About the store
Welcome to Comprehension Connection, an ELA focused shop for grades K-5 established in 2012. Here, you'll find a large assortment of mentor text units with a focus on social emotional learning, comprehension and writing, poem of the week and partner play resources for building fluency, literacy projects and anchor charts for comprehension, author studies, and more.
Carla Fedeler, owner of Comprehension Connection, is a licensed reading specialist with 27 years of public education experience in the regular classroom, as a K-5 Title 1 reading interventionist, as an ITRT (one year), and finally a literacy coach. Carla has been designing literacy resources for over 10 years, and since retirement, she's delved into web development with a focus on educational and small business websites.
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The Mitten by Jan Brett Literacy Activities Interactive Read Aloud Comprehension
The Mitten by Jan Brett is a classic, must read book for all children. These interactive activities will be just what you need for meaningful learning. In fact, you might use it to kick off a Jan Brett Author Study! Great for sub plans too! HOW IS THE MITTEN UNIT ORGANIZED?This comprehension focused unit includes materials to use in guided reading or as mentor text lessons before/during/after reading. It is CCSS ALIGNED and in DIGITAL AND PDF to give you lots of teaching options for the skills
2nd - 4th
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.2.1
, RL.2.3
, RL.2.5
+20
Also included in: Jan Brett Author Study Book Companion Guides Winter Literacy Bundle
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Unit
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst is a classic. We all have bad days, and you can use this EASY TO USE and MEANINGFUL activities highlight the book's themes. HOW TEACHER USE THE ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE HORRIBLE NO GOOD VERY BAD DAY UNIT:This bundle includes a variety of comprehension focused activities to make reading the book meaningful. Teachers can choose the skills that best mesh with their standards and student needs. I suggest using the materia
2nd - 4th
Literature, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.2.1
, RL.2.3
, RL.2.5
+21
Two Bad Ants by Chris Van Allsburg Activities Mentor Text for inferences
Two Bad Ants by Chris Van Allsburg is the BEST mentor text for teaching inferences, but with this well planned bundle, you can teach so much more! You have both digital options for Google Slides TM and printable activities for paired and small group lessons. It will make your planning EASY and EFFECTIVE. One book, but many skill options! In this awesome book, the two bad ants find lots of trouble. VanAllsburg does a fantastic job using metaphor to describe things from the ants' perspective. You
3rd - 5th
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.3.1
, RL.3.2
, RL.3.3
+16
Patricia Polacco Author Study 13 Book Companions Chicken Sunday and More
If you love Patricia Polacco's books, then this book study bundle is just what you need. My Patricia Polacco Book Study Bundle includes materials for *13* titles PLUS an author research lapbook for a total of 560+ pages of materials. You get resources for her most popular books including Thank You Mr. Falker, Thunder Cake, Chicken Sunday and more for use throughout the year. HOW TO USE THIS PATRICIA POLACCO AUTHOR STUDY:Patricia Polacco is a favorite for teachers and students. Her books are fil
3rd - 5th
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, TEKS, VA SOL
RL.4.1
, RL.4.2
, RL.4.3
+53
Armadillo Rodeo by Jan Brett Cowboy Days Activities in Digital and PDF Formats
If you're using a rodeo theme this year, Armadillo Rodeo by Jan Brett is the perfect book. It's one of my favorite Jan Brett titles, and this unit will make your planning EASY and lessons EFFECTIVE with all of the engaging options. HOW TEACHERS CAN USE THIS ARMADILLO RODEO UNIT:This comprehension focused book companion includes materials to use with a guided reading group or as a mentor text before/during/after reading in both PDF and DIGITAL formats using Google Slides TM. You can project the c
2nd - 4th
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.2.1
, RL.2.2
, RL.2.3
+28
Also included in: Jan Brett Author Study Book Companion Guides Winter Literacy Bundle
Horrible Harry in Room 2B Novel Study for Second and Third Grades
Horrible Harry in Room 2B is a great introduction into the Horrible Harry series. This novel study in PDF and for Google Slides works well for guided reading groups or for literacy circles since it is skill focused. It includes materials for modeling and practice. For the primary grades, you might use it as a station for partner reading and responses. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE HORRIBLE HARRY UNIT?making predictionsvocabularymaking comparisoncause and effect relationshipsnarrative elementsquestion
2nd - 3rd
Close Reading, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.2.1
, RL.2.2
, RL.2.3
+17
Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco Literacy Activities Mentor Text Book Study
Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco is perfect choice to tie in with your weather unit. This time saving unit will keep your kids focused as you work on reading skills like characterization and summarizing in PRINT or with GOOGLE SLIDES TM. HOW TO USE THIS THUNDER CAKE UNIT:This bundle is perfect for small group instruction or as a mentor text with it's rich vocabulary and description. This resource is set up in a before/during/after format in digital using GOOGLE SLIDES TM and PDF Printables. I
2nd - 4th
Literature, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.2.1
, RL.2.2
, RL.2.3
+24
Also included in: Patricia Polacco Author Study 13 Book Companions Chicken Sunday and More
Amazing Grace Read Aloud Activities Book Companion for Reading and Writing
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman is such an inspirational book. Every student should read it for the themes of perseverance, diversity, and inclusiveness. This comprehension and writing focused unit includes before/during/after activities to make planning easy and learning fun and inspiring. If you love Grace, you can explore Mary Hoffman's other Grace stories too. What's included in the Amazing Grace Unit?vocabulary organizer and word cardsschema building on the themecause/effect relationships an
3rd - 5th
Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.3.1
, RL.3.2
, RL.3.3
+25
My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother by Patricia Polacco Reading Activities
My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother is one of Patricia Polacco's most popular books. These easy to use comprehension focused activities are organized in a before, during, and after activities. They will engage your students and help them focus on key literacy skills. HOW CAN TEACHERS USE THE MY ROTTEN REDHEADED OLDER BROTHER UNIT?It works well for guided reading, as mentor text lessons, for partner reading, and even for some stations with the printable and digital options. It makes planning eas
3rd - 5th
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.3.1
, RL.3.3
, RL.3.4
+22
Also included in: Patricia Polacco Author Study 13 Book Companions Chicken Sunday and More
Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel Activities in Digital and PDF
Frog and Toad are Friends is a truly one of my favorite books to use with my students. This COMPREHENSION FOCUSED bundle is EASY TO USE. It's organized in before, during, and after format for each chapter and aligned with the Common Core and VA SOLs. It includes many written response opportunities too. WHAT SKILLS ARE INCLUDED IN THE FROG AND TOAD ARE FRIENDS UNIT?schema buildingtier 2 vocabulary introductions and practice opportunitiesmaking predictionsmaking connectionssummarizingauthor's p
1st - 3rd
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.2.1
, RL.2.2
, RL.2.3
+24
Also included in: Arnold Lobel Author Study Activities and Lessons for 8 Titles
Narrative Story Elements for Fiction Reading | Paper Bag Book Report Project
This hands-on narrative elements project is a versatile resource you'll use often for narrative elements in fiction. Teaching the narrative elements is a critical skill in studying fictional texts. This hands on paper bag book project helps students use guiding questions as they think about not only what the narrative elements are, but how they contribute to the plot of the book. HOW TEACHERS CAN USE THIS NARRATIVE ELEMENTS PROJECT:When you are working on this skill, you can use the components
3rd - 5th
ELA Test Prep, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.3.1
, RL.3.3
, RL.3.5
+13
Writing a Memoir Writing Lesson
Studying and writing memoirs are an important part of a reading and writing program, and are very enjoyable. There are many wonderful examples of memoirs that teachers can use as mentor texts including books by Patricia Polacco, Cynthia Rylant, Eve Bunting, and Mem Fox. After learning about the memoir genre and analyzing a few, students are ready to write their own. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS DOWNLOAD:This writing set will guide your students through the memoir writing process. The set includes
4th - 6th
Creative Writing, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
W.4.3
, W.5.3
, W.5.3a
+27
The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco Activities in Digital and PDF
The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco is a beautiful story of Patricia's ancestry, and it is the perfect book to begin an author study with. This HUGE comprehension focused bundle in DIGITAL and PDF includes before, during, and after activities to accompany the book, a Patricia Polacco research lapbook about her life and books, and a class book writing extension. If you're wanting to do an author study, this is the book to begin with! Make planning EASY and theme exploration MEANINGFUL. WHAT SK
3rd - 5th
Reading Strategies, Vocabulary, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.3.1
, RL.3.3
, RL.3.5
+23
Also included in: Patricia Polacco Author Study 13 Book Companions Chicken Sunday and More
The Art Lesson by Tomie dePaola Literacy Activities in Digital and PDF
If you are introducing a Tomie dePaola Author Study, The Art Lesson is the best book choice to use! This resource for The Art Lesson will keep your planning EASY and COMPREHENSION FOCUSED. It is set up in a before-during-after format for easy implementation. Great for subs too! The Art Lesson Skills and Activities included in this Resource:building schema about artpreteaching story vocabulary activity and word cardsstory elements (characters, setting, and plot as well as an anchor chart)four
2nd - 3rd
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.2.1
, RL.2.2
, RL.2.3
+18
Also included in: Tomie dePaola Author Study with 12 titles in Digital and PDF
The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco Activities Social Emotional Learning
The Junkyard Wonders is perfect any time of year for addressing themes of bullying, friendship, and self-esteem. This comprehension focused unit was developed as a reading and writing unit co-taught with our guidance counselor. It includes both Digital for Google Slides TM and PDF options. If your school uses one to one devices, the digital format will be a great help for literature circles or stations. WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE INCLUDED IN THE JUNKYARD WONDERS UNIT?Give one, Get one about Junkyard
3rd - 5th
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.3.1
, RL.3.2
, RL.3.3
+26
Also included in: Patricia Polacco Author Study 13 Book Companions Chicken Sunday and More
Blizzard of the Blue Moon Novel Study
This comprehension focused guided reading unit is set up with before/during/after activities and vocabulary for each chapter. Each chapter focuses on a different comprehension skill, and you can use it with guided reading groups, literature circles/book clubs, or partner work. Skills include in the unit are: ✵making predictions ✵visualizing ✵problem and solution ✵summarizing ✵character traits ✵question types ✵citing text evidence ✵author's purpose ✵making comparisons and connections ✵and drawin
2nd - 3rd
Reading Strategies, Vocabulary, Writing
CCSS
RL.2.1
, RL.2.2
, RL.2.3
+9
Also included in: Winter Book Unit Bundle
Owl at Home by Arnold Lobel Reading and Writing Activities
Owl at Home is a sweet book for the primary grades. This comprehension focused unit has before, during, and after activities including tier 2 vocabulary for the book. It's easy to use and perfect for mentor text lessons, for use in guided reading, for partner work, or in your workstations. WHAT SKILLS ARE INCLUDED IN THE OWL AT HOME UNIT?prereading schema buildingmaking predictionsquestioningmaking connectionscharacter traitsnarrative elements including sequencingcause and effectand a final
1st - 3rd
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.1.1
, RL.1.2
, RL.1.3
+21
Also included in: Arnold Lobel Author Study Activities and Lessons for 8 Titles
The Hat by Jan Brett Activities in Digital and PDF
Need of a great winter read? The Hat by Jan Brett is a winter favorite. Get your kids thinking with this well organized comprehension focused unit. Use the materials with a guided reading group, as an interactive read aloud, or as extension for comprehension lessons. You'll have lots of options in both PDF and for Google Slides TM. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS UNIT FOR THE HAT?schema building about hatsvocabulary words and organizersequencing cut and pasteelements of fiction organizermaking comparis
2nd - 4th
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.2.1
, RL.2.2
, RL.2.3
+26
Also included in: Jan Brett Author Study Book Companion Guides Winter Literacy Bundle
The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco Activities in Digital and PDF
The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco is perfect for spring reading. The themes are meaningful, and this comprehension focused bundle in DIGITAL using Google Slides TM and PDF gives you lots of instructional options. HOW TO USE THE BEE TREE UNIT:The unit is perfect for guided reading, mentor text lessons, partner work, for workstations, or for your book clubs. You can pick and choose the activities and just print, assign, or project and go! WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE INCLUDED IN THE BEE TREE UNIT?Give
3rd - 5th
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.3.1
, RL.3.2
, RL.3.3
+22
Also included in: Spring Book Unit Bundle
Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett Activities in Digital and PDF Formats
Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett is a must read for December or during the winter. This fun and engaging comprehension focused unit includes before, during, and after activities. Your students will LOVE it! The unit comes in digital using Google Slides TM and PDF Formats. You can use the activities as mentor text lessons for modeling, in guided reading groups, or for book clubs with your second to fourth grade readers. WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE GINGERBREAD BABY BUNDLE?schema builder all about cooki
2nd - 4th
Balanced Literacy, Reading Strategies, Writing
CCSS, VA SOL
RL.2.1
, RL.2.3
, RL.2.4
+31
Also included in: Christmas Book Unit Bundle in Digital and PDF formats
Showing 1-20 of 107 results
About the store
Experience
Welcome to Comprehension Connection, an ELA focused shop for grades K-5 established in 2012. Here, you'll find a large assortment of mentor text units with a focus on social emotional learning, comprehension and writing, poem of the week and partner play resources for building fluency, literacy projects and anchor charts for comprehension, author studies, and more.
Carla Fedeler, owner of Comprehension Connection, is a licensed reading specialist with 27 years of public education experience in the regular classroom, as a K-5 Title 1 reading interventionist, as an ITRT (one year), and finally a literacy coach. Carla has been designing literacy resources for over 10 years, and since retirement, she's delved into web development with a focus on educational and small business websites.
Teaching style
Because Carla's primary responsibility has been with reading intervention for struggling readers, her instructional methods are based upon the individual needs of the student. Her lessons are hands-on, active, and thoughtful. She encourages lots of oral discussion with high level questioning, and she includes writing throughout the reading process. She LOVES interactive notebooks, anchor charts, mentor texts, and working with anything fun and active.
Awards & shining teacher moments
In the past, Carla has received several educational grants totaling almost five thousand dollars to purchase books for classroom lending libraries and literacy workstation resources for her schools lending room. With these funds combined with Title 1 reading funding, she was able to add nearly 3000 books to her school's classroom libraries. She has also presented many workshops through her involvement with the Virginia State Literacy Association and with her local reading council where she served in multiple leadership capacities including web development, social media, secretary, vice president and president. Now, she supports other TPTers with web design and development and continues presenting in workshops both for teachers and TPTers.
My own education history
Carla has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Iowa State University and a Master's degree in Reading Education from the University of Virginia.
Additional biographical information
You can follow Carla's website, Comprehension Connection, for lesson ideas and to learn more about Carla's teaching resources. Be sure to grab exclusive freebies from her website by joining her email list. Carla looks forward to sharing with you regularly there as well as through the notes to followers on TPT.
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