This class is taught in English.

Students will improve their understanding on nonfiction texts and text features to improve their skills as researchers!  They will gain an appreciation for pandas and the importance of protecting the endangered animals!

I have enjoyed 25 years in the public school system and have the following experience:

*Currently teaching middle school ELA
Elementary Education--certified (with preschool, elementary, and middle school teaching experience)
Preschool Special Education--certified
Gifted and Talented Endorsement
Reading Endorsement
Education Administration

Homework Offered
Students are asked to complete their assignment if they do not finish before class is over.  Students/parents are welcome and encouraged to send me the student's work through Outschool if they would like it proofread and/or would like some additional feedback on the student's writing.  

Parents can also practice reading comprehension strategies at home:
1. Be sure you have your child's attention.
2.  Minimize distractions.
3. As you read, have students repeat phrases back to you.
4. Ask yourself questions while you read…”I wonder why…”
5.  Use “wait time.” Give students a minute to think before repeating your question.
6.  Check for understanding. Ask them to repeat the question back to you.
7.  Help students make connections between the book and their own experiences!
8.  For emergent writers, always pair writing and drawing together!  Draw and write with the story in mind!
Assessments Offered
Students will be assessed informally through participation, questioning, and by completing a written response and drawing based on the book we read.  (Note: We will review pre-writing strategies for young writers who do not yet write words.)  Students are asked to complete their assignment if they do not finish before class is over.  Students/parents are welcome and encouraged to send the student's work to me through Outschool if they would like it proofread and/or would like some additional feedback on the student's writing.  
Grades Offered

The following books will be read aloud and displayed through a document camera for the duration of the camp.  Because texts are shared by camera, there is no need to purchase copies of the book.   Students will need paper, pencils, and crayons/colored pencils. 

Baby Panda Chews Bamboo by Ben Richmond
National Geographic Readers Level 2 - Pandas  (published by National Geographic Kids)
Mission: Panda Rescue by Kitson Jazynka (published by National Geographic Kids)