In "Otis and Friends:  5 Day Reading Comprehension Camp," students will meet daily for 1 week to listen to and discuss a different book about Otis and his farm friends, focusing on sequencing, making predictions, and responding to a writing prompt.  These stories about the meaning of friendship are certain to be loved by your child!

Students at this age are learning to be good readers.  Good readers use prior knowledge, make predictions, summarize, question, infer, visualize, and make inferences.  WHEW!  That's a LOT!  It is important for children to be able to comprehend what they read--but HOW does that happen?  Students must apply literal, inferential, and evaluative skills to answer who, what, when, where, why, and how questions based on the text.  In this camp, we will practice answering comprehension questions focused on inferences and making predictions. Students will review new vocabulary, and answering the 5W's + H (how) questions while reading each story.

During the 45 minute class:
• Students will be welcomed to class.  We will quickly review the class rules, our learning goals, and writing prompts together as a class.  
• We will go over a short 5-minute mini lesson on making predictions and making inferences.  Students will then listen to a book about Otis and his friends to apply their skills. 
• Students will then be given approximately 10 minutes to respond to a writing prompt.  Younger children will draw a picture with details to respond to the prompt.  Teacher support will be available to all students during this time. Students should raise their hand if they have a question.
• Once the independent writing time is over, students may share their writing with the class.  Sharing is optional but encouraged. 
• As a class, we will review the material covered in the mini lesson, and I will answer any questions prior to dismissing the class. 

The following books, all written by Loren Long,  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: Otis 
Day 2:  Otis and the Scarecrow
Day 3: Otis and the Puppy
Day 4:  Otis and the Tornado
Day 5: Otis and the Kittens

(NOTE:  Children learn vocabulary, sequencing, and prediction skills through repetition of stories.  If you feel your child would benefit from hearing the story again, I would love to have them join me in additional sections of the class!)