This afternoon we continued to practice our note taking skills during our review of the LIFE video. We were able to witness that recording key facts can be challenging when the visual subject matter is distracting. Many of the graphics during this video are amazing and it is easy for a student to forget what they are doing which we experienced several times. Organizing the raw data will be the next challenge as we wrap up the video later in the week.

Kai and I worked on studying for his upcoming math test on multiplication and division of decimals, fractions and mixed numbers. We practiced and practiced the skills for each of these, and had fun doing it. Kai felt confident at the end of the session. I also gave Kai some note-taking templates for other classes to use if and when he ever needs them. We will have a Skype study session on Monday evening, the night before his math test on Tuesday.

Introductory session. We got to know each other and talked about strengths and weaknesses in school. We did online math homework together and then studied briefly for Josh's upcoming social studies test. I can't wait to find out how he did.

We began our lesson by reviewing the parts of speech quickly and then the different types of subordinate clauses. Kai practiced identifying these clauses in different sample sentences. We discussed the correct use of a comma in using subordinate clauses and in joining independent clauses. Next, we read from Lord of the Flies. We discussed imagery, setting, character development, and historical context as we read. Next we moved on to math. Kai practiced three-digit multiplication with much success. Then we reviewed the FSA from 5th grade to see common concepts tested in tricky ways. Kai needed help digesting some of the question forms in order to know where to start.

Today was my initial session with Van. I worked on building a rapport with him and discussed his interests. Van opened up and became more talkative as the hour went on and he responded well to humorous remarks. He read an on level grade book aloud with me and he read with great expression.I checked his comprehension skills by asking questions during the story and he was able to answer 70% with accuracy. It was a pleasure working with Van and I look forward to our next session.

Today Zach and I reviewed excerpts from US History from 1740s-1840s. Zach answered practice questions and we discussed his answers, reviewed content, and went over elimination techniques.

Today, Symone read an informational passage, listened to an interview and analyzed a data chart on the same topic to prepare for answering comprehension questions. Next, she did a number of practice math problems from the FSA math test.

Today, Symone and I read a dual reading passage. We discussed tone, similarities, differences, writing style, and the character's motivations. Symone then answered questions that related to both passages. Next, Symone practiced a number of questions from the FSA math questions in preparation for the upcoming assessment.

Today we reviewed the Pythagorean theorem and distance formula. Symone did a number of practice problems, and then we moved on to reading comprehension. Symone read a fiction passage from the FSA and answered the accompanying questions.

Today, Symone put her elimination strategies into practice after reading an FSA sample passage. She answered two-part questions, and we discussed how to link the answers for each part of the question. Next, we went over using the Pythagorean Theorem to find the distance between two coordinate points, then we practiced finding the distance between two points using only the distance formula, without graphing. I taught Symone to use the number line when she is confused about how to add or subtract two negatives.