Ayden and I continued to research for his paper. He found a website from the Autism Foundation in Great Britain. We watched the video and took notes but noticed that some of the information (such as the statistics) were outdated. Nonetheless, we cited it using APA format and added it to the reference page. We searched for a scientific article and found an appropriate source from the CDC. We will read it and take notes tomorrow.
Today, Ayden and I began the process of writing a research paper. The subject is autism, using the most recent novel to illustrate the facts. First, we delineated a proper outline for a five-paragraph essay (introduction, three body paragraphs, conclusion.) Next, we researched two appropriate sources (one website and one video.) Ayden took notes on each source, and I taught him how to cite each source using APA citation. To conclude, we reviewed Ayden's list of ACT vocabulary words on Quizlet.
We reviewed the ACT vocabulary list, and Ayden chose two words to add to the deck. I am so pleased that Ayden is taking charge of the process, actively choosing the words to add. I'm noticing a more nuanced understanding of the words. We finished the novel! What a lovely book. I introduced Ayden to the essay assignment, a research paper. The subject is autism, using the novel to illustrate the concepts. I will help him research, write a formal outline and paper, incorporate in-text APA citations and APA reference page. If time allows, I would like Ayden to produce a Google docs presentation. My goal is to mirror what will be expected of Ayden in college.
Assignment
none
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
I'm a little worried that Ayden is too attached to me. He was wounded by the math situation but is acting uncharacteristically clingy. Of course, he is completely polite and appropriate; I'm just a little worried about him. Let's talk.
After a brief review of vocabulary and the addition of one new word, Ayden and I co-read several chapters of the novel.
Assignment
60
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
For much of the session, I listened to Ayden taught about the conversation that he overheard. He is very hurt. I reiterated that the teacher "didn't understand dyslexia," and that seemed to help.
To begin, Ayden and I reviewed his ACT vocabulary flashcards. Ayden chose two new words from the list and made virtual flashcards with the word, definition, and a sentence. Next, we co-read several chapters of the novel. I believe we will finish the next session. I will introduce our concluding project, a research paper on autism (incorporating the novel). We will do all research and writing in class.
Ayden and I co-read several chapters of the novel. The protagonist is on a train, trying to get to his mother in London. The author does a good job conveying the stimulation over-load experience by someone with autism. The dialogue is often amusing as well. We discussed the imagination it took to write and to make the novel into a Broadway play.
Assignment
none
Session Minutes
30
Minutes Student Attended
30
Lesson Comments
Ayden was relieved about the resolution to his math schedule. He deleted the first video but wanted to show his mother the second. I was afraid to make too big a deal about it. I just said, "Be sure and tell your mother that your schedule has been changed and everything is ok. We can delete it tomorrow." I will make sure he deletes the second video tomorrow.
We reviewed the ACT vocabulary cards, and Ayden added two words to the virtual stack. We co-read several chapters of the novel, pausing to discuss. Ayden is doing great work, and I am very proud of him.
Assignment
none
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
I was supposed to work with Ayden for 90 minutes. Full disclosure, Will called me sobbing just before class, and I had to pause to help him work through a problem with his statistics class. I will make up whatever time Ayden needs to meet his requirements. I texted Ayden in real-time and was honest that it was a "mom thing." He was sympathetic and understanding. Our 60 minutes were productive.
First, we reviewed the growing list of ACT words. Ayden chose two more words from the list and made Quizlet flashcards with definitions and sentences for each. Next, we co-read the book. Ayden is reading well and making excellent predictions.
Assignment
none
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
I keep forgetting to talk to you, but Ayden shared a video with me that he made during his math class with Jim. I didn't think it was inappropriate (Jim was strict, but not mean), but I promised Ayden that I would share it with you. For some reason, he is scared to show you. He has shown his mom, who said to show it to me. I don't want to judge a colleague (I don't even know Jim) and don't want to be in the middle. Also, I am considering having Ayden write a research paper about autism to conclude our study of the novel (the main character has autism). Will has had to write several research papers at Lynn (most recent due on Monday), and I recognize that this is a skill that Ayden doesn't have. Will required a lot of support. What do you think? Also, I asked Andy his opinion, and he remarked that Ayden doesn't write at all in his class. I suggested trying a few short answer questions, and he said he would. I hope that was ok.
At Mrs. Dgani's request, I helped Ayden access the SCOIR website, a college search tool. We discussed the process of choosing a college, and I suggested that Ayden might benefit from meeting with the college counselor at Batt. Next, we co-read several chapters of the novel.
Assignment
none
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
I worry that Denise expects me to remediate Ayden's dyslexia, teach English 11, review for the ACT, and help him decide where to apply for college.
