Nicholas completed his math homework, which required him to add and subtract numbers up to 20. He used an abacus to assist him as the problems involved "adding to the teens." Nicholas is strengthening his understanding of the properties of operation, and strategies based on place value and the properties of operations, and continues to show gains in his understanding of algebraic thinking. He demonstrated that he could apply properties of operations involving addition and subtraction, solving problems involving the commutative property of addition; i.e., if 8 + 3 = 11 is known, then 3 + 8 = 11 is also known. (Common Core - MAFS.1.OA.2.3). He also completed a word problem and arrived at the answer quickly, independent of prompts, and correctly showed his work. Nicholas needed one or two reminders to help him correctly write the number '6', as he initially inverted it. He also got a little confused between the minus and equal signs, but understood once reminded and wrote them correctly on his paper. Nicholas was so motivated and confident that he looked ahead to his next assignment, which I had copied out of the Go Math book, and he completed that one as well. It was a very productive session and Nicholas has demonstrated improved focusing skills, greater confidence in his abilities, and perseverance in completing academic tasks to which he is assigned.