Today I returned Will's graded Chapter 7 quiz (28/30) and went over it with him. Thereafter, we continued our discussion of Chapter 8, including the expansion of roads westward, the growth in the use of steamboats, the elections of 1816 and 1820, the domination of the early Presidency by Virginians, the so-called Era of Good Feelings under James Monroe, the Panic of 1819, the admission of new states (slave v. free), and the Missouri Compromise of 1820.

I substituted for Kevin again today and observed Will practice on the drums and guitar. Interesting discussion, too.

This session was another "problem fest" in which we used practice problems from the textbook to reinforce the inequality relations in triangles.

* Vocabulary: Animals 2 (using 2 computer games on the Internet).
* Grammar: Last / Next.
* Culture: Le Travail c'est la Sante.
* Listening: Francis Cabrel.
* Reading: Robot.
* Reading: Insolite - India.

WIll reviewed aspects of the French Revolution in depth. We discussed many topics including: the social divisions in French society, the economic troubles of the time (including wars, failed harvests, economic policies), and the Estates-General and its role. We also discussed the Bastille's importance, the political crisis leading to revolts, the failed reforms of the National Assembly, the abolishment of the monarchy and the rise of Robespierre.

At the outset I gave Will an opportunity to ask any questions he had about the material in Chapter 7. After answering his questions, I administered the Chapter 7 quiz. Will wrote detailed essay responses, taking more time than usual. In the few remaining minutes, we started consideration of Chapter 8, addressing the growing textile industry in New England and the Second National Bank.

This session was a "problem fest." We selected problems from the text involving triangle inequalities and worked on solving them. The session was an excellent practice session.

* Review.
* Conjugation: Present: 7 verbs.
* Vocabulary: Animals.
* Listening: Je ne suis pas un heros.
* Reading: Vin rose.
* Reading: Insolite - Japan.

Today we finished consideration of Chapter 7. Specific topics included the competing considerations of the US President (Thomas Jefferson) and the French Emperor (Napoleon Bonaparte), culminating in the Louisiana Purchase, the irony of Jefferson's exercise of executive power in a manner not expressly delineated in the Constitution (despite his prior insistence on a limited role for the central government), the conflicts with Britain over its practice of impressment, the American embargo against Britain, disputes with Spain over Florida, the ongoing battles and hostilities with native American tribes in the western regions, and the War of 1812 under President James Madison. I discussed with WIll the importance of preparing for tomorrow's quiz on this chapter.

I substituted for Kevin today and observed Will practice on the drums and guitar.