Amazing Readers – Spring

    $314.15

    “The Oz books were my absolute favorites as a kid. After that, I continued reading and watching so many beloved fantasy worlds. As an adult I still read these kids’ books all the time.” ~Prof. Valerie

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    Circle of books for Amazing Readers course at Athena's Advanced Academy
    InstructorProf. Valerie Frankel
    Content LevelsGrades 5-6 • Upper Elementary
    Grades 6-7 • Middle School
    Grades 7-8 • Junior High
    Course Length16 weeks
    Live Webinars Held OnThursdays, 9:00 - 9:50 AM Pacific - 1/25/24 - 5/18/24

    Together we’ll read top classics and new fiction while gaining reading superpowers—we’ll discover how to increase reading speed and retain more of what we read.

    There are metafiction techniques to help us be aware of distractions, as well as ways to chart, explore, and analyze. We’ll discover ways to master fiction and textbooks alike and leave much more powerful readers.

    This class will explore prereading, skimming for accuracy, analysis, annotating, and lots of self-aware reading. We’ll also consider how to read with an agenda and do quick research for a project. Together we’ll read a variety of award-winning stories, plus individual novels of our choice.

    Using these techniques, we’ll improve speed, comprehension, and focus, for all reading.

    What to expect in the Required section in the classroom each week:

    • Read books and essays including additional books outside class. Annotate them as we learn how.
    • Fill out worksheets that explore what we noticed and what we think as we read.

    What to expect in the Highly Suggested & Optional sections in the classroom each week:

    • Curated resources, including websites & videos, are provided to excite learners and to add depth to the subject matter.
    • Additional lessons and resources to help students get more out of the lessons and pursue deeper reading.

    What to expect during the weekly webinar:

    • Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Webinars are recorded and are available for students with schedule conflicts.
    • Lessons on active reading, annotating, notes, and metacognition (thinking about how we think) designed to boost speed, retention, and understanding.
    • Active Participation (via the microphone and chat) is encouraged in online class discussions and also during lectures.

    Before taking this course, students should be able to: 

    • Read at a solid 5th-grade level or above.
    • Type fluently.
    • Write a paragraph independently.

    Students should be willing to:

    • Read several chapters of fiction each week while annotating and taking notes. Fill out worksheets on what they’ve learned.
    • Actively participate (via the microphone) in the class discussion.
    • Encourage class discussion by adding their questions/ideas in the chat window during the webinar.
    • Respond with positive and encouraging comments on their classmates’ posts in the classroom forums.

    Required books & materials:

    • The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz
    • The Cursed Carnival by Rick Riordan