Cosmic Comprehension: Summer Reading Camp’s ‘Aliens Ate My Homework’ Spectacle!
Dive into a world where literacy leaps off the page, as students tackle “Aliens Ate My Homework” in a dynamic Readers Theatre format. Each voice brings a character to life, enhancing decoding skills, comprehension, and vocabulary.
What's included
10 live meetings
8 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. includedClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Beginner - Intermediate Level
In this class, the reading experience is transformed by turning a book into a thrilling Readers Theatre drama. Adapting “Aliens Ate My Homework” for performance, students immerse in reading, blending deep comprehension with the fun of decoding big words. Laughter fills the room, propelling learners forward. As they voice characters from the first six chapters, an experience is created so that each student reads and connects with the story’s heart. The goal? To capture their voices, their growth, and the magic of reading aloud and recording Readers Theatre masterpiece. It’s not just reading—it is an adventure in fluency and fun! Students above all, learn "I can read, comprehend and enjoy longer texts." This class is interactive and students engage in reading and responding. The "chat box" is used for students to read questions allowing them to think, react, and respond. Students engage throughout these sessions by reading a character part. Creating scenes and props engages students and provides opportunities to expand a love of learning through reading.
Learning Goals
Decoding: Students will identify, syllables, consonants &vowels, enabling them to decode words in context. Students will memorize and recall words from the text.
Reading Fluency: Increase the student’s reading speed, accuracy, and comprehension.
Reading Comprehension: Improve the student’s ability to comprehend and interpret text by answering inferential questions.
Positive Reinforcement: Provide ongoing, positive, and constructive feedback as the student reads aloud to build confidence and motivation
Supportive Techniques: Utilize supportive techniques such as choral reading, recorded material, and guided reading sessions to provide a scaffold for the student’s learning
Vocabulary: Acquire new words and vocabulary
Progress Monitoring: Continuously monitor and measure the student’s progress using real data to adjust goals and strategies as needed
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)10 Lessons
over 2 WeeksLesson 1:
Welcome to Readers Theatre
Teacher reads Chapter 1. Discuss comprehension on the sentence level. Enhance vocabulary by creating pictures, using secure websites, create dictionary. Optional homework: Create a paper mache volcano. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Prop Creation Day
Reread Chapter 1.
Students read one character part.
Create a prop for one character
Expand Vocabulary Dictionary
Writing: Discuss and record the "likes & dislikes" of one character 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Background Set Creation
Create a background set for a chapter - either in real life or on the computer
Reread Chapters of Drama
Expand Vocabulary
Expand Like/dislikes of character into sentences 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Character Dress Up Day
Dress like one of the characters in the Readers Theatre
Reread the text, encouraging students to become their character
Deepen comprehension through all activities
Expand sentence writing 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Discover a class that’s as unique as every child. It’s perfect for kids who are catching up to their grade level, and those with dyslexia, learning differences, or ADHD. Here, everyone is celebrated.
Parental Guidance
The only scary words in this text are "One more move and I ventilate your skull." These words are the introduction of the Alien character to the young boy. The author uses the word "ventilate." Readers comprehend, yet, the word "ventilate" is unusual. It is the beginning of a journey into vocabulary.
Pre-Requisites
No prerequisites, however, many of my students read below grade level, struggle with literacy, or are new language learners.
Supply List
Blank Index Cards Highlighters Markers Blank book
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The book Aliens Ate My Homework by Bruce Coville is the basis for this class.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Special Education
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Health/PE
Master's Degree in Science from State University at Albany
Hello, I am new to Outschool, yet I have been teaching students who are behind in literacy for nearly 30 years.
I understand the struggle your child faces. Many of my students come to my class afraid, tired, and worried. I accept how difficult being behind is.
My goal is to take away any challenges and have you enjoy learning and reading. I do this by using books!
This session engages students with a Readers Theatre version of the story Aliens Ate My Homework. We comprehend, decode, learn new vocabulary, and have lots of fun and laughter meeting all the characters.
Expect to be challenged, to have your brain work in new and different ways, and I desire that you come to love both literature and learning.
Connect with me!
Reviews
Live Group Course
$125
weekly5x per week, 2 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
2-6 learners per class
