Secrets of Reading & Comprehension (Pre-Teens)

My Teaching Methodology and Practice
I believe the point of teaching is the learning process. 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 PowerPoint presentation, a text (that I summarize - usually the 3 main points), personal stories to make either a good point or to make the wrong choice clear, occasionally I used a brief video clip to introduce the topic, use a 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 always speak to class lecture items that should go down in notes I ask all students to take during class and typically hand out a note-taking sheet. Specific details of the class sessions are outlined below.

Texts (Recommended by not required)
1.	How to Read a Book, Mortimer Adler
2.	Never Too Young, Eileen Weintraub
3.	Make Your Bed, Admiral William McRaven
4.	Getting Things Done, David Allen
5.	7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Sean Covey

Character topics include work ethic, teamwork, facing failure, don't talk "all the time," change the world for good, know your "why," networking with people of influence, keep life in control, fix the part that's bugging you most, and the love of learning.

Session #1, If Reading is Easy, then Learning is Fun
•	Class Intro, Topics we will cover, class format, homework, book/movie discussions, and presentations.
•	4-Levels of Reading Technique based on How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler.
•	Book We’ll Read: Never Too Young, Eileen Weintraub
•	Book Discussion: How big are your goals?
•	Character focus: “Can teens affect global good?”

Session #2, Make Big Goals that Change the World
•	Book: Make Your Bed, Admiral William McRaven
•	Book Discussion: 10 Things Create a Framework for Success
•	Character Focus: Navy Seal (and teens) survival.
•	Student Presentation Summary and Details

Session #3, Little Things Change Everything
•	Book: Getting Things Done, David Allen
•	Book Discussion: Being organized can make life enjoyable
•	Student Presentation Summary and Review
•	Character Focus: Responsibilities before privileges  

Session #4, “Drama vs No Drama”
•	Book: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Sean Covey
•	Book Discussion: Pick habits that make you successful.
•	Movie Discussion: “Precious”
•	Character Focus: Work ethic? Habits are either your success or failure.
•	Student Presentation Summary and Review