"Break It Down: Middle School Reading Comprehension Strategies That Work!"
In this 6-week course, middle school students will learn practical strategies to enhance their reading comprehension. Through engaging texts and interactive activities, they'll build confidence in understanding and analyzing what they read.
What's included
12 live meetings
35 in-class hoursAssignments
1 hour per week. Evaluation Methods: Learners will engage in weekly assignments, including reading passages and comprehension exercises, to reinforce strategies discussed in class.Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of the course, learners can receive a certificate of completion. This serves as a recognition of their effort and achievement throughout the courseClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner - Advanced Level
Class Description: Break It Down—Middle School Reading Comprehension Strategies That Work! 🧠 Class Experience What will be taught? Over six weeks, students will explore and practice essential reading comprehension strategies, including: Identifying main ideas and supporting details Understanding text structures and features Making inferences and predictions Utilizing context clues for vocabulary development Summarizing texts effectively Visualizing content to enhance understanding Class Structure: The course consists of two 45-minute live sessions per week, totaling 12 sessions. Each session includes: A brief review of previous material Introduction of new strategies Guided practice with various texts Interactive activities and discussions Independent practice assignments Teaching Methods: The course employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles: Direct Instruction: Clear explanations of strategies with examples Collaborative Learning: Group discussions and peer feedback Multimedia Resources: Use of slides, videos, and interactive tools Hands-On Activities: Engaging exercises to apply strategies Reflective Practices: Encouraging students to think about their learning processes Teaching Style: The instructor fosters a supportive and engaging environment, encouraging students to take risks and share their thoughts. Emphasis is placed on building confidence and promoting a growth mindset. Learner Interaction: Students will have ample opportunities to interact through: Live discussions during sessions Breakout rooms for small group work Interactive polls and quizzes Feedback on assignments and participation Required Experience: No prior experience is necessary. This course is designed for middle school students seeking to enhance their reading comprehension skills. Pacing: The course progresses sequentially, with each week building upon the previous one. Consistent attendance is encouraged to maximize learning outcomes. Late Enrollment: Students who enroll late will receive summaries of previous lessons and access to recorded sessions to help them catch up. Additional support will be provided as needed to ensure a smooth transition into the class.
Learning Goals
Apply various reading comprehension strategies to understand and analyze texts.Identify and interpret main ideas, supporting details, and text structures.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)12 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
What Is Reading Comprehension?
Students will explore the concept of reading comprehension and its importance. They'll discuss personal reading experiences and identify factors that aid or hinder understanding. 175 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Activating Prior Knowledge
Students will learn how connecting new information to what they already know enhances comprehension. Activities will include brainstorming and discussing prior knowledge related to a given text. 175 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Identifying Text Features
Students will examine common text features (headings, subheadings, captions, etc.) and discuss how they aid in understanding informational texts. 175 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Understanding Text Structures
Students will learn about different text structures (cause/effect, compare/contrast, sequence, etc.) and practice identifying them in various passages. 175 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Supply List
Laptop Notebook Pen
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2025
Teacher expertise and credentials
👩🏫 Teaching Experience & Background
I am a certified educator with over 4 years of experience teaching middle school English Language Arts (ELA) and social studies. Throughout my career, I have taught grades 6–8 in both public and private school settings, focusing on fostering critical thinking, literacy, and a deep understanding of historical contexts.
In my ELA classes, I have implemented diverse reading comprehension strategies, guided students through various writing processes, and integrated literature that reflects a range of cultures and perspectives. My social studies instruction emphasizes connecting historical events to contemporary issues, encouraging students to draw parallels between the past and present.
Beyond the classroom, I have led after-school tutoring programs, organized literacy workshops, and mentored students in developing research projects. My approach is student-centered, aiming to create an inclusive and engaging learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in child development. Also, I am currently in school to obtain my master's degree in education, and I am currently working on getting my certification to teach in the state of Louisiana. My commitment to professional development has led me to attend various workshops and seminars focused on innovative teaching methodologies and curriculum development.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, feel free to ask!
Reviews
Live Group Course
$4
weekly2x per week, 6 weeks
175 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
8-12 learners per class
