Do your kiddos need help understanding what they are reading? Are they struggling with answering comprehension questions after reading fluently?  In this reading comprehension class, we will practice identifying the main idea & key details, context clues, vocabulary, inferring, identifying the theme and so much more! We will read fun, and interesting reading passages written by me. Students will play a game to answer the questions. We will practice going back into the text to provide text evidence and complete a writing response for the passage. We will work on using critical thinking skills to deepen our understanding of a reading passage. This will help students who may begin state testing for reading or students who are fluent readers, but struggle with thinking deeply about a text. We may also practice some decoding strategies for tricky words and do some vocabulary activities using the Frayer Model for understanding and applying new words

This class may be adapted to fit the needs of the students enrolled. Ideally, it is for students at a 2nd-3rd grade reading and writing level, who are reading fluently. Every student will have a chance to answer questions and defend their answers. If there is time at the end, the students will get to share their writing. 

I strive to meet the needs of all learners in the class. They will be challenged, but not frustrated as I will step in and guide and scaffold instruction as necessary. 

How will this class be structured?
2-3 Minutes - Welcome, introduction and go over class expectations. Gather materials.
20-25 Minutes - Guided reading practice - We will work together (or students can read on their own) to read the passage, go over key vocabulary and answer questions in a game format. When we are finished, all students will have a writing summary response to extend and apply learning. 
5 Minutes - Students who are interested can share their writing with the group. 

We will work hard to finish each essay in class. However, there may be times we do not finish the writing in class.

What is my teaching style?
I like to keep things fun and engaging through asking the students questions and promoting discussion on the topic. I set behavior expectations while making sure students are all respected and spoken to kindly. I want students to feel like they can ask and answer questions without fear of failure or rejection. I will create the structure to the class, but it can change based upon the specific learners and learning styles represented in the classroom. 

How will my child be able to interact with others and the teacher?
Your child will be able to participate in discussion about writing topics, ask questions for clarification and share their writing with the class if they are comfortable. 

Overall, we will work on comprehension in a spiral learning style meaning, each week will have a variety of different comprehension questions, not just one topic. In one week, we may be working on main idea, vocabulary and inferring all in the same passage. Your child is welcome to come and go as it fits in your schedule. The learning content does not build, but continues to be reviewed. 

*Ocean Themed Passages*
9/18 - Fiction - Sharks
9/25 - Nonfiction - Sharks
10/1 - Fiction - Jellyfish
10/8 - Nonfiction - Jellyfish
10/15 - Fiction - Sea Turtles
10/22 - NO CLASS THIS WEEK
10/29 - Nonfiction - Sea Turtles
11/5 - Fiction - Dolphins
11/12 - Nonfiction - Dolphins
11/19 - Fiction - Octopus
11/26 - Nonfiction - Octopus
12/3 - NO CLASS THIS WEEK 
12/10 - Fiction - Whales
12/17 - Nonfiction - Whales