Cabo completed a math quiz for homework. He then went right to reading the pages that were assigned in language arts. He finished his homework early and had some free time. We talked about the reward of having free time once his work was done rather than procrastinating and having his homework stretch out over the whole hour.

Cabo chose to complete his social studies homework first. He answered the assigned questions and then moved on to his math homework. Though he got frustrated with math, he perserved and finished the assignment. We organized his papers and folders at the end of the hour.

As there is a scheduled test on 5 short stories this week, I discussed with Matthew the salient literary features of four of the short stories he is studying in English class. . Since there appears to be a dearth of class notes being generated either in History or English, I further made some note taking suggestions . I then placed notes on the whiteboard on setting, themes, symbols, conflicts, and character which Matthew copied. In our discussions, I refreshed his memory on the details of a number of the stories and answered any open questions to assist his studying for the test.

Cabo had homework in three subjects. He immediately prioritized his homework based on interest first, then timing. Cabo completed the reading on Jackie Robinson for social studies first. He then completed his math homework. Cabo had seven pages left to read for language arts when the hour was over. He went right from one assignment to the next with very little encouragement. At the end of the hour, we organized his desk.

After a short break, Cabo read the pages assigned for language arts and then went directly to creating a research question for biology. He then asked what problems he needed to do for math and did his math homework without prompting. He finished his homework with time to spare! We talked about the satisfaction involved with getting his work done. He put away his homework and organized his work space for tomorrow.

Rory was absent this afternoon.

As Matthew's vocabulary work is due in the next day, I first reviewed his completed vocabulary homework and made suggestions where appropriate . Per his English teacher's online assignment, we next reviewed prepositions . I demonstrated how prepositions can be used to add details to a sentence and often signal the need for a comma . I placed some examples on the whiteboard, and Matthew correctly indicated comma placement . Last, we began working on the history paper on Buddhism that is due Friday. We examined the outline we had previously prepared , and I emphasized the importance of pre-writing organization by use of an outline. Based on the outline ,Matthew began writing the report first noting the distinctions between Buddhism and western religions and then explaining how Buddha's life story informs his beliefs. I directed Matthew to portions of the Armstrong book on Buddhism and had him place certain information into the report using his own words. While we only completed about the first third of the report, the outline provides a map and textual citations for Matthew to follow in order to finish the report.

After a 5 minute break, Cabo completed all of his math homework. With minimal encouragement, he then completed the reading assignment for language arts. He did not have homework in social studies or science tonight. We spent some time going though his folders and notebooks, organizing and getting rid of unnecessary papers.

Cabo was encouraged and redirected to his homework throughout the hour today. He completed his math homework. Cabo read some of the reading assignment, but did not complete reading the pages assigned. He ran out of time for his science homework. We talked about behavior, choices and consequences.

Matthew has two pending history assignments.We first addressed the homework due tomorrow on Ancient Rome. We watched a short video followed by Matthew's answering reading comprehension questions. I assisted where Matthew was uncertain. He then scored 100% on the online quiz which will be sent to his teacher. Next, we discussed his longer term project on Buddhism due next week. His teacher may have placed some restrictions on what he can complete outside of class.Nevertheless, we completed the outline by discussing modern practices in China and India and the role of the Dali Lama .I explained why the Dali Lama is in exile in India and deemed a political enemy of China by its government. Matthew placed this information in his outline and felt the outline would help him with the paper which he believes his teacher will have him write in class.