Queen of the Falls: 2 Day Reading Comprehension and Character Analysis Camp

In this "Queen of the Falls: 2 Day Reading Comprehension and Character Analysis Camp," students will meet for 2 days to listen to and discuss the daring true adventure of Annie Edson Taylor as she plans to plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel!  This fascinating book is certain to capture your child's heart as we discuss what makes a hero, women's opportunities at the turn of the 20th century, and a famous landmark worthy of awe and respect in nature!

Students at this age are also learning to be good readers.  Good readers use prior knowledge, make predictions, summarize, question, infer, visualize, and make inferences.  WHEW!  That's a LOT!  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 camp, we will practice answering comprehension questions focused on inferences, perspective, and making informed opinions. Students will review new vocabulary, and answering the 5W's + H (how) questions while reading each story.

During the 50 minute class:
• Students will be welcomed to class.  We will quickly review the class rules and our learning goals.  
• We will go over a short 5-minute mini lesson on Niagara Falls, which is important to understand the text.  Emphasis will be placed on building the literary vocabulary (setting, characters, events, problem/solution.) Students will then listen to Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg to apply their skills and answer questions.  
• Students will then spend day 2, with teacher guidance, discussing what makes a hero and opportunities for women of her time.   Teacher support will be available to all students during this time. Students should raise their hand if they have a question.
• As a class, we will review the material covered in the mini lesson and I will answer any questions prior to dismissing the class.  

Day 1: discuss the setting (both time and place of the historical event) and read and Queen of the Falls by Chris Van Allsburg
Day 2: analyze the main character and look at her decisions from different perspectives

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