Course Description

The purpose of this course is to improve reading skills through the practice of vocabulary enrichment, pre-reading techniques, reading comprehension exercises, critical thinking strategies, written responses, discussions, and reflections. Exploring and examining the entire reading process, students will become a more confident, independent, effective, and efficient reader. Students will develop an appreciation and understanding of both classic and contemporary works of literature

This course will be offered at all levels – grades 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to demonstrate the following skills:

1) Identify the topic and purpose of a reading sample -predict /anticipate

2) Distinguish between main ideas and supporting details – identify themes

3) Locate specific information

4) Distinguish between stated and implied ideas; make inferences

5) Draw conclusions and predict outcomes

6) Recognize the structure and organization of paragraphs – language style, diction

7) Use strategies to think critically about reading

8) Use various reading aids such as the dictionary /thesaurus, vocabulary enhancement – understand phonetics for proper pronunciation

9) Use appropriate technology to enhance reading comprehension, reading speed, and vocabulary development

10) Demonstrate techniques for improving vocabulary such as using contextual clues, word parts, and other reading devices

MATERIALS – A variety of texts will be explored, both fiction and non-fiction; short stories, informational texts, and poetry.