5th - 6th Grade: A Small Group Reading Course; Literature for Middle School Prep
Weekly Short Stories for ELA & English Language Arts: Spring, Summer, and Fall Semesters; A supplemental #academic, reading comprehension, and analysis class that builds confidence; I'll present a valuable blend of genres, critical thinking skills, and short answer prompts.
Marisa Hammond Olivares; (GT, ELA, ESL, ELL, SPED)
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(303)
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What's included
1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
As this is an ongoing class format, all work will be initiated and completed in class. Some writing may spill over the designated class time. Students will be encouraged to complete any pending assignments and submit them through the Outschool Classroom.Assessment
Informal & Formative assessments are a natural part of my interactive teaching style.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 6
Intermediate Level
This class is best suited for 5th and 6th-grade students. ~ Primary Focus: Reading Comprehension ~ Deepen understanding and build confidence in responding to literary questions. Small-Group Instruction This allows me to work closely with each student to evaluate students' learning strengths, locate gaps in their reading development, and tailor lessons focused on specific learning objectives. Ongoing Format This is an ELA supplemental course in an Ongoing format. This provides a more manageable payment option through weekly installments. Plus, this format eliminates the fear of a long-term commitment for parents and students. You may drop in and out as needed. However, be aware that seats cannot be held and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. About me - ~ I have taught English Language Arts for 19+ years. ~ I am ELA certified for grades 4th through 8th. ~ I am certified as a generalist in Early Childhood - 4th Grade. ~ I am certified in ESL for grades Early Childhood - 12th Grade. ~ I am certified in Special Education for Early Childhood - 12th Grade. LEARNING SESSIONS ~ The students, together with their peers and me, will read one short story per class. The students will see me annotate and highlight the text throughout the class. ~ Test-taking strategies, reading comprehension questions, and short written responses are a regular part of my interactive lessons. ~ Generally, the students will experience a combination of direct instruction, note-taking, discussion, reading, writing, vocabulary, and the application of skills. Therefore, my students can expect to experience independent and group interactions during class. ~ Please note the writing in this course is in the form of guided literary responses. I will help model responses - as needed. However, we do not always have sufficient time to actively complete short written responses during class. ***This is NOT a formal writing course with explicit writing and grammar instruction. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT I provide a twelve-month rotation of passages per reading grade level. Learners may jump in and out as needed. Parents are expected to monitor their subscription needs and absences. Please do not request a refund for missed classes. Your subscription holds your seat, it allows you access to the weekly materials, and it does not allow others to enroll in sold out classes. ************************************* Fall 2023 ~ my classes will begin the week of September 11th Mid-Fall Break ~ no classes the week of October 9th Thanksgiving Break ~ no classes the week of November 20th END OF FALL 2023: Winter Break ~ no classes from Dec 23rd - Jan 6th ************************************* Week of September 11 Fiction; Science Fiction/Fantasy Theme: Courage ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of September 19th: Fiction: Short Story Theme: Popularity, Courage, and Individuality ~ Plot, Conflict, and Conflict Resolution ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of September 26th: ~ Characterization and Motivation ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of October 3rd: ~ Imagery and Setting ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. ******************************** Mid-Fall Break No Classes the Week of October 9th ******************************** Week of October 16th: ~ Inferences and Context Clues ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of October 23rd: ~ Figurative Language; similes, metaphors, and imagery ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of October 30th: ~ Figurative Language; personification, symbolism, and motifs ~ Introduction to the author and the passage; identify vocabulary, apply test-taking strategies, and begin reading. ~ Reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of November 6th: Fiction; Short Story ~ Characterization & Perspectives ~ Includes vocabulary, theme, and conflict ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of November 13th: Fiction; Short Story ~ Theme & Irony ~ Includes characterization, perspective, and resolution ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. ******************************** Holiday Break: Thanksgiving No Classes the Week of November 20 ******************************** Week of November 27th: Fiction; Poetic Forms ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; central idea, allusion, vocabulary, and figurative language. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of December 4th: Fiction; Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of December 11th: Fiction; Short Story ~ Themes: Greed and arrogance. ~ Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, character motivations, cause & effect, text evidence, and literary response. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of December 18th: Fiction; Short Story ~ Themes: Judgement, assumptions, and character perspective. ~ Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, author's craft, conflict, interpretation of the character's attitude, and literary response. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ END OF FALL 2023 ~ no classes from Dec 23rd - Jan 6th BEGINNING OF SPRING 2024 ~ tentative start date is January 7 ~ Spring Break #1; no classes the week of February 18th ~ Spring Break #2; no classes the week of April 21st ~ Spring classes will end by Saturday, May 18th ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Week of January 7 - Genre: Folktale Themes: Bravery and reward. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, text evidence, character perspective, author's craft, and literary response. Text: The Two Travelers by Maude Barrows Dutton Lexile: 1060 ~ Alternate: Inside Out Week of January 14 - Genre: Folktale Themes: Greed and arrogance. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, character motivations, cause & effect, text evidence, and literary response. Text: Master Jacob by Howard Pyle Lexile: 970 ~ Alternate: Teacher Tamer Week of January 21 - Genre: Poetry, Non-Prose Themes: Struggles and perseverance. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, metaphors, analysis of the narrator, and literary response. Text: Mother To Son by Langston Hughes Alternate: Fictional Short Story; What Do Fish Have To Do With Anything? Week of January 28 - Genre: Fiction, Short-Story Themes: Honesty and identity. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, characterization, text evidence, author's craft, and literary response. Text: Scout's Honor by Avi Lexile: 660 Week of February 4 - Genre: Legends and Folklore (Region - Gwalior, India) Themes: Music, talents, and character traits. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, cause & effect, vocabulary, plot, relationships, and characterization. Text: Tansen's Gift (a researched rendition) Lexile: 1090 Week of February 11 - Genre: Poetry, Non-Prose Themes: Freedom; isolation versus independence. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, text evidence, imagery, interpretation, and literary response. Text: Identity ~~~~~~~~~~ Spring Break #1 No classes the week of February 18th - 24th ~~~~~~~~~~ Week of February 25 - Genre: Fiction, Short Story Themes: Wisdom, attitude, and awareness. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, relationships, motivations, conflict, setting, text evidence, and literary response. Text: The Treasure of Lemon Brown by Walter Dean Myers Lexile: 750 Week of March 3 - Genre: Fable Themes: Barriers, perseverance, and kindness. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, relationships, mood, characterization, conflict resolution, and literary response. Text: Thumbelina by Hans Christian Anderson Lexile: 1050 Week of March 10 - Genre: Fiction, Short Story Themes: Disability (blindness); character versus ability. Reading Comprehension Skills: Character analysis, text evidence, and literary response. Text: A Man Who Had No Eyes by MacKinlay Kantor Lexile: 610 Week of March 17 - Genre: Fiction, Short Story Themes: Animal kindness and reward. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, characterization, traits, point of view, and literary response. Text: PENDING Lexile: Week of March 24 - Genre: Fiction, Short Story Themes: Judgement, assumptions, and error. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, author's craft, conflict, interpretation of the character's attitude, and literary response. Text: War of the Wall Lexile: 910 ~~~~~~~~~~ Spring Break #2 No classes the week of March 31 - April 6th ~~~~~~~~~~ Week of April 7 - Genre: Folktale (Region, China) Themes: Obedience, sacrifice, and the good of the community. Reading Comprehension Skills: Theme, character traits, and attitude. Text: The Four Dragons - author unknown Lexile: 770 Week of April 14 ~ Genre: Fiction Week of April 21 ~ Genre: Fiction Week of April 28 ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story Week of May 6 ~ Genre: Nonfiction - History Week of May 13 ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story END OF SPRING 2024 ~ tentative start date for summer is June 3, 2024 ************************************ SUMMER TIMELINE ~ No classes on July 4th, 5th and 6th ************************************ Week of June 5: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of June 12: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of June 18: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of June 26: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. No classes on July 4th, 5th, and 6th Week of July 10: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of July 17th: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of July 24: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of July 31: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. ************************************ Week of August 7: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. Week of August 14: ~ Genre: Fiction - Short Story ~ Literary Devices & Analysis; theme, vocabulary, plot, character perspective, and conflict. ~ All classes include; Introduction to the author and the selected passage, identifying vocabulary, applying test-taking strategies, and group reading. ~ Teacher-guided reading, annotation, and discussion; includes reading comprehension questions and literary response. END OF SUMMER CLASSES
Learning Goals
Improve reading analysis, develop critical thinking skills, and build confidence in responding to literary questions.
Other Details
Supply List
~ pen/pencil/paper ~ students may take notes on their own digital device
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
303reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
Texas Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Bachelor's Degree from Texas Woman's University
My English courses are centered around thought-provoking critical reading skills, effective writing, and verbalizing one's interpretation of a literary text. I believe in living, laughing, and learning. My learning goals are for my students to gain a greater depth of understanding far beyond the text.
My professional background:
~ I have taught English Language Arts (ELA) in the middle school setting for 16 years (Texas public schools).
~ I understand the Common Core Standards for my content area.
~ I have been an ELA Curriculum Writer in my district for over ten years.
~ I am ELA certified in the State of Texas for grades 4th through 8th.
~ I am certified as a generalist in Early Childhood - 4th Grade.
~ I am certified in ESL for grades Early Childhood - 12th Grade.
~ I am certified in Special Education for grades Early Childhood - 12th Grade.
~ In addition to education, I am an online writer for various websites. I have a background in Corporate Management, International Sales, Grant Writing, and I have worked as a Project Director for a non-profit organization.
~ I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance with a minor in English from Texas Woman's University.
My philosophy of teaching:
I believe strongly in developing independent thought, voice, and empathy. I enjoy enlightening students in the skills necessary for analyzing multiple viewpoints, building evidence-based opinions, and creating awareness toward opposing arguments. Civility and kindness are essential to me, and I encourage my students to be respectful as they develop their own opinions and counterarguments. Importantly, promoting metacognition in my students is a common approach in my teaching style. Yes, I LOVE teaching!
My family:
My daughter, Briana Olivares, is a teacher here at Outschool. She has had the gift of music since her earliest years, and she enjoys sharing this beautiful art form with her students. My son keeps us entertained and laughing. He is heartwarming, sweet, and has autism; he has taught me so much as a teacher and mother. My rock and supportive husband has been in Corporate Restaurant Management for over 32 years. Yum!
Requests for courses are welcomed!
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Communication:
Outschool is my primary occupation, and I prioritize live classes during teaching days (Monday through Saturday). While I may not respond promptly during these days, I aim to reply within 24 hours (usually sooner).
Offline Hours:
I am offline on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, although I do periodically check messages and aim to respond promptly.
Materials:
In alignment with my teaching approach, all of the related materials and optional homework lessons will be provided in a PDF at the END of each respective lesson (NOT before). My lessons are interactive, guided experiences where all necessary materials are presented and annotated during class. Additionally, all classes are recorded for students' reference.
Assignments & Feedback:
Students are responsible for completing any unfinished assignments from class. I encourage all students to send their responses for feedback through private message.Reviews
Live Group Class
$16
weekly1x per week
50 min
Completed by 316 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
3-8 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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