The overarching objectives for this class is improving comprehension skills. Secondary objectives are using text features and vocabulary skills. 
     -Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively (comprehension).
     -Know and use various text features (e.g., captions, bold print, subheadings, glossaries, indexes, electronic menus, icons) to locate key facts or information in a text efficiently.
     -Use text features and search tools (e.g., keywords, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.
     -Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases.

I obtained a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2002 and an Educational Technology master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 2010. I spent over 20 years in the upper elementary classroom and specialized in teaching language arts for ten years. I also have ten years of private tutoring experience and have tutored online since 2020. I specialize and enjoy digging deep into and discussing a good book with a group of young learners and building upon the reading/writing connection. I work with students from ages 8-13 (upper elementary to middle school skill level).

Homework Offered
Students will be responsible for reading approximately 110 pages per week outside the class, posting on a Padlet chat room before or during class, and being prepared and participating in the discussion sessions. 
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Guardians can receive their child's comments and a participation summary if requested. 
Grades Offered

-Copy of Spies in the American Revolution for Kids by Carla Killough McClafferty.
-Copy of Spies in the Civil War for Kids by Daniel Lewer. 
-Copy of Spies in the Spies, Code Breakers, & Secret Agents: A World War II Book for Kids by Carole P. Roman. 
-https://padlet.com/ (no account needed)