In this ongoing 3-day-a-week class, Students reading at 1st and 2nd-grade levels (may also be appropriate for a 3rd grader that needs some extra support) will work toward the ultimate goal of becoming an independent reader while also making friends in a cheerful classroom environment. Incoming students should already be able to recognize and write the letters of the alphabet, phonetic sounds and be comfortable reading the following paragraph:

The kids like to play at the park.
They run and play ball on the grass.
They go down the slide and swing on the swings.
The kids have so much fun!

(If your student is not yet ready to read this paragraph please consider enrolling your student in my other class: [Learn to Read w/Phonics, Sight Words, & Friends! Lev 1 TK - 1st grade English]

Each class will continue to reinforce the phonetic sounds of the alphabet along with teaching the proper way to write upper and lowercase letters. We will also practice blending a new word family each week along with increasing the students' vocabulary by defining the words’ meaning in each family.  We will also learn a new group of sight words weekly to help build a collection of words that must be memorized because they cannot be sounded out. Sight words are both common, frequently used words and foundational words that students will use to build their reading vocabulary base. We will learn to read a short story together every week by improving fluency and familiarity with the story by practicing it during all 3 classes each week. During class, students will use on-screen pictures, games, and the occasional printouts to learn and practice their reading and writing. Please make sure the student comes to every class with 3-4 pieces of lined paper and a pencil/pen. A dry erase board is also acceptable for writing in class. If time allows, every class will end with an open free talk session that allows the children to share a favorite toy or anything else they are excited about. I always make sure that every child feels included and has the opportunity to speak in class if they are comfortable doing so.  Good listeners are always welcome too:) 

* A weekly at-home packet will also be provided every week so that students can practice what they will be learning in the classroom each week. The packet is sent out on the classroom page at 6:00 am Pacific Time every Sunday. The after-class work is provided as an enhancement to the class, not as a homework requirement. I will leave it up to each parent's discretion if they feel their students will benefit from the after-class activities.