What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Description: In this class, week by week, we will read through part of a chapter book and discuss it. At the end of the entire class, we will test our comprehension of the book by playing a quiz game. The focus of the class is on hearing books read with expression and practicing to comprehend and discuss a story. During class: We will take turns reading the book aloud to one another. This will help us practice reading with expression. (Students will not be required or pushed to read aloud in this class. This class focuses on enjoying a book and practicing to discuss and comprehend it. If I am the only one reading the book in class, that is not a problem.). As we read, we will interact with the text and with one another to discuss the story. We will analyze characters, predict events, and make connections that help solve the story's mystery. We will also discuss how we feel about the story and put ourselves into the character’s shoes. After class: Between classes, each student will be responsible for completing any unread portions from that week's scheduled reading. At the beginning of the second, third, and fourth class, we will briefly discuss the homework reading portion and then continue with the new material (second and third class) or game (fourth class). Last class: After completing the book, we will review the story and then play our quiz game. This game will test our comprehension of the story. There will be some easier questions that test direct comprehension of the story events. There will also be challenging questions that require the learner to know and apply story knowledge. Students will be encouraged to submit questions for the quiz game by Outschool private message. We will then try to include these questions in the quiz game. (I cannot promise to include all the questions, but will definitely include some of them.). Requirements: The students will not be required to read during class, but do need to buy the book so that they can complete homework reading and follow along in class. Teaching Style: The class will center around reading the story and discussing its contents. In my experience, older children like to be read aloud to. This allows them to hear a story read with the kind of expression that draws an audience to listen. They may not want to practice this kind of reading in class, but hearing this done will help them practice on their own. As a result, there will be a large portion of the class where the teacher and other willing learners read aloud. However, during the reading, we will stop and discuss story points and predict future events. In short, the class will be part reading and part discussion. Homework/Reading Schedule: Before the beginning of class 2 (05/18) Read up to chapter 8 Before the beginning of class 3 (05/25) Read up to chapter 16 Before the beginning of the last class (06/03) Read the rest of the book and review for the quiz game
Learning Goals
The students will practice:
Reading with expression (if they choose)
Comprehending story events
Discussing the story (plot, prediction, etc.)
Connecting the events that show how the mystery was solved
Making inferences based on the story knowledge
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This is a fictional story, but the author does a great job of adding bits of Virginia history into the book to help educate the reader. It is part of a series of books that all include mysteries uncovered by two young boys and their friends. This particular mystery takes place on an island in a cemetery and may include things about ghosts and Civil War history. Overall, they are all fun books with lots of action and adventure. It has moments of great climax, but I do not consider it too scary. In my class, I always ask what the learners think of the story and keep an eye on their well-being during class. I also endeavor to address any bad behavior portrayed in the book and discuss alternative and positive reactions. I always suggest that parents take a look at the book and ensure that their child would enjoy it before reading the book in class.
Supply List
The learner will need to buy or have access to "Ghosts of Belle Isle" by Steven K Smith
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have tutored reading and reading comprehension as an English as a Second Language teacher for three years. I have also tutored elementary reading for a year. I have a master’s in geography and more than ten years of experience teaching children.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$40
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
55 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-13
3-6 learners per class