Today we worked on reading comprehension. Kai did some practice FSA literary passages and answered questions that focus on literary devices, author purpose and theme by going back into the text for answers. I would like to do more assessment on his skills in different areas so that I can assess his overall strengths and weaknesses in study skills and different types of text. He does extremely well with literature. Next time I will assess non-fiction. Then, as I think Kai was a bit "brain-fried" from all the reading, we did some fun Found Poetry together. For homework, stay focused. Kai should bring in materials that he needs help with or materials for any upcoming quizzes or tests.

Kai and I worked on practicing the math that he is studying in school right now. We practiced many different types of equations together. He did very well. We discussed the ones that were wrong and practiced and practiced. Our plan is to practice math skills intensely before the FSA so that Kai can be released from his Intensive Math class.

Today, Kai and I skyped. They are learning exponents right now and Kai needs practice. We did two pages of problems and he rocked them. Kai seems to be doing well and seems confident in his academic work these days. He thanked me over and over. I read his writing sample, which he still needs to finish, but I read it out loud with him. I know what skills to work on with him now.

Today we did Math practice to study for Kai's Math test tomorrow. We worked on ratios, percentages and decimals. He did well. I think he will do well on the test. We also worked on imaginative and descriptive writing. Kai is working on a short story. It must contain all of the elements of fiction (a plotline, setting, characters who develop throughout the story, point of view and a theme or lesson). He is still working on it and I am not allowed to read it until he is finished. He is excited about this. This will help me to look at his writing skills such as organization, development and voice, as well as conventions.

SKYPE: Kai's goal is to get better at Math. He does well, but takes more time than needed to complete problems. We are working on his speed, so we did timed equations. We actually got a lot done through SKYPE. We used a 6th grade math book for the equations. I feel that Kai is feeling more confident. Kai got his report card this week. He received an "A"s and "B"s. Except for gym, so I am going to investigate that.

Kai did not bring any of his resources with him, so we borrowed Charlie's 6th grade Math book and I chose specific problems to work on with Kai. Kai wanted to practice tons to get better. And we practiced tons! I am planning to do a writing assessment for him during the next session.

We figured out that Kai has a math quiz tomorrow, from his teacher's website. Kai needs to be more in tune with what is going on in class and what the upcoming expectations are. I would love to see more of the resources that he uses in school. He now has access to the online HMH Math textbook which is helpful. We practiced ratio problems, which Kai felt was the area he needs the most help in.

Kai did not come.

This was an introductory session. We got to know each other and mom Kai's strengths and weaknesses, as well as all of Kai's courses, teachers and resources. We made a plan to work on study skills, note taking skills and reviewing skills both in and out of class. Kai will try to stay focused in class and ask questions when he needs clarification. Flashcards and graphic organizers may help during the year. We will continue to work on skills as needed. We had a great session.

We reviewed for Kai's Math test tomorrow which is based on Lessons 4 and 5 in his math lessons. We focused on multiplying and dividing fractions and mixed numbers, and division with decimals, the areas in which Kai felt he needed the most support. Today, we Skyped successfully on Monday, as he will be unable to meet Thursday. It worked out well, as he has exams tomorrow. Kai said he feels confident about the test. We went over all of the major parts and rules for the equations. Also, Kai completed practice for homework. We went over it. He had 95% of it correct! Good job!