Close Reading Strategies (Non-Fiction Texts): Middle School Language Arts - ELA

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During this course, students will learn how to read closely (at the middle school level) using engaging non-fiction articles about interesting scenarios, animals, and situations.

Each week, we will first discuss/review what it means to complete a close read of the text. I will read the entire high-interest text aloud with learners while displaying each chunk for them to follow along with me.  While reading, we will stop periodically to discuss vocabulary, make connections, ask questions and talk about the text, as well as look back in the article to cite evidence to support our answers to various comprehension questions about the reading (various formats).   We will also learn text-marking strategies, including how to determine which parts are worth highlighting, how to know what information is actually important, and using our markings to help us create a "road map" we can use to correctly answer the questions later!

Students will answer multiple choice, multi-select, short answer questions, and/or write a response to a text-based question using specific strategies, then share/discuss with their classmates. 

As the teacher, I will model fluent reading and think aloud concepts as we read and work together, using humor, immediate feedback and encouragement, and high energy to keep learners focused and involved!

Since this course is ongoing, students can join/leave at any time because the skills are not dependent on one another.  Wherever your child begins in this course, they will be successful and will be able to grow their close reading knowledge with their class community!

Week of March 10: Winter Gets Weird
Week of March 17: Crocodile Surfing
Week of March 24: Hawaiian Telescope Seeks Extraterrestrial Life
Week of March 31: Protecting Pangolins
Week of April 7: Chinstrap Penguins Survive on Microsleeps
Week of April 14: Loch Ness Monster: An Eel?
Week of April 21: The World of Common Misconceptions
Week of April 28: Lasers Reveal Ancient Maya Site in Guatemalan Rainforest
Week of May 5: Birthplace of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Week of May 12: Extreme Habitats Around the Globe
Week of May 19: Hide and Seek Rats
Week of May 26: Dog Plays Video Games for Charity
Week of June 2: Working Animals
Week of June 9: Why are Pets so Weird?
Week of June 16: An Aurora Sank the Titanic?
Week of June 23: Pigs Mediate Barnyard Fights
Week of June 30: Super Mario Brothers
Week of July 7: NASA Mars Simulation Habitat
Week of July 14: Video Game Protects Desert Tortoises
Week of July 21: Cuttlefish Math
Week of July 28: Somaliland Cave Art
Week of August 4: Vibrating Vests Translate Music

*Articles will cycle back to the beginning of the listed topics when we reach the end.*
**Please note: While my intention is to always follow the articles in the order listed, articles are subject to change at teacher's discretion depending on class enrollment/learner dynamics. If this becomes necessary, I will provide as much notice as possible.**

📚CLASS CONTENT

There are 20+ unique lessons before content will repeat.  This course continues weekly throughout the year, with no designated start/stop date.  Course content will cycle back through when we reach the end of the listed topics, so this makes anytime the perfect time to jump in and start learning with us!

📷CLASS DYNAMICS/CAMERA POLICY:
Learners are welcomed and encouraged to share out loud and/or via chat messaging to communicate their understanding throughout the lesson.  This also allows them to share ideas and make connections with classmates.
I prefer cameras to be on throughout session as this helps me more easily gauge student understanding and participation during the lesson.  Additionally, it promotes social communication, builds class community, and makes group discussion about the week's topic easier, so I do gently encourage that learners leave cameras turned on throughout class each week. However, learners who feel more comfortable with cameras off may do so, provided they have checked in on camera at the start of class, have parent permission, and stay involved and active out loud or through chat messaging throughout our class meeting.  We will also utilize the mute/unmute feature to minimize background noise and take turns sharing so all voices are heard fairly.

📝REFUND POLICY:  

I follow Outschool's refund policy, which is a full refund within 24 hours of payment until your next meeting or lesson access begins.

I am unable to refund for missed classes as the spot is held for your learner which prevents others from enrolling, especially for sold out sections.  I appreciate your understanding and support!

Please click here for more information: https://support.outschool.com/en/articles/4626920-standard-refund-policy-and-refund-eligibility-guidelines