Today Kayla and I reviewed the essay by Amy Tan called "Mother Tongue." Kayla had answered her questions on the discussion and structure sections in the book. These we discussed at length taking note of all literary aspects and tools used to make for such a wonderful piece. This essay prompted taking a look at our society and culture in terms of language differences we encounter every day. We discussed terminology such as dichotomy, double entendre, and pun and how these terms were exhibited in the essay.
Assignment
Read the next classification essay and answer the structure and terminology sections.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Kayla has to review her vocabulary again to retest tomorrow. She is also doing exercises to prepare for her ACT test. These exercises target exactly what is on the test in terms of grammar sections. I will review and grade her example essay that she passed in today. I will also grade her answers to the questions on the essay.
After taking the vocabulary test, Kayla was clearly not prepared. We then used context clues to identify the meanings and how the words are used properly in a sentence. We then did a free writing exercise on how to begin writing a classification essay. This was to clarify what, exactly, classification is by referencing different types of students and putting them into categories using specific details. We then read and analyzed the essay in her book that had annotations to note how a well-written essay on classification is formed.
Assignment
study vocabulary and read essays and do exercises
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Kayla was very insightful to the classification and was quick to provide specific details in categorizing the different kinds of students in her school. This proved to be a great foundation for the essay and organizing building blocks to then create a working thesis and organize her next written assignment.
We read essays from her book to analyze and answer questions in noting the rhetorical devices, structure, and language that comprise a well-written, informative essay. In the process we noted vocabulary that was not understood to prepare a list for a subsequent vocabulary test. We also reviewed weakness in synonyms and homonyms - words that are often misused in writing in order to strengthen basic syntax and word choice.
Assignment
Work on essay
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
As always Kayla is quick to learn and take note of her weaknesses.
Read and discuss and answer follow up questions on style, language, main points, and rhetoric.
Discuss further the directions for essay due Monday. Vocabulary lesson based on readings.
Assignment
Write 500 word essay, study vocabulary for quiz, and read first two chapters of Kate Chopin.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Kayla has wonderful insight and great inference skills regarding her reading skills. She is most insightful regarding author's tone, motivations, rhetorical tools, and form. Her answers are always right on target.
