I brought in a picture of a photo on metal of two egrets for Nico to put up in his room. He was happy to add some color to his room and we spent a few minutes deciding on its location. He then continued to work on developing his responses to a writing prompt and was receptive to being offered supportive prompts. Nico benefited from refocusing techniques as he has a tendency to shift focus and concentration from the task at hand. Strategies were suggested to help him better channel his attention.
Colson worked on practicing a speech on the Boston Tea Party he will be presenting to Batt students and faculty next week. We discussed techniques to capture and sustain the audience's attention using one's voice, emphasis and modulation. Colson was encouraged to practice those sentences which are more complex articulating and remembering and to speak audibly and make frequent eye-contact. Colson also practiced the questions he will be asking and the prop used to engage the audience's attention and assess how much they retained from the speech. He was receptive to suggestions. Colson will continue to practicing the 4 pages of his speech so that he becomes increasingly comfortable with the material and its deivery.
Chris and I went over stories he read in his 8th grade literature textbook, and he summarized them succinctly. We will collaboratively begin reading 'The Drummer Boy of Shiloh' (on page 279) in his text, which recounts the story of a 14-year-old's life of hardship as a drummer boy during the Civil War. Chris made a personal connection to the boy as he has been playing drums for years and is very talented. Chris was also asked to chose one of three books to read. He selected 'The Outsiders,' by S.E. Hinton. I am delighted he selected this coming-of-age novel and I will be securing 2 copies for us to begin reading together after "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh" next week.
Today I got to meet Nico for the first time. We used the time to select a classroom and I introduced Nico to several teachers and students. Nico and another student played a game of ping pong, followed by penny tag and ended the session throwing a football to one another. Nico gave the student some helpful tips on the way to hold a football and the other student was receptive and responsive to the suggestions offered, which helped to improve his throw. The two got along very well and it was a successful introduction to the Batt school, Day 1!
Chris read aloud from one of his books today. I like to provide choice reading time as a way to encourage students to find something they would enjoy reading on their own.
