A blog for students of Renton Technical College multi-level evening ESL class, taught at Worksource Renton. We are from Cambodia, China, El Salvador, Eritrea, Guatemala, Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire), Laos, Mexico, Moldova, Somalia, India, Ukraine, and Vietnam. We have one common goal: TO IMPROVE OUR ENGLISH!
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.
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!
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?
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!
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!
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:
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.
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.
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):
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.
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!
