Today, Ben read a story about a female American fencer, Ibtihaj Muhammad, and learned about the complex history of the head scarf. Muhammad was the first American athlete to wear a headscarf during American competition. Ben was interested in learning that she broke barriers by doing so and that her symbolic breakthrough was just one demonstration of the ways in which the headscarf has been now accepted in mainstream American culture. Ben read about the history of headscarves around the world and how, and why, they've made headlines for being controversial at times. Ben subsequently answered questions about the material and answered the questions with accuracy and analysis, demonstrating understanding and thorough synthesis when responding.

Baylie began her chapter 16 essay exam. We discussed an outline and organizational chart for her assignment. The essay is to include examples of how religions hindered progress and freedom in Asia , the five major religions of Asia and their geographic source, and examples of the results of Christianity in Asia. Baylie had an excellent start to this assignment today.

Today Baylie and the instructor had a comprehensive review of chapter 16. The questions from each chapter checkup were read and discussed. This assignment was to prepare Baylie for the chapter test that she will have starting Tuesday, May 4. It was a very productive session.

Ben reviewed historical facts about Florida which covered material about the main tribes and the first Europeans to discover the area. Ben also viewed a video examining the relationship between Britain and Spain, which covered the Treaty of Paris. The main take-away was that the treaty ended the Revolutionary War between Great Britain and the United States which recognized American independence, Spain regained control of Florida, and borders were established for the new nation. At the conclusion of the session, I reiterated the main points in efforts to facilitate Ben's recall skills and consolidate gains.

Baylie completed a session on map skills. She had to locate and identify various bodies of water, rivers, nations, capitals, land forms, and boundaries of countries in Asia. The final part of the lesson was devoted to reviewing explorers and significant people in Asia and Europe. Another excellent session for Baylie.

Kip completed his assignment for his teacher in New Jersey. Kip completed the review in his textbook to prepare for his social studies test next week.

Baylie completed the chart on the effect of missions in China, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia. She completed the chapter checkup on these countries. For the final aspect of the lesson Baylie answered a concept question about the major religions in Asia. Baylie is a hard working student.

Ben synthesized information related to Florida history through print and electronic media. This corresponds to SS.4A.1.2 in the Florida State standards/C-Palms). We examined key events in Florida history and how it impacted the cause, course, and consequence of the American Revolution, and the area's strategic significance. This segued into the mention of St. Augustine, the oldest city in Florida and how it was important to the British because of its stone fortresses. Ben made a personal connection with the discussion having visited St. Augustine with his family in the past. We ended the session discussing Florida's earliest inhabitants, the Native American tribes. As we learned about the Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon, Ben recalled correctly and associated the name with flowers.

Baylie read about Japan, Korea, and Indonesia. As she read about each of these countries she took notes and completed a chart to help her remember the facts she learned.

Today Baylie watched three videos on The Great Wall of China. A discussion took place after she watched each video. Baylie had to complete a chart on The Great Wall of China. On this chart she had to state what she already knew, what she learned and what questions she had about this topic. Upon completion of this assignment, Baylie took an open note/video quiz on the continent of Asia. Baylie continues to put forth maximum effort in her studies.