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Pet Tales: Story Time With Our Animal Friends!

In this weekly class, students will bring their pets to class to listen to a story about our furry (or scaly) friends. Then, we will each share a story about our pet with the class, practicing important social and communication skills.
Lindi Metcalf
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(169)
Class

What's included

5 live meetings
3 hrs 45 mins in-class hours
Homework
Students are asked to participate in questioning and storytelling during the class period. 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 them!
Assessment
Students will be assessed informally through participation, questioning, and their respectful interaction with peers (taking turns and encouraging others).

Class Experience

US Grade Pre-Kindergarten - 2
In this 5 Day Pet Tales story time class, students will meet 1 time per week for 5 weeks to listen to a book about a child and their pet.  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, and make connections while reading each story.

Building good language arts skills includes building good communication 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:  Chewy Louie by Howie Schneider
Day 2:  Mrs. McTats and Her Houseful of Cats by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Day 3:  Not Norman by Kelly Bennett
Day 4: Daisy Comes Home by Jan Brett 
Day 5: Ladybug Girl and Bingo by David Soman and Jacky Davis

(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!)
Learning Goals
The goal of the class is to review reading comprehension strategies and encourage story telling and good verbal communication skills.  Research shows that our pets can help reduce stress and anxiety, so students will have a boost of courage with their best friend right by their side!
learning goal

Other Details

Supply List
Students should bring their pet to class--whether it be a dog, a cat, a turtle, fish, or their favorite stuffed animal they consider their pet!  After we read the story, students will have the opportunity to take turns sharing stories about their own pets who join us in class!

The following books will be read aloud to your child over the duration of the class.  Because the stories are read aloud, there is no need to purchase copies of the book.  I will read them to your child.

Book Sequence:
Day 1:  Chewy Louie by Howie Schneider
Day 2:  Mrs. McTats and Her Houseful of Cats by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Day 3:  Not Norman by Kelly Bennett
Day 4: Daisy Comes Home by Jan Brett 
Day 5: Ladybug Girl and Bingo by David Soman and Jacky Davis
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2021
5.0
169reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
South Carolina Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
I have enjoyed 24 wonderful 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

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$55

for 5 classes
5x per week, 1 week
45 min

Completed by 2 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 4-8
1-6 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
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