Session Date
Lesson Topic
Reading and Mathematics
Lesson Outline
Elijah worked hard this session. Originally, I planned on having him work on a Florida state issued math practice test, so I could assess how he was doing in the math area. He was very concerned about his homework, however, and wanted me to assist with the packet he was completing for the week. This packet was due the next day. Since there were a wide variety of questions both word problems and straight computational, I decided that I could get a lot of my questions answered through his homework sheets.
Elijah has a great deal of difficulty with multiplication facts. He struggled with multiples of 7, 8 and 9. He is counting on his fingers and is not able to quickly do the basic computations in his head. I recommend that he work on memorizing his multiplication tables as quickly as possible. The goal should be to memorize the facts and to recall from memory just as you do a telephone number or an address. To help at home you can use either mathematic tables or flash cards. Ask him to immediately give you the answer – if he doesn’t answer immediately then give him the answer and move on. This should be quick. Repetition is important and short sessions are best. These drills can be quickly done in 5-10 minutes and 2 drills a day would be best. Brain research tells us that forgetting happens fast and review is best when it happens more frequently than for longer sessions. Once he has the multiplication tables committed to memory, we can begin to work on the mental math computations that should aid him with problem solving. Since he is in third grade, there is no danger in moving to straight memorization because he has already learned the concept of multiples.
Next, we reviewed cause and effect. Elijah read a passage about understanding cause and effect and then answered some simple questions identifying multiple causes for effects. This seemed relatively easy for Elijah.
Elijah is a bright student and enjoys sharing his ideas. While we have only just started working, I feel he will make good progress as we focus on his learning needs.
Elijah has a great deal of difficulty with multiplication facts. He struggled with multiples of 7, 8 and 9. He is counting on his fingers and is not able to quickly do the basic computations in his head. I recommend that he work on memorizing his multiplication tables as quickly as possible. The goal should be to memorize the facts and to recall from memory just as you do a telephone number or an address. To help at home you can use either mathematic tables or flash cards. Ask him to immediately give you the answer – if he doesn’t answer immediately then give him the answer and move on. This should be quick. Repetition is important and short sessions are best. These drills can be quickly done in 5-10 minutes and 2 drills a day would be best. Brain research tells us that forgetting happens fast and review is best when it happens more frequently than for longer sessions. Once he has the multiplication tables committed to memory, we can begin to work on the mental math computations that should aid him with problem solving. Since he is in third grade, there is no danger in moving to straight memorization because he has already learned the concept of multiples.
Next, we reviewed cause and effect. Elijah read a passage about understanding cause and effect and then answered some simple questions identifying multiple causes for effects. This seemed relatively easy for Elijah.
Elijah is a bright student and enjoys sharing his ideas. While we have only just started working, I feel he will make good progress as we focus on his learning needs.
Assignment
Multiplication table drills
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Session Hours
1.00
Hours Attended
1.00
Entry Status
Review Status
Student Name(s)
Subject
School