Sam and I began LORD OF THE FLIES. We watched an introductory presentation on the novel. Sam took notes on the presentation which featured topics for themes in the novel. We began reading the novel.
We discussed meditation and how although there are many different types and methods of meditation, that any type of meditation is a practice that involves mastering oneself usually through training the mind. I explained how there are new scientific studies coming out continually, with an enormous amount of already-existing research that demonstrate the power of mind over matter, and suggests that not only can thoughts and emotions influence the body, but how intent, thoughts, and emotions can even influence the very structure of matter, as we have discussed in our physics classes many times. I gave the example of how people go to the gym to work out and train their body, so why not train the mind if it can even be regarded as more important and the driving force of the body itself? We talked about how there are a wide variety of meditation techniques that have different aims, goals, and effects and can even alter the brain and body differently. I gave some examples of different methods of meditation that aim to master one's mental and emotional states, and compared them to other meditation techniques (such as Tummo) that are used to master the body and alter physiological processes for specific reasons.
I discussed the simple and more practical technique of mindfulness-style meditation which can be used anywhere or at anytime during the day, and is a method of meditation that focuses on being completely present in the moment and aware of the mental, emotional, and physical states while practicing acceptance, detachment, and passive observance.
Sam studied a Congressional apportionment map that reflected the number of members each state sends to the House of Representatives. We discussed the role of the census in Congressional apportionment, and then on the whiteboard I demonstrated the apportionment concepts of 'one man ,one vote" and gerrymandering as they apply to drawing district lines. Sam took good notes,asked good questions ,and made thoughtful comments .We then briefly discussed the role of congressional committees. For homework due Monday, Sam is competing as a take home exam the study guide questions on King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" and the US Supreme Court case of Shelby vs Holder.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
As Marcos was absent, I substituted for Sam's science or math teacher . I am not sure which subject was scheduled.
Math - The second part of the test was given. She finished on time. Physics - We discussed the similarities and differences between various light frequencies (rotating electric and magnetic fields) and sound frequencies. A comparison of the dynamics was given.
Math - A brief review for the test... The first part of the test was given...
Physics - We explored how frequencies from external stimuli such as sound and light can effect the brain wave frequencies and affect states of consciousness.
Today Sam and I reviewed Polite words(Greetings review for test) and helpful expressions(Class instructions). We practiced examples of real conversation applying this vocabulary. Then Sam read numbers aloud 0-1000.(Speaking/Listening Skills). After that we continued with the Textbook "En Espanol 1". Sam was able to practice the pronunciation of each letter of the Spanish alphabet backwards (pages 10-15) and Days of the week.Also we practiced conversations "What day it is today and tomorrow?".
Today was our first day, so we got to know each other, and spoke about what she has done with her previous instructor in this class and what we will do. I told her we will go through the chapter reviews at the end of each chapter, review what she needs, and correspond what she learns to the SAT and ACT.
Today Sam and I had an amazing experience. We had the wonderful opportunity to read in SPANISH to The Batt School Pre- K students. The story is called “I’m too big” Soy Demasiado Grande. Sam and I got an elephant and a giraffe to make our story more fun for kids. Sam did a wonderful job interacting with the little ones in Spanish. She was pretty fluent and her pronunciation was brilliant. Her performance in Spanish was terrific. The children were engaged by the story. The story was about an elephant and giraffe. Both were unhappy. One would like to be taller, the other shorter. One would like bigger ears, the other smaller ones. But finally, they agree. They like each other as they are. Our goal was interacting in Spanish by reading and having fun. It was great to see the children very interested, motivated and engaged with our story. They really enjoyed it and followed the story. They had the opportunity to listen and learn more Spanish. We took the time to stop and to point out pictures from the book and described character actions and problems and solutions from them. It was very rewarding to listen to the children acting surprised, and trying to find the right answer to our questions. After today’s experience we can’t agree more with this author “A good book is an event in my life.” – Stendhal
