Diagnostic test, identification of needed foundational skills; assigned drill worksheets:Find missing side of right triangle using the Pythagorean Theorem, find area of a right triangle, SOHCAHTOA, solving multi-step linear equations, order of operations
Foundational Skills Drills: Find missing side of right triangle using the Pythagorean Theorem, find area of a right triangle, SOHCAHTOA, factor quadratics
We started with talking about the test and the process of elimination. Rowan has not studied the rules yet, so that right there should improve his score. We worked our way through the "complete" section, and Rowan seemed to understand the different rules pretty well. I asked him to make a study guide to the rules so he can memorize them.
We began by discussing in what ways the ACT differs from the SAT. We then went through the structure of the math section of the ACT and strategies for pacing and increasing the likelihood of correct answers. Finally, we went through the math fundamentals section of her prep book to review and assess the strength of her foundational math skills and to identify areas to be fortified.
Assignment
Read Chapter I and the first section of Chapter 3. Compile a list of at least 20 tips, strategies, facts, etc. about the ACT. Continue working through the Foundationals section of Chapter 3 keeping track of questions for the next session.
Emma did a great job with her SAT Reading homework. She struggled a bit with vocabulary, but knew when to omit questions. She only missed a couple of questions on the reading passages. I reminded her to read closely and to not infer too much from the text. We looked at a prose passage from an ACT so that she could compare the reading sections of the two tests. Emma liked the ACT passage more because it was more straightforward. She is a quick reader, so the timing of the ACT may be okay for her. We then looked at some questions from the grammar portions of both the ACT and the SAT. Emma found the ACT questions more challenging than the SAT questions. She will need to review some basic grammar rules, so I'm having her do some grammar reading for homework. She will also complete a Writing section from an SAT test. Luckily, the skills and the knowledge she acquires will help her with both tests.
We discussed Matt's goals and then he took a math Practice Test 1 Math Section (25 minutes.) We covered any and all issues on problems he answered incorrectly or did not attempt.
Assignment
None.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Matthew did pretty well. I think practice will help him recalling math that he hasn't seen in a couple of years.
We spent about 15 minutes discussing SAT I testing strategy. We then went into the text and Christley took the first Math Section of the first Practice Test. Christley did well. We concluded by clearing up her questions.
Assignment
None.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Christley is a highly motivated and conscientious study. Her test-taking speed is impressive as is her accuracy.
Although the SAT is a difficult test, Crystal is a bright young lady and is capable of doing quite well on it. Her reading and verbal skills are particularly strong. We worked on some short reading passages so that I could get a sense of the work she's been doing with Kevin. I had her read the questions first and then go to the passages. After reading the passages, I had her tell me the main idea of each passage. This is a good practice to get in to, because all of the correct answers will support the main idea. She has great instincts and knows to eliminate before jumping to the correct answer. I also taught her that answers that are overly strong or judgmental will never be right on the SAT; those are the first answer choices that she should eliminate. We looked at some vocabulary and sentence completions. Crystal has no problem putting her own words in the blanks, but she needs to work on her vocabulary. She should be diligent about learning all of the new words that we discuss. For homework this week, she will learn a list of vocabulary. We ended the session by looking at a couple of grammar questions, and we reviewed adverbs and subjective/objective pronouns. We will put most of our focus next week into grammar review.
We continued working on the reading comprehension today, and I saw a marked improvement from yesterday. Preston was read much more meticulously, and focused on the wording of the answers, which in turned resulted in getting more correct. He needs to practice more between now and the test.
