The goal of this class is to focus on inferencing, making predictions, and responding to a writing prompt, based on books by William Steig. Students will also review the 5 W’s + an H (who, what, when, where, why, how) of comprehension.  They will listen, take turns, and respect classmates who are speaking and sharing ideas!  Students will respond to a writing prompt to apply new vocabulary and information. (Students who do not yet read and write words will be given prewriting strategies to complete the tasks.)  By sharing their writing, students are also building speaking skills and gaining confidence to share their thoughts and ideas with a group!

I have enjoyed 25 years in the public school system and have the following experience:

Middle school English Language Arts
Elementary Education--certified (with preschool, elementary, and middle school teaching experience)
Preschool Special Education--certified
Gifted and Talented Endorsement
Reading Endorsement
Education Administration

Homework Offered
Students are asked to complete their assignment if they do not finish before class is over.  Students/parents are welcome and encouraged to send me the student's work through Outschool if they would like it proofread and/or would like some additional feedback on the student's writing.  

Parents can also practice reading comprehension strategies at home:
1. Be sure you have your child's attention.
2.  Minimize distractions.
3. As you read, have students repeat phrases back to you.
4. Ask yourself questions while you read…”I wonder why…”
5.  Use “wait time.” Give students a minute to think before repeating your question.
6.  Check for understanding. Ask them to repeat the question back to you.
7.  Help students make connections between the book and their own experiences!
8.  For emergent writers, always pair writing and drawing together!  Draw and write with them! 
Assessments Offered
Students will be assessed informally through participation, questioning, and by completing a written response and drawing based on the book we read.  (Note: We will review pre-writing strategies for young writers who do not yet write words.)  Students are asked to complete their assignment if they do not finish before class is over.  Students/parents are welcome and encouraged to send the student's work to me through Outschool if they would like it proofread and/or would like some additional feedback on the student's writing.  
Grades Offered

The following books by William Steig will be read aloud to your child over the duration of the camp.  Because the stories are read aloud, there is no need to purchase copies of the book.  I will read them to your child.

Day 1: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Day 2:  Brave Irene
Day 3: Dr. DeSoto
Day 4: Amos and Boris
Day 5: The Amazing Bone