American Tall Tales: 5 Day Reading Comprehension Camp

Students will focus on characteristics of American tall tales and review the 5 W’s + an H (who, what, when, where, why, how) of comprehension.   They will also learn to listen, take turns, and respect classmates who are speaking and sharing ideas!  Students will respond to a writing prompt to apply new vocabulary and information. (Students who do not yet read and write words will be given prewriting strategies to complete the tasks.)  By sharing their writing, students are also building speaking skills and gaining confidence to share their thoughts and ideas with a group!

We will focus on:
-reading comprehension
-writing
-speaking
-fluency
-listening

I have enjoyed 25 years in the public school system and have the following experience:

middle school English Language Arts
Elementary Education--certified (with preschool, elementary, and middle school teaching experience)
Preschool Special Education--certified
Gifted and Talented Endorsement
Reading Endorsement
Education Administration

Students are asked to complete their assignment if they do not finish before class is over.  Students/parents are welcome and encouraged to send me the student's work through Outschool if they would like it proofread and/or would like some additional feedback on the student's writing.  

Parents can also practice reading comprehension strategies at home:
1. Be sure you have your child's attention.
2.  Minimize distractions.
3. As you read, have students repeat phrases back to you.
4. Ask yourself questions while you read…”I wonder why…”
5.  Use “wait time.” Give students a minute to think before repeating your question.
6.  Check for understanding. Ask them to repeat the question back to you.
7.  Help students make connections between the book and their own experiences!
8.  For emergent writers, always pair writing and drawing together!  Draw and write with the story in mind!

Students will be assessed informally through participation, questioning, and by completing a written response and drawing based on the book we read.  (Note: We will review pre-writing strategies for young writers who do not yet write words.)  Students are asked to complete their assignment if they do not finish before class is over.  Students/parents are welcome and encouraged to send the student's work to me through Outschool if they would like it proofread and/or would like some additional feedback on the student's writing.  

3 hours 45 minutes per week in class, and maybe some time outside of class.

The following books, all written by Steven Kellogg, will be read aloud to your child over the duration of the camp.  Because the stories are read aloud, there is no need to purchase copies of the book.  I will read them to/with your child.

Day 1: Paul Bunyan
Day 2: Pecos Bill
Day 3: Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett
Day 4: Mike Fink
Day 5: Johnny Appleseed