Bobby continued his research about Muhammad Ali. We discussed the importance of organizing and presenting research and his finished product in a logical and sequential way. In addition, the importance of connecting the requirements for the assignment directly to the grading sheet items. Bobby will continue his research during the next session.

We continued to read a loud The Barefoot Mailman. We read from p.125-128. Then, Stephen worked on identifying the location of the 50 states. Stephen had a general awareness related to where the states are located, but we need to work on identifying the specific placement/location. We will continue to read the story, as well as, work on map skills during the next session.

This afternoon, we assembled a puzzle of the Washington Monument for a visual and motor activity. We read the facts about George Washington on the pieces. In continuing our discussions on Presidents Day, we moved on to Abraham Lincoln with a book entitled, When I Grow Up: Abraham Lincoln by AnnMarie Anderson. This text walked us through the basic facts of Lincoln's life. We then enjoyed a Brain Pop Jr learning video about Abraham Lincoln. We learned about the log cabin where he lived, how he earned his nickname Honest Abe, that he was the 16th president, the Civil War occurred during his presidency, and he freed the slaves. He scored a 4/5 on a modified follow up easy quiz. We then read a passage about Lincoln and Danny completed two-choice follow up questions, scoring an 8/9. Next, we had fun making a picture of Lincoln. Danny colored a tall, black hat and decorated a circle shaped face. We assembled the pieces and then tore black paper (great for fine motor strengthening) to use for his hair and beard. We ended the day with the practice of the cardinal directions. Danny was able to find all four directions in his room when I named them. When I pointed to each for him to name, he could only provide the name for two of them. We'll continue to practice until he can demonstrate mastery. We then completed a page using east in his Geography textbook. He correctly found to the two buildings to the east of the X!

Analise reviewed facts pertaining to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Please see "session summaries" from February 16th and February 17th. She completed Lincoln's log cabin using craft sticks. She added a penny to the roof of the log cabin. We began a look at maps and globes, identifying each and discussing similarities and differences.

Today we reviewed the seven continents. We practiced labeling each. Additionally, we performed an activity in which Morgan practiced using a map scale to measure the miles from designated distances. In this scale one inch was equal to one mile.

We spent the time after lunch talking about common interests in general, as well as, school related interests. Prior to the end of the session, I asked Ethan to create a list of areas of interest specifically related to the Social Sciences. Last, we will read from "The Barefoot Mailman" next session.

Analise reviewed characteristics of a president's job and how these characteristics can relate to her own life (SEE FEBRUARY 16TH). She recalled where the president lives (Washington, D.C./White House). Analise recalled facts about George Washington as we looked through the book we read yesterday. She completed her three-cornered hat, just like the one Washington wore. We then read "Abraham Lincoln." Among other facts, Analise learned that Lincoln was born in a log cabin, was born on February 12th, was our 16th president, that he was known as "Honest Abe," and his picture can be found on a five dollar bill and a penny. Analise began creating a log cabin with craft sticks.

This afternoon we began with a review of The Hundred Years War, The Black Death, and Joan of Arc by discussing her current work packet. We watched a Nest Learning Video (Animated Hero Classics) about Joan of Arc. This gave us a nice visual on the calling she received, some of her battles, and the end of her life. She was a true warrior who only later was fully recognized for all she gave to France. Next, we reviewed the two-page informational guide on Young Leonardo da Vinci which outlined his life, which we read the other day. Additionally, we completed answering follow-up questions for the material read.

I read "Celebrating Presidents' Day--What is a President?" We discussed some characteristics of the job and how these could relate to our lives: *being a leader *being a problem solver *being a teacher and *being a decision maker. We discussed Washington D.C. and the White House. I then read "George Washington," with the focus on his being the first president of the United States of America and gaining our independence from England. We then found Washington's picture on a dollar bill and on a quarter. Washington often wore a three-cornered hat. Analise began making her own three-cornered hat.

Today we watched a Brain Pop Jr learning video on Continents and Oceans. The video showed us that continents are large land masses on Earth, while oceans are very large bodies of water. We saw that Australia is completely in the Southern Hemisphere and is often referred to as "the land down under". We learned that Asia is the largest continent and houses over 1/2 of the world's population. Morgan then practiced identifying the continents by coloring each using a color key code. I then asked her to name each that she colored. She will need continued work on this topic.