George & Martha: 5 Day Reading Comprehension Camp

"George and Martha:  5 Day Reading Comprehension Camp" will meet 1 week for 5 days as students listen to and discuss new stories about George and Martha, the fun-loving hippopotamus best friends.  These fantastic stories remind us all of what it means to be a true friend!

Students at this age are learning to be good readers.  Good readers use prior knowledge, make predictions, summarize, question, infer, visualize, and make inferences.  It is important for children to be able to comprehend what they read--but HOW does that happen?  Students must apply literal, inferential, and evaluative skills to answer who, what, when, where, why, and how questions based on the text.  In this class, we will focus on characterization and sequencing while we practice answering the 5 W's + H (how).  Students will review new vocabulary, make predictions, and make connections while reading each story.

During the 45 minute class:
• Students will be welcomed to class.  We will quickly review the class rules, our learning goals, and writing prompts together as a class.  
• Students will hear a story (or stories) by James Marshall.  Each day, we will go on a new adventure with George and Martha as we focus on characterization and problem/solution.  Students will review the 5 W’s + an H (who, what, when, where, why, how) of comprehension as I ask questions.
• Students will then be given approximately 10 minutes to respond to a writing prompt.  Younger children will draw a picture with details to respond to the prompt.  Teacher support will be available to all students during this time. Students should raise their hand if they have a question during this time.
• Once the independent writing time is over, students may share their writing with the class.  Sharing is optional but encouraged. 
• As a class, we will review the material covered in the mini lesson and I will answer any questions prior to dismissing the class.  

Book Sequence:
Day 1:  George and Martha
Day 2:  George and Martha Rise and Shine
Day 3:  George and Martha One Fine Day
Day 4:  George and Martha Round and Round
Day 5:  George and Martha Full of Surprises

(NOTE:  Children learn vocabulary, sequencing, and prediction skills through repetition of stories.  If you feel your child would benefit from hearing the story again, I would love to have them join me in additional sections of the class!)