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Self-Paced News Detectives: Article #101 Small Dogs Are Smarter Than Big Dogs

Welcome to News Detectives (Self-Paced)! Be sure to follow my profile for new self-paced classes featuring engaging non-fiction news articles. Perfect for curious kids ages 7-11 to sharpen reading comprehension and critical thinking skills!
Teacher Megan, MSc
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(393)
Rising Star
Class

What's included

1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Homework
1-2 hours per week. Learners will receive a printable homework worksheet that includes: 🔍 Fact Check: Answer "who, what, where, when, why, how" questions to ensure understanding of the article. 🔍 Keyword Match: Test vocabulary knowledge by matching terms to their meanings. 🔍 Perspective Exploration: Consider how different people might feel. 🔍 Discussion Prompt: Reflect on the big question of the article and how it relates to you.
Assignments
Your learner will be assigned a Nearpod quiz with vocabulary matching and a multiple choice challenge to test their understanding of the information in the article. 🔍 A link will be provided to access the online quiz 🔍 No Nearpod account is required - your learner may take the quiz without entering personal details/information 🔍 The quiz can be taken as many times as you like! Can you get the high score?!

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 5
Welcome to News Detectives, a self-paced class designed for curious learners ages 7-11! In class, your learner will explore a fascinating non-fiction news article while building critical reading, thinking, and comprehension skills. [Please note: self-paced classes are pre-recorded videos and do not include live meetings.]

🌟 Follow my profile to explore more articles added to my expanding News Detectives Collection! 🌟

This Self-Paced Class Includes:
🗞  News Article Titled: Small Dogs are Smarter than Big Dogs
🗞  Learning Topics: Science, Animals
🗞  Key Vocabulary: database, breeds, evolve, hypothesis

Class Materials:
🔍  1 News Article: kid-friendly printable news article to spark curiosity and learning
🔍  Pre-Recorded Video Lesson: background information, key vocabulary, and visuals (photos, charts, and more) to deepen understanding
🔍  Read-Aloud Audio: a narrated version of the article to support pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension (your learner may choose to listen or to read independently)
🔍  Homework Activities: a printable comprehension worksheet and an interactive Nearpod quiz (online) to reinforce learning

This self-paced class is perfect for your independent learner who enjoys exploring real-world topics at their own pace. No live meetings — your learn can complete the lesson and activities whenever it works best for them!

❓ What is a Self-Paced Class ❓ 

A self-paced class on Outschool is a flexible learning experience designed to fit your family’s schedule. Unlike live classes, which meet at specific times, self-paced classes have no live meetings or deadlines. Instead, learners can access all materials at any time and work through them independently. This format allows learners to explore the content at their own pace, making it ideal for busy schedules or learners who prefer to take their time with lessons.

Prefer a live class? Check out my available News classes:
🌏  News Group Class Live:   https://bit.ly/MegansNewsGroup
🌏  News 1-to-1 Private Tutoring Live:   https://bit.ly/Megan1to1News

Learning Goals

🔍  Develop independent reading and comprehension skills
🔍  Build vocabulary and reading fluency
🔍  Strengthen critical thinking by exploring perspectives
🔍  Test your understanding through a homework worksheet and online quiz!
learning goal

Syllabus

1 Lesson
over 1 Week
Lesson 1:
Small Dogs are Smarter than Big Dogs
 A study by French researchers suggests small dogs may be smarter than big dogs due to their larger brain-to-body ratio, linked to human breeding practices. 

Other Details

Parental Guidance
🇬🇧 Please note that I live in the UK. All materials in this class, including the article and worksheet, are prepared in the UK and use British English spelling (e.g., "colour" instead of "color").
Language of Instruction
English (Level: A1)
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
  • Nearpod
Sources
Article Curriculum produced by The Day
Joined August, 2020
4.9
393reviews
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from University of Strathclyde
Bachelor's Degree in Science from California Polytechnic State University
⭐️ 4 1/2 years on Outschool! ⭐️
⭐️ 1,350+ students taught on Outschool! ⭐️ 

Hello! My name is Megan and I am originally from San Francisco, California. I now live in Scotland, UK! I have a Masters Degree in Education with Honours (MSc) from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. I began my teaching career in 2006 and I have taught both in California, USA and in Scotland, UK. I was also a Summer Camp Counsellor for 3 years during my Undergraduate studies at University and I love being outdoors exploring nature! 

As an elementary/primary school teacher for Grades K-6/Primary 1-7, my specialties include phonics and grammar, reading comprehension, math, and interdisciplinary topic exploration (the FUN learning!) I have also taught as an online ESL teacher (TEFL and TESOL Certified) and I ensure my classes are friendly, supportive, and engaging.

My home base is in Scotland, but I also travel to amazing places all over Europe and the Americas in my campervan as my "travelling classroom"! In my classes, we will laugh and learn together. I hope to see you soon!

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Self-Paced Class
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$6

for all content

1 pre-recorded lesson
1 week of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Ages: 7-11

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