Dear UMIS Families,

Reading every day will help lead to greater success in life. Reading requires practice, and it’s important that children take the time to read during the summer in order to keep their skills sharp, so they don’t suffer from the “Summer Slide”. We ask that you encourage your child to spend time with books – reading, listening to stories, and participating in book-related activities all summer long.

The summer book lists for grades 3-5 are recommended titles to encourage reading enjoyment. The lists may be accessed by clicking on your child’s grade level: Entering Grade 3, Entering Grade 4, Entering Grade 5, and Reading Olympics 2024 List. In addition, digital resources and information on local summer reading programs are included within the Summer Reading Tips & Ideas section of this document.

If you need a Bingo Board printed and translated into another language, please call 215-325-1700 for assistance.

All rising 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade students are encouraged to complete a Reading Bingo Board during the summer break. To help keep track of reading, parents should initial each Bingo Box when an activity has been completed. Students are encouraged to complete as many rows or columns as possible, or even the entire board! Grade level book recommendations may be found below, along with additional reading options, such as the Reading Olympics Book List, digital resources, and local summer reading programs. Bingo Boards should be returned to your homeroom teacher during the first week of school. Reading lists are only suggestions. Our summer reading program is voluntary. However, this can be a pleasant and rewarding activity for your family.

For families that need translated versions of the bingo sheets, you have the options of making a copy of the Google document which will enable the translations feature under the TOOLS bar or you can contact the school office at 215-325-1700 to request a printed, translated version.

• Children work best with a schedule and routine. Make a plan with your child and schedule a time for reading every day.

• PowerLibrary:

  • Use your school GMAIL account to access PowerLibrary.

  • Go to the waffle to find PowerLibrary.

  • Click on the words POWER KIDS (at the top).

• Visit your local library & ask the librarian for information about Summer Reading Programs. While you’re at the library, stop by the audiobook section to choose a read-aloud for the entire family!

• Click on the link to learn how to get an UM Township Public Library Card: UM Public Library

• Start a Summer book club with your children and their friends and parents.

• Create book baskets for the whole family and have them readily available around the house or ready to travel.

• Read aloud together. Read books, signs, menus, magazines, newspapers, poetry, etc.

• Going away? Have your child research and read about the places you will be visiting.

Parents please check out the Podcast below about the Science of Reading!