Jayden read, analyzed, and discussed a Dylan Thomas' poem. She then read and discussed the first chapter of Jeanette Walls's nonfiction memoir The Glass Castle.
It was lovely to meet Jaydn today and to learn more about her. She shared that she loves creative writing, reading and philosophy. Jaydn says she loves to ask questions, too! This will serve her well in history class. We discussed expository writing, what it is and that I would like to help Jaydn develop and feel comfortable with the kind of expository writing skills that are part of the study of history. It was lovely to meet Jaydn and I look forward to teaching her this year!
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Since Jaydn is in 10th grade, I was under the impression that her history class this year would be Modern World History. However, Jaydn's schedule says "US History." Jaydn says she did take a class entitled "World History" last year. She recalls studying ancient civilizations, indigenous tribes and the Black Plague. Jaydn recalls studying "really, really old history" last year. She found her history curriculum last year to be frustrating because it jumped around too much. As Jaydn and I spoke, I was able to assess substantive gaps in Jaydn's history education to date. For instance, her history course last year ended with Black Death (1346 - 1353.) 9th grade "Early World History" usually ends around the early 17th century. Most 10th graders in the U.S. take "Modern World History," and I strongly recommend Jaydn take Modern World History this year. This course usually begins with the Industrial Revolution, but I have no problem starting the course prior to the Industrial Revolution for Jaydn. After spending an hour with Jaydn today, I strongly recommend that Jaydn study "Modern World History" in 10th grade and like most American high school students, take "United States History" in 11th grade.
We discussed the topic for the first short story we will write. We tried to pick a topic other than horror, but it seems Jaydn really wants to work on horror, so probably this first short story we write will be in that genre. Next time we will begin by outlining the story, and if we have time we will begin drafting.
I went over the three types of linear graphs with Jaydn: vertical lines, horizontal lines, and oblique lines and how to identify the equations of each one. I then explained how to find the standard form and the slope-intercept form. We went through examples of each one. There was no assignment.
Assignment
See Lesson Outline.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
60
Lesson Comments
Jaydn is very interested in learning and tries to do problems when requested. Right now, she is still reviewing and has to remember a lot from her algebra 1.
We discussed the SI base units (temperature, mass, time, etc.) and prefixes (centi, deci, mega). We also talked about derived units (volume, density), etc. We discussed the water displacement method to find the volume of an object and how to use the density equation.
Assignment
Video on water displacement method, circled problems on print out
Today, I spent most of the session getting to know Jaydn and her academic English background. I discussed the syllabus with her. I really look forward to working with her this year. She is very special.
We reviewed the syllabus and safety features of the lab (eye wash, fire alarm, etc). I did a small demonstration in which we extinguished a candle by pouring carbon dioxide onto it from a beaker. The carbon dioxide was made by reacting vinegar with baking soda. We then placed candles at different heights and covered them with a jar to see which would extinguish first (the tallest candle). Students were asked questions about what chemical reactions were performed, what fire needs to burn, the density of carbon dioxide, how temperature affects density, etc. We then discussed matter, branches of chemistry, and the scientific method.
Today we went over the course expectations. We discussed what the student likes to read and write. Moving forward, we will begin working on writing projects; we will also be reading short literary pieces in order to fuel the writing sessions. As we copyedit the work we will be moving toward mastering grammar, syntax, and style.
