Today, Hunter and I read the final chapter of The Giver and watched the first few scenes of the film, analyzing the director's choices and observing differences between the novel and the film adaptation. He will begin searching for quotes and details to support his essay on the characterization of Jonas (using his description on page 62).

Introduced basic concepts of plate tectonics, emphasizing the role of mantle convection in the movement of oceanic plates.Introduced the concept of subsection zone and located places on the globe where they occur.

We began with a map sketching exercise, showing the Maurya (c. 150 B.C.) and Gupta (c. 200 A.D.) empires on what is now India and Pakistan. We read a section in the text that addressed the successful efforts of leaders of both empires to unify the various diverse peoples under their rule. We went to the computer lab and investigated Sanskrit, Dravidian, Tamil and both early empires. This reinforced the readings from the text.

Hunter took the Ch. 2-1 and 2-2 Quiz and got a 100%. He started the Ch. 2-3 and 2-4 Quiz, but did not finish. We will finish that one on Monday and move to the next.

Today, Hunter and I discussed plot changes and reviewed reading comprehension questions for The Giver, chapters 18 through 22. He was able to answer my questions accurately. He completed a vocabulary study guide and will prepare for an exam next meeting.

We continued our review for the Ch. 2 Test.

We spent time discussing history already covered-river civilizations, including the Nile and Egypt, the rise of Israel, Hinduism and Buddhism in Asia. Then we explored the Maurya and Gupta empires in India.

Discussed the formation and elemental composition of the earth with emphasis on the inner and outer cores.Investigated latent heat of early earths gravitational formation and ongoing radioactive decay as sources of energy that drive the earth's magneto-dynamo and sustain the earth's magnetosphere.

Hunter completed the remaining parts of the WADE. This included orally spelling sight words, word list reading (both real and nonsense words),and the written portion of the WADE; sentence writing and spelling selected words .

Today I subbed for Monica. Hunter read The Giver, chapters 20-21. I asked him comprehension questions. He understood the story and I think he is enjoying the story.