For my first tutoring session, I explained to Jaymes that I would be helping him with reading

comprehension. I used a video and song to help him understand context clues. Jaymes really

liked the video, especially since it had basketball and a white guy rapping. As one of only two

white students in the class, he tries to fit in with the other boys. After showing him the video, I

discussed how words with similar meanings can be stronger or softer. Jaymes did not grasp this

concept at all. I think I should have gone back to the first-grade concept of synonyms before I

introduced shades of meaning. He liked using the task cards but struggled with following the

directions for what to write on the recording sheet. This was my fault because I had assumed he

had been in classrooms where they used task cards. For future lessons I will explain the

directions thoroughly and provide examples of what is required. I am still confused as to how he

can read so fluently, and yet, does not know what the words mean. I knew enough about shades

of meaning and how to teach my lesson, however, I was not prepared for Jaymes. He is

extremely hard to keep focused and struggles with responding to questions. Being in the back of

the room with Jaymes while the teacher works with the rest of the class is difficult. It was hard

for Jaymes to hear me and even harder to keep his attention. For my next session, I will try and

find a quieter spot. I will also try to use a game in my next lesson, to aid in keeping Jaymes's

attention focused.