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Reading and Comprehension for Teens (Ongoing Class)

This Ongoing Class focuses on College Prep reading which also applies to SAT prep too. This class is based on Mortimer Adler’s “How to Read a Book” method. The environment is for both speedy readers and those who hate reading.
Mike Hatcher
Average rating:
4.6
Number of reviews:
(396)
Class
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What's included

1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per week
Homework
1-2 hours per week. There will be an average of 45 min per day of reading after an initial 2-3 hours of memorizing the reading method. I want to help students with an ongoing reading program that keeps them on pace for college-level reading and comprehension.

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 10
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Classes will combine 3 segment elements: 1/3 teaching instruction focused on the topic/theme, 1/3 student examples (from the previous week's topic), and 1/3 class discussion. 

This class teaches the #1 accepted book for college-level reading and comprehension - but don't worry, the method is very simple, and I've been teaching students as young as 7 years old the technique (and those who are in their 60s.) As an Ongoing class, I (1) review and teach the method weekly, (2) have students memorize the method, and (3) I coach them as they share books they are reading for the class using the method. The goal is to help students practice the method with simpler books and then work up to more complex ones. After presenting about 10 books, I see kids transform with confidence.

The ongoing format means learners can develop relationships with an intellectual peer group through regular contact, discussion, and participation. 

Class Lesson Topics (the class circles through these steps reinforcing them as students continue reading and practice the method)
•	Week 1, (Aug 19) Picking books for class and learning the Mortimer Adler 4-Level reading method. (This is reviewed weekly for any new and ongoing students.)
•	Week 2, (Aug 26) Finding the 3 lessons of a book and practicing Adler's "4-Levels" Reading Technique with a book.
•	Week 3, (Sept 2) Critical thinking about a book and practicing Adler's Reading Method shared by a student.
•	Week 4, (Sept 9) Connect the book lessons with your opinion of the book and share other books.

Subsequent Weeks - Topics/Themes
•	Book Reports and Presentation Success
•	Book Reading List
•	Critical Thinking and Reading
•	Tips to Overcome Reading Problems, Pitfalls, and Challenges
•	The Key to Comprehension Success

Additional Methodology and Practice 
My teaching method uses a combination of several elements, with attention to the age group of the class, in order to make the learning process as strong as possible. I include a Student Syllabus, PowerPoint presentation, often use a text (that I summarize - usually the 3 main points), Case Studies, and personal stories to make either a good point or to make the wrong choice clear. I use an interactive Socratic question teaching approach, summarize/quiz about the main points of the class content 2-3 times during a class, randomly call on students to answer a question (rather than just have kids raise hands to keep everyone engaged), and include a student presentation project with a written component - that coincides with the topic theory (for the multi-day sessions). I ask all students to take during class and typically hand out a note-taking sheet.
Learning Goals
1. Learn to identify the 3 main lessons of a book.
2. Chart books that have been read and identify a list of books to read.
3. Practice oral book reports using the Adler Method.
4. Practice writing book reports following the Adler reading technique.
learning goal

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
4.6
396reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate
Master's Degree from Biola University, Talbot School of Theology
I bring 35 years of teaching of which half of these I was a very challenged reader, and the other half has focused on teaching reading and comprehension with students both young and old. I dropped out of college after 2 years because of my significant reading and comprehension problem. It was many years later that I read Adler’s book which was on my son’s homeschool reading list. It revolutionized both my reading and learning 20 years ago. I've been teaching this method for 20 years now to both students and adults. I've had bright young 77-year-olds be very successful and adults my age.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$18

weekly
1x per week
45 min

Completed by 53 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
3-10 learners per class

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