Academy+at+the+Lakes

From Academy at the Lakes in Land O'Lakes, Florida:

Reading is a vital part of every child’s development. At Academy at the Lakes, the students actively read throughout the year, both as an entire class and individually. Reading promotes comprehension, develops vocabulary, and increases sensitivity to other cultures, social conditions, and historical events. The summer reading program engages the students in continuous reading during the months they are away from school. Attached is the summer reading list for your child. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen is required for all students entering or returning to the Middle Division and Upper Division. These novels will be addressed during the first part of the academic year. The other novels have been chosen for grade-level appropriateness, Quarter One curricular-based content connections, and vocabulary enrichment. For each novel, your child will complete an assignment, which is attached and/or included in this packet and that your child’s English teachers reviewed during the last week of classes. These assignments compel the students to look more deeply into the text, requiring them to show their understanding of the basic elements of literature, tap into their creativity and personally respond to the work. We invite you to read along with your child and take the opportunity to discuss the literature he or she will read. You may find yourself engaged in a wonderful dialogue inspired by your child’s reading. Reading is a learned joy, and we hope that all of our students discover that joy. This was the assignment for our Upper Division (9-12) Students: All UD students will read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. The required assignment for all UD students is as follows: Please write a one-page, double-spaced, MLA formatted paper in which you answer two of the following questions: And this was the assignment for our Middle Division (5-8) Students: MD Grades 5-7 Required Novel – Three Cups of Tea – Young Reader’s Edition by Greg Mortenson Middle Division students in grades 5 – 7 will read Three Cups of Tea – Young Reader’s Edition, a novel written by Greg Mortenson based on his own personal experiences. The required assignment for all MD students is as follows: Please write a paragraph response to each of the following questions : We found that most of our students genuinely enjoyed Three Cups of Tea, and the discussions in class were lively and involved. I can also supply a guided Literary Discussion Lynn designed for use with our Middle and Upper Divisions in combined classes. Shoot me an e-mail and I will send it as an attachment.
 * At the heart of the book is a powerful but simple message: we each as individuals have the power to change the world, one cup of tea at a time. Yet the book powerfully dramatizes the obstacles in the way of this philosophy: bloody wars waged by huge armies, prejudice, religious extremism, cultural barriers. What do you think of the “one cup of tea at a time” philosophy? Do you think Mortenson’s vision can work for lasting and meaningful change?
 * Have you ever known anyone like Mortenson? Have you ever had the experience of making a difference yourself through acts of generosity, aid, or leadership?
 * Three Cups of Tea is also about the power of forming relationships. Often, forging close, personal bonds with a few people can change your perspective on a whole group of people. Discuss this statement. Did the book change your views about any group of people? Did it inspire you to learn more about the region?
 * Have you ever known anyone like Mortenson? Have you ever had the experience of making a difference yourself through acts of generosity, aid, or leadership?
 * Three Cups of Tea is also about the power of forming relationships. Often, forging close, personal bonds with a few people can change your perspective on a whole group of people. Discuss this statement. Did the book change your views about any group of people? Did it inspire you to learn more about the region?