Bridge the Reading Gap! Small-Group Comprehension Course
In this semester long, 8-week small-group reading class, learners will be explicitly taught comprehension and strategies and skills to help them grow as readers. They will also practice them in a supportive small-group setting.
Arline Erven
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(22)
What's included
8 live meetings
5 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Learners should read at least 20 minutes every day: something on or below their reading level AND that they enjoy. Local public libraries have lots of free books!Certificate of Completion
As the weeks progress, I will informally assess the learner’s reading comprehension, fluency and vocabulary development. The learner will earn a certificate of completion at the end of the course.Class Experience
US Grade 2 - 4
In this 8-week, semester-long small group reading class, learners will be explicitly taught comprehension and strategies and skills and will practice them in a supporting small-group setting. Transitioning from "learning to read" to "reading to learn" can be challenging for many learners. This small-group reading class aims to bridge this gap, making the transition smoother. Reading together in a small group with other learners of similar reading ability—as opposed to 1:1 tutoring—allows all learners to feel seen, feel heard and know they aren’t alone in their reading strengths and struggles. The following skills will be explicitly taught and practiced by all learners: Reading Comprehension Strategies: Re-reading, using graphic organizers, using context clues, inferencing, summarizing, visualizing, SSQ method (Stop, Summarize, Question), etc. Each week’s lesson: 5 min—Review the past weeks' skills 5 min—Introduce reading comprehension skill 20 min—Read the book or passage together using skill 5 min—Cooperatively write a retelling or summary, etc of what was read 5 min—Discuss what the learners did and how they can use it in the future Overview of classes: Week of Feb 3: Fiction—retelling with story elements Week of Feb 10: Nonfiction—main idea & details Week of Feb 17: Fiction—Visualizing Week of Feb 24: Nonfiction—Using context clues Week of Mar 3: Fiction—Text connections (text to self or world) Week of Mar 10: Nonfiction—Summarizing Week of Mar 17: Fiction—Retelling with story elements Week of Mar 24: Nonfiction—Activating prior knowledge (and full review)
Learning Goals
Learners will develop comprehension skills such as finding the main idea and details, summarizing information, retelling what happened, etc.
Learners will become more fluent, accurate, and expressive readers.
Learners will become more fluent in conversation and social skills such as active listening, affirming others’ statements, and offering their own insights.
Learners will develop a more sophisticated reading and speaking vocabulary.
Learners will gain confidence in public speaking and reading aloud.
Learners will develop critical thinking skills by considering both open-ended and text-specific questions.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Story Elements & Retelling
In this lesson, we'll use the story, "Dragons & Giants" by Arnold Lobel to practice the skill of retelling a story using basic story elements such as characters, events, setting, etc. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Main Idea & Details
In this lesson, we'll use the articles, "Zebra News" and "Tiger Tips" from Spectrum Reading 2 to practice the skill of recognizing the main ideas and details.
We will also review past comprehension skills. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Making Predictions
In this lesson, we'll use the books, Waiting is Not Easy! by Mo Willems and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff to practice making predictions as we read.
We will also review past comprehension skills. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Activating Prior Knowledge
In this lesson, we'll use the passage, "Cats Long Ago" from Spectrum Reading 2 to practice the skill of thinking about what we already know before reading about a new topic.
We will also review past comprehension skills. 40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
Learners will need to read at AT LEAST a second grade level.
Lexile (LEX): 450L - 790L
Guided Reading Level (GRL): J-K
Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA): 16-24
Accelerated Reader SRL): 2.0-3.0
Supply List
The following is a list of probable book series we'll use. Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant Annie and Snowball by Cynthia Rylant Lola Reads by Anna McQuinn Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems We’ll also be using the Spectrum Reading 2 workbook.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Most of the books we will be using are available at your local public library. The learner may have their own copy of the book or read from my screen. (Note: It is difficult for learners to read on phone screens)
The following is a list of probable book series we'll use.
Henry and Mudge by Cynthia Rylant
Annie and Snowball by Cynthia Rylant
Lola Reads by Anna McQuinn
Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo
Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems
We’ll also be using Spectrum Reading 2 workbook for nonfiction passages.
Joined July, 2023
4.8
22reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Valdosta State University
Taught first grade reading for four years
Written reading curricula for various organizations
Tutors reading and writing online and in-person
Taught many children to read and read wellReviews
Live Group Course
$13
weekly1x per week, 8 weeks
40 min
Completed by 7 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-10
2-3 learners per class
