Homework for Thursday, October 19

You don't have to call me today.

Instead, please read the first two sections of the story,"Wolf." Then, please complete the written exercises on Page 18,19,20 and 21.

Practice reading your answers out loud. I will ask you to read them to your classmates tomorrow.

Thanks,
Richard

Wednesday, October 18 Homework

Call me a tell me about an unforgettable experience that you have had.

Don't forget to leave your name. Your message should be between one and two minutes long.

Homework for Wednesday, October 18

Call me a tell me about an unforgettable experience that you have had.

Don't forget to leave your name. Your message should be between one and two minutes long.

Tuesday's Homework

We are studying the present perfect.

Call and ask me ten questions using the present perfect.

I hope you haven't forgotten to include your name and information about where and when you study.

Wednesday's Homework

Call me and tell me about your best friend.

Tell me why you like them. Describe them. What qualities make them special.

Please don't forget to identify yourself. Spell your name. Speak slowly and clearly. Your message should be between one and two minutes long.

Tuesday's Homework

Today we read the first part a Jack London short story. In the story, Walt and Madge find a lost dog on their front yard.

Do you think they like dogs?

How about you, do you like dogs?

If you like dogs, please tell me why.

If you don't like dogs, explain why you don't like them.


Your message should be longer than one minute and shorter than two minutes. Please don't forget to identify yourself.

Enjoy the first game of the American League Championship Series.

Go Oakland!

Monday's Homework

Call me and tell me an interesting story about something that happenned to you today. Use the past tense.

Talk for more than one minute.

Please remember to introduce yourself and tell me when and where you study.

Thanks!

Thursday's Homework

We are going to the Job Fair tomorrow. We are also planning to visit the Oakland Museum. The Oakland Museum is very close to the main branch of the Oakland Library. Bring your library registration form and two pieces of identification so that you can get a library card after the Job Fair.

At Job Fair you will have an opportunity to speak to many employers. What questions will you ask them.

Think about a job you would like to have this year. Call me and tell me what kind of job you would like to have. P

retend that I am an employer and that I am offering exactly the kind of job you want. Ask me ten questions about the job.

Don't forget to include your name and the other usual information (where you study, etc.)

Wednesday's Homework

Please call and tell me when you are going to get your library card.

Tell me why having a library card is important to you.

Did you use a library before you came to the United States? Tell me about it.

Don't forget to give me the usual information (your name, where you study, etc.)

Your message should be longer than one minute and shorter than two minutes.

Thanks

Tuesday's Homework Assignment

Call me and tell me ten thing that you do. They can be things that you always do or that you sometimes do or even things that you rarely do.

After you tell me what you do, ask me a question (use the simple present tense).

Remember, you will be telling me about ten things you do and you will be asking me ten questions to see if I also do those things.

Try to include what, where, when, why, how much, how many, how long, and how often questions. You can also ask some yes/no questions.

Remember to spell your name and tell me when and where you study.

Monday's Homework

It's about the weather.

Call me and tell me about today's weather. You can describe the weather and tell how it affected you. You will probably use the past tense in this part of the call.

Then, tell me what you think the weather will be like tomorrow. You will probably use the future or substitute future for this part of the call.

Please tell me where you got your information about the weather and if this is how you usually get weather information.

Don't forget to include the usual information about who you are, where you study, etc.

I'm waiting for your call.

Friday's Homework

Please leave a message telling me about your weekend. Include details. Your message should be between one and two minutes long.

Don't forget to include your name. Tell me where, when and what you study.

Have a great weekend,
Richard

Thursday's Homework

Call and leave a message telling me what you are doing in the afternoon on Friday, October 6th. Explain what you hope to accomplish there.

Spell your name. Tell me what you are studying at Neighborhood Centers Adult School.

Also, tell when and where you attend class.

Wednesday's Homework

Leave a phone message telling me about something you are doing outside of school. Please do not talk about learning English or attending the adult school.

After you tell me what you are doing( for example: "I am learning to drive"). share some details.
(For example, you might say: " I practice driving every afternoon after school with my husband. On Saturdays I take a class with a driving teacher."

Don't forget to include your name (spell it!) . Tell where, when and what you study at Neighborhood Centers Adult School.

Thanks,
Richard

Tuesday's Homework

Leave a message on my answering machine.

Tell me your #1 goal for this English class.

Remember to spell your name and tell me where, when and what you study.


Also, I think you will enjoy this quiz about animal idioms.

Tuesday's Homework

Leave a message on my answering machine.

Tell me your #1 goal for this English class.

Remember to spell your name and tell me where, when and what you study.


Also, I think you will enjoy this quiz about animal idioms.

Tuesday's Homework

Leave a message on my answering machine.

Tell me your #1 goal for this English class.

Remember to spell your name and tell me where, when and what you study.


Also, I think you will enjoy this quiz about animal idioms.

Tuesday's Homework

Leave a message on my answering machine.

Tell me your #1 goal for this English class.

Remember to spell your name and tell me where, when and what you study.


Also, I think you will enjoy this quiz about animal idioms.

Tuesday's Homework

Leave a message on my answering machine.

Tell me your #1 goal for this English class.

Remember to spell your name and tell me where, when and what you study.


Also, I think you will enjoy this quiz about animal idioms.

Tuesday's Homework

Leave a message on my answering machine.

Tell me your #1 goal for this English class.

Remember to spell your name and tell me where, when and what you study.


Also, I think you will enjoy this quiz about animal idioms.

Monday's Homework

Introduce Yourself

Tell us your name.

Spell your first name.

Tells us where you go to school. (I am a student in Room101 at Neighborhood Centers Adult Schools. I am in the afternoon class.)

Tell us where you are from.

Tell us your favorite color.

Tell us your favorite fruit.

Tell us your favorite vegetable.

Tell us your favorite holiday.

Tell us the name of your best friend.

Spell their first name.

Tell us why they are your best friend.

Monday's Homework

Introduce Yourself

Tell us your name.

Spell your first name.

Tells us where you go to school. (I am a student in Room101 at Neighborhood Centers Adult Schools. I am in the afternoon class.)

Tell us where you are from.

Tell us your favorite color.

Tell us your favorite fruit.

Tell us your favorite vegetable.

Tell us your favorite holiday.

Tell us the name of your best friend.

Spell their first name.

Tell us why they are your best friend.

Thursday's Homework

Tell me what you usually eat for breakfast.

Also, tell me what you ate for breakfast this morning.

For example, you might say something like this:

I usually eat cereal and milk for breakfast.
This morning I ate pancakes for breakfast.


Don't forget to tell me your name and spell it. Also, tell me when and where you study English.

Try this easy quiz. (34 Easy Questions)

Wednesday

Call me and tell me your favorite animal.

Don't forget to include your name and which class you are taking!

For example, Son Do likes bananas and green beans. He might say something like this:

Hello, teacher. My name is Son Do.

I study English in the afternoon in Room 101 at Neighborhood Centers Adult School.

Dogs are my favorite animals.

I wish I had a puppy right now.


Thank you, teacher. I'll see you in class tomorrow afternoon.

Bye.

Please choose an animal whose baby has a special name. For example, if your favorite animal is a pig, the babies are called piglets.

cats/kitten
goat/kid
sheep/lamb
horse/colt or filly
cow/calf
dog/puppy
chicken/chick
duck/duckling

Also, take a look at this quiz. Do you know many words that begin with the letter "B"?


Take the on, in or at quiz.

Tuesday's Homework

Call me and tell me your favorite fruit and favorite vegetable.

Don't forget to include your name and which class you are taking!

For example, Son Do likes bananas and green beans. He might say something like this:

Hello, teacher. My name is Son Do.

I study English in the afternoon in Room 101 at Neighborhood Centers Adult School.

Bananas are my favorite fruit.

I wish I had a banana right now.

Green beans are my favorite vegetavble.

I wish I had some green beans right now.


Thank you, teacher. I'll see you in class tomorrow afternoon.

Bye.


Take the on, in or at quiz.

Monday's Homework

Please call and leave a telephone message.

Tell me how you get to school. Also, tell me how long it takes for you to get to school.

Don't forget to tell me your name and which class you are taking.


Do this quiz.

Body Quiz

Click here for a quiz about your body.

Call Me Up!

Hi, Class,

Welcome to the Beginning Low English Class in Room 101.

Here is your first homework assignment:

Call me up (you have the telephone number) after you watch the Dr. Phil television program tonight. Tell me what you think about the show.

Dr. Phil is on channel 4 at 8:00 pm.

Please don't forget to include your name in the message. Also, please say that you are in the Room 101 afternoon class.

Thanks,
Richard

Photos

Hi, All,

Here is a link to the photos I promised.

Fixing a flat

IMG_1604
Originally uploaded by muypadre.

It is a good thing that we brought a patch kit and tools.

We were on our way to the largest national park in Holland.

It would have been a long walk!

There really are windmills in Holland!


Yesterday we bicycled to Volendam.

It is about 20 miles from where we are staying.

Volendam is a very cute village. The houses are small.

Kayak Polo Worlds 2006

IMG_1639
Originally uploaded by muypadre.

Alex and Sophia (my son and daughter) almost pose for a photo at the park in Amsterdam where the tournament is being held.

It is a beautiful place, but there has been a lot of rain.

Here is a photo of the Under 21 Men´s team.

Waaaz a matta U?

The morning class is posting. What is the problem with the afternoon folks?

Check out the morning blog.

Zidzne's Headbutt

Check out this article.


And this animation.

Ride Public Transportation for Free this Monday!

Monday is a "Spare the Air Day"!

You can ride BART, the busses or the ferrys for free all day.

Click here to learn more.

There may be many more "Spare the Air Days", but this may be the last time this year that public transportation is free.

Get out and enjoy it!

I suggest a ferry ride to San Francisco. Maybe another ferry to Sausalito? If you see me, wave. I'll be riding my bicycle

Photos from the 1st Annual Picnic and BBQ at Redwood Park

Click here to see yourself at the 1st Annual Picnic and BBQ in Redwood Park!

Update on Oaxaca

Here is an idiom for the situation in Oaxaca:

"It's not over until the fat lady sings."

Check out this link.

And another link.

Hello, Classmates

I just joined the blog.

I will write about my plans for Memorial Day tonight.

Viva Salsa!

Read about the Bay Area salsa scene in this San Francisco Chronicle article.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Day Without an Immigrant

Teacher Jean and I joined the Day Without an Immigrant march in San Francisco.

Click here to see pictures of the march.

What do you think about today's Day Without an Immigrants events?

Please post your thoughts on the blog.

See you soon! 

Rebuilding Chinatown after the !906 Quake

Check out this interesting article about rebuilding Chinatown (San Francisco) after the 1906 earthquake. It was only a few years later that the immigration station on Angel Island opened.

You can read the article and then click on the "listen" at the top to hear it. The photos are also interesting.

Leave a comment (below) if you think I sould post more articles for you and your classmates to explore.

Angel Island Photos

Click here to see our Angel Island Photos.

http://flickr.com/photos/muypadre/sets/72057594104871977/

Click on "View as Slideshow" to watch our trip from beginning to end.

Don't forget to write a story about our field trip!

Thanks

You did the walk, now let's read the story

If you post a story about our field trip, I'll give you a disk of photographs!

What a deal!

Cafe Trieste

Some of us walked up to the Cafe Trieste in North Beach.

You may find this story in Saturday's San Francisco Chronicle interesting. 

Angel Island FAQ

Where do we meet on Thursday Morning?

Meet in Room101 or at the Lake Merritt BART station

What time do we meet on Thursday morning?

Meet at 7:45 in Room 101. We will leave promptly at 7:55 to walk to the Lake Merritt BART station.

You can also meet us at the Lake Merritt BART station at 8:25.

How much money should I bring?

Bring between $20 and $25 for transportation.

BART costs $2.75 each way.

The Angel Island Ferry group rate is $13.50.

The San Francisco to Oakland Ferry (optional at 5:20 p.m.) costs $5.50.

Bring extra money if you plan on buying snacks or drinks.

Who will buy our tickets?

You will. Each student will buy their own ticket.

Please bring exact change (or at least crisp dollar bills) for the BART ticket. We won’t have a lot of time to spend buying tickets at the Lake Merritt BART station.

We will purchase the Angel Island Ferry tickets at Pier 41.

What kind of weather do we expect?

Check with weather.com. The prediction is for partially cloudy with a high of 61 degrees. This is perfect weather for hiking, but be prepared for all weather conditions.

What clothes should I wear?

Be prepared for all kinds of weather. It may be windy. If you climb to the top of Mt. Livermore (the highest point of the island) you may feel warm. Dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing to the conditions. I usually carry a couple of sweaters and a light jacket. Don’t forget a hat if you need protection from the sun.

Dress casually and wear comfortable shoes. We will be walking quite a bit.

What else can I bring?

Bring lunch for yourself and some snack or fruit to share with your classmates.

Bring a bottle of water, juice or soda.

Don’t bring alcohol or illegal substances.

Bring sunscreen and a hat if you, like me, need protection from the sun.

Bring a camera if you have one. Don’t forget spare batteries, etc.

Bring a notebook and pencil. We will be talking about everything we see. This could be an excellent opportunity to expand your vocabulary.

Bring a backpack to carry all of the above.

What will we do on the island?

Speak English, of course.

We will walk around the eastern end of the island and look at Chinese Cove where the Chinese immigrants were detained. I hope a park ranger or volunteer will give a talk.

We’ll eat lunch together. After that, students can choose how to spend their time. Some may want to explore the shore. Others may choose to go for a walk or climb Mr. Livermore. Some may just want to relax and talk.

Everyone should meet back at the dock by 3:20.

The ferry departs for San Francisco promptly at 3:40.

When does the field trip end?

Officially, the field trip ends at 4:00 p.m. on our return to Pier 41 in San Francisco. Students are free to leave from there. The BART runs a regular schedule from the Embarcadero to Oakland.

Unofficially, I will stay and wait for the Oakland ferry that leaves Pier 41 at 5:20. This will be a good time to talk casually or grab a bite to eat. The ferry (fare is $5.50) takes about an hour to reach Jack London Square in Oakland. We’ll (several students have decided on this option) take a bus back to Neighborhood Centers School.

Can I bring a relative or a friend?

Yes, if they can walk, they are welcome, but please tell me who you are bringing by Wednesday.

Sun Shines on Sunday

The sun shone.

As you can see, the sun shone on the Golden Gate Bridge, on Angel Island and on my head.

If you like, I can show you more photos on Monday.

Vilay's Story

When I was seven years old, I went swimming. The weather was windy and cloudy. I didn't know how to swim so I stayed near the shore. I tried to swim for about 15 mninutes. A piece of glass cut my foot. It hurt and bled. I put a leaf on my cut. The bleeding stopped. I went to my house.

My mother was very angry at me. She took me to the hospital. I told my mom that I would never go to the Mekong River again.

Who wrote "Hero"?

Click here to learn more about the author of "Hero".

Read some of his poems.

Learn CPR. Save a life!

Check out these news stories:

Girl saves mom with CPR

Singer uses Heimlich Maneuver to Save Stage Hand

Bring your pet to school!

This is Tran's dog, Storm.

Bring a picture of your pet to class. We'll make him (or her) famous.
We will add your pet to our blog. 

Hello all my room!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi anyone!! Do you remember me? I hope YES!!! Especially you, Teacher Richard. I am afraid, because I did not go to school for around 7 days because I am in LA. But I studied a lot about CPR and I watched the Academy Awards. It was very fantastic, I liked it too much, but the thing that I liked more than nothing, was:" The Best Motion Picture" of Paul Haggis and Cathy Schulman in CRASH. Talking about CPR, it is very important when we want to save lifes, and you have to call 911 if the victim do not response. We have to remember exercise "SOLID COMMON SENSE" when someone needs CPR help. There are 3 kinds of CPR: Adul CPR, Child CPR, and Infant CPR. Anyway, I learned a lot about it, and I will be in school next week teacher, because I want to go to the trip too. Don't forget me please!!! Wait for me!!! O.K. I love you everybody and pay attention to the teacher because he is "SO GREAT". I"ll see you soon.

Help Plan Our Field Trip

We are planning a trip to Angel Island on March 30th.

Please help with the planning!


How can we get to Angel Island?

What are the costs?

When will we have to leave and what time will we return? Check the schedules.

What kind of weather do you expect on March 30?

What should we bring with us?

Will we have to walk far?

What will we do on Angel Island?

Here are some resources to help answer these questions.

BART
Angel Island Ferry
San Francisco Ferry
San Francisco Transit Guide

Information about Angel Island
Angel Island Immigration Foundation
Angel Island State Park
Angel Island Tours
Angel Island Immigrant Journeys of Asian Americans
Angel Island Poetry
More about Angel Island Poetry

Can you answer these CPR questions?

How CPR Works

What happens when a person experiences cardiac arrest?

How effective is CPR?

What does CPR mean?

When was CPR invented?

Where does the oxygen we breathe go?

When to Dial 911

What may be the most important step that you can take to save a life?

If two people are present and CPR is needed, what should they do?

If you are the only one present and CPR is needed, what should you do?

What should we always do when faced with an emergency situation?

What should you be prepared to tell the 911 operator?

Adult CPR

According to the American Heart Association, Adult CPR should be performed on anyone over what age?

What is responsiveness?

What should you do before beginning any rescue effort?

When shouldn’t you shake the victim?

What should you do if the victim does not respond to gentle shaking and shouting?

Adult CPR Airway

What does the “A” in “ABC” mean?

What do you need to do if the victim is unconscious and unresponsive?

How do you check to see if the victim is breathing?

What is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious victim?

How can you clear the airway of an unconscious victim when the tongue is blocking it?

Adult CPR Breathing

What does the “B” in breathing stand for?

How do you prepare to give rescue breathing?

What can happen if you over-inflate the victim’s lungs?

What should you do if the victim vomits?

How many breaths should you give?

What should you do after you give the first two breaths?

What should you do if the victim does not begin breathing, coughing or moving?

Adult CPR Circulation

What does the “C” stand for in “ABC”?

How can you determine if the victim’s heart is beating?

Where is the carotid artery?

What is a pulse?

What will you have to do if there is no pulse?

Adult CPR Compressions

Why is correct hand placement very important when performing chest compressions?

If you hear a cracking sound, should you stop performing chest compressions?

How many times should you compress before giving two more breaths?

How fast should you compress the victim’s chest?

Should you check the victim’s pulse again?

How long should you continue if there is no pulse?

What should you do if the victim has a pulse but is not breathing?

Homework Update!

Oops!!!

The Academy Awards start at 8:00 p.m. New York time.

That would be: 5 p.m. in Oakland.

If you want to see the stars arrive, watch the Red Carpet Special at 4:00 p.m.

Homework Assignment

Watch the Academy Awards at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday night . The Academy Awards will be on the ABC network. Locally, ABC is on channel 7.

Please share what you think about the Academy Award showin class on Monday. What did you like? What didn't you like?

You can click here to listen to a Voice of America story about the Academy Awards.

http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/2006-02-26-voa2.cfm

See you on Monday. I hope to read your stories before then.

Once I had an Emergency

When I was working at my last job, I had a real emergency. It happened on a Tuesday after I and my bosses had dinner. Around 9:30 pm, I was in bed but I woke up with a strong stomach ache. I started vomiting and I was vomiting for more than three hours.

I had blood in the vomit. Oh, my God! I was really sick! I felt really bad. I called to my bosses through their bedroom door and I told them, "CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE?" They came to help me. I vomitted during the next two hours.

My boss's wife prepared some tea for me, but this was not enough. They saw I was very sick and I didn't stop vomiting. Around 3:00 a.m. my bosses decided to call 911 for help. An ambulance came soon. I was in the hospital for almost two hours before the vomitting stopped.

The doctor told me that I had poison in my stomach. He did many things to my stomach and gave me a lot of medicine. I think this was a real emergency.

In an emergency, if we can't solve the problem, the best thing that we can do is call 911.

Here I am in my house in Nigeria.

Do you like my flowers? 

What I did Last Weekend

Last weekend I didn't do very much.

I felt sick.

I didn't come to school on Friday because I was feeling sick.

On Saturday, I gave out magazines near my house.

On Sunday, I went to church.

I relaxed the rest of the weekend.

Friday Class
February 24, 2006 

My Hometown by Di MIng

Millions and millions of years ago there was small bay on the east coast of China. Silt was deposited on the bed of the bay and formed a beautiful fresh water lake named West Lake surrounded by land.

A thousand years ago people built their homes there. They built my home town, Hang Zhou City. It is famous for its water.

New Years Resolutions

Click here to listen to our New Years Resolutions

Rules for Our Classroom

Please follow the rules for our classroom.

1. Speak only English!
2. Don't eat anything in Room 101!
3. Don't smoke in Room 101!
4. Don't talk on your cellphone. Please put your cellphone on "vibrate"!
5. Come to class on time! Class begins at 12:30.
6. Respect everyone in the classroom, including your teacher.
7. Don't sleep in class ....
8. Don't drink anything but water in this classroom.
9. Bring your binder, notebook and pencil every day!
   

Thanks

Phong Chau's Gift

I bought cloth and I made a pair of pants for my friend's baby. My nephew had twin girls and I gave bangles for the new twins.

Fang's Gift

I gave a necklace to my friend's baby five years ago.

My friend Yeau liked the necklace very much and she felt happy.

Later I bought a children's book for her to teach her baby to read. Now we meet each other very often.

Ming Tao's Gift

I gave a novel book to my friend Sheng last year on his birthday.

My friend Sheng likes to read novels very much. I knew he would like this book.

After I gave him the book, he felt very happy. I think maybe he will become a famous writer in the future.

Sanjoo's Story

In 1996 I worked for the Democratic Party in Burma. The police came to my house and asked me about the Democratic Party. I never answered them. I only told them that I did not know anything.

A few months later, the police came to my house again. I was very lucky because I was not home. I was at a friend's house. Two hours later, my mother came to see me. My mother told me, "You shouldn't come back home. You must run away. "

One day later, I went from place to place. After a month, I met my friend, Anil. Anil was my best friend. Now he is my husband. We are social workers together.

if we go back to Burma maybe the police will kill us or put us in jail.

Now that we are safe in the United States, we are fine. Sometimes I miss my mother and friends. I am very sad. I haven't seen my mother for ten years. Sometimes I call my mother, but I only listen. I can't talk because the telephone is tapped. The police always watch my mother.

I cry now because my mother is old.

Letter from Sanjoo

Dear Sir Richard,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!

First off, all I would like to say is my heartfelt regards to you. I will be thankful to you in my entire life. I have learned many good things from you. I believe that it will be very helpful in my life.

Where ever I go, I will never forget you. You will be in my memory. I will miss you always. You are my best teacher and friend. I always pray for your good health.

When you teach you make us very happy in our class. There are many activities and fun during our class. This all will be good memories in our lives. I believe that all of my classmates will never forget you.

With love and best wishes to you.

Respectfully,

Your student,

Sanjoo

The Gift of the Magi

Listen to this classic Christmas story by O'Henry.

Read the story.

Use these flashcards to improve your vocabulary.

Take a vocabulary quiz.

A Bus Story

I just arrived in the United States one month ago. Honestly, I am still not used to living in the United States.
One morning, I wanted to go to school by bus. I got up early and I waited for a bus. After a few minutes, the bus arrived. There were many people in the bus. I stood inside the bus. A woman was standing beside me and she had a big bag. When I was about to get off the bus, the woman was in my way. I couldn't go to the bus door. I tried to pass her, but I couldn't. So, I spoke Chinese to her politely, but she had no reaction. I spoke to her again, but she still didn't understand me. Finally, I tried to move her bag. Suddenly, the woman turned around and spoke loudly to me,"Say excuse me and don't push my bag. " I said "Excuse me"and "Sorry"in English to her immediately. This time I spoke in English. She moved her bag out of my way. So that I could get off the bus. I realized that I should have spoken English to the woman instead of Chinese. Again, I realized that I am in the United States, not in China any more.

Hello, Classmates

This is my first post.

I promised the teacher that I would send him an email. And I did.

Now I am promising that I will write a story for you. And I will.

Land by Leo Tolstoy

Land is recorded in 3 parts: (Click each part to play)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3 (I'll post it after we discuss the third part in class)

Tomorrow, Saturday

I think I will sleep late on Saturday. When I wake up, I will eat breakfast. After that, I will do some homework for my morning teacher. I will try to write a letter to my teacher. It is hard for me to write. I have trouble with my grammar, but I will do it.

I will go visit my daughter in Union City. After that, I will return home and go to sleep.

by Muoi Tan

This Saturday

I hope I will wake up late on Saturday. After I wake up, I'll brush my teeth, wash my face and get dressed. Then, I'll go to the supermarket to buy some meat, vegetables and fruit to make lunch for my family. After lunch , I will clean my room, wash clothes and cut the grass. In the evening, I'll visit my brother.

by John Wen

Tomorrow

Tomorrow is Saturday. I will wake up early because I will go to an autoshow in Alameda. This is the biggest autoshow in the Bay Area. People can drive new cars on the special road. I will drive a Hummer for the first time. Then I will drive other cars. I think I will spend the whole day at the show. I hope I have a good day tomorrow.

by Hui Neng

My Favorite Relative

My mother is my favorite relative. She is 59 years old. She is strong and average height. She is a housewife and a nice mother. She always is kind to people. Her education was very limited, but I respect her more than anyone. When I have any trouble, I always ask for her advice first. I love her personality.

by Su Ling Li

My Favorite Relative

Uncle Berhane is my favorite relative. He is my mother's brother. He is a businessman and a hard worker. He gave me advice. He lives in Eritrea. He is 50 years old and married. He has two sons and two daughters. He is tall and strong. I like him very much.

by Yonas Woldesillise

Space Star (part 2 continued)

This is the end of the story!!!

Read the previous post first!!!

Space Star (part 2 )

St

Start Part 2 here!

Listen to Space Star (part 2 continued) after you listen to this post.

Space Star (part 1)

Please forgive my reading mistakes.

This is the first time I recorded a story for the Internet.

Like all of us, I need more practice speaking to an audience.

Leave comments if you would like me to record Space Star (part 2).

Hiring a New Administative Assistant

Today we listed to a podcast about hiring a new administrative assistant.

You can read the transcript by going to the ESLpod.com website.

Here is a list of words and idioms from the podcast:

• Administrative assistant
• Gave notice
• Could not have happened at a worse time
• Busy time of year
• Nothing I could do
• Right away
• Want ad
• Classified
• Applications
• Interviews
• Narrowed it down
• Resume
• Experience
• Working at
• Telecommunications
• Looked promising
• Dressed professionally
• Seemed personable
• With confidence
• Sounded like
• Perseverance
• Drawbacks
• Chatty
• Seemed disorganized
• Capacities
• Candidate
• Rough around the edges
• Earnest
• Eager
• Air of someone who had
• Corporate environment
• Seemed bright
• Easy to get along with
• Did strike me
• As shy
• Nervous
• Two options
• Give it some more thought

I hope you have time to review these new words and idioms over the weekend.

Hiring a New Administative Assistant

Today we listed to a podcast about hiring a new administrative assistant.

You can read the transcript by going to the ESLpod.com website.

Here is a list of words and idioms from the podcast:

• Administrative assistant
• Gave notice
• Could not have happened at a worse time
• Busy time of year
• Nothing I could do
• Right away
• Want ad
• Classified
• Applications
• Interviews
• Narrowed it down
• Resume
• Experience
• Working at
• Telecommunications
• Looked promising
• Dressed professionally
• Seemed personable
• With confidence
• Sounded like
• Perseverance
• Drawbacks
• Chatty
• Seemed disorganized
• Capacities
• Candidate
• Rough around the edges
• Earnest
• Eager
• Air of someone who had
• Corporate environment
• Seemed bright
• Easy to get along with
• Did strike me
• As shy
• Nervous
• Two options
• Give it some more thought

I hope you have time to review these new words and idioms over the weekend.

Concept Map

This is a concept map.

What (who) is a the center of the concept map?

How can a concept map help us write a paragraph?

How about a joke?

Sometimes we need a good laugh.

Click here to hear a joke.

Hi, Classmates

I am happy when I study with you.

Do you know where I am from?

Can you guess how old I am?

Do you know my favorite color?

Listen to English on the Internet

In our afternoon class, we often listen to English on the Internet.

You can listen to English poems at The Writer's Almanac.

ESLpod is a good place to build your vocabulary and improve your listening skills. Click here to read the scripts of the stories we heard in class.

Yes/No Questions (Simple Past Tense)

Yes/No Questions (with the verb to be)

She was late for class.

Question
Was she late for class?

Yes/No Questions (not the verb to be)

I went to the store yesterday.

Question
Did you go to the store yesterday?

Learn Geography

Click on this link:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/web_games.htm

to play an internet game and learn US geogrraphy.

While you are at it, click here:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Mexico_Geography.htm

to learn about Mexican Geography

Study Groups

Today we met in study groups of four or five students to review the test.

• Each group received one copy of the test.
• The students discussed each test question.
• The students didn't write on the test paper.
• They took notes.
• The teacher asked them to speak English only.

Do you think that study groups are an effective way to learn English?

Finding the Words to Songs

Using the Internet, you can easily find the words to songs if you know the song's title.

The words to a song are called lyrics.

Suppose that you are looking for the words for the song, Right Here Waiting.

1. Go to Google.com
2. In the search window type: Lyrics Right Here Waiting.
3. Click on one of the search result links

I usually copy the lyrics into a word processor.

1. Highlight the lyrics and copy them (cntrl-c).
2. Open a new Microsoft Word Document
3. Paste the lyrics (cntrl-v)
4. Type in the title and recording artist above the lyrics
5. Format, save and print the lyrics

Certain nonaction verbs are usually not used in the present continuos tense.

example:

• We usually do not say, "I am understanding you."
• We say, "I understand you."

What verbs are not usually used in the contiuous tenses?

Use the comments to post your answers.

A test!

Yes, we took a test today.

It was a review of the simple present, present continuous and future tenses.

How do you feel you did?

Tomorrow we are going to correct the test in class.

When you see the results, you will know what you need to study.

Do you think tests are a good idea?

We listened to music today.

We listened to Another Saturday Night by Sam Cooke.

We also listened to Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx.

Many students liked that song!

Here are some other songs that students like:

• That's Why
• Without You in My Life
• Smoke In Your Eyes
• Yesterday Once More
• Under Your Clothes
• Undiscovered

Tell us if you have a favorite song you would like to share.

Today we sang Money, Honey by Elvis Presley.

Please "email if you want to get along with me."

Today we studied how to use will or be+going to+root form of the verb to make a prediction, present facts about the future or discuss scheduled events.

Use be going to when talking about a plan for the future.

Use will when you offer help or make a promise.

Organize your binder!

Please organize your binder into five sections:

1. Grammar
2. Reading and Literature
3. Listening and Vocabulary Building
4. Writing
5. The American Experience

If you need dividers, please ask me for some.

Today we listened to a podcast about the post office.

You can go to the ESLpod website if you want to hear the podcast or read the script.

We also talked about how to give someone directions using "north", "south", "east" and "west".

We used Google Earth to travel around the world.

We also looked at some photographs of the teacher's brother's wedding in China.

Finally, we began to read a new story. The story is called "Crucita". It was written by Manuela Williams Crosno.

What is his name?

Where was he born?

What is his favorite food?

He isn't married, but he has a girlfriend.
Do you know her name?

Do you recognize this classmate?

What is his name?

What country does he come from?

How many children does he have?

What is his favorite food?

Happy Birthday!