We are continuing to watch short videos on great authors and their works, finding excerpts, and now Alexa is beginning her project board that will show these items accompanied by in-text citations in MLA format -- she will combine her artistic talent with the materials being learned in literature. We read more of the novel Dead Girls Detective Agency, and discussed an essay that would show change in the protagonist from the beginning personality to the changes of character at the end.

Vlad began summarizing what he knows about the origins of the Russian mafia. He explained that it started out in imperial Russia in the early 18th century, with a small group of thieves who began operating as a small secret criminal society. They began with good intentions, stealing from the czar, who possessed all the wealth, as a way to revolt against an oppressive regime. In early Russian society, the only way to revolt was to become a criminal, but their profits were divided amongst the poor; in essence, they were regarded as folk heroes. The group soon developed their own honor code, which emphasized loyalty to one another and resistance to the czar. We discussed how this was actually quite similar to Robin-hood style bandits - and was a way to retaliate against an oppressive regime - to rob from the rich and give to the poor. In later years, Lenin attempted to wipe them out, but failed, and when Stalin took over, people were thrown into gulags (labor camps) where the most powerful criminals worked their way up in the organization to become "thieves-in-law." They conveyed their status through complicated tattoos, which are still used by Russian mobsters today. It should be noted here however, that Vlad is considering changing his research topic as it is very difficult to find reputed sources to validate and authenticate findings. Vlad completed his research on how to putt and has already handed in his paper.

Alexa was absent.

After placing another analytical framework for the novel on the whiteboard, Olivia examined the text, and we discussed the literary significance of Huck's staging his own "death" as well as Huck's constantly assuming a new name or identity. We explored the novel form as a means of illustrating character development and self discovery . In. this regard, Huck's "rebirth" and constant assuming of new names evidence an identity crisis followed by the development of a new or different person at the end of the novel. We further noted examples of lyric romanticism in the descriptions of Jackson Island and extrapolated from that notion the implicit reference to an early America as almost a biblical paradise free from corruption. Olivia participated in class discussion on all of these topics. For homework, I assigned reading the next two chapters of the novel.

Alexa was absent today.

This class was scheduled for Alexa to work on her project which is a presentation board with information and in-text citations on the major writings and works we have studied and that will be covered further in the next couple of weeks.

The first hour and a half of Alexa's classwork today was spent on Pride and Prejudice. We read chapter by chapter and then she answered my Socratic questioning thoughtfully. She showed excellent comprehension of the text and critical thinking on the inferences and assumptions. We discussed the time period and culture behind the story and how it affected the thoughts and actions and decisions of the characters. We discussed the foil between the two male protagonists to this point.

Vlad worked to put final touches on "How to Putt" project: inserted more "tips," added two more videos, did some rewording, printed black and white copy to go through final proofreading. That took up one hour and 15 minutes. The remaining 45 minutes I was in conference with Vlad's mother. Went through her desire to reinforce skills. I told her that I had no real concerns. Stressed the writing strategies Vlad is being taught, the re-writing that is reinforcing organizational, developmental, and more practical, mechanical skills Vlad is practicing with each writing assignment. Stressed how the research paper requirements built into his course will prepare Vlad for college. Agreed that Vlad is behind his grade level in grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary; but emphasized that Vlad makes up for that with his strong desire to learn and achieve.

Vlad added videos to his How to Putt slide show. Had to trouble shoot getting videos to Hard Drive; trouble shoot why transfer not going through. Goal: Read step, then see video. Effort put into matching script and video. New Goal: Read, Hear, and See. Vlad to research how to do a voice over of Vlad reading script while audience views video. Vlad to have all aspects of How to Putt presentation done by Wednesday.

Alexa and I discussed the last book that we had read together. We finally discussed the conclusion. We talked about the author's use of foreshadowing throughout. Alexa said that she knew all along that some of the characters were figments of the protagonist's imagination. She also explained how she knew--Alexa is very perceptive.