Nice to meet you!

Meeting new people can be hard and sometimes cause anxiety for some people.  I've never had that problem.  I am very outgoing and forthcoming, so introducing myself to someone comes easily for me.  When I meet someone new, I am always friendly.  I like to smile, extend my hand for a handshake, and I offer a simple "hello!" Usually, the person responds in the same fashion.  Then I try to talk about something that may be of a common interest, for example I may ask, "Do you like to read?" or "What's you favorite movie?"  These questions help to break the ice and helps us to get to know each other.  I like making new friends because it helps to expand my own interests and gives me the opportunity to learn new things.  When I am with my friends, some of the things we like to do include going out to eat, going to a museum, going to the beach and going for a bike ride.  My best friend's name is June.  We've known each other for 27 years, and she will always be my closest and dearest friend. Having friends is a great thing!  I encourage you to go out and make one new friend this week!

Vocabulary

anxiety - the feeling of being very worried about something
outgoing - likes to meet and talk to new people
forthcoming -willing to give information about something
extend - to stretch out a hand or leg
fashion - in a particular way
common - beliefs, ideas are shared by two or more people
break the ice - to ease nervous feelings and help to communicate
expand - to make larger
opportunity - the chance to do something
museum - a place where cultural, historical or scientific objects are kept and shown to the public
encourage - to try to make someone do something they may not ever try to do

Vocabulary Activity
Match the words to their definitions

anxiety                                   a. to stretch out a hand or leg

outgoing                                 b. a place where cultural, historical, or scientific objects are kept and shown

forthcoming                            c. to make larger

extend                                   d. the feeling of being very worried about something

fashion                                   e. beliefs, ideas that are shared by two or more people

common                                f. to try to make someone do something they may not ever try to do.

break the ice                         g.  in a particular way

expand                                 h. the chance to do something

opportunity                          i. likes to meet and talk to people

museum                               j. willing to give information about something

encourage                           k. to ease nervous feelings and help to communicate

Grammar Point
Idioms are phrases whose words are used together to have a meaning that is different from the dictionary definitions of the individual words.  For example:
"Break the Ice" means to ease nervous feeling
"Pulling my leg" means to tease someone by telling them something that is untrue

Grammar Activity
Look at the idioms below and try to figure out the meaning.  Then check your answers by looking up the idioms using the following website:

"Lay down the law"
"Go fly a kite"
"Icing on the cake"
"beat the clock"
"cream of the crop"
"In a jam"
"Hit the hay"
"down to earth"
"on cloud nine"
"get your ducks in a row"

Fast Food Fights

McDonald's or Wendy's?  In my family going to a fast food restaurant is a big treat, so choosing which one we visit is a huge decision.  I prefer Wendy's hamburgers over McDonald's, but my children prefer the opposite.  There is something about biting into a big, juicy, delicious, Wendy's hamburger that makes my mouth water just to think about it!  But some, however, do not feel the same.  Many people feel that McDonald's hamburgers are far more superb!  I will agree that McDonald's has the best french fries out of all the fast food places out there.  It is not surprising, then, that the company has been in business for over 60 years.  There have been arguments that fast food is not healthy and that it the major cause of obesity.  That is the main reason why my family does not frequent them.  Which is your favorite?

Vocabulary

McDonald's (n) - fast food restaurant where they serve burgers, fries, chicken and more
Wendy's (n) -  fast food restaurant where they serve burgers, fries, chicken and more
visit - (v)  to go and spend time in a place, especially for pleasure or interest
decision (n) - a choice or judgment that you make after thought
prefer (v) - to like someone or something more than someone or something else
opposite - (n) as different as possible from something else
delicious - (adj) - very pleasant to taste or smell
superb - (adj) extremely good
obesity - (n) when someone is very fat in a way that is unhealthy
frequent - (v) to go to a particular place often
favorite - (adj) - one that you like the most

Vocabulary Activity
Place the words in alphabetical order, then write the definition that matches that matches the word.

visit
McDonalds
decision
opposite
obesity
favorite
Wendy's
delicious
prefer
frequent
superb

Grammar Point
Using a comma can be tricky.  Use a comma between two independent clauses, before a coordinating conjuction (FANBOY) , to separate items in a series or list, after an introductory phrase or clause, and to set off interuptions.

Grammar Activity
Use my blog to identify the many uses of commas. Breifly respond to my question, "What's your favorite?" using a comma, at least 3 times, correctly.

Supermarket Bonanza

Going to the supermarket is a huge errand.  It not only takes time, but it requires a great deal of stamina.  First I have to make a grocery list.  I usually look in my pantry, refrigerator, and cabinets to see what I need to buy.  After I make a list, I look through the supermarket advertisement to see what is on sale.  Next, I check all of the coupons that I can use to save even more money.  When I get to the supermarket I grab a cart and begin my excursion through the store.  I always start at the produce aisle and make my way around the store until I end up in the junk food aisle.  I don't know about you, but I can NEVER pass up the junk food!  I also love to stock up on things that are non-perishable and are on sale; this way I can fill up my pantry for future use.  By the time I am done, my cart is overflowing.  Sometimes I walk out of the store with 50 bags full of food.  I never like going to the supermarket because it takes a long time and I spend way too much money.  But, I do love eating it all!!!



Vocabulary

errand -  (v) a short journey in order to do something
stamina - (adv) physical or mental strength that lets you continue doing something for a long time without getting tired
pantry - (n) a very small room in a house where food is kept
cabinets - (n) a piece of furniture with doors and shelves or drawers, used for storing or showing things
advertisement - (n) a newspaper/set of pictures & words used to show people products to buy
coupons - (n) a small piece of printed paper that gives you the right to pay less for something or get something free
excursion - (v) a short journey made for a particular purpose
produce - (n) food, like fruits and vegetables, that have been grown on a farm to be sold
junk-food- (idiom) food that is not healthy
stock up - (idiom) to fill up or store many of one item
non-perishable - (n) food that will not go rotten if stored for a long time
overflowing - (v) to be completely full
:
Vocabulary Activity

Use each word in a sentence.


Grammar Point
Pronouns can take the place of nouns as the subject of a sentence. Subject pronouns include: he,she, you, it, I, we, my, they and us.

Grammar Activity
Look through my blog entry and highlight all the pronouns.  Then write 3 sentences, of your own, using 3 different pronouns.

Mother vs. Nature

Did you know that, today, scientists are exploring the way music and it's amazing affects can have on brain development?  Songs and lullibies have appeared to be a vital part in child development.  Through simple songs and rhymes, babies can learn to speak, read, think and make connections.  The nature of music helps them gain a sense of trust and compassion for others.  Songs also support culture and provide children with an understanding of the world around them.  Children can also learn new languages easier through song.  One of the most popular collections of songs and rhymes may be credited to Mother Goose, with timeless songs like "Hickory Dickory Dock" and "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star."  However, Mother Goose is a name used to identify many anonymous women who have sung for their babies' throughout history.  It is probably safe to say that women may not have been aware of the science behind songs and how it affects their children; they instinctively gave their young this essential human experience. 

Vocabulary
exploring (verb) - to look at in a careful way
development (noun) - something that grows over a period of time
vital (adjective) - very important
connections (noun) - to join two or more things together
compassion (noun) - a feeling of wanting to help someone
collections (noun) - a group of things
credited (verb) - to say that something is because of someone/something else
anonymous (adjective) - not named or identified
"safe to say" (idiom) - to be sure what you are saying is true
instinctively (adjective) - based on feelings, not on knowledge
essential (adjective) - very important and necessary

Vocabulary Activity
Match the vocabulary words to their meanings.

1.  exploring		a)  a feeling of wanting to help someone
2.  development		b)  to join two or more things together
3.  vital		c)  something that grows over a period of time
4.  connections		d)  very important and necessary
5.  compassion		e)  based on feelings, not on knowledge
6.  collections		f)  to say that something is because of someone/something else
7.  credited		g) a group of things
8.  anonymous		h) very important
9.  "safe to say"		i) to be sure what you are saying is true
10. instinctively		j) To look in a careful way
11. essential		k) not named or identified

Grammar Point
Transition words are used to in writing to help improve the connection of thoughts. There are many transition words that are used to illustrate, compare, emphasize, add to and summarize ideas.  These include words like:  therefore, however, for example, except, finally, and also. 
For example, if you want to let your reader that you are going to say a statement that is opposite of the statement before it you might write:

     Red flowers are pretty, however pink flowers are my favorite.

The word however lets your reader know that you are going to say something opposite of your initial thought.

Grammar Activity 
Write 5 coherent sentences using at least 5 different transition words. 

It's a Bird, It's a Plane... no it's.....

Have you ever wished for a Super Power?  You know, a special power that you have that can make you do things a regular person can't do.  I've always wanted to be invisible. There is something awesome about being able to be places without anyone knowing you are there.  If I had the ability to make myself be unseen, I would be able to listen to conversations between friends; I would be able to hear their deepest, darkest secrets!  But more importantly, I would use my super power to help people.  With my invisibility power I would try to solve crimes, help fight terrorism, and even rescue people from dangerous situations. My super hero name would be Rose MYSTERIOUSO! What super power would you want?  What would you name yourself?

Vocabulary

Super Power (noun) - a special ability that a regular person would not have

invisible (adjective) - to be unseen/ to disappear
ability (noun) - to be able to do something
conversations (noun) - a talk between two people
secrets (noun) -  hidden information
terrorism (noun) - the use of violent acts to hurt/scare people

rescue (verb) - to save someone/something

dangerous (adjective) - likely to cause harm/pain

Vocabulary Activity
Unscramble the vocabulary words below:

1. tybliai 

2. dougernsa 
3. acnsneovisrot 
4.  reuewppossr 
5. emrtrrsoi 
6. resecst 
7. inlisvieb 
8. euresc 

Grammar Point

Punctuation symbols are the marks that we use at the end of sentences (comma, period, question mark) to make it clear to reader that a sentence and/or clause has ended. 

Grammar Exercise

In my blog entry I used many different punctuation marks.  Go through the paragraph and circle all the punctation that I used.  Then I want you to write a paragraph anwering my super power questions, include 4 different punctuation marks in your writing.

A little Rest and Relaxation

 

Last weekend I went with my family to our lakehouse in Pennsylvania.  The lakehouse is in the Poconos, set on a beautiful man made lake, surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountains.  The house is an old log cabin and among its many amenities is an incredible fireplace that is built out of stone.  My children love to help collect the firewood and enjoy competing with each other on getting the biggest log.  In the winter the lake freezes and you are able to walk on it.  This is extremely exciting for my girls because it is not something they get to do everyday.  While at the lakehouse we went sledding, did a nature walk, and played in the snow.  It was numbingly cold so our activities were cut short. We wanted to do something fun indoors but we couldn't think of anything. Finally, after doing some research, we found and indoor water park that had a tidal wave pool, water sports, slides, sprinklers and much more.  My children couldn't wait to go.  When we drove up to the place we could see the water slides from the parking lot.  My girls could hardly wait to go inside.  When the doors opened we could feel a burst of hot air; we felt like we were in the blazing sun and heat! The pools were very refreshing and we had so much fun splashing around. We ran through the silly sprinklers and got soaked by a giant bucket that drenched us with water.   This trip was very relaxing and exciting at the same time. 

Vocabulary
surrounded (verb) - to be on every side

amenities (plural, noun) - something that makes life easier or more pleasant

incredible (adjective) - very good, great

competing (verb) - to try to be better at something than someone else

extremely (adverb) - very great in length/degrees

exciting (adjective) - causing feelings of happiness

numbingly (adverb) - to be unable to feel anything

research (verb) - to collect information about something

blazing (adjective) - very hot/powerful

refreshing (adjective) - making you feel cool

drenched (verb) - to make completely wet

Using the vocabulary words complete the word search below:

H	D	R	E	N	C	H	E	D	G
C	A	L	L	M	I	H	Q	N	U
R	M	A	B	R	F	B	I	D	E
A	E	P	I	A	H	H	Z	X	V
E	N	H	D	V	S	J	C	U	I
S	I	I	E	E	P	I	J	Z	J
E	T	V	R	Y	T	S	U	P	P
R	I	F	C	I	X	A	U	R	C
D	E	D	N	U	O	R	R	U	S
R	S	G	I	R	N	M	T	N	Q

Grammar Point

Adjectives are words we use to describe nouns.  For example we might describe our friend Fred by saying: Fred is an AMAZING person.  Amazing is the adjective.

Grammar Activity

In my vacation story I used many adjectives to describe the different things that I saw, did, and/or visited.   Go back and circle all the adjectives that I used. Think of 5 adjectives of your own and use them in sentences.

Dining Out - I go, you go, we all ESCARGOT

One of my favorite things to do is to try new foods.  I am not a daredevil but when it comes to trying different types of foods, I'm always ready for the challenge.  It doesn't matter how strange or exotic the food may be, I am always willing to try it.  One of the most unusual foods I've ever eaten was escargot (pronounced ES-CAR-GO). Escargot is a popular French dish that is made with snails.  The snails are removed from their shells, and cooked (usually with garlic and butter or wine), and then placed back into the shells with the butter and sauce for serving. Special snail tongs (for holding the shell) and snail forks (for extracting the meat) are also given to assist with eating. At first I was very apprehensive to try it because I couln't get the image of a bug out of my head, but I was curious enough to let go and try it.  Suprisingly, I enjoyed the dish and ate all of the escargot.  So as the old saying goes, "Don't knock it till you try!"

Vocabulary

Daredevil (adjective) - a person who is daring

challenge (verb) - a test or competition
tongs (noun) - a sissor like utensil that used to hold something
extracting (verb) - pulling out
assist (verb) - to help
apprehensive (adjective) - a fear that something bad will happen
curious (adjective) - to want to learn more about something
surprisingly (adverb) - unusual
"Don't knock it till you try it" (idiom) - Don't put something down until you have done it yourself.

Grammar Activity
Using the vocabulary words, fill in the sentences below:

1. I used _________ to pick up the hotdog.
2. Julie was _______________ to try the new dance.
3. The dentist was ________________ the boys tooth after he took the xrays.

4. A word bank is used to _________ the student with his vocabulary test.

5. Fred wanted to ______________ Dave to a game of cards.

6. ____________, Jennifer liked the bacon flavored ice cream.

7. I think that my uncle is a ______________ because he likes to skydive.
8. Mike was always __________ of bugs, he loved to learn everything he could about them.

Grammar Point

Contractions are when we combine words together, taking out letters and adding an apostrophe, to create a shortened word that means the same thing. For example, I have becomes I've or Does not becomes Doesn't. 

Grammar Activity
Write a paragraph describing a time when you did something that would make you a "Daredevil."  Try to use 3 different contractions and at least 3 new vocabulary words as well.