Today, Robin and I met via Skype. She finished the essay portion of Test 1, writing a sample travel journal. I graded the entire exam. She earned a 96%. Well done!

I subbed for Monica who left a test for Robin to work on. She completed the first two parts of the test, and has Part III left.

Today, Robin and I met via Skype. We went over the entire study guide for Test 1, which will take place next class meeting. She knew all of the vocabulary terms and asked me to review the genres and historical eras. When we were finished, we were both confident that she understood the material.

Today, Robin and I reviewed new vocabulary terms, the historical era, and the works of Ben Franklin, including excerpts from his autobiography and almanac. We discussed Franklin's obsession with virtues such as humility, sincerity, and cleanliness, as well as many of his proverbs. I gave her a study guide for her upcoming exam.

Robin was late today, due to a delayed doctor's appointment. We used the last 20 minutes of class to review the two worksheets on Edwards' "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" regarding sermon, imagery, metaphor, simile, and theme.

Today, Robin and I reviewed the following readings: "Huswifery" by Edwards and "To My Dear and Loving Husband" by Bradstreet. We discussed Puritan values, challenges, and writing styles. We also discussed the literary term Apostrophe (or direct reference), the value of paraphrasing to increase understanding, and the historical period. She completed a three page worksheet during class, which we graded together. Great success.

Today, Robin and I began our session by reviewing narrative form, specifically the narrative journal. Topics discussed: impact of point of view, purpose, audience, diction, time in history. We read an excerpt from the journal of Christopher Columbus, as well as a journal entry of John Smith. We noted the different words used to address the same people--Native Americans were called "natives" by Columbus, but called "savages" and "barbarians" by Smith. The values of both authors came through in their diction. We will continue reading the work of American Colonists tomorrow.

Student was absent today.

Today, Robin and I reviewed the three origin myths she read for homework--"The Earth on the Turtle's Back," among others. We looked into the style, word choice, values, and influence of nature in each tale, as she worked on her vocabulary and literature worksheet.
After the literary discussion, she made up her own origin myth, choosing the make the earth a fallen star, and the ocean a sea of tears that fell from the melancholic, sorrowful Northern Lights who cried for their fallen friend. Very imaginative, wonderful moment in our class. She will type up her story for homework.

On a side note: We are still waiting for her 10th grade final essay because her computer is giving her a very hard time and it's saved on her hard drive. Jackie gave Robin some advise regarding this, and I gave Robin a photocopy of her old draft, in case she would need to retype the essay in order to complete and submit it to us.

Jared started his Stanford Testing today.