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Camp: College Prep Reading & Comprehension for Teens

I used to hate reading! These 4 Session Classes will cover the 4 Levels of Comprehension based on Mortimer Adler's book, How to Read a Book. I simplify this college-level text in simple steps and we practice it together.
Mike Hatcher
Average rating:
4.6
Number of reviews:
(396)
Class
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What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. • 3 Quizzes reviewing the main points of the previous class teaching topic and book review. • Class presentation and written summary following the framework assigned. • Class participation in discussions.
Assessment
• 3 quizzes (40%) • Participation in the class discussion (30%) • Student presentation and written summary (30%)

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 9
My Teaching Methodology and Practice
I believe the point of teaching is the learning process. My teaching method uses a combination of several elements, with attention to the age group of the class, in order to make the learning process as strong as possible. I include a PowerPoint presentation, a text (that I summarize - usually the 3 main points), personal stories to make either a good point or to make the wrong choice clear, occasionally I used a brief video clip to introduce the topic, use a Socratic question teaching approach, summarize/quiz about the main points of the class content 2-3 times during a class, randomly call on students to answer a question (rather than just have kids raise hands to keep everyone engaged), and include a student presentation project with a written component - that coincides with the topic theory (for the multi-day sessions). I always speak to class lecture items that should go down in notes I ask all students to take during class and typically hand out a note-taking sheet. Specific details of the class sessions are outlined below. 

Teaching Objectives
1.	Teach the 4 Levels Reading Comprehension Process
2.	Model the technique with students so they see it done to grasp and solidify the method.
3.	Use the technique with 3 of the best books to help the students become successful as students and build great character.
4.	Have students present the 4 Levels method twice with 2 books from different genres.
5.	Instill the 4 Level method and show its benefits for critical thinking, writing, and speaking.

Texts
How to Read a Book, Adler
Learning Goals
1.	Students will have both working knowledge and understanding of using the 4 Levels of Reading and comprehension.
2.	Students will be able to recall 1-2 of the main points from the 3 texts used for demonstrations and taught in the class: Covey, Allen, and McRaven.
3.	Experience of reading together would be inspiring to see the life benefit of reading and learning.
learning goal

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 1 Week
Lesson 1:
College Prep Reading Method
 •	Simplified 4 Levels version of Adler – 
•	Example: 4 Levels method and Harry Potter
•	Student Presentation Projects & Written Summaries – dates assigned to students.
•	Pick a book - summarize 4 Levels of steps with the book 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Adler 4 Level Method Review and Quiz
 •	Example: Lord of the Flies
•	“College Prep” Reading List and Plan
•	Presentation Review and Round 1 of Student Presentations 
•	Quiz #1 based on session #1 lecture and discussion. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Simple Lessons to More Complex Themes
 •	Example: William McCraven, Make Your Bed
•	Round 2 of Student Presentations & Written Summaries.
•	Quiz #2 based on session #2 lecture. 
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Comparing More Complex Themes
 •	Critical comparison of Lord of the Flies to Harry Potter
•	Round 3 of Student Presentations.
•	Quiz #3 based on session #3 lecture and discussion. 
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
All content is appropriate for students age 10-up. We will discuss books such as Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Marvel, as well as current events (Covid19).
Supply List
I will review and summarize these books in class. It’s optional to read them. 
How to Read a Book, Adler
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...and Maybe the World, William McRaven
 1 file available upon enrollment
Language of Instruction
English
Joined April, 2020
4.6
396reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate
Master's Degree from Biola University, Talbot School of Theology
I have enjoyed teaching these material hundreds of times now in classroom and one-on-one settings. Learning to read well and quickly opens the path of learning.

For years I struggled as a student and didn't do well. My problem was that I was a slow reader. Not only was I a slow as a reader, but the real problem was also that my comprehension was terrible. I couldn't keep track of what I'd read and what it was all about. My problem was that I read linearly - one word at a time and didn't keep what I'd read in my head and carry it forward from page to page. It all just disappeared just like retaining the names of people after meeting them. Before long I would just fall asleep. When classes were class text-driven (a book), I was in trouble. When quizzes and exams were based on a text (book), I was also in trouble and all of this was clearly reflected in my grades.

In the late 90s, the book, How to Read a Book changed my reading crisis. The four levels of reading, how to read different types of literature, and critical thinking model regrouped my method of reading. More than just changing my reading, now reading a whole book and grasping its meaning with easy made learning fun rather than something painful. I started reading the Oprah list, business bestsellers, biographies, books that fed my soul, books that helped me grow emotionally and relationally. I started to average reading 2 books a week. There were books I finished while standing in a bookstore for 20 minutes using this method. My memory changed too along the way. I was able to recall content from many of these books. This affected more than my learning, teaching, mentoring, counseling, and business. It has been my delight to teach this method and help others to enjoy learning and the critical thinking model. The framework is also one that makes writing and speaking totally unique.

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$56

for 4 classes
4x per week, 1 week
45 min

Completed by 194 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
3-12 learners per class

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