In this class, students will learn to read more effectively, starting with “interest inventories” and engaging in a series of reading experiences from a range of texts including textbooks, magazines, newspapers, and books. They will choose an independent study topic and learn how to deepen their knowledge through formulation of deeper level questions, finding resources in the library, and taking notes as they read. Students will learn strategies to get to the heart of a piece – demystifying text organization, understanding vocabulary, and unlocking inferential thinking. We will read at least one book together. Specific reading skill areas needing work will be identified and appropriate practices prescribed. The students’ reading journeys will culminate in a capstone presentation of their learning at the end of the summer.