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Mastering Reading Comprehension Across Genres

My course helps students enhance their reading and analytical skills by exploring various texts, from fiction and poetry to nonfiction and drama. By focusing on critical reading strategy for scholar success.
Class

What's included

12 live meetings
12 in-class hours
Homework
1-2 hours per week. 1-2 per week
Assignments
1-2 per week
Projects
1-2 throughout the class
Letter Grade
Grading Structure: Letter Grades: Students will receive letter grades based on their performance in assignments, participation, and the final project. This allows for clear, standardized feedback on their progress. Mid-Course Evaluation: A letter grade will be given after the first three weeks and again after the second three weeks to provide students with timely feedback on their performance and areas for improvement. Final Grade: A comprehensive letter grade will be assigned at the end of the course, reflecting overall performance across all assignments, participation, and the final project.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7
Beginner - Advanced Level
Class Experience: Mastering Reading Comprehension Across Genres
What will be taught? In this course, students will develop strong reading comprehension skills across multiple genres, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. They will learn to analyze texts critically, identify key themes, recognize literary devices, and understand the unique characteristics of each genre. The goal is to help students become more confident and versatile readers who can approach any text with the tools needed to comprehend and analyze it deeply.

What topics will you cover?:

Fiction: Plot structure, character development, setting, theme, symbolism.
Nonfiction: Main idea, supporting details, argument evaluation, author’s purpose, and tone.
Poetry: Poetic devices, imagery, rhyme, meter, and various poetic forms.
Drama: Dialogue, stage directions, conflict, and character development in plays.
Genre Comparison: Exploring how different genres approach similar themes and ideas.
How is your class structured? This course is designed to be engaging and interactive, with two 60-minute sessions per week for six weeks. Each session will focus on a specific topic within a genre, starting with an introduction to core concepts, followed by in-depth analysis, group discussions, and hands-on activities. Students will complete assignments between sessions to reinforce what they've learned and prepare for the next lesson.

Session Structure:

Introduction: Overview of the topic and learning objectives.
Interactive Lecture: Short presentations explaining key concepts.
Text Analysis: Reading and analyzing selected texts together.
Group Discussions: Engaging in discussions to explore different interpretations.
Hands-On Activities: Writing reflections, comparisons, or creative responses.
Assignments: Weekly reading and writing tasks that extend learning outside the classroom.
How will you teach? I use a student-centered approach that combines direct instruction with interactive activities. Lessons will include brief lectures to introduce new concepts, followed by opportunities for students to apply what they’ve learned through analysis, discussion, and creative work. Visual aids like slides and video clips may be used to enhance understanding, especially when discussing literary devices or historical context. We will also have group discussions that encourage students to share their insights and perspectives, making the learning experience collaborative.

What's your teaching style?:

My teaching style is supportive, engaging, and interactive. I believe in creating an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and asking questions. I encourage active participation, and I guide students through the material with patience, ensuring that they understand the concepts before moving on. My focus is on helping students build confidence in their reading abilities while fostering a love for literature. Whether we are diving into a complex poem or unraveling the themes in a play, I strive to make the experience enjoyable and enriching.

How much will learners get to interact with you?:
Learners will have many opportunities to interact with me and with each other during each session. 

Interaction will happen through:
Discussion: Students will engage in group discussions and debates on the texts we read, sharing their interpretations and listening to others’ perspectives.
Q&A: I’ll encourage students to ask questions throughout the lesson, ensuring they feel supported as they work through challenging material.
Feedback: I’ll provide personalized feedback on assignments to help students grow in their comprehension and analysis skills.
Hands-On Activities: During activities, students can interact directly with me and their peers, whether we’re working through text analysis or comparing genres.
Overall, this course offers a dynamic blend of instruction, interaction, and independent work, ensuring that students not only develop key reading comprehension skills but also enjoy the process of exploring literature in all its forms.

Grades: 
Weekly Assignments: 40%
Participation and Discussions: 30%
Final Project: 30%
This twice-weekly course ensures that students have ample opportunity to practice and refine their reading comprehension skills, preparing them to be more confident and thoughtful readers across all genres.
Learning Goals
1. Develop Critical Analysis Skills Across Genres: Students will critically analyze and interpret texts from various genres, identifying and discussing key literary elements like plot structure and character development.
2. Enhance Understanding of Literary Forms and Devices: Students will understand and explain literary forms and devices used in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, recognizing how these elements contribute to a text's meaning.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
12 Lessons
over 6 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Introduction to Reading Strategies
 Students will be introduced to foundational reading strategies such as summarizing, questioning, predicting, and inferring. The session will provide an overview of the genres covered in the course, setting the stage for the weeks ahead. 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Understanding Fiction
 This session focuses on fiction's core elements: plot, character, setting, and theme. Students will explore how these elements work together to create compelling stories through the analysis of a short story or novel excerpt. 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Theme and Symbolism in Fiction
 Students will dive deeper into fiction by examining themes and symbols. They will learn how to identify and analyze these elements and their significance in stories. 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Nonfiction Fundamentals
 This session will introduce students to the different types of nonfiction, such as biographies, essays, and informational texts. They will learn how to identify the main idea, supporting details, and the author's purpose. 
60 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
Learner Supply List for Mastering Reading Comprehension Across Genres
Books/Textbooks:

Reading Materials: All required texts and excerpts will be provided by the instructor. Students may need to access some texts online.
Notebook:

Purpose: For taking notes, completing in-class activities, and writing reflections.
Writing Utensils:

Purpose: Pens and pencils for writing and note-taking.
Highlighters (optional):

Purpose: For marking important passages or notes in texts.
Access to a Computer or Tablet:

Purpose: To view digital texts and complete online assignments if necessary.
Stable Internet Connection:

Purpose: Essential for accessing online materials, participating in discussions, and completing any digital assignments.
Note: All curriculum materials, including text excerpts and other resources, will be provided by the instructor. Students should not need to purchase additional books or materials outside of this list.
Language of Instruction
English (Level: A1)
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined August, 2024
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I specialize in teaching English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR), psychology, and social and emotional learning (SEL). My professional background includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a double minor in Sociology and Business Administration from Indiana State University and a Master’s in Secondary Education from American University. I have taught middle school students in various settings, focusing on developing their academic skills and emotional intelligence. My teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student feels valued and understood, utilizing student-centered and differentiated instruction.

Outside the classroom, I am passionate about the outdoors and enjoy kayaking and skydiving with friends and family. I also love reading and different styles of writing, which allows me to explore my creativity. Cooking is another favorite hobby of mine, and I enjoy experimenting with new recipes and cuisines. Recently, I started learning to play the gardening, embracing the joy of acquiring new skills and the challenge that comes with it. These activities enrich my life and bring a well-rounded perspective to my teaching.

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$7

weekly or $40 for 12 classes
2x per week, 6 weeks
60 min

Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
2-18 learners per class

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