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In this ELA camp, students will read several texts written by female authors. We will focus on quick reading comprehension checks to ensure understanding. Then, we will dive into reader response connections (text-to-self, text-to-text, text-to-world) and literary analysis (plot, character, theme, setting) discussions.  The conversation will be focused and structured, but learners will be provided opportunities to ask their own questions and guide the conversations as well. This is a faster-paced, advanced reading/speaking/listening class. Students are expected to read some of the texts for homework in preparation for the next day's review and discussion. I will provide all reading texts (the poems and short stories) via the Outschool classroom prior to the start date of the class. This way, students may read ahead or follow the suggested homework schedule (reading one text per day).

Speaking and listening skills we will practice include:
**Listening to various viewpoints & staying open-minded to different perspectives
**Learning about others' experiences and appreciating their unique qualities
**Speaking with care and respect for others
**Using appropriate sentence starters (phrases for agreeing, disagreeing, changing topic, asking for clarification, elaborating on a thought, etc.)
**Waiting your turn to speak & not interrupting
**Allowing “space” in the conversation for thinking (e.g., time for everyone to gather their thoughts or finish their statements)
**Sharing feedback, restatements, or follow-up questions 

Class 1:
Read & discuss "Caged Bird" by Maya Angelou (poetry)
~~~ A poem about hope in the midst of limitations. ~~~
Lexile Level Estimate: 1050-1100
AND
"The Journey" by Mary Oliver (poetry)
~~~ What happens when you have the courage to pursue your life's journey? ~~~
Lexile Level Estimate: 1050-1100
HOMEWORK: Read "Pancakes" by Joan Bauer (provided on the Outschool classroom)

Class 2:
Review & discuss the short story "Pancakes" by Joan Bauer 
~~~ This comedic story about a young waitress's busy day offers a message about being kind to yourself. ~~~
Lexile Level: 930L
HOMEWORK: Read "Why I Lied to Everyone in High School About Knowing Karate" by Jabeen Akhtar (provided on the Outschool classroom)

Class 3:
Read & discuss the essay "Why I Lied to Everyone in High School About Knowing Karate" by Jabeen Akhtar
~~~ A nonfiction essay about a girl's desire to fit in and become popular. ~~~
Lexile Level Estimate: 1050L
HOMEWORK: Read "Marigolds" by Eugenia Collier (provided on the Outschool classroom)

Class 4: 
Read & discuss the short story "Marigolds" by Eugenia Collier
~~~ A Great Depression-era story of a girl learning what it means to become mature. ~~~
Lexile Level: 1140L

A NOTE ABOUT LEXILE LEVELS:
According to Lexile.com's Lexile Framework for Reading, the typical reading ability range per grade level is expressed as follows:
                 Grade 7 = 925L to 1235L             
                 Grade 8 = 985L to 1295L              
                 Grade 9 = 1040L to 1350L

Mrs. Grysko’s Class Participation Expectations:
*During class, I'll ask learners to respond to various questions and quick check-ins. This helps me 1) assess each student’s progress and 2) offer immediate help if needed. Learners may choose to respond by speaking, typing in the chat, and/or using the “reactions” feature on Zoom. 
*Zoom's video feature is very helpful for me to monitor your child’s learning and understanding. I encourage all students to keep their Zoom video on during the duration of class. Learners may, however, choose to turn their video off after an initial video check-in if they prefer. Active participation verbally and/or in the chat is required so that I know the student is working and understanding the content.
*I have so much planned for your child’s learning! Any class activities we do not get to during the live class will be assigned for homework. In most circumstances, the homework is optional (but recommended), and, unless otherwise stated, the homework should take no more than 10-15 minutes. FOR ANY WRITING HOMEWORK: I will assign the homework via Outschool student message and/or parent message. Learners should reply to the message with their homework responses, and I will give feedback within 24 hours. I highly recommend that students complete any assigned homework to get the most out of the class!

Mrs. Grysko's Teaching Style:
I use the instructional model of “I Do, We Do, You Do.” 
*I first teach terms, definitions, and reading skills directly, all while showing exemplars and demonstrating how to apply the new knowledge (hence, “I Do” the teaching). 
*Next, in the “We Do” stage, I guide students in practicing the key skills by helping them look at a text closely. I provide immediate, in-class feedback, such as clarifying misunderstanding and assisting with correct application of skills. (When we read something new, no one is expected to be perfect, and in my class, we positively support each other while we learn!)
*Finally, it’s the “You Do” stage: Students show off what they’ve learned by trying out the reading comprehension techniques on their own. Of course, I’ll be there to help, but this part of the process is the key to retention and ownership of the learning. 
*Everyone learns at a different pace. I will work to ensure all learners are understanding the foundational skills within the class before moving on to the more advanced concepts. I will also offer support for students who need extra help and, wherever possible, more rigorous questions/options for students who are up for the challenge!