Nonfiction Mastery Workshop: "How Candy Canes Are Made"
In this Nonfiction Mastery Workshop: "How Candy Canes Are Made," students will explore an engaging informational text while practicing essential reading skills such as identifying the main idea, context clues, and text structure.
What's included
6 pre-recorded lessons
2 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssignments
1-2 hours per week. The learner will practice a reading skill each day, for a total of 4 lessons, using the same article.Assessment
The learner will complete a short multiple-choice, short response assessment to insure student learning. The assessment is to be completed AFTER all lessons are completed.Grading
Feedback will be provided after the completion of the assessment.Class Experience
US Grade 4 - 7
Beginner - Intermediate Level
What Will Be Taught? In this class, students will learn how to navigate informational text. They will develop confidence in their reading skills as well as critical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical skills through each lesson. What Topics Will You Cover? The course covers high interest topics provided through the weekly articles. Weekly articles are chosen based on availability as well as current events and time of year. Using these weekly articles, students will practice, and gain mastery in standards associated with informational text. How Is Your Class Structured? Class will be structured the same for consistency. Each class will start with an introduction and mini-lesson associated with the standard. Throughout the video lesson, the student will participate in guided practice and then have an opportunity to practice independently. Ideally this lesson is structured for daily practice however, for more flexibility and student individuality pacing, it can be spread out. Also know there will be additional classes, same format, different articles for student practice and consistency. How Will You Teach? Since the lessons are self-paced, students will learn through carefully designed, interactive materials that guide them step by step. Each lesson may include engaging content such as pre-recorded video lessons, slides, reading materials, and practice activities. Students will work through the lessons at their own pace, allowing them to revisit concepts as needed. What's Your Teaching Style? My teaching style is supportive, student-centered, and interactive. I focus on creating a positive learning environment where students feel encouraged to participate, ask questions, and express their ideas. I believe learning should be fun, meaningful, and tailored to students’ individual strengths. My goal is to ensure students are not only learning and gaining mastery of the standards but also learning how to make personal connections with the reading. How Much Will Learners Get to Interact with You? Learners will have frequent opportunities to ask questions. I encourage open communication through class forums, and real-time feedback during assignments. Active participation is key to the learning experience!
Learning Goals
Student will learn how to determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize text. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.2)
Student will learn how to determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area. (CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.4)
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)6 Lessons
over 2 WeeksLesson 1:
Day 1: Main Idea and Details
In this lesson, we’ll dive into the concept of the main idea and how to identify and understand the details that support it.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to confidently identify the main idea and supporting details, while enhancing comprehension and analytical skills.
1 assignment
7 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Day 2: Context Clues
In this lesson, we will focus on understanding and using context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to identify different types of context clues—such as definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and examples—and apply them to better understand new vocabulary.
1 assignment
6 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Day 3: Text Structure
In this lesson, we will focus on chronological order, a key text structure that organizes information according to the sequence of events or steps in time.
By the end of this lesson, students will demonstrate a strong understanding of how this structure helps make information clear and easy to follow.
1 assignment
Lesson 4:
Day 4: Short Response
This lesson focuses on developing students' skills in writing short responses and using evidence to support their answers.
By the end of this lesson, students will know how to craft clear, concise answers to questions while incorporating specific evidence from the text or lesson material to back up their ideas.
1 assignment
5 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Supply List
Articles and graphic organizers will be provided; additional supplies needed include writing utensil, highlights and post it notes.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Resources will include, but not limited to Common Lit articles, graphic organizers and student notes. Some of the lessons will also include videos linked to the topic of learning to further students' connection and/or provide background knowledge.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
Florida Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Texas Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
With over two decades of teaching experience, I’ve taught students from 4th to 8th grade in both public and private school settings. My experience has been primarily teaching reading skills across all curricula, from math to history. As a former World History teacher, focused on understanding non-fiction, informational text and as a result of observing low state testing scores in informational text overall, my primary experience with teaching has been focused on informational text instruction and teaching students how to navigate such information. By using such repetitive technique and strategy, results have determined immense growth in student performance over time. I've used this strategy not only as a part of a daily assignment in the classroom, but also as a daily 45-minute reading intervention.
Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$50
weekly or $100 for all content6 pre-recorded lessons
2 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
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Ages: 9-12