Happy Holidays!

Have a wonderful break -- remember, you can continue to listen, read, and do activities here in cyberspace!

We're Finishing the Book....

Read it and listen at: Our Stories
TRY TO DO SPELLING CITY FOR EVERY CHAPTER!
A LINK TO THE KWANZAA WEBSITE - another Winter Celebration: KWANZAA
AND, FOR FUN:

Our last few days of Fall Quarter....

We will be FINISHING THE BOOK!! Work on reading, spelling, and building your vocabulary!

Tracy's PowerPoint Presentation

Normita's PowerPoint Presentation

OUR LAST FULL WEEK!

R....KEEP READING, KEEP WRITING, KEEP SPELLING....!!!
(Tuesday: READING TESTS!)
This week, please find time to fill out the course evaluation at Fall Survey. THANK YOU.
Do you know what this is??

Maria Isabel at Spelling City!

Tonight you can spell and do games with the vocabulary from Chapter One and Two:

Spelling City

GOOD LUCK!

It's December!

WE ARE IN THE PAPER!  SEE THE ONLINE VERSION AT:
ESL STUDENTS KNIT!
The paper will be out on Friday.  Share this link with your friends and family!
GOOD JOB, EVERYONE!!

During computer time, please listen to Chapters 1 and 2 of our current story:
Our Stories (I FIXED THE LINK. NOW YOU CAN HEAR CHAPTER 2.)

Things to think about as you listen and read:
How do you feel about your name? Are you named after anyone?
How do you feel about nicknames? Have you ever had one?

You can see a article related to AIDS in South Africa from today's news:
1 million

TUESDAY NOV. 30th

LISTENING TESTS TONIGHT!
WE ARE IN THE PAPER!  SEE THE ONLINE VERSION AT:
ESL STUDENTS KNIT!
The paper will be out on Friday.  Share this link with your friends and family!
During your free time, please listen to Chapters 1 and 2 of our current story:
Our Stories

Things to think about:
How do you feel about your name? Are you named after anyone?
How do you feel about nicknames? Have you ever had one?

Welcome back!

I hope you had a refreshing holiday! Please write a few things that you did on your blog, using "had + past participle +plain verb.  For example:

I had planned to teach on Monday and Tuesday but instead I watched the hummingbirds in our yard.
I had wanted to send the knitted squares to South Africa last week but I had to wait until this week. 

I had bought some food for a big dinner on Thursday but we celebrated on Saturday instead.

I had hoped to do some yardwork but instead I watched it snow.

Please listen to the first chapter of the story, "My Name is Maria Isabel" here: Our ESL Stories

To work on your verbs, watch this video....Listen and REPEAT!

An early break!

No school TUESDAY either! Enjoy your early holiday and stay warm! I'll look forward to seeing you all after Thanksgiving!

Here's an interesting video to watch:

MONDAY: NO CLASS!

SNOW! STAY WARM!

Tues/Wed/Thursday

THURSDAY:  If you have finished the other assignments, try working on these irregular verbs:
Irregular Verbs 1  Good Luck!


WEDNESDAY:  Write in your blog about what you have learned recently based on your notes (I will give them back to you!) You can also write a few sentences about knitting....

TUESDAY:  Work on irregular verbs with a partner here: Matching Verbs
THEN TRY THIS: Think Fast!
Expand your verb vocabulary here: Verbs

FIRST GUY TO FINISH A SQUARE:  VIENGKHONG!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
This is our final week to knit....and we will  be interviewed on THURSDAY by the Renton Reporter!

The presentations continue....

Week of Nov. 15th....

TONIGHT:  Please listen (or re-listen) to Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn:
Mr. Putter Stories
If you don't have a copy of the story, please get one from Liz!
Also, take a look at:
About Thanksgiving
Read it a couple of times before you try the questions!

Last week's presentations:

We are getting close to 100 squares....

Two sister Powerpoints.....and the knitting project continues....

Celebrating two birthdays....THANK YOU for the wonderful pizza and drinks, Araceli!!


IN PREPARATION FOR VETERANS DAY, LISTEN TO AND READ THIS: The Long Road to Forgiveness.

Week of Nov. 8th....

People who have presented their PowerPoints, you can add it to your blog using slideshare.com.
This week you can also work on CASAS PRACTICE in the lab! Please visit this website and choose your level (ask Liz if you are not sure): Casas Practice (If it seems too hard, try a level lower.)
Talk to Liz when you finish about your results.


Last Friday: Vanh shares Laos

The knitting project continues:

Nov. 4th

THE
PRESENTATIONS
CONTINUE...

Wednesday Nov. 3rd....

Trivia Questions of the day:
1. What are the two major religions of the Ivory Coast?
2. Why is his country called "Ivory Coast"?
3. What day of the week will Cisse get married?
Write the answers on your blog, with a few sentences about the Ivory Coast.
Then, either work on your Powerpoint or do a useful ESL activity such as spellingcity.

Monday, Monday....

Here's what we sang yesterday:

Rainy Monday...

This week will begin the PowerPoint presentations.  Get ready to do yours!
Also practice the vocabulary at Spelling City. Good luck!

Finishing Powerpoints...

THIS WEEK: FINISHING POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS.
Remember:
Each presentation should be about 10-12 slides long. Liz will be checking them and giving you feedback so you can improve your presentation. Before you present to the class, you must "rehearse" with Liz.

THE PRESENTATIONS ARE TO WORK ON SPEAKING IN FRONT OF A GROUP. You do not have to write a lot, but you do need to organize your ideas and images to make an interesting presentation.

EACH DAY, EMAIL YOUR POWERPOINT TO YOURSELF SO YOU CAN CONTINUE WORKING ON IT THE NEXT CLASS.

Basic ideas for presentations include:
Introductory slide (Your name)
Something about the geography (where it is, weather, language, population
Something about history of area
Something about a famous person or place or food, etc.
Your favorite place or what you miss the most (Your personal memories or experience will make it memorable!)

Go to: All programs, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint Presentation.  Learn by doing!! Start building, and you will learn as you go.

Have you ever had.....

a Shirley Temple...

...or a grasshopper pie?

CPR, POWERPOINTS, AND MORE...

Thank you everyone for being such great particpants at the CPR class last night.  I hope you never have to use it, but it is a very important skill to have.
Can you write out the basics?

What does CPR stand for?
What are the signs of a heart attack? What should you do?
What are the 3 steps of CPR?
What should you remember to do BEFORE you start CPR?
Listen and read more about the new kind of CPR here: Hands-Only CPR
As Mr. Homan mentioned, this will be replacing the traditional CPR in January.

 ALSO, listen and REPEAT  these irregular verbs: Irregular Verbs

Tonight, work on your PowerPoints -- soon we will start practicing them.

Don't forget....

This week students will start finishing and rehearsing their PowerPoint presentations. Please tell Liz when you are ready to rehearse.
TOMORROW (TUESDAY) is the CPR class!! This is a very important and useful class and we are very lucky to have Tom Holman come here to teach us.  Come to class on time, ready to listen, watch, and learn.

High tech High touch....

GOOD JOB working on your PowerPoints and then KNITTING last night! We now have a handful of NEW KNITTERS in the world!  Thank you, experienced knitters, for helping...thank you, beginners, for trying!  (Feel free to download your photo from the slideshow on the right.)
TONIGHT: Make sure to take a look at the video/website from last night - many of you haven't done that yet.  In computer lab, continue your PowerPoint projects.
PROVERB OF THE DAY:  "A stitch in times saves nine." Hmmm...what does it mean?

Knit a square!!

High tech/low tech tonight....

STUDENTS! Take a break from working on your wonderful PowerPoint presentations to look at this video:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/video/2010/07/19/2958318.htm

Also, this is the website where I found the knitting information, and became inspired for our project:
http://www.knit-a-square.com/

"Mr. Putter and Tabby Spin the Yarn" can be heard at:
Mr. Putter Stories

PowerPoint Presentations: Fall Quarter Project

JUN!! I NEED YOUR BLOG ADDRESS!

THIS WEEK EVERYONE WILL START WORK ON THEIR POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS.
The presentations will be on their hometown (or country).   Each presentation should be about 10-12 slides long.   The presentations will be built this week in computer class, and we will start presenting them next week. Before you present them, you must "rehearse" with Liz.

THE PRESENTATIONS ARE TO WORK ON SPEAKING IN FRONT OF A GROUP. You do not have to write a lot, but you do need to organize your ideas and images to make an interesting presentation.

EACH DAY, EMAIL YOUR POWERPOINT TO YOURSELF SO YOU CAN CONTINUE WORKING ON IT THE NEXT CLASS.

Basic ideas for presentations include:
 Introductory slide (Your name)
 Something about the geography (where it is, weather, language, population
Something about history of area
Something about a famous person or place or food, etc.
Your favorite place or what you miss the most (Your personal memories or experience will make it memorable!)

Go to: All programs, Microsoft Office, PowerPoint Presentation.  Learn by doing!! Start building, and you will learn as you go.

Changing your settings

YES, you can make it EASIER FOR PEOPLE TO COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG!
Here's how:
1. Sign in. Go to "New Post."
2. Go to "Settings" on the top menu.
3.Then, go to the blue title, "Comments".  There are THREE things to do on that page:
  - At "Who Can Comment?"  Click "anyone.:
 - At "Comment Moderation" Click "never"
 - At "Show Word Verification" Click "No".
THEN CLICK "SAVE SETTINGS" AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE!

Now it is much easier for others to comment on your blog!

TONIGHT:  Do this Quia activity, which reviews our recent grammar:
AUTUMN SENTENCES

THEN (If you have time):  Write about what you did during computer lab this week on your blog. What was the most useful thing you did or discovered this week?What 3 new vocabulary words are most useful?

Wednesday Oct. 6th

Tonight: Practice the spelling words from the Dr. Biden handout - it is at spellingcity.com/lizfalconer.
When you get 90% or higher, show me!

ALSO:  Let's go blog-hopping!  First, log in. Then, visit the blog of the person on your left and make a comment.  Do you like their layout? Colors? What they wrote?  A brief comment is fine.

WHO IS DR. BIDEN?

NEWS! NEWS!
In the computer lab today:

What is going on at the White House? Skim the news at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/

Also, look at the President's Schedule....
What did President Obama do at 12:15 today?

See related news at RTC's website:
http://rtc.edu/News/articleview.aspx?id=273

And watch a short video here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/communitycollege

We will discuss this further in class.

Mr. Putter's Birthday Celebration

Tonight: First, make the corrections on you blogs; see the "comments" that I made.  Ask me if you need help editing a post.
THEN,  read and listen to  this "This I Believe" essay:
My Birthday Tradition
THIS IS AN ADVANCED ESSAY! We will be discussing it in class. Please listen to it several times.
We will also be discussing birthday traditions and celebrating Mr. Putter's Birthday!

Thursday...with a bit of sun....

Tonight, please finish the assignments from this week.  New students, add your photo to your blog.  (If you don't have enough time to do everything, focus on what is MOST USEFUL for you.)

Tonight's writing: Future Tense -- What are you going to do this weekend?  Write at least 3 things, with a comment for each.  (If you aren't sure, then just guess.)  Here is Liz's example:

I am looking forward to this weekend. On Saturday I am going to pick up and clean the house in the morning.  I don't have time during the week, so I usually do that on the weekend. Then, I am going to meet a friend for lunch at the mall.  She teaches ESL at the University of Washington, and we always have a lot to talk about.  On Sunday, I am going to relax...I will probably take a walk outside if it is nice.  Of course, I am also going to get ready for next week's classes!

Wednesday: VERB practice!

NEW STUDENTS: You can add photos of yourselves working at the computer to your blog. Please let me know if you need help!

EVERYONE- after you have finished the previous assignments, you can work on these online quizzes:
1. DOES or DOESN'T? quiz

2. IS, AM or ARE --  "Yes S" or "No S"? Match the subject and verb!  20 questions

3. Present or Past?  Read them carefully! Present/Past

GOOD LUCK!

Tuesday with Mr. Putter

Please continue to work on yesterday's assignment.

Also, listen to "Mr. Putter and Tabby Make a Wish".....

GOOD LUCK!

Second week of the Quarter!

This week we will be talking some more about birthdays.
EVERYONE: Please practice listening and repeating this conversation:
english speak - birthday dialogue
Practice with a partner, if possible.

For days and dates, remember: IN (month) ON (day).
For example:
My birthday is in July.  It is on July 20th.

TONIGHT: Please write a short paragraph about the birthdays of your classmates.  How many people have birthdays in October?  Who has a birthday close to yours?  Etc.

It is raining...it must be THURSDAY!

Hopefully the rain will stop before the weekend!

TONIGHT - EVERYONE:  Please edit your blogs with the changes in the comment box!  ASK ME IF YOU NEED HELP!

THEN:  Write a short summary of "Mr. Putter and Tabby Pick the Pears" on your blog.  What happened in the story?  Try to include 3 new vocabulary words.

REMEMBER:  When you finish the Mr. Putter spelling test,  PRINT IT and show me. GOOD LUCK!

Poodles and more!

For all of you who did not know what a poodle is, here is a photo.

TONIGHT! Check you "comments" and make the changes I suggested at your blogs.

LISTEN and REPEAT:  Mr. Putter and Tabby Pick the Pears

ALSO:  Go to spellingcity.com -there is a list of words from "Mr. Putter and Tabby Pick the Pears".  Practice those words, and when you are able to write them correctly, please tell me.

Good luck!

We're off to a good start....

Last night, new students made blogs and everyone took the survey.  GOOD JOB!
Everyone did a great job gathering information from each other in the class time as well.
TONIGHT:  Returning students, please put a new "look" on your blog.
EVERYONE:  Please write a paragraph on your blog about the information you collected yesterday.
Make sure you use the correct "Yes S" or "No S" forms!
For example:
In our fall quarter class, there are 5 people who like to cook and 2 people who don't like to cook. Mary and John like to take walks.  Joe doesn't like to do the dishes, and Amy doesn't like to vacuum, but Martin loves to clean the house! Sam likes to dance, but doesn't like to sing.  
GOOD LUCK!

WELCOME TO FALL QUARTER!

It looks like we are going to have a very busy quarter!
This week: Returning students, please change the DESIGN on your blogs. NEW STUDENTS: You will open a blog. This will be where you write many assignments. Returning students will help you with that. In this class, we all help each other, and everyone learns more that way (including me!)
TONIGHT!
Please take a survey at Quia! You can find it at:
Quia survey .  THE SECRET WORD IS: SURVEY.

EVERYONE!! Let's see how fast you can type this week. Then, at the end of the quarter, you can compare.
I went to:typingtest.comand my result was: 62 words per minute, 88% accuracy: ADJUSTED SPEED: 55 words per minute. (I chose the topic, "Baseball" and typed for one minute.)
PUT YOUR CURRENT SPEED ON YOUR BLOG! GOOD LUCK!!

Summer Break!

SUMMER BREAK: THREE WAYS TO KEEP IMPROVING YOUR ENGLISH!

1) Write in your blog once a week. Keep a blog diary! What did you do? How was the weather? Then, email me (efalconer@rtc.edu) so that I can read it!

2) Open your ESL notebook. Close your eyes, and pull out one piece of paper. Then, REVIEW that piece of paper.

3) Read English out loud for 10 minutes a day. Use our stories, or find something else. Read to your cat, or kid, or to the sky. Use your VOICE.

I will be checking my email during break, so if you have any questions or problems, please let me know.

The importance of knowing a second language!

It's a good thing this didn't happen to Mr. Putter and Tabby!

Mr. Putter Readings - Part Two!

TONIGHT: Please fill out the COURSE EVALUATION (see link in previous post), listen to Mr. Putter, and write about your favorite assignment from summer quarter.

OUR BUSY LAST WEEK!

THIS WEEK - EVERYONE: Fill out the class assessment at: http://www.keysurvey.com/survey/320762/2f90/
MONDAY:
Here is a sample of student readings from last week - Good job Arturo, Kesone, Doug, Teklom, and Elizabeth! Each of you can upload your videos onto your blogs. OTHER STUDENTS: READ YOUR STORIES TONIGHT!


Everyone: Please write vocabulary lists of USEFUL VOCABULARY and PHRASES from your Mr. Putter story. You will be using these words on the writing assessments tomorrow.

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY: Write about your favorite assignment or activity this quarter. Work on SPELLING. This is your last chance!

THURSDAY: Final night! We will have a surprise MOVIE!

Cynthia Rylant

Yesterday we read about author Cynthia Rylant, who wrote the Mr. Putter series.
Questions for you to write about on your blog (choose one, two or all three):
1. Why do you like her stories?
2. If you were able to meet her, what would you like to talk about or ask her?
3. Do you think she likes video games? Why or why not?

GOOD LUCK!

Share your English!

In computer class, please work in a spellingcity.com test and/or with the person next to you. USE ENGLISH to work together!
Then, read each other's blogs and make a comment. (SIGN IN first!)

Don't forget: Listen to Mr. Putter, practice Mr. Putter OUT LOUD!

When you're hot, you're hot!!!

TONIGHT: Practice reading your Mr. Putter story OUT LOUD!
As you can see below, Mrs. Teaberry is not the only one to think of using water to cool off. Cats don't like water?? SEEING IS BELIEVING!

As happy as a Lark!

Welcome to our AIR CONDITIONED classroom!!
Did you have a good weekend?  As you can see, I was as happy as a lark: I went kayaking with my husband on Lake Union.  It was really refreshing! I got a little sunburned, but it was worth it. I spent the rest of weekend seeking air conditioning whenever I could.
Please CHECK YOUR BLOGS for comments.  If you haven't done last week's assignment, please do it.  And work on spelling....you are all getting MUCH BETTER!
CAN YOU GUESS THE MEANINGS?
As cool as a cucumber.
As wise as an owl.
As fresh as a daisy.
As crooked as a dog's hind leg.

Here are photos of the animals we discussed last week:

HAS BUSY AS A BEAVER!

                              

AS DRUNK AS A SKUNK!

AS HAPPY AS A LARK!

AS CHIPPER AS A CHIPMUNK! (I made that one up...)

The 2010 Presidential Citizens Awards

Tonight please listen to "Mr. Putter and Tabby Paint the Porch. "(Don't forget to repeat!)  Then,watch President Obama give the 13 awards - on his birthday, August 4th! (If the video keeps stopping, pause it for a few minutes so that it can load.) The announcer reads basically the same introductions that we used in class last night.  You can see them below the video.


Roberta Diaz Brinton

Los Angeles, CA

Roberta Diaz Brinton has devoted her time and talents to improving science and technology education for Los Angeles students. As Director of the University of Southern California’s Science, Technology and Research (STAR) Program, Brinton has opened the doors of opportunity for thousands of disadvantaged and minority inner-city youth. Brinton receives the Citizens Medal for encouraging America’s next generations to reach for the stars.

Daisy M. Brooks

Chicago, IL

When a pregnant teenager with no place to stay arrived at her door, Daisy Brooks welcomed the young woman in. What followed was a lifelong commitment to helping many of North Chicago’s young mothers and their infants. Brooks opened Daisy's Resource and Developmental Center to serve as a dormitory, school, and catalyst for young women to improve their lives. b.

Betty Kwan Chinn

Eureka, CA

Touched by childhood tragedy, Betty Chinn brings hope to those who have fallen on hard times. Left homeless as a child in China, Chinn became mute. When she came to America, she found both her voice and her mission: aiding those without shelter on our own shores. Today, Chinn provides meals twice a day as expressions of gratitude to a welcoming nation. Chinn receives the Citizens Medal for renewing America’s promise by serving those in need.

Cynthia M. Church

Wilmington, DE

Cynthia Church turned a personal battle with cancer into a force for progress and change. Dismayed by the lack of resources for women of color with breast cancer, Church founded Sisters on a Mission, Inc, an African-American breast cancer support network in Delaware. Church receives the Citizens Medal for confronting the scourge of this terrible disease and working to halt its spread.

Susan Retik Ger

Needham, MA

Susan Retik Ger understands the importance of empowering women touched by personal tragedy. After losing her husband on September 11, 2001, she found cause in educating and training Afghan widows and their children. Her strength of spirit has healed hearts, fostering mutual understanding and brightening our common future. Retik Ger receives the Citizens Medal for advancing women’s rights and demonstrating the power of America’s ideals.

Mary K. Hoodhood

Grand Rapids, MI

Physical limitations have not hindered Mary K. Hoodhood’s determination to strengthen her community. Though a car accident left her paralyzed, Hoodhood began volunteering to feed the hungry through her local Meals on Wheels program. In 2001, Hoodhood founded Kids’ Food Basket which provides meals to thousands of children in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Hoodhood receives the Citizens Medal for her remarkable efforts to nourish our nation’s children.

Kimberly McGuiness

Cave Spring, GA

Parent and advocate, Kimberly McGuiness has been a true champion for deaf students. Her persistent letters, phone calls, and visits to state legislators helped spur the passage of Georgia’s Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights. She has led workshops, counseled parents, and changed lives, raising awareness and support for deaf education. McGuiness receives the Citizens Medal for demonstrating the results one citizen can achieve for an entire community.

Jorge Muñoz

New York City, NY

Jorge Muñoz recognizes that we all have a stake in one another. By giving his time, energy, and resources to feeding the hungry, he has demonstrated the enduring American values of sacrifice and kindness. Muñoz receives the Citizens Medal for his service and dedication to creating a more hopeful tomorrow for the less fortunate among us.

Lisa Nigro

Chicago, IL

Beginning with a wagon full of coffee and sandwiches, Lisa Nigro’s mission to aid those living on the streets of Chicago has inspired us all. Her wagon gave way to a restaurant for homeless men and women, expanding with partner organizations to provide housing, job training, and vital support to Chicagoans affected by poverty. Nigro receives the Citizens Medal for her tireless service to her fellow citizens.

MaryAnn Phillips

Star Valley Ranch, WY

Caring for America’s injured service members, MaryAnn Phillips embodies strength and grace. An American citizen living in Germany, Phillips volunteers with Soldiers Angels at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center . She spends countless hours at the bedsides of our wounded warriors and their families, caring for them, encouraging them, and grieving with them. Phillips receives the Citizens Medal for putting her patriotism into action on behalf of our troops and our nation.

Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam

Shaftsbury, VT

Devoted to preserving our nation’s public lands, Elizabeth Cushman Titus Putnam has inspired thousands of America’s youth to protect our natural bounty. Her vision to offer land restoration and maintenance service opportunities became a reality with the birth of the Student Conservation Association. Putnam receives the Citizens Medal for helping ensure that our nation’s treasured public lands are enjoyed by future generations.

Myrtle Faye Rumph

Inglewood, CA

For decades, Myrtle Faye Rumph has lent her talent and compassion to impacting the lives of at-risk youth. Her commitment to reducing gun and gang violence in her community has steered countless young people away from dangerous habits, and altered the course of their futures. Rumph receives the Citizens Medal for replacing violence and despair with a beacon of hope and humanity.

Geo. J. Weiss, Jr.

Marine, MN

George Weiss, Jr., a veteran of World War II and the United States Marine Corps, reflects our nation’s generous and selfless heart. In 1979, he founded the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad, which today consists of more than 125 volunteers who have performed final military honors for more than 55,000 deceased veterans. Weiss receives the Citizens Medal for his extraordinary service to our nation’s veterans and their families.

MONDAY!

The rain is back...at least for today.  Did you have a good weekend?
Please write at least 3 things you did and at least 3 things you DIDN'T DO. 
(Remember the pattern:  tugged, didn't tug....)
Here is an example:

Last weekend was great I didn't stay home. I didn't work.  I didn't even cook!  I went to Portland.  I drove there with my husband.  In Portland, we visited the Chinese garden. It was beautiful!  It made me feel very relaxed.  We also went to the Saturday market.  I didn't buy anything, but I walked around and looked at people. It was really relaxing and fun.  When I came back home, I felt refreshed and ready for the week.

A Good Neighbor!

KESONE: She brings plums and blackberries from her garden to share with the class.  She makes lots of homemade egg rolls and brings them to school.  She is a good neighbor!  Who does she remind you of? (You can visit her blog and tell her thanks in a comment box.)

You can listen to the "Bad Dog" essay here:
This I Believe.

Tonight and tomorrow night (2-night assignment)  Please write a short summary of Mr. Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog
OR
"Teaching a Bad Dog New Tricks".
Here is the gist of the story, that we developed in class (Click on photo to enlarge it):

Noun, adjective, verb.....

THANKS FOR THE PUPUSA PARTY, ANTONIO! GOOD LUCK!

Tonight please write sentences from the list you made in class last night.  You can combine them into 5 sentences total, or split them up and write more.  Make sure you pay attention to subject/verb agreement and tense! Write them in your blog.
Please listen to (and repeat!)  "Mr Putter and Tabby Walk the Dog" tonight.  The link is here: Mr. Putter Stories.  We will be discussing this in class.

It's August!

Did everyone have a good weekend? I hope so! Did you see the RED SUN last night?
We are now halfway through summer quarter. Time flies when you are having fun!


Tonight, please CHECK ALL YOUR NEW COMMENTS! I read all of your blogs this weekend and everyone is doing a great job of writing! Please make the changes I suggested by going to "edit post."
Please do the "COMPARISON" assignment at Quia (it is at the top of the list). You do NOT have to log in to do it.
Also for those of you who don't believe a dog can say, "I Love You," SEEING IS BELIEVING!!! Take a look at this video!

Tonight.....

FIRST THING TONIGHT: Go to your email and email Liz (efalconer@rtc.edu). Tell her what kind of day you had: BAD, OK, GOOD, OR WONDERFUL.

TONIGHT: Find 5 new useful vocabulary words from last night's reading, and five useful vocabulary words from Mr. Putter. Make a list at your blog, and write some sentences with them.

Wednesday Night - Catch Up!

FIRST THING TONIGHT: Go to your email and email Liz (efalconer@rtc.edu). Tell her what kind of day you had: BAD, OK, GOOD, OR WONDERFUL.  Also, check your "junk mail" box.  How many messages are in it?  We will be discussing spam in class later tonight.

Tonight you can catch up with this week's assignments.  Have you written about Mrs. Teaberry yet? Written 20 sentences with the spelling words? (ASK LIZ FOR THE PRINTED LIST TO USE, AND TYPE THEM DIRECTLY INTO YOUR BLOG!) Have you written about your weekend?

If you HAVE finished everything, then practice typing and/or visit other useful ESL sites.  Good luck!

The full moon and more.....

Did you see the full moon last night? I wonder what Mr. Putter and Tabby were doing.....
Listen (and repeat) the story online. Yesterday you met Mrs. Teaberry. What kind of person do you think she is? Please describe her; talk about her life, what she is like, what she looks like, etc. Use your imagination!!


Also tonight, use SPELLING CITY to write at least 10 original sentences with words from Grade One or the first part of Grade Two.  (Use "Sentence Writing Practice" in Games.) Then, put them on your blog. (Use control-c, control-v).
Ask Liz  if you need help!

Last week of July....

It is hard to believe that July is almost over...and we finally have some sunshine to enjoy, too. This weekend, I found a FANTASTIC NEW SPELLING SITE! You can hear the words, hear each one used in a sentence, play various games, and be tested on the words. It is the best spelling site I have ever seen.  I transferred our "Spelling by Grade" lists there.  You can visit the site: SPELLING CITY.
Today, please visit the site.  If you have finished Grade One, then start work on Grade Two. Go to the site, Click "Find a List" and then "Find by Teacher." Enter my name, Liz Falconer.  Our class lists will pop up, and you can choose one. There are 3 options for each list: TEACH, TEST, and GAMES. Today please choose "TEACH."  It will give you each word, with a sentence. LET ME KNOW HOW IT GOES!


How was your weekend? Write about it, using past tense verbs. Here is Liz's example:

I  had a very relaxing weekend. On Friday evening, I went to Renton River Days.  There was a great band there playing jazz music.  On Saturday, I went out to dinner at the Landing with my husband.  We ate sushi at a new Japanese restaurant.  It was pretty good, but a little expensive.  On Sunday I stayed home and cleaned, dusted, and picked up the house.  In the evening, we saw "The Bourne Identity," an action movie. Even though I have seen it before, I enjoyed it.   

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday....

Hello, Students! Do you miss me yet? This week's assignments are below. Remember, if you finish early, you can go to the ESL links, above. You can also practice typing and spelling. 


MONDAY

1.  Do the take-home homework that the teacher gives you - I forgot to give it to you on Thursday. 
MONDAY:  Look at the lists of words below. Use these words to write 8 original sentences in your blogs.  Use the pattern:  SUBJECT (someone)  VERB (action) ADJECTIVE (describe) and NOUN (person/place/thing) 

For example: I listen to loud opera.  


Your can also make funny sentences:  Mr. Putter ate yellow tulips for breakfast.


Here are the lists from last week's Mr. Putter story:

Verbs (compiled by Abdullahi Omar)

lived, got, share, tell, clipped, fed, watered, eat, pour, open, wants, wanted, looked, was, wants, had, fed, go, have, brought, enjoyed, say, said, thinning, seemed, took, began, take, bathed, batted, liked, are, sat, made,told, warmed,walks, going, sleep, do, looked, closing

VERBS (compiled by Chon) 

got live has opened enjoyed prunned terned share  could tell dipped ted wished timed wanted went asked have said looked are go say brought creaked loved clipped ate told took renamed rub roll take bathed warmed walk turned seemed sleep.

ADJECTIVES (compiled by Chon)

ine daylong warm English good cute peppy wonderful long time thin black old yellow little tired beautiful afternoon morning evening each effect warm more alone delighted pet store (as in  "pet store lady")

ADJECTIVES (compiled by Dung)

Fine, alone, English muffins, wonderful, long, warm, good, tire, cute, peppy, little,
deaf, yellow, red , pink, thin black, fat, living alone, some, old, beautiful, most loud, each, perfect.

NOUNS (compiled by Doug)
list of nouns: mr., putter, tabby, tea, he, cat, morning, one, muffins, afternoon, evening, stories, rose, tulips, trees, company, pet, store, cage, kittens, lady, shelter, sir, man, bones, fur, home, things, bath, jam, cream, cheese, sugar, window, summer, sun, winter,opera, it, they, eyes, night, other, each, life.


NOUNS (compiled by Larisa)
Mr.Putter,Tabby, he, his,tea, stories, muffins,day,roses,tulips, trees, cat, pet store, you, lady, we, fourteen, cage, kittens, sir, their, himself, I, shelter man, gray, its, it,their, her, bath, mornings, jam, cream, cheese, afternoons, sugar, hers, evenings, they, summer day, bones,trees, opera, together, eyes,other, life.


TUESDAY

Listen to "Mr Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane." (Use the Mr. Putter link above.)
How is the new Mr. Putter story?  What is the story about?  Please write a short summary in your blog.  If possible, add a photo to illustrate it. (Use google, go to images, type what you want.)  Good luck!  I'll look forward to reading them!


WEDNESDAY

Blog-hopping!  Go to the blog of the person who is sitting on your left.  Leave a comment at their blog.  Then, on YOUR blog, write whose blog you visited.  Describe their blog: What colors?  What did they write about? What kind of photos?


I am looking forward to seeing you all on Thursday! 

THURSDAY!

\What to do.....
Tonight:  Can you find who posted the story of "Get Rich Quick"?
You will read aloud ONE POST from you blog.  Practice reading it three times during lab!
Did you write about Mr. Putter in your blog?
Spelling Test - Grade One -- ready to take it???

Wednesday Night with Mr. Putter....

DID YOU NOTICE?   The story is told so that you can listen AND REPEAT, as you read it. Please do this one more time tonight.
Look at Grade One spelling. Are you ready to take the test?
Tonight the 4 people from the groups will make lists of words at their blogs. (Next week, it will be someone else's turn.)  The words are: adjectives, verbs, prepositions, and nouns/idioms.  I will cut and paste them together afterwards. Tonight, please write a few sentences about the story in your blog. What happens in the story?  Talk about who, what, when, where and why. Tomorrow, you will read aloud one post from  your blog this week. (Your choice.) And tonight's technical challenge: Please post the photo of yourself at the computer at your blog.  If you put it in a "gadget" then you can see it easily at the blog.  Ask for help if you need it. Here are the recent photos: