Bella began the session by writing an outline for a 5-paragraph essay. We discussed the elements for a high-level essay. We began with just writing the first paragraph making sure she understood an attention-grabbing opening followed by a clearly stated thesis statement. She then understood she must have three completely different supports for her thesis so she does not repeat herself when writing the essay. She ended the first paragraph with a quote that would clearly transition into her second paragraph. She then reviewed SAT vocabulary being studied by playing a digital game. She then reviewed the first two chapters of the novel being read and then read the third chapter of A Thousand Splendid Suns. We discussed the comparisons of the two major characters at this point in the novel.
1-4 Literal Equations and Formulas – We learned that literal equations are equations with two or more variables. They are solved by rewriting the equation to highlight the variable of interest. Next we learned to use formulas and equations to solve problems.
Assignment: For homework complete assigned problems.
The Constitutional Convention & the Great Compromise
Lesson Outline
One thing the Articles of Confederation accomplished was the implementation of western ordinances in the mid 1780s to organize newly acquired "western" - today's midwestern states. The Ordinance of 1785 & the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 made settlement of the Northwest Territory organized and stable. But still, the call to revise the Articles led to the Constitutional Convention that began in May 1787 in Philadelphia. Of the 55 delegates in attendance, Native Americans, African Americans and women were not represented. George Washington was chosen to preside over the meetings. Issues would be decided by majority - not unanimous voting. We reviewed the VA & NJ Plans that led to the "Great Compromise". It was the first of many examples of compromise that contributed to the framing of the new government. Another compromise is disturbing as it pertains to slavery. The southern states wanted to include enslaved people in their population counts to gain representation in the new House of Representatives. Northern states objected because enslaved people were not citizens at this time. However, northern states needed the southern states' support for the new government. Delegates decided on a Three-Fifths Compromise in which southern states could count each of the slaves as 3/5 of a person. Another issue at the Convention was the slave trade. By 1787, Northern states wanted to prohibit the slave trade while the Southern states did not. The compromise on this issue was that Congress could limit the slave trade beginning in 1808.
Assignment
Read pp. 199 - 205, Answer the question: What was the "Great Compromise?"
Today, Bella was given time to study for her upcoming quiz on the 55 essential verbs.
She was then given time to work on her Spanish quiz project. She had questions about the quiz's 60 reflexive verbs. I helped her to build her confidence by providing diminishing supports throughout the activity and asking comprehension questions.
Bella wrote an essay today centered around the use of vivid adjectives to create specific images in the mind of the writer. Bella wrote a three paragraph essay introducing her brother Sam. She first described his personality and then went on to describe him physically. She ended the essay combining the ideas and summarizing his overall traits. She enjoyed the writing assignment.
Today we talked about Dynamics, and the different symbols that are used in music for variations in sound volume. Bella sang some exercises, then Bohemian Rhapsody.
Assignment
To copy out the various Dynamics symbols from supplied cards and learn.
Bella was given a brief amount of time to self-assess her current level of comfort with the verbs on her list.
She was then quizzed on the portion of the verbs with which she was most familiar. She will be quizzed at the end of this week on the section of verbs with which she was least familiar.
We discussed technology issues that have presented themselves for her Spanish Quiz Project. We brainstormed some solutions. We arrived at a solution that is not as ideal as the original plan but a beneficial new plan.
1-3 Solving Equations with a Variable on Both Sides – The properties of equality are used to solve equations that have variables on each side. Then we learned to identify whether linear equations have one solution, infinitely many solutions, or no solution.
Assignment: For homework complete assigned problems.
