During this small group book club for beginning readers, students will be taught how to discuss books using conversational starters. Most young students struggle to express their thoughts and ideas about books so they will be given a focus for each day of reading and opportunities to discuss their reading the next class meeting.  My job will be to facilitate the conversation and keep it moving by questioning and asking for clarification of ideas.

Students will take turns focusing on illustrations, important words, important story events, and asking questions of the author. 

This book series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. 

The story we will read during this book club is the first book in the series called Owl Dairies. This series is about an owl named Eva Wingdale who gets in over her head when she offers to organize a spring festival at school. Even with her best friend Lucy's help, there is NO way she will get everything done in time. Or can she?

Students will be expected to read the assigned chapters outside of class and be ready to discuss them and  their job on the assigned day. I will provide support for each student each day if needed to keep the conversation about the book moving.

Day 1: Introduction of the book- I will read chapter 1 to the students and model how to do each of the jobs.  We will practice using the conversational starters. Student homework will be to read chapters 2-6 and pick a job they want to share for day 2.
Day 2: Talk about Chapters 2-6 and students will pick a different job for day 3 chapters. Students will read chapters 7-10 and complete their new job for homework.
Day 3: Talk about Chapters 7-10 and read the last chapter, ch 11, together.  Wrap up the book and if time permits, I'll share the next book in the series by doing a brief book talk.

If time permits after our discussion for each day, we will spend the last few minutes of class reading to each other if the students want.  This will give them a head start on the next day's reading.

This book's interest level in 1st--early 3rd grade with a text level of early 2nd grade. 

*PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION BEFORE REGISTRATION*

I will not teach this class if I have less than 3 students enrolled.  I will relist the class to give it more time for students to enroll and I can transfer your student to that class, or I can cancel it.  I will talk with you before I make that decision.

Please feel free to message me with questions, but I do work at a brick and mortar school during the day so answering messages will most likely be after those school hours.  I will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible. I am in the Central time zone.

REFUNDS:
I use the 'LIMITED' refund policy for my classes.

If a student is a 'no show' and/or misses a class for whatever reason, I will not refund or do a special make-up class.  A class recording will be posted in the classroom after the session is completed for your reference. If you have questions about the class homework assignment, you may email me and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

LATE STUDENTS
I will start each class with a warm-up activity or review before we start new learning.  I will try to check the waiting room one last time before I start the new instruction to make sure no one is left there. After that, I will not check the waiting room again. However, if your child joins a class late,  I will not be able to re-teach missed parts of the class. Students will have access to the class recording to catch up on what they missed. 

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
During our first class together, I will go over these class expectations. 

* I do try to allow students in a couple of minutes before class time to chat and see how their week is going before we start class, but when class starts we need to stay on topic.  

* I expect all students to participate in class and complete outside assignments to get the full learning experience.

* I do prefer to see your faces during class but, if you wish to have the camera off during class, you will need to introduce who you are with the camera on before class starts.

*I ask that students take turns to answer questions, share ides, or make comments during class.  I love and encourage class participation, but our time together is limited and I want to hear each student.

* Have fun and learn something new is my most important expectation.