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Reading Comprehension Strategies for Nonfiction Informational Topics

Boost your child’s reading skills with engaging science and history content. This class builds nonfiction comprehension, critical thinking, and vocabulary for middle school success.
Kim Guthriegabs M. Ed
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(425)
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What's included

1 live meeting
50 mins in-class hours per week
Homework
Students do not have homework between classes. Work will be completed in class. Students may always submit questions about class and suggestions for future stories in the classroom comments.
Progress Report
Progress reports based on individual answers and participation.

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 9
Intermediate Level
Every parent wants to see their child feel confident and capable—especially in history and science. Yet for many kids, nonfiction reading can feel like a wall instead of a window. They might read the words on the page, yet walk away unable to explain what they just read. If that sounds like your child, you’re not alone—and I am here to help.

My nonfiction reading comprehension class was designed for kids who need more than just practice—they need strategy, support, and a sense of success. I break down real-world texts into manageable pieces, guiding students through key skills like identifying main ideas, spotting supporting details, and using text features to their advantage.

But more importantly, I help them remember what they read. Using proven study techniques and active reading strategies, I make nonfiction engaging and accessible. Students learn to think critically, connect information, and feel in charge of their learning.

This class isn’t about rushing through worksheets—it’s about building lasting skills and confidence. When children understand what they read, they begin to believe in what they can do, and that changes everything.




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. 

Recent Classes: 
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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 EDT time.

Learning Goals

Identify and organize the main idea.
Identify common prefixes, base and root words, and suffixes. Understand the meaning of common word morphemes.
learning goal

Other Details

Learning Needs
All students are welcome to this class. Discussions are welcome, yet no student has to answer questions verbally. All answers can be completed within the chat box or on the Nearpod Platform.
Parental Guidance
I use Nearpod to create an interactive lesson for all students. One reason I use the Nearpod platform is that learners respond anonymously. No student names are posted alongside the responses. When learners respond to questions using Nearpod, other learners cannot see the names of the other students in the class. Learners can answer questioprivately during each lesson without worrying about of making public mistakes. Students will be provided a link at the start of class that opens up a Nearpod presentation. Students do not need a code or membership to Nearpod. All text passages are from reliable news sources or publishers.
Pre-Requisites
Learners need to be able to read independently at a grade 6 reading level or higher. This class focuses on comprehension, so vocabulary and content will be reviewed and explained. Most reading questions require a written answer.
Supply List
Optional:  a notebook for writing vocabulary and graphic organizers that we use in class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • Nearpod
Sources
Non-fiction books American Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Museums Library of Congress Imperial War Museum
Joined April, 2020
4.9
425reviews
Star Educator
Popular
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Teacher expertise and credentials
South Carolina Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from Southern Wesleyan
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Limestone University
I have been a state licensed and highly-qualified teacher for over 15 years. I was named my school's district reading and writing teacher on two occasions. I have always seen myself as a reading teacher for all of my students. Students who are in grades 3 and above read to learn and need to learn the strategies that make this possible.

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Live Group Class
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$22

weekly

1x per week
50 min
Completed by 564 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
3-6 learners per class

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