Cabo took an assessment test on SAT vocabulary studied from the beginning of this school year. He then discussed the theme of family dynamics and discussed how the author used metaphor to express the dynamics of the character of Laila with her mother. Cabo recognized the metaphors and explained them in relation to the theme.

I wanted Bella today to develop the ability to read quickly by accessing information about a main character and finding as many facts as possible to support a thesis. Before reading I gave her the statement that Miriam is subjugated and isolated. After reading the chapter of A Thousand Splendid Suns, I asked her to orally discuss the thesis and refer back to the chapter and insert text to support her statements.

As Matthew is still working on completing his essay test on the novel, we first reviewed his draft notes and draft essay and examined how to complete the discussion on the influence of Tolstoy and London on Chris McCandles' choices. I then introduced in general terms our next literary work, Shakespeare's "Macbeth." I discussed the mystery behind much of Shakespeare's life and the Globe Theatre. Matthew raised interesting historical questions about what is known about the Globe and how we know it. I discussed the archeological surveys in the area and talked about the historical controversy as to the size of stage and as to whether Shakespeare could have written all of the plays. HW-Complete essay on "Into the Wild".

Jaydn wrote an essay on the theme of isolation and the Afghanistan man's insistence of a woman wearing a burqa. After completing the essay, Jaydn read, discussed and analyzed chapter 17 of A Thousand Splendid Suns. She then reviewed SAT vocabulary.

We began the session with grammar and the correct use of commas when writing appositives. Cabo then took a quiz on the SAT vocabulary studied last week. He then read, discussed, and analyzed chapter 19 of A Thousand Splendid Suns.

Bella read and analyzed the next chapter of the novel being read. She then wrote a short paper analyzing the effect of the minor character of Nana on the character of Miriam. She continued the study of SAT vocabulary.

We worked on revising Matthew's test essay on "into the Wild" by substituting details and textual support for generalized statements and descriptions. I directed Matthew's attention to specific pages in the book and demonstrated how to incorporate details and quotes into his essay. We then studied the prompt to clarify how Thoreau's writings influenced Chris McCandles. We discussed the difference between exploring the spiritual side of life as Thoreau advocated and seeking to find something much more abstract such as the meaning of existence. We also noted Thoreau's emphasis on rejecting societal conformity. After placing these ideas into the essay, we examined how Chris' life might exemplify some of Thoreau's values. Last, I demonstrated how to draft a transition to a discussion of Jack London's influences on Chris. I additionally provided written comments on Matthew's homework essay on Chris McCandles as either a "pilgrim or an arrogant narcissist"HW- complete revisions of both essays.

Jaydn discussed the theme of abuse and how it is affecting the protagonist of Miriam and the antagonist Rasheed. She compared Miriam's abuse to the abuse the Afghanistan people are suffering at the hands of their government and the revolution. She then reviewed the SAT vocabulary being studied. She used the words in sentences about the characters and storyline of the novel being read.

Cabo read and discussed two chapters from A Thousand Splendid Suns. We discussed the Afghanistan conflicts of 1978 and 1979 and its effect on the people. Cabo then connected the effects of the war with the characters in the novels. He then reviewed his SAT vocabulary.

Matthew was absent because he took the PERT exam today .