GT and I discussed the vocabulary activities that he completed on his own last week. We discussed and I provided support with the one activity that he struggled a little with; for the most part, he did quite well. We then watched a TED talk by Rosie King an autistic teenager as an introduction to the novel. We read an interview with the author about his novel. We then began our study of the novel. Ironically, GT shared that he saw the play of this novel at the Kravis Center last year. He is anxious to read the novel. He volunteered to read some for homework today.

We were to continue our study of the novel and to discuss the vocabulary lessons.

Taylor was absent.

GT wrote a first copy of a poem. The poem has a specific format on the topic of "Where I am From." He continued to work to build vocabulary. He used the context of the sentence to determine word meaning. Then he created synonyms and antonyms of the vocabulary words.

I introduced GT to the Sadlier Vocabulary series. I explained how the activities in the book work. I explained how the new vocabulary words will assist him in his future studies and are also good preparation for the ACT. We began the very first lesson. We explored the first few exercises together. GT did quite well.

Abby and I continued our study of the novel. We answered the study guide questions and furthered our discussion of the work. We analyzed the relationship between the two main characters. We also previewed what lessons we will continue to study in her vocabulary book.

GT and I completed a short Grammar pre-test on fragments, comma splices and run-on sentences. We did it interactively. I gave him immediate feedback as he completed each question. We also worked on his poem which he will complete and turn in to me on google. GT then shared some of his love for music. We looked at some of his original lyrics. We are going to revise them to be written with better line balance/division... GT is a very talented young man.

Abby and I continued our study of the novel. We answered the accompanying study guide questions as a springboard for our discussion. We discussed Hemingway's life and how his life parallels his novel. We continued reading the next two chapters. We also talked about double journal entries highlighting important /meaningful quotes throughout the novel. Abby will answer some of the study guide questions for homework.

I introduced the "Where I Come From" poem by George Ella Lyon. We talked about her poem. I shared with GT my personal version of my "Where I come From." I played Alan Jackson's song"Where I Come From". GT began writing his own version of "Where I Come From." We will continue with the poem tomorrow. We talked about some novels that we could study. I talked about a few books, and GT chose THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME by Mark Haddon.

Abby and I continued our study of the novel. We read several chapters. I also provided Abby with a character list from the novel. We discussed the characterization techniques that the author uses. Abby will begin to answer the accompanying study guide questions for homework.