During this course, students will learn how to read closely (at the middle school level) using engaging non-fiction articles about interesting scenarios, animals, and situations.

Each week, we will first discuss/review what it means to complete a close read of the text. I will read the entire high-interest text aloud with learners while displaying each chunk for them to follow along with me.  While reading, we will stop periodically to discuss vocabulary, make connections, ask questions and talk about the text, as well as look back in the article to cite evidence to support our answers to various comprehension questions about the reading (various formats).   We will also learn text-marking strategies, including how to determine which parts are worth highlighting, how to know what information is actually important, and using our markings to help us create a "road map" we can use to correctly answer the questions later!

Students will answer multiple choice, multi-select, short answer questions, and/or write a response to a text-based question using specific strategies, then share/discuss with their classmates. 

As the teacher, I will model fluent reading and think aloud concepts as we read and work together, using humor, immediate feedback and encouragement, and high energy to keep learners focused and involved!

Since this course is ongoing, students can join/leave at any time because the skills are not dependent on one another.  Wherever your child begins in this course, they will be successful and will be able to grow their close reading knowledge with their class community!

Week of September 2: Cow Butt Eyeballs
Week of September 9: Crocodile Surfing
Week of September 16: Hawaiian Telescope Seeks Extraterrestrial Life
Week of September 23: Protecting Pangolins
Week of September 30: Ludicrous Strength of Thanos
Week of October 7: Somaliland Cave Art
Week of October 14: The World of Common Misconceptions
Week of October 21: Zoo Animals Get Pumpkins
Week of October 28: Pigs Mediate Barnyard Fights
Week of November 4: Extreme Habitats Around the Globe
Week of November 11: Hide and Seek Rats
Week of November 18: Winter Gets Weird
Week of November 25: SpaceX Starship Rocket Explosion
Week of December 2: Why are Pets so Weird?
Week of December 9: An Aurora Sank the Titanic?
Week of December 16: Otter Basketball
Week of December 23: NO CLASS - CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
Week of December 30: Super Mario Brothers
Week of January 6: Loch Ness Monster: An Eel?
Week of January 13: Video Game Protects Desert Tortoises
Week of January 20: Cuttlefish Math
Week of January 27: Lasers Reveal Ancient Maya Site in Guatemalan Rainforest
Week of February 3: Vibrating Vests Translate Music
Week of February 10: Unsquishable Ironclad Beetle
Week of February 17: Animal Farts

*Articles will cycle back to the beginning of the listed topics when we reach the end.*
**Please note: While my intention is to always follow the articles in the order listed, articles are subject to change at teacher's discretion depending on class enrollment/learner dynamics. If this becomes necessary, I will provide as much notice as possible.**

📚CLASS CONTENT

There are 20+ unique lessons before content will repeat.  This course continues weekly throughout the year, with no designated start/stop date.  Course content will cycle back through when we reach the end of the listed topics, so this makes anytime the perfect time to jump in and start learning with us!

📷CLASS DYNAMICS/CAMERA POLICY:
Learners are welcomed and encouraged to share out loud and/or via chat messaging to communicate their understanding throughout the lesson.  This also allows them to share ideas and make connections with classmates.
I prefer cameras to be on throughout session as this helps me more easily gauge student understanding and participation during the lesson.  Additionally, it promotes social communication, builds class community, and makes group discussion about the week's topic easier, so I do gently encourage that learners leave cameras turned on throughout class each week. However, learners who feel more comfortable with cameras off may do so, provided they have checked in on camera at the start of class, have parent permission, and stay involved and active out loud or through chat messaging throughout our class meeting.  We will also utilize the mute/unmute feature to minimize background noise and take turns sharing so all voices are heard fairly.

📝REFUND POLICY:  

I follow Outschool's refund policy, which is a full refund within 24 hours of payment until your next meeting or lesson access begins.

I am unable to refund for missed classes as the spot is held for your learner which prevents others from enrolling, especially for sold out sections.  I appreciate your understanding and support!

Please click here for more information: https://support.outschool.com/en/articles/4626920-standard-refund-policy-and-refund-eligibility-guidelines