As an extension of our first Pet Tales story time class, students will meet 1 time per week for 5 weeks to listen to MORE books about pets and to share their own pet stories with the class.  Comprehension skills will be reviewed through questioning as we read.  Good readers use prior knowledge, make predictions, summarize, question, infer, visualize, and make inferences.  It is important for children to be able to comprehend what they read--but HOW does that happen?  Students must apply literal, inferential, and evaluative skills to answer who, what, when, where, why, and how questions based on the text.  In this class, we will practice answering the 5 W's + H (how), and students will review new vocabulary, make predictions, work on fluency and vocabulary, and make connections while reading each story.

Building good language arts skills includes building good communication and speaking skills.  After we read the story, students will be given time to share a story about their own pet!  Through natural conversation, students can ask their friends questions about their pet stories, using what they have learned about  5 W's (who, what, when, where why) and H (how).  The teacher will facilitate interactions and prompt students as necessary with reciprocal communication.  This can be intimidating for some students, and the purpose of inviting our pets is to give students confidence and support from their furry friends!

During the 45 minute class:
• Students will be welcomed to class.  We will quickly review the class rules, our learning goals, and writing prompts together as a class.  
• Students will hear a short story about a child and their pet.  Students will review comprehension skills as I ask questions.  We will specifically pay close to characterization and problem/solution.
• Students will then take turns sharing 1 short story about their pet.  Students should raise their hand to volunteer, or the teacher will ask if they would like to share.  The teacher will facilitate student interactions and story telling.  Sharing is optional but encouraged.  
• If there is additional time left in class, students may volunteer to share another pet tale!
• I will review elements from our story and answer any questions prior to dismissing the class.  

Book Sequence:
Day 1:  Hamster Sitter Wanted by Tracy Gunaratnam
Day 2: Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Manchev
Day 3:  Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
Day 4:  I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff
Day 5: Truman by Jean Reidy

(NOTE:  Children learn vocabulary, sequencing, and prediction skills through repetition of stories.  If you feel your child would benefit from hearing the story again, I would love to have them join me in additional sections of the class!)