Burns - TP #14

David's brother, Mathew, was quite sick this evening and David did work that situation to send me off for cough drops from his mom, but she gave me several to gradually give to him to end that diversion.  David has become much more than capable, but attempts to evade are just part of who he is at age 9. 

He knows we stay until the work is done, so sending me off for 5 minutes and then disappearing for 3 minutes will just add 8 minutes to the session or he will have to step it up.  This has become a mutual understanding and expectation, so there is no more debate.  In addition, he likes to earn approval from Mr. Mixon and his mom.

More time was spent on math due to the 4th grade version of FCAT.  He is very good at math when he takes the time t read the entire problem.  He is figuring out that there is a "correct" answer that matches failure to read the entire problem.  Jumping the gun is hazardous and he is coming to see that.  He is also learning to use the process of elimination to narrow his choices.  Mrs. Hong wanted me to help him with test taking strategies when he ran into surprises.  So we spent some time on that.

He was then given a choice of page one or page two of a social studies assignment that required comprehension (page one) and very short writing on page two.  He opted for the more difficult first page and slowed down enough to thoroughly read the passage.  He then dispatched the comprehension questions with no trouble at all.

For the first time, he showed comprehension of every new vocabulary word when used in context.  He had no trouble with a four paragraph fill in the blank exercise using that vocabulary.  He knew he would have to get ready to give definitions to me at our next session and to write questions or statements using each word. 

He then read a chapter of his grade appropriate book and wrote about an unusual reptile.  Then he read about a viper and wrote that up.  He then tested my knowledge of these two animals compared to his.  He, of course, won that contest with no trouble.

Then he compared and contrasted the two animals in a third entry into his journal.  Once he wrote just two sentences and acted as if he was finished.  He looked at me with a smile and I smiled back, nodding at his journal.  He wrote several more sentences as he hit his writing rhythm. 

I am going to miss David.