About the Reading subject area
Reading classes focus on building comprehension, fluency, and a love of books. Great reading classes spark curiosity and conversation, think book clubs, author studies, read-alouds with discussion, and genre explorations. Any reading-focused class fits here.
Note: Because learners can enroll at any time, reading classes should not require sequential participation (e.g., reading a novel chapter by chapter over several weeks). Each session should be self-contained so a new learner joining in week 4 has the same great experience as one who started in week 1.
Example Listing
Title: Tomie dePaola Story Explorers
Summary: Young readers discover the magical world of beloved author Tomie dePaola, exploring a different picture book each week through read-alongs, discussions, and creative responses.
Class Description
Each week, learners dive into a different Tomie dePaola picture book — from Strega Nona to The Art Lesson to Quiet. Through guided read-alouds and lively group discussions, students build comprehension skills, explore themes like family, creativity, and kindness, and make personal connections to the stories. Because each session features a standalone book, learners can join any week and feel right at home.
Session Structure & Pacing
Each session begins with a quick warm-up question connected to the week’s theme, moves into an interactive read-along where I pause for predictions, vocabulary, and reactions, and wraps up with a short creative response activity, such as a drawing prompt or discussion question. Learners are encouraged to share their thoughts, but listening is always a comfortable option too.
Materials & Setup
No materials required! Learners may want paper and crayons or markers for the creative response portion. I’ll share the book visually, but learners are encouraged to bring their own copy. This will help them to explore in class and beyond!
Tips for Families
Who would this class be great for? This class is perfect for emerging and early readers who enjoy picture books and storytelling. Learners who love asking questions, making predictions, and sharing opinions will thrive. No prior familiarity with Tomie dePaola is needed; each session introduces the book fresh.
Parent guidance: Families can extend the fun by checking out that week’s book from the library to re-read together at home. I’ll share the title at the start of each session. No homework or outside reading is required.
Sample Topics
- Strega Nona: Exploring consequences and humor in a classic Italian folktale
- The Art Lesson: Celebrating creativity and what makes us unique
- Quiet: Finding beauty in stillness and the changing seasons
- Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs: Understanding family bonds and memories
- The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush: Discovering how following your passion can change the world
- Pancakes for Breakfast: A wordless book adventure in storytelling and inference