I continued to go over the chapter review problems and the chapter test problems including simplifying radical expressions, multiplying and dividing radical expressions, and rationalizing denominators. There was no assignment.

Today Sam and I started our Spanish class with a very fun activity (warm up) "Integrating videos into Spanish class” in order to improve fluency /speaking skills.Today we watched "5 Techniques to speak any language"-TED. We spoke about the importance of learning another language. Also we spoke about Sid the speaker who is a resident hyper-polyglot. He grew up in Brazil and after some journeying around the world, he now lives an exciting life in New York where he works as a Sugar Trader.
Teaching has always been one of his passions and he has led groups of young leaders since 2006. He has given workshops, talks and classes in 3 different continents and is currently a Master Teacher in Skill-share where he teaches classes on nurturing happiness and learning foreign languages.
Sid is also the founder of I Embrace You (formerly called Hug Don't Hate), based in Boston. After presiding over the organization and leading over 100 volunteers annually, he was recognized with the top leadership award in his graduating class at Boston University. Then, Sam read aloud Vocabulary from text book page 69: Describing Others,Appearance, features, personality, Describing Clothing, What one is wearing, clothing, colors, other words and phrases.

We worked on reviewing proportions with variables. Sam knew to cross-multiply and then solve the equations. I showed her how she could reduce some of the fractions that were large before cross multiplying. This helped her avoid having to multiply really large numbers. She did a great job with the work.
We also looked at review questions on number lines and midpoint. She easily knew how to identify the midpoint between 2 points.

Sam took good notes on the purpose and effect of third parties. Specifically, we looked at the impact of Ross Perot's candidacy on the Bush/Clinton election, and the impact of Ralph Nader's candidacy on the Bush/ Gore election. These candidates often bring attention to an issue,but serve as "spoilers" influencing the result of elections. I then outlined on the whiteboard the terms "voter turn out" and "voter apathy" and commented on the impact of voter apathy on a democratic system of government. For example, in the last presidential election ,only about 58-60% of eligible voters participated. Sam outlined all of the amendments to the Constitution that expanded voting rights. Sam's homework on voting requirements and registration was complete and well done. During our second hour, we expanded on the issue of voting rights by discussing the National Voter Registration Act , and Florida's closed primary system i.e. the requirement that a registered voter be a member of a party to vote in that party's primary. Last, we examined a sample ballot from the last election, and Sam identified the major party candidates, independent candidates, and third party candidate. For homework, I assigned reading pages 303-308,and questions 1,2, and 4.

In preparation for tomorrow's quiz on the federal judiciary,we reviewed the definitions of original and appellate jurisdiction, concurrent jurisdiction, and general jurisdiction. Apropos this discussion ,we reviewed Sam's homework discussing the landmark case of Marbury v Madison. Sam's paragraphs were very well done, and we again reviewed the few instances where the US Supreme Court has original jurisdiction. Next, we discussed the differences in the platforms between the two major parties in the US, and the difficulty third parties encounter in trying to get their candidates in office. For homework, I assigned studying for the quiz on the judiciary , reading pgs 268-275, and answering questions on pg 275. This reading on the voting process and voting qualifications is particularly relevant to Sam as she will soon turn 18!

I continued to work with Samantha to review topics including combinations of radical expressions after simplification procedures, properties of rational exponents, composites and inverses of functions.
We finished the chapter review from the text and I told Sam that we would continue to review during the next lesson using the chapter test from the text. There was no assignment.

Today Sam read "Lord of the Flies" and worked on comprehension questions.

Sam learned about the difference between salary and wages, productivity and intro to the 4 Factors of Production. Next Class: More on the 4 Factors of Production and intro to Financial Statements.

Sam and I continued our study of the novel. We began discussing her homework. Sam had difficulty answering the last question. We discussed and answered it. Sam does nice work understanding the novel, and she likes to make predictions of what is going to happen. We read and studied chapter five. Sam will try to answer the accompanying study guide questions for homework.

Today our warm-up activity was "Integrating videos in Spanish class” in order to improve fluency /speaking skills. How to maintain a healthy brain, “12 tips for a healthy brain from -Paco Mora Neuroscientific” Paco Mora gives these 12 tips to delay the aging of the brain and postpone the arrival of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's or senile dementia. Tips for a healthy brain
Tips for a healthy brain:
1. Eat less and healthier.
2. Sports on a regular basis.
3. LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE.(we spoke about benefits of a bilingual brain)
4. Travel a lot.
5. Live accompanied.
6. Adapt to the changes.
7. Avoid chronic stress.
8. No smoking.
9. Sleep well.
10. Avoid the emotional blackout.
11. Appreciation.
12. Enjoy the little things.
Clearly, this video added fun and flavor to our Spanish class, which boosts engagement and memory as well. Then Sam read aloud (Text book pages 66,67) examples to describe people, what people like, what people are wearing, and how to describe friends). Sam took a spelling quiz.