Reading Comprehension for Nonfiction and Informational - Middle School

June-July
The Byzantine Empire
Comparative Study on Early Blind People and Typical Vision on Tracking Sounds
The Phrygian Cap 
Hydrogen Bombs
The British Riot Act 1715

Recent Classes: 
Viking Ships
Writing and the Brain
The Galloway Hoard
Experiments in Gillnet Fishing



Reading fiction books is easy and enjoyable for many learners. 
As a classroom teacher, I saw students struggle when reading non-fiction passages. 
It is easy to get lost and absorbed into an imaginary world, but when students read nonfiction, they often struggle to decide which facts are critical and which details are background or extra information. 
They also struggle with knowing how to organize the essential facts.

This class is designed to help students develop strong reading comprehension skills, specifically in the context of non-fiction texts.
The class will combine vocabulary review, reading activities, discussions, and relevant writing exercises focused on developing critical thinking skills.

The text passages will be at or above a 7th-grade instructional reading level.

The text passages cover a wide range of topics in science and social studies. 


Learners will analyze non-fiction texts in class and practice reading comprehension.  I welcome group discussions and debates on topics.

      *Preteaching of key vocabulary, prefixes, roots, and suffixes
      * Identify the text structure
      *Use graphic organizers to organize facts
      *Active reading strategies
      *Answering comprehension questions- skills and strategies
     * Summary and paraphrasing


All lessons include the text passage on visual slides. 

All learners can be actively involved throughout the class. I encourage learners to contribute to the class (either in the chat, Nearpod, or on camera). Learners are welcome to leave their cameras on or off after verification at the start of each class.


This a reminder that I am on EST time.