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Advanced Vocabulary/Etymology & Critical Reading for the Digital PSAT/SAT/ACT

A challenging curriculum study of vocabulary & critical reading to prepare for the DSAT/PSAT/ACT. Students learn vocabulary through context, roots, connotation, and other strategies.
Vanessa Roach
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(359)
Popular
Rising Star
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
1 hrs 15 mins in-class hours per week
Homework
1 hour per week. Optional studying and practice tests
Assessment
Each week students have either a vocab test or reading test that is graded by the teacher.

Class Experience

US Grade 8 - 11
Intermediate - Advanced Level
DESCRIPTION
This course is appropriate for any student wanting to prepare for the 2024 New Digital PSAT/SAT/ACT or just generally challenge their vocabulary and critical reading skills (preparing for advance courses/college). Do note that the reading levels of the passages range from 8th grade and beyond. 

STRUCTURE

Odd Numbered Weeks (1,3,5, etc.)
2 Vocab Warmups
12 vocab words with corresponding prefixes, roots, and suffixes
Reading Topic Warmups (2) with lesson and practice
Reading Topic Homework with vocab Quizlet

Even Numbered Weeks (2, 4, 6, etc.)
2 Vocab Warmups
6 Vocab words with corresponding prefixes, roots, and suffixes
Review questions and in-class game
Reading Topic Warmups (2) with lesson and practice
Vocab Unit Review Homework

Week of May 30: Reading Topic: Central Ideas and Details
Vocab: Prefixes: PARA, AN Roots: ACOU, DOG/DOX, METER, ORTH, AESTH/ESTH Suffixes: IC, MA, OLOGY, ESIA, ETE/IST, IC, OLOG

Week of June 6: Reading Topic: Quantitative and Qualitative Data. Vocab Roots: Prefixes: ANT, EX, IN Roots: AGON, CULP, PROT Suffixes: ABLE, ATE, IC, IST, Y and Review weeks 1-2

Week of June 13: No Class; I will be at a conference

Week of June 20: Reading Topic: Transitions 
Vocab Roots: Prefixes: COM, ISO Roots: AGORA, FORT, ORNITH, PHOB, ANEM, BAR, PHIL, TROP Suffixes: IC, ISM, LOGY, OUS

Week of June 27: Reading Topic: Inferences, Drawing Conclusions
Roots: ANTH, CHRYS, GEO, GRAPH, HELI, PHAG, PHYTE  Suffixes: ATION, IA, TUDE, ER, UM, US, Y

July 12 Schedule:
Reading Topic: Rhetorical Analysis
Roots: ARCH, CRAC, GLYPH, HIER, OLIG, TYPE, AORT, ARCT, THES/THET
Prefixes: ANTI, CO
Suffixes: ICS, Y, ATE, ATION, IA, IC, IS

First, students will complete 1-2 SAT warmups. These are on different topics and are designed as review (or just to get their brains focused).

Students will then move to the vocabulary part of the lesson. Some of the words are first presented in context (a reading passage). Students will practice inferential skills, connotations, synonym/antonym clues, etc. in their attempt to define the words.

Next, roots, prefixes, and suffixes found in the words are presented. It is my hope that over time students will memorize a good majority of the roots. This makes breaking down unknown words easier.

Students will practice some questions, analysis, or even perform short writing prompts with the words. Each week, online vocab practice/quizzes are presented.

For the critical reading, specific skills are focused.


Class is taught through discussion, breaking down questions, and independent practice. 

Note that depending on the number of learners, classtime may run a few minutes over or under the 75 minutes.


MISSED CLASSES
If your student misses a class, a recording will always be accessible on the classroom page. The PowerPoint notes are always available as well. The weekly test and assignments will also be posted for the student. 

Note. If your student is not able to attend in person, refunds will not be issued. This is because the student can still access the materials, recording, and receive grades for assignments. If you need to miss a class or several and do not want to be billed, you can pause your subscription.

GRADES
Tests are graded. I provide grades for every test and keep track of student grades. If parents want to use this class for credit, I can send grades. I am a certified English educator, but some states have different requirements, so parents should make sure that the class fulfills all of the requirements. 

SCHEDULE

MAY 31: 
Reading Topic: Central Ideas and Details
Vocab: PARA, ACOU, DOG/DOX, METER, ORTH, IC, MA, OLOGY

JUNE 7:
Reading Topic: Textual Evidence (Literary and Scientific)
Vocab: AN, AESTH/ESTH, METER, ESIA, ETE, IC, IST, OLOG

NO CLASS JUNE 14: I have a conference to attend

JUNE 21:
Reading Topic: Text Structure and Purpose
Vocab words: approbation, assuage, coalition, decadence, elicit, expostulate, hackneyed, hiatus, innuendo, intercede, jaded, lurid, meritorious, petulant, prerogative, provincial, simulate, transcend, umbrage, unctuous

JUNE 28: 
Reading Topic: Rhetorical Analysis
Vocab Words: ameliorate, aplomb, bombastic, callow, drivel, epitome, ex officio, exhort, infringe, ingratiate, interloper, intrinsic, inveigh, lassitude, millennium, occult, permeate, precipitate, stringent, surmise

NO CLASS WEEK OF JULY 4 (INDEPENDENCE DAY)

More Lessons TBA
Learning Goals
By learning root words each week, learners have the potential to increase their vocabulary incredibly quickly. Each root is taught alongside words that include that root. Many of these root words are also rooted in the romance languages (Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian), used in medicine/science, history, and even math! The course also looks at nuances, shades of meaning, context, and other vocabulary strategies.

Focus is also on critical reading (preparing students to read and think in a critical manner). To do so, students will read texts that challenge them. We will discuss texts in class as well as look at sample test prep questions on classic and nonfiction texts.
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
I have experience with learners with learning disabilities and neurodivergence. I do not "cold call" on students. Cameras must briefly be turned on for me to verify identity. Students may communicate via chat or by raising their hand.
Parental Guidance
The student will use some 3rd party apps including Quizlet (posted with their words on the classroom page), Blooket (in-class to review words), Gimkit (in-class to review words), and Google docs (to take quizzes after class)
Pre-Requisites
Ideally, students should be reading and working at an 8th grade or higher reading level. Do note that the SAT reading is at the typical high-school level and utilizes dense nonfiction and classic literature.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
359reviews
Popular
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Indiana Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Master's Degree in English from University of Southern Indiana
I am a certified secondary public school teacher of 7 years. I specialize in working with students with different learning needs at my school (gifted and special education). I have a bachelor of science degree in English Teaching (minors in special education, gifted education, and psychology). I have a MAE in English. I love teaching vocabulary and reading.

I have also taken 2 workshops in the Spring of 2022 (including the Indiana GEAR Up SAT professional development workshop) that cover ways to prepare students for the SAT and PSAT. I also tutor students in preparing for the SAT and teach high school English, including a SAT prep course. I am a SAT testing coordinator and administrator at my school. 

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$25

weekly
1x per week
75 min

Completed by 23 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
3-10 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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