Conversations with Ellie: Testing and Tattling

Last weekend's tests weren't as successful as I'd hoped, although we had a limited (but good) data set. I've tried working with Ellie a few more times on the Consonant-Vowel-Consonant (CVC) cards, nothing. Just to be clear: testing is on her terms, and her indication of no is like my asking if she wants some spinach, and finding myself snubbed.

We had a conversation last night about her tests. I had been gone since the day before, and the neighbor, Parker, took care of them and played with them. She was eager to work together last night, since we hadn't had lessons in a few days. That said, the CVC test is very simple, and Ellie doesn't like simple things. If I offer to work with her on a tough book (with fewer treats) or an easy one (with consequently more treats), she will pick the tougher book.

So I taught her the phrase "CVC", paired it with her test cards, and then held up the "Talk?" flashcard. She picked "Yes". The following conversation ensued, and I figured I'd start with one of her favorite topic: the neighbor boy. She worships him! ;)
Me: Did Parker come over today?
Ellie: Yes
Me: Did Parker give you food and water?
Ellie: Yes

To make sure she wasn't just saying yes for forever, I asked a few questions I knew were "No":
Me: Did Parker take you outside?
Ellie: No
Me: Did Parker make pancakes?
Ellie: No

So, she was paying attention, and also tattling on her babysitter! >_<
Me: Did Parker play with you?
Ellie: Yes
Me: Do you like Parker?
Ellie: Yes

The next question is always a gamble. When I've been gone a long time, or overnight, she usually tells me she doesn't like me. But she usually also agrees that, even if she doesn't like me, I like her.
Me: Do you like Mom?
Ellie: No
Me: Does Mom like you?
Ellie: No

I laughed, and said: "YES I DO! Mom likes Ellie!!!" Pick the "Yes" card!!
Ellie: Yes
Me: Do you like Mom?
Ellie: No

She's such a stormy and dramatic little bugger!

Now that we were warmed up, I brought up the test subject, and tried to mix it up with other things she does like--namely, classical music right now.
Me: Do you like CVC?
Ellie: No
Me: Do you like Bach?
Ellie: Yes (Bach is her first Baroque love - the Brandenburg Concerto)
Me: Do you like Pachelbel?
Ellie: No
Me: Do you like Brandenburg Concerto?
Ellie: Yes
Me: Do you like Canon in D?
Ellie: No
Me: Do you like CVC? (Trying to test her; she's not to be fooled.)
Ellie: No

So, I suppose the research CVC test is out for now. I met with the collaborating researcher last night for dinner, and she wasn't too dismayed. She said, "The fact that Ellie is more strongly reinforced by challenge--tough books--than treats is incredible. Nobody's ever communicated with a bird on this level!" So... we'll keep working at it!

Anyway, at the end of our learning session, I asked her, "Do you like Mom?" She responded, "Yes." :)