Today we continued to discuss latitude, longitude, and map features. We looked at a compass rose and answered comprehension questions. I explained to Yanuell what Geocaching is. Since he is now familiar with latitude and longitude coordinates he could download the Geocaching app to find "treasures" around his town. We reviewed political and physical maps, along with a map legend.

Today we reviewed current events. The news is focused on Hurricane Lane, a category 4 storm that may hit Hawaii. Elle learned that FL, LA and TX are the three states most impacted by hurricanes. We also discussed the relationship of longitude and time zones and that there is one hour between each degree of longitude. Elle seemed to understand this concept well.

Today Danny and I continued reading about our state and country. We reviewed everything he has learned to date. In particular, we focused on the different symbols of both the USA and Florida.

Today ,we finished setting up Charlie's notebook ,and I distributed the text we are going to use to study government and economics. I asked Charlie to name a current controversial topic often mentioned by the president , and he correctly answered illegal immigration. From there, we discussed the most typical requirements for legal US citizenship(born here or born abroad to two US citizens ) and reviewed some charts and maps in the text reflecting current immigration patterns. I then went over the requirements for immigrants to become naturalized citizens, and we read the oath naturalized citizens take after passing the citizenship exam. We then discussed the rights of citizens vs aliens ie voting,serving on a jury ,holding federal office. I handed out some activity sheets on these topics. For homework,I assigned reading the first 3 pages of the sheets and completing two charts located in the packet that are based on the reading. During class, I guide Charlie in taking notes in his notebook on the topics we discuss. Charlie was very cooperative in his note taking.

Today we began with a review of current events and we returned to Social Studies Weekly to learn about Geoschemes, how Europe got its name and the difference between absolute and relative location.

Today we read a bit more from the story, "Heidi." We then reviewed the first lesson in Social Studies Weekly. We learned about the word "liberty" and what it means. Dylan recited the "Pledge of Allegiance" from memory that ends..."with liberty and justice for all." We learned about Labor Day. Dylan said that our nation's troops probably don't get the day off on Labor Day and I told him that was a very kind and sensitive observation. We then discussed the concept of kindness and being kind to others. Finally, we looked at how the U.S. Flag has changed since 1776. Good work, Dylan!

Today Yanuell learned what a cartographer is and how there is an art and science behind cartography. We reviewed what latitude and longitude are and revisited political and physical maps. We also discussed contour lines. Yanuell did a great job answering comprehension questions that followed.

Today Jayne and I got to know one another. She showed me around her room and I admired her pretty art work. I showed her the website we will be working on for social studies this year called Studies Weekly. I explained to her how she can earn coins to design a cage for a character named Rev the Rat by answering questions correctly. We began the first week's lesson on the Pledge of Allegiance and breaking down the meaning of important words in the pledge. We recorded these new vocabulary words down in her notebook.

Charlie was absent today.

Today Danny learned about the state of Florida. He learned that there are two bodies of water surrounding Florida and the name of the capital. He also learned where he lives on the map. We read stories about Florida and we listened to music about Florida - including our 2 Florida anthems. For the final few minutes of our session, he listened to his favorite song by Flo rida - "Welcome to Our House."