Katya and I discussed the vocabulary cards that she created for the vocabulary for the novel. They are spectacular, complete with illustrations. We continued reading the novel. We stopped to discuss the content/language of the difficult novel. We also looked at the accompanying study guide/discussion questions. Katya will answer a few of the questions for homework.

Alexa and I continued reading and annotating the novel. We discussed some possible paper topics for the book. We discussed how to and what to annotate. We also stopped to discuss clues the author provides to determine the qualities of the protagonist.

Critiqued progress made on Process Paper... Identified where further visuals will be needed... Identified where wording need improving to accurately describe procedure... Spotted and corrected word choice problems, comma errors... Discussed adding statistics (performance of professional golfers, scratch golfers, average golfers)... Decision: not appropriate for the focus and purpose of this paper... Vlad to complete adding needed visuals...To do that, discussed getting IT help from Marcus... Moved on to next writing assignment: "Definition Paper." Vlad asked to research "Forms of Governments." Assignment to use list to choose one form of government for his "Definition Paper." Went through overview of difference between a "C" paper, a "B" paper, and an "A" paper... Noted: Discussion could be brief, giving only definition and brief discussion, and that would result in a "C." Discussion could add discussion of three examples of form of government, and that would result in a "B." Discussion could give three examples, and go on to discuss what X form of government is not; discussion of conflicting definitions or inadequate definitions; weaknesses of that form of government, dangers of that form of government; threats to that form of government...

We continued reading the novel. We had an excellent discussion about what we had read. Alexa provided unique insight into the text. We also discussed the possibilities for a paper. Alexa has decided to write a character analysis of the protagonist in the novel. As we move forward in the text, Alexa will read and annotate marking textual evidence/interesting passages in the book which will support her analysis.

Katya and I created a vocabulary list of difficult words from the novel. Katya is researching the words and creating creative flashcards complete with illustrations for the words. She is doing this to better help her understand the novel. We also continued reading aloud from the book stopping to clarify meaning and vocabulary.

Katya and I continued our study of the novel. We read a brief biography from Book Rags about Nathaniel Hawthorne. We discussed the author's connection to his work. We then continued reading and studying from the book. Katya is annotating the text especially marking the difficult vocabulary. She will go back through the text and define the difficult vocabulary for homework.

Focused on practice ACT reading section...

Alexa and I discussed her writing assignment for the nine weeks. We discussed what comprises a personal narrative. Alexa began drafting. She will share with me, and I will conference with her on it. We will discuss the rubric.

Katya and I completed Lesson one Parts A & B in the vocabulary book. We also completed the application exercises. I then provided a brief introduction to THE SCARLET LETTER and Nathaniel Hawthorne. I provided some accompanying study guide questions to the novel. We began to read and study the book. Katya will create her vocabulary flashcards for the next lesson in her vocabulary book for homework.

English units of ACT practice,focusing on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, organization, main idea, and development.