growing up in the American South. Choose one adventure or event from the book that you think is significant in shaping Tom’s character. Explain why you believe this event is important for his development. Do you agree or disagree with Tom’s choices during this adventure? Use examples from the book to support your opinion.

Book 57: The Loss of the S.S. Titanic by Lawrence Beesley

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon

Essay prompt: In The Loss of the S.S. Titanic, Lawrence Beesley describes the experiences of various passengers and crew members during the sinking of the ship. Choose one example of how people were treated during this disaster, either positively or negatively. Explain why you believe this treatment is significant for understanding human behavior in crises. Do you agree or disagree with how individuals responded to the situation? Use examples from the book to support your opinion.

Book 58: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon

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Essay prompt: In Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery tells the story of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Choose one event in Anne's life that you think is significant in shaping her character. Explain why you believe this event is important for her development. Do you agree or disagree with how Anne handled the situation? Use examples from the book to support your opinion.

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Book 59: The Call of the Wild by Jack London

📕Recommended print edition: Living Book Press | Illustrated Edition

Essay prompt: In The Call of the Wild, Jack London explores the themes of survival and instinct through the character of Buck, a domesticated dog who returns to his wild roots. Choose one example of how Buck is treated by humans throughout the story. Explain why you believe this treatment is significant for understanding the relationship between humans and animals. Do you agree or disagree with how Buck responds to the people in his life? Use examples from the book to support your opinion.

Book 60: A Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter

📕Recommended print edition: Available on Amazon

Essay prompt: In A Girl of the Limberlost, Elnora Comstock faces many obstacles as she pursues her education and dreams in a challenging environment. Choose one moment when Elnora experiences kindness or cruelty from someone in her life. Explain why you believe this moment is important for understanding her character and determination. Do you agree or disagree with how she reacts to this treatment? Use examples from the book to support your opinion.