Course Description: Along with the big changes of middle school, comes a shift in how students are learning. For the first time, many need to read to learn new information and use that new knowledge in some way (filling out guided notes, a lab report, etc.). In this course, students will learn the importance of note-taking along with tips and tricks to save them time and frustration. Together, we will review a PowerPoint presentation and complete guided notes, read a sample informational text (The History of LEGO written by the instructor) and determine how to highlight important information and label different sections. Learners will have time to independently practice reading and highlighting another informational text (Juan Ponce De Leon’s Quest for the Fountain of Youth written by the instructor) with the ability to ask the instructor questions along the way.
Course Description: Not only is reading an essential life skill, but it can be a source of entertainment. In this course, students in 5th and 6th grade dive into classic novels for this age group. Meant for struggling readers, or those who need some additional support (dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, learning disabilities, language disorders), the instructor, a certified Reading Specialist, will guide students with: *Reading comprehension *Plot structure *Characterization (direct and indirect) *Vocabulary *Quote analysis *Themes For each book, students will be given reading comprehension questions and vocabulary to complete while reading. The instructor will post video introductions for each new book, providing students with necessary background information. During each class session, the instructor will review the reading comprehension questions and vocabulary, answer student questions, review main plot points, and discuss important quotes/themes/concepts from the reading. Below is the book schedule we will be following. Students should come to class with the chapters read, reading comprehension questions answered, vocabulary chart completed, and a list of questions (if they have any). If a student attends class without completing the reading or assignments, they may have difficulties following along with the class. Books read in this course- Fantastic Mr. Fox, Tuck Everlasting, City of Ember, Among the Hidden, Number the Stars, Frindle, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, The Phantom Tollbooth
Course Description: Not only is reading an essential life skill, but it can be a source of entertainment. In this course, students in 7th and 8th grade dive into classic novels for this age group. Meant for struggling readers, or those who need some additional support (dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, learning disabilities, language disorders), the instructor, a certified Reading Specialist, will guide students with: *Reading comprehension *Plot structure *Characterization (direct and indirect) *Vocabulary Quote analysis *Themes For each book, students will be given reading comprehension questions and vocabulary to complete while reading. The instructor will post video introductions for each new book, providing students with necessary background information. During each class session, the instructor will review the reading comprehension questions and vocabulary, answer student questions, review main plot points, and discuss important quotes/themes/concepts from the reading. Students should come to class with the chapters read, reading comprehension questions answered, vocabulary chart completed, and a list of questions (if they have any). If a student attends class without completing the reading or assignments, they may have difficulties following along with the class. Books read in this course- Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie, Walk Two Moons, The Outsiders, The Giver, A Wrinkle in Time
Course Description: In middle school, students increase their amount of nonfiction reading. Classes like social studies, science, and math, rely on informational texts to teach students new information. Students must use different reading strategies when tackling nonfiction works. In this course, students will practice reading and analyzing nonfiction texts written by the course instructor. Meant for struggling readers, or those who need some additional support (dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, learning disabilities, language disorders), the instructor, a certified Reading Specialist, will guide students with: *Review the difference between fiction and nonfiction works *Model reading strategies with a new informational text each class *Assist students with answering reading comprehension questions and locating text evidence All materials will be posted to the classroom before class, so students have time to print the resources if they choose to. The instructor may also post additional learning materials (videos, additional reading recommendations) for students to work on in-between classes. Since a new informational text is used each class, students are welcome to join at any point. Below are the titles of the informational text students will read in this course. Week 1- Going Viral Week 2- Edgar Allan Poe Week 3- The Titanic Week 4-William Shakespeare Week 5- The Evolution of Gaming Week 6- Daylight Saving Time Week 7- The Fountain of Youth Week 8- Tips for Middle School
Course Description: From broomsticks and bats to werewolves and witches’ hats, this frighteningly fun, Mad Lib! inspired parts of speech class will treat your learner to ghoulishly good time. Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs allow students to create their own haunted adventure with the guidance of Ms. Creepy Christine. Come in your favorite costume if you dare! In this one-time class, students will fill in guided notes based on a parts of speech PowerPoint presentation and then interact with one another to complete Halloween-based Mad Libs created by the course instructor. Students should have basic knowledge of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs to participate in this class. Come in your favorite costume if you dare!
Course Description: Not only is reading an essential life skill, but it can be a source of entertainment. In this course, students in 5th and 6th grade dive into classic novels for this age group. Meant for struggling readers, or those who need some additional support (dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, learning disabilities, language disorders), the instructor, a certified Reading Specialist, will guide students with: *Reading comprehension *Plot structure *Characterization (direct and indirect) *Vocabulary *Quote analysis *Themes Every Monday, the instructor will post instructions in the classroom for what students should work on during the week (check answer keys for the previous week's work, watch the background videos, read, answer questions, define vocabulary, watch summary videos). Students can (but are not required) submit reading comprehension questions and vocabulary for the instructor to review and provide feedback. Assignments will be returned within 72 business hours. Books read in this course- Fantastic Mr. Fox, Frindle, Tuck Everlasting, City of Ember, Number the Stars, Among the Hidden
Course Description: Not only is reading an essential life skill, but it can be a source of entertainment. In this course, students in high school dive into three engaging novels. Meant for struggling readers, or those who need some additional support (dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, learning disabilities, language disorders), the instructor, a certified Reading Specialist, will guide students with: *Reading comprehension *Plot structure *Characterization *Quote analysis *Themes For each book, students will be given reading comprehension questions to complete while reading. The instructor will post video introductions for each new book, providing students with necessary background information. During each class session, the instructor will review the reading comprehension questions and answer student questions, review main plot points, and discuss important quotes/themes/concepts from the reading. Books read in this course- Divergent, And Then There Were None, A Separate Peace
Course Description: The parts of speech are the foundation of all types of writing. Without strong knowledge of these elements, students may have difficulties with clearly expressing their ideas in writing. This five-week flex class goes over the definitions and examples of the eight parts of speech (nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and interjections) using PowerPoint presentations, video lessons based on the presentations and guided notes. After each lesson, students will practice the concepts by playing educational games and then take a Blooket quiz to check their understanding. At the end of the course, students will take a Parts of Speech Blooket test. Each week two lessons will be released (on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and every lesson should take about 30 minutes to complete. The instructor will monitor students' progress through Blooket scores and will reach out to students/families if a student earns below a 70%.
Course Description: Spelling and vocabulary skills are vital for students to develop sophisticated writing skills. This one week camp will on 10 popular vocabulary words for 5th and 6th graders. Before the first class: *Students should complete the vocabulary graphic organizer (look up and record the part of speech and definition for each word) First class: *The instructor will review the correct answers for the vocabulary graphic organizer *Students will play 2 Blooket games to practice the definitions and parts of speech of the words Homework: *Students should complete the word search to practice their spelling skills Second Class: *Instructor will review the correct answers for the word search *Students will play 2 Blooket games to practice spelling and using the vocabulary words correctly *If students do not complete work outside of class, they are still welcome to attend and participate :)
Course Description: Reading is a vital life skills that requires review and practice. In this course, students in 5th through 8th grade review reading skills, strategies and more for fiction and nonfiction texts. Meant for struggling readers, or those who need some additional support (dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, learning disabilities, language disorders), the instructor, a certified Reading Specialist, will guide students with: *Reading comprehension *Main idea *Author's purpose *Plot structure *Characterization (direct and indirect) *Context clues *Theme *Main idea and details *Genre *Compare & Contrast Each class will focus on a different reading related topic. The class is divided into two parts: lesson and practice. Lesson: While watching/listening to a PowerPoint lesson, students will fill out a guided note sheet then play Blooket based on the lesson. Practice: Students will participate in group activities to practice the lesson information. Activities include but are not limited to: online games, Blooket, Kahoot!, YouTube videos, reading passages, etc.
Course Description: While Animal Crossing New Horizons is an engaging game, it is also a great way for students to practice their reading comprehension and vocabulary skills!
In each class, students (and the instructor) will play Animal Crossing New Horizons. When students interact with characters in the game, they will read the dialogue to the class and together we will define unknown words and discuss what the speech bubbles are communicating.
We will especially focus on conversations with Tom Nook, Blathers, and Isabelle.
There will be no sharing of island information, emails, or personal gaming information.
This class is open to new and seasoned players :).