Aiden answered six assessment questions. Then I had him teach me what he learned from those answers as a way to reinforce his learning and gain confidence. He told me that I am "more like a worm then a jellyfish,” and he used his terminology to explain why.
We analyzed how a first person memoir often reveals more about the narrator than it does about the subject of the narration. In this regard, we studied the author's philosophy about simplicity and materialism as she praises the shabby homes in Cross Creek. Luxury is not a value. Likewise, we noted Rawlings' evaluation of the Glisson family who have improved their lives through hard work as she begrudges others whom she deems lazy. Last, we studied Rawlings' perspective on private property and the permanence of Nature vs the transience of Man. In addition, I distinguished and identified for clarity the numerous characters introduced in the opening chapters .
Causes and beginning of World War 2: Rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party of Germany
Assignment
Causes and beginning of World War 2: Rise of Hitler and the Nazi Party of Germany. Hitler's defiance of Treaty of Versailles. Germany's attack of Poland. List of Axis Countries vs Allied nations.
Session Minutes
45
Minutes Student Attended
45
Lesson Comments
During today's session on the causes and beginning of World War 2, Aiden had a clear understanding of why Germany attacked Poland and how Hitler was able to build significant support from the Nazi Party and rapidly increase the size of the military.
Determine the Solution of a Pair of Linear Functions
Lesson Outline
Determine the Solution of a Pair of Linear Functions
Assignment
Handout Worksheet on Solutions of a Pair of Linear Functions: Two methods : Determining the point
of Intersection of two linear graphs with unequal slopes by graphing and through simultaneous equation solving.
Session Minutes
45
Minutes Student Attended
45
Lesson Comments
During today's session on determining the solution of simultaneous linear functions by graphing and by
Algebraic manipulation, Aiden was attentive and well-focused .
The student successfully completed his poster project. He carefully colored the poster and included all the required information in Spanish, demonstrating both effort and understanding of the content.
In yesterday’s Upper School Studio class, I showed the class The American Alphabet by artist Heidi Cody. Each letter of the alphabet from A to Z is represented by the first letter of a well-known American product logo. For Example: A is from All Laundry Detergent, B is from Bubblicious Bubble Gum, C is from Campbell’s Soup, and so on. We talked about the identity of these products from popular American culture. Then I showed them the video Looking Past Symbolism: Meaning in Dutch Still Life Painting presented by Smarthistory.org. We learned about iconography: the use of symbols or images to signify meaning and concepts. I introduced them to the concept of the 17th Century vanitas style of painting that depicts the transient character of youth, beauty, and wealth. For today's class, Aiden has selected his objects that he plans to draw, and he started sketching his ideas.
Assignment
Aiden will keep thinking about the objects for his vanitas drawing and will bring in his books with skulls and possibly an hourglass timer.
Today we explored how this work of non-fiction does not contain traditional literary themes but does espouse philosophical ideas or principles about Man's role and societal ethics. Based on the first chapter, we discussed how the author argues that Man can only truly be human or ethical if he understands and respects Nature. We noted how Rawlings- back in the 1930s- sounds like a modern environmentalist. We further explored the other philosophical tenets that appear early in the book: the value of simplicity and the creation of a non-transactional moral code . Additionally, we worked on the advanced vocabulary in the reading: affinity, gregarious , vicissitudes. I had Aiden place these words in a meaningful sentence.
