What's included
1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade Pre-Kindergarten - 1
Hello, and thank you for considering my class! I am Teacher Sydney, and I hope to meet you soon! Make sure to apply the coupon code PHELPSREADING5 for $5 off your first week! In this ongoing book club, students will learn reading comprehension strategies as we read classic stories and fairy tales together! These stories have proven the test of time and have been well-loved through the ages. Students do not need a copy of the story for class; I will share my screen so that everyone can see the words and illustrations that go along with the tales. In class, learners will hear a short version of the story read dynamically, complete with voices for each character! :) They will answer engaging and meaningful questions about characters, setting, problem, solution, and plot. They will learn to make inferences and understand the story as a whole as well as in parts. We will construct a "story map" together in class featuring the story elements listed above. I will send an optional story map worksheet so that learners may follow along with the teacher, either through writing words or drawing pictures! It is completely okay if you choose to let your learner simply watch the teacher or complete the worksheet after class. :) We may have time to make a Venn diagram comparing and contrasting the story we read in class with the version of the story students have heard before. Or maybe we will discuss more complex topics such as "perspective, protagonist, antagonist," and plot elements: introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion. Each week's class does stand alone. Learners may join or leave the course at any point! Stories we have done in the past include timeless favorites such as: The Three Billy Goats Gruff Little Red Riding Hood The Little Red Hen Goldilocks and the Three Bears Sleeping Beauty / Briar Rose Beauty and the Beast Peter Rabbit Snow White and the Seven Dwarves Snow White and Rose Red Cinderella King Thrushbeard Rapunzel Thumbelina The Frog Prince The Princess and the Pea / The Real Princess The Twelve Dancing Princesses The Tailor of Gloucester The Fir Tree Mother Holle The Elves and the Shoemaker The Gift of the Magi Twas the Night Before Christmas Peter Rabbit - Beatrix Potter The Tale of Benjamin Bunny - Beatrix Potter The Three Little Pigs - retold by Nicola Baxter The Gingerbread Man - retold by Karen Schmidt The Country Mouse and the City Mouse - retold by Jan Brett The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids - Grimm's Fairy Tales Jack and the Beanstalk - retold by Rita Balducci King Midas and the Golden Touch - retold by Ingri and Edgar d'Aulaire Momotaro, The Peach Boy - Japanese folklore Stone Soup - retold by Marcia Brown Chicken Little / Henny Penny - retold by Madge Tovey The Emperor's New Clothes - retold by Katherine Sully The Traveling Musicians / The Bremen Town Musicians - retold by Ruth Belov Gross The Ugly Duckling - published by Parragon Books, illustrated by Polona Lovsin Caps for Sale - Esphyr Slobodkina Rumpelstiltskin - retold by Joanna Nadin And I am adding new stories to my collection all the time! I am so, so happy to hear thoughts, comments, feedback, and/or questions from you and help in any way that I can. Please don't hesitate to reach out! And I hope to see you in class soon.
Learning Goals
Students will practice identifying characters, setting, plot, problem, and solution. They will gain confidence in making inferences, sequencing events, comparing and contrasting, and understanding a story theme.
Other Details
Supply List
I will send an optional story map worksheet that you may print out if you so choose. A whiteboard or paper and marker will serve just as well. Your learner will then be able to follow along with the teacher when we map out the story! It is completely fine if you choose to have your learner simply watch the teacher and/or fill out the worksheet with you after class. :)
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Faulkner University
**1) Classes Taught:**
I specialize in teaching courses that focus on introducing literature, critical thinking, and history to young learners. My repertoire includes classes on reading, mythology, literature, and logic, offering students a diverse array of subjects to explore and engage with.
**2) Professional Background:**
With a background in humanities (literature, history, and Great Books), I bring a multidisciplinary perspective to my teaching practice. I strongly believe in continuing my education post-graduation, so I have continued to push myself to explore philosophy, ancient mythologies, literary traditions, and cultural beliefs from around the world.
**3) Teaching Philosophy:**
At the heart of my teaching philosophy lies a deep belief in the transformative power of education. I see teaching not merely as a transmission of facts, but as a way to life. My goal is to create dynamic learning environments where students feel empowered to question, critique, and engage critically with course material, fostering intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. I employ questions, movement, visuals, songs, and physical at-home items to make lessons engaging and memorable!
I believe in the importance of cultivating critical thinking in the classroom, encouraging students to approach texts and topics with an open mind and a spirit of inquiry. Through thoughtful analysis, much dialogue, and collaborative inquiry, we can navigate the complexities of human experience and broaden our understanding of the world around us.
**4) Fun and Personal:**
When I'm not in the classroom, you can often find me spending time with my family. My husband, two sons, and I love to explore the great outdoors (we are located in the Sonoran desert!), cook, read, and talk together! I have a passion for community, and love taking trips to visit my parents and friends.
Making learners feel heard and welcome is one of my top priorities! My classes are very learner-centered. I differentiate every lesson to make it as suitable as possible to your learner’s particular needs, learning styles, and interests.
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That's a glimpse into who I am as a teacher, scholar, and individual. I look forward to embarking on this educational journey with you and exploring the wonders of literature, culture, and history together!
***Please feel free to inquire about private tutoring, new class requests, or schedule requests!
Reviews
Live Group Class
$8
weekly1x per week
25 min
Completed by 148 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 4-7
1-6 learners per class