In order to get an idea of Josh's writing skills, I asked him to write a few paragraphs about "A Great Day." Next, I went over examples of nouns, adjectives, verbs and adverbs with lots of input from Josh. Then I showed him an example of an autobiographical poem and we labeled the parts of speech. He used a planning sheet to write a poem about himself and then he typed it. I gave him a choice of five books and he chose one which we began.

Josh filled out information on a form that I've created that engenders conversation and elicits information. As he worked, we discussed the things he enjoys doing, reading, subjects he enjoys in school and doesn't enjoy and what he would like to be better at. He read a story about Houdini, whom he had written a report about, and then a story on David Copperfield, the illusionist, who was new to him. I asked him fact and inference questions as he read to ascertain his level of comprehension and after he read to answer several written questions. In addition I also asked him to compare the two magicians. His next task was to write about one of the men. We had discussed a novel he had just completed "Because of Winn Dixie" which we both really enjoyed and I had brought a novel "A Dog Called Kitty" which we began to read and discuss.