Ben continues to practice cursive writing. He matched adjectives to the nouns they described. Given sentences, Ben did well identifying the adjective and the noun it described. We reviewed the concept chart and research notes on the Molly fish from last session. Ben used the concept chart to choose the order in which he would write about the facts researched. He then wrote paragraph about the Molly fish using both his research notes and concept chart. The CUPS strategy of editing was utilized.

Ben continues to learn and practice cursive writing. Nouns, verbs and pronouns were reviewed. Ben was tasked with identifying the parts of speech within given sentences. He wrote a short paragraph about his family's trip to Tampa for his brother's tournament. CUPS strategy for editing was utilized. Ben wanted to research Molly fish. He completed a concept web identifying what questions he wanted to answer and include in his expository writing. Each question was researched and notes were taken. Ben drew a picture of a Molly fish. Next session, he will begin his expository essay using the notes taken today.

I gave Ben his Minecraft sword along with the reference so that he would place paint in the correct areas. He was able to complete two coats of blue over the sword's surface.

Ben started a new book, "Gizmo and Wedgie," a funny fantasy fiction story told from two pets' perspectives. In addition to the pets' tales, the humans' story is written in a reader's theater format. Ben is enjoying using his voice to distinguish the characters.

Ben practiced the letters r and t in cursive writing. Common and personal nouns, verbs and pronouns were reviewed. Given a passage, Ben did well identifying the nouns and verbs within the text. Ben was tasked with listing what he did today. He then wrote a paragraph about his day using time order and descriptive words. Ben benefits from encouragement and leading questions to include descriptive words in his writing.

Ben previewed two books that he may want to read next. We used the covers, summaries, and illustrations to get an idea of each book's content. Ben chose a book about a mysterious library and a puzzling game. We read the first two chapters, learning about the characters and the story setting, before deciding that this isn't a book we want to continue reading. We will try the next book on Thursday.

Ben practiced writing w and t in cursive. Past tense verbs were reviewed. Ben did well identifying past tense verbs and changing present tense verbs to past tense. The importance of titles was discussed. Ben practiced creating titles for short stories we read together. Additionally, we talked about each story having a beginning, middle and end, as well as a problem and solution. Ben wrote an outline of a story creating the story elements listed.

Ben indicated that he would like to learn about the building of the White House. We watched an animated video on the subject and read "The Story of the White House for Kids". We also read sections of "The White House for Kids" selecting only parts that were of interest. We attempted a virtual tour, but it left a bit to be desired.

Ben practiced writing cursive letters u and w. Focus was on writing up and down the same line when warranted. He confidently identified action verbs in given sentences. Ben dictated the steps involved in brushing his teeth. He then used the dictated steps to write the process in a paragraph, using time order words. Ben enjoyed making a large, paper toothbrush from which to hang his paragraph. Additionally, we talked about the importance of story titles. After reading short stories, Ben chose the appropriate titles for the different stories.

Ben completed the story of Stone Fox today with its surprising ending. He pointed out clues from early in the story that foreshadowed Searchlight's tragic death. He also gave his opinion and recommendation for reading the book. We talked about the theme, and Ben decided it was simply "love." We looked a bit more closely at the character Stone Fox and what we might learn from his actions in the story.