Today we reviewed for an upcoming Assessment. We focused on solving equations with variables on both sides and absolute value equations. JPaul did well. He needed a few reminders when the solutions are "no solution" or "infinite solutions" but he quickly recalled why. We will probably review one more day and then he will take a quiz/test.
Richard used chalk markers and change-color markers to practice his spelling words and words with ou that make a long o sound. He read books with words he can read.
Kaitlin reviewed the spelling words for last week to test this week. We looked through some books to choose the next one we will read. We read The Witch of Blackbird Pond and discussed it.
We worked on skills involving supporting answers using evidence from the passage in texts. Austin's responses demonstrated he understands expectations and is able to deliver his responses in an articulate fashion and express his thoughts well on paper. He was reminded to use specific examples from the text and not state generalizations until after the specific references are cited. We selected a passage involving soccer as this remains one of Austin's main interests. Next, we spent time reviewing examples of figurative language. Austin was tasked with completing an activity where he had to decide which type of figurative language was given in several examples. He answered correctly 86% of the time or 12 out of 14 trials or opportunities. I explained what hyperbole was and offered examples. When queried a bit later, Austin remembered its definition and was able to give an example.
First, we reviewed Reid's school folder. Reid made flashcards for his spelling list; the words are increasingly difficult (spelling and definitions), so we spent time ensuring that Reid understood the pronunciation and meaning of each word. Next, we completed a reading comprehension exercise from school about Chapters 19-21 of "The Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger" by Lois Sachar. One of the questions asked Reid to sequence four events from a chapter; we reviewed transitional words such as first, second, subsequent, and finally to accomplish this task. Reid edited his work using CAPS. We reviewed the FLSZ spelling rule (doubling the consonants listed at the end of a short word) and discussed the author's use of a quirky idiom ("rub a monkey's tummy"). To conclude, we went outside to practice his spelling words while playing basketball; Reid was allowed one shot per correctly spelled word.
