LEAF ESL Level 2

My Dream Vacation

2010-08-24T06:24:00.001-07:00

I'm going to go on vacation. I'm going to go to Hawaii because I've never been there and I heard it's beautiful. I'm going to go with my boyfriend and we are going to fly there. I think we are going to stay for 3 weeks. I hope the weather is going to be sunny and warm because we are going to go scuba diving, swimming, and hiking. But of course we are going to relax. I'm going to bring 2 bathing suits - one for swimming and one for sunbathing. I think we are going to see beautiful tropical flowers and gorgeous beaches. I'm definitely going to take a lot of pictures.

I'm going to give you $10,000 to go on vacation. You can go anywhere you want. You can do anything you want. You can see anything you want. Talk to you partner about these questions.

1. Where are you going to go?

2. Why are you going to go to this place?

3. What is the weather going to be like?

4. When are you going to go?

5. How are you going to get there (transportation)?

6. How long are you going to stay?

7. Who is going to go with you?

8. What are you going to do there?

9. What are you going to see?

10. What are you going to bring with you?

Now post your answers to the blog. When you are finished, you can practice reading, listening, grammar, typing, or vocabulary.

Adele's Story

2010-08-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

This is Adele. She lives in France and she is married. Her husband's name is Phillip. He is not at home because he he works on a boat. He lives on the boat for many months at a time. She misses him, so she is writing him a letter to tell him that she loves him. She is sitting in a chair and remembering how handsome he is. She is leaning her face on her hand because she is thinking about what to write him. The sun is shining through the window, but she doesn't care because she is dreaming about when her husband will come home.

Now you are going to type the story you wrote in class. On the right, you will find the links to the pictures we used in class. Find the picture you wrote about and copy it. Open MicroSoft Word and paste the picture into the document. Then type your story and print it.

Job Ads

2010-08-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

Now that you are finished with your job search, please answer the following quesitons.

1. What is the job?

2. What is the name of the company?

3. How much does the job pay?

4. Is it full-time or part-time?

5. Do they want you to apply in person, call, or send a resume?

6. Do you like this job? Why or why not?

Please post your answers on the blog. When you are finished, you can practice reading, listening, grammar, typing, or vocabulary.

Jobs

2010-08-02T14:51:00.000-07:00

This week, we are talking about jobs. I want to know about what you do. Here is my example:

I am a teacher. I teach the Level 2 class in the LEAF Program. I teach 19 hours a week, plan lessons, and correct my students' papers and tests. I am also the Adult Education Coordinator. I supervise the volunteers and make sure the program runs well. My favorite part of the job is working with the students because I like talking to people from different countries. My dream job is to be a singer because I love to sing. I sing all the time - I sing while I cook, I sing while I drive...

1. What do you do? If you don't have a job right now, what did you do in the past?

2. What activities do/did you do everyday?

3. What is your favorite part of the job? Why?

4. What is your dream job? Why?

Now write your answers. When you are finished, you can practice vocabulary, reading, listening, grammar, or typing.

BART Strike

2010-07-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

Please talk about the following questions with your partner. 1. How did you get to school today? 2. How long did it take you to get to school today? 3. Do you ever take the bus or train? 4. Did you ever experience a strike in Chicago or your country? 5. Why do workers go on strike? 6. In your opinion, should workers who serve the public go on strike? Now click on the link on the right and read the article called "BART Strike". When you are finished the exercises, return to the blog and write your answers to the conversation questions.

When I Moved to Chicago

2010-07-12T14:46:00.001-07:00

I moved to Chicago in 2006. I left Michigan in the summer and it was hot and humid. I said goodbye to my friends and family the day before I moved. I was very sad to say goodbye, but I was excited to move to a new city. The day before I moved, my father and my friend helped me pack my furniture into a truck. The next day, my father and my brother drove with me to Chicago early in the morning. It took 2 and a half hours to drive. After we arrived, we moved my furniture into my new apartment. It took me 3 days to organize everything, but I was comfortable after I finished.

Healthy Food

2010-07-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

Today, you are going to read an article about healthy food for kids. Please read the article and then do the exercises. When you are finished, you can do another reading, or you can practice listening, grammar, typing, or vocabulary.

My Favorite Food

2010-06-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

My favorite food is pasta. I love pasta with cream sauce with some kind of vegetable like spinach or brocolli. I eat a lot of vegetables, fruit, whole wheat pasta, rice, bread, and cereal. I don't eat much junk food (potato chips, french fries, soda...) and I don't eat meat. But I eat fish and other kinds of seafood. For breakfast, I eat yogurt, cereal, and blueberries mixed together and I drink my favorite beverage - coffee. I love chocolate, so for my last birthday, I had chocolate cake. And because I don't know how to cook very many things, I usually buy spinach dip from the grocery store when I go to a party.

Now, write your answers to the conversation questions from the beginning of class. When you are finished, you can practice vocabulary with Oxford Picture Dictionary or typing with Mavis Beacon. If you want to practice reading, grammar, or listening, click on one of the links on the right.

1. What is your favorite food? Describe what is in it.

2. What do you usually eat for breakfast?

3. What is your favorite thing to drink?

4. What kind of dessert did you have for your last birthday?

5. What kind of food do you usually bring to a party?

6. Do you know how to cook? If yes, what is your specialty?

Have fun!

My Favorite Room

2010-06-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

My bedroom is my favorite room because it is comfortable. When I want to relax, I sit on my bed and read a book or listen to music. My comforter and sheets are white and I like my big pillows on my bed. My bed is between 2 night tables. There are 2 lamps on the night tables and I have red flowers and an alarm clock on one of the tables. I have two dressers. One is short and the other is tall. There is a big mirror over one of the dressers and a picture over the bed. I have a beige rug under the bed. I don't have a TV because I like my bedroom to be quiet.

Now write about your favorite room. When you are finished, you can practice vocabulary with the picture dictionary or typing. Or you can practice reading, grammar, or listening with the links on the right.

My Routine

2010-05-17T14:25:00.001-07:00

This is my normal routine. I usually get up at 6:00 and I eat breakfast and drink a cup of coffee. Sometimes, I eat an egg and toast for breakfast, but I usually eat cereal with yogurt and blueberries. I brush my teeth and I get ready for work. Then I work from 9:00 to 5:00. After I get home, I make dinner and wash the dishes. I usually read or watch TV before I go to bed. Next, I take a shower and get ready for bed. I usually go to bed at about 10:00. I don't stay up late because I get up early in the morning. On the weekends, I like to sleep late. I do my laundry, go grocery shopping, and clean my apartment. I sometimes meet my friends for coffee or go to a movie.

Now write about your routine and post it on the blog. You can use the conversation questions from the beginning of class or your writing from yesterday. When you are finished, you can practice listening, grammar, or reading.

Classes and Schools

2010-05-10T14:20:00.001-07:00

We are studying classrooms and schools this week. In computer class today, we are going to learn how to use a reading program and the articles are about school. First I will give you a demonstration and then you are going to use the program on your own. When you are finished, please return to the blog and answer the questions.

1. Do you like to read in your language?

2. If yes, what do you like to read? Books (romance, history, science), magazines, newspapers...

3. What is your favorite book? If you don't know the name in English, you can write it in your language.

4. Who taught (past tense of teach) you how to read (your mother, your brother, a teacher)? How old were you?

5. What is more difficult for you - reading, writing, listening, or speaking in English? Why do you think so?

Welcome!

2010-05-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Level 2 computer class! I'm happy that you are studying with us. In computer class, we are going to practice listening, reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. Today, I want you to write an introduction. I will teach you how to post your writing in this program. This program is called "a blog". When you are finished, everyone will read the introductions.

Here is my introduction:

My name is Robbin. I am an English teacher and I have been teaching for 11 years. I am from the United States and my hometown is Holt, Michigan. It is a very small town in the middle of the state. Now I live in the Uptown neighborhood in Chicago on Sheridan and Foster. I am not married and I do not have any children. I have a cat and her name is Sophie. My favorite flavor of ice cream is chocolate and my favorite food is pasta. My favorite color is blue because it looks like the sky and ocean.

Now you get to write. Please write the answers to these questions.

1. What is your name?

2. Where are you from?

3. Where do you live now?

4. If you have a job, what do you do?

5. Are you married? How many years?

6. Do you have children? What are their names and how old are they?

7. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

8. What is your favorite food?

9. What is your favorite color?

2010-04-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

I'm going to go on vacation. I'm going to go to Hawaii in August because I've never been there and I heard it's beautiful. I'm going to go with my boyfriend and we are going to fly. I think we are going to stay for 3 weeks. I hope the weather is going to be sunny and warm because when we are there, we are going to go scuba diving, swimming, and hiking. But of course, we are going to relax. I'm going to bring 2 bathing suits - one for swimming and one for sunbathing. I'm also going to bring my sunglasses. I think we are going to see some beautiful tropical flowers and gorgeous beaches. I'm definately going to take a lot of pictures.

I'm going to give you $10,000 to go on vacation. You can go anywhere you want. You can do anything you want. You can see anything you want. Talk to you partner about these questions.

1. Where are you going to go?

2. Why are you going to go to this place?

3. What is the weather going to be like?

4. When you are you going to go?

5. How are you going to get there (transportation)?

6. How long are you going to stay?

7. Who is going to go with you?

8. What are you going to do there?

9. What are you going to see?

10. What are you going to bring with you?

Now take turns writing your partner's answers. When you are finished, read about other students' vacations and then practice reading, listening, grammar, or typing on your own.

2010-04-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is Adele. She lives in France, and her husband's name is Philip. He is not at home because he works on a boat. He lives on the boat for many months at a time. She misses him, so she is writing him a letter to tell him that she loves him. She is sitting in a chair and remembering how handsome he is. She is leaning her face on her hand because she is thinking about what to write him. The sun is shining through the window, but she doesn't care because she is dreaming about when her husband will come home.

Now you are going to type the story you wrote in class. On the right, you will find links to the pictures we used in class. Find the picture you wrote about. Open MicroSoft Word and paste the picture into your document. Then type your story. Please print 2 copies. One for me and one for you.

2010-04-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

Now that you are finished looking at the classifieds for a job, please answer the following questions from your handout.

1. What is the job?

2. What is the name of the company?

3. How much does the job pay?

4. Is it full-time or part-time?

5. Do they want you to apply in person, call, or send a resume?

6. Do yo ulike thie job? Why or why not?

When you are finished, you can practice job related vocabulary on Oxford Picture Dictionary or you can practice typing. Ask me for help if you don't remember how to open these programs. Or you can practice English on other websites by clicking on the links on the right.

When I moved to Chicago

2010-03-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

I moved to Chicago in 2006. I left Michigan in the summer. The weather was hot and humid. I said goodbye to my friends and family the day before I moved. I was very sad to say goodbye, but I was excited to move to a new city. The day before I moved, my father and my friend helped me pack the truck with my furniture. The next day, my father and my brother drove with me to Chicago early in the morning. It took 2 and a half hours to drive. After we arrived, we moved my furniture into my new apartment. It took me 3 days to organize my apartment, but I was comfortable after I finished.

Now write about when you moved to Chicago. Remember to use past tense. When you are finished, you can practice reading, listening, or grammar with the links on the right. Or you can use the picture dictionary program or practice typing.

Free Food for Kids

2010-03-02T06:32:00.000-08:00

First, you should read the story about free food for kids. The link is on the right. After you are finished reading and doing the activities, return to the blog and answer these questions. Click on "comments" to post your answers.

1. Why is it important for kids to eat a healthy breakfast before school?

2. Do you think it is important for adults to eat a healthy breakfast, too? Why or why not?

3. The free food for kids program is from the government. The money comes from taxes. Do you think it is more important to give free food to kids or for the public to save money on taxes? Why?

4. This story about free food for kids is from California. Do you know of a similar program in Illinois? What are they?

When you are finished with your questions, you can practice more reading, listening, or grammar. Or you can go to the typing program or the picture dictionary program.

Robbin

My Favorite Food

2010-02-22T13:31:00.000-08:00

My favorite food is pasta. I love pasta with cream sauce and some kind of vegetable like spinach or broccoli. I like to go downtown to buy fresh fruit and vegetables at the farmers' market. I eat a lot of vegetables, fruit, rice, whole wheat pasta, cereal, and bread. I don't eat much junk food (chips, soda, french fries...) and I don't eat meat. But I eat fish and other kinds of seafood. I like to eat healthy food because many people in my family have heart problems. For breakfast, I usually eat blueberries, yogurt, and cereal mixed together and I drink my favorite beverage - coffee. I love chocolate, so for my last birthday I had a chocolate cake. And because I don't know how to cook very many things, when I go to a party, I usually bring spinach dip from the grocery store.

Now, write your answers to the questions below. When you are finished, you can practice vocabulary with the picture dictionary or practice typing with the Mavis Beacon program. Or you can click on the links on the right to practice grammar, listening, or reading.

1. What is your favorite food? Describe what is in it.

2. What do you usually eat for breakfast?

3. What is your favorite thing to drink?

4. What kind of dessert did you have for your last birthday?

5. What kind of food do you usually bring to a party?

6. Do you know how to cook? If yes, what is your specialty?

Have fun!

My Home

2010-02-09T06:42:00.000-08:00

My favorite room is my bedroom because it is comfortable. When I want to relax, I sit on my bed and read a book or listen to music. My comforter and sheets are white and I like my big pillows on my bed. I have 2 night tables next to my bed. There are lamps on the night tables and an alarm clock. I have 2 dressers. One is short and the other is tall. There is a big mirror over one of the dressers and a picture over the bed. I have a big rug under the bed. I don't have a TV in my bedroom because I like it to be quiet.

Now I want you to practice conversation with your partner. Ask your partner about his or her favorite room.

1. What is your favorite room? Why?

2. Describe your favorite room. Is it big or small? Is it comfortable? What colors are in the room?

3. What furniture is in the room? Where are the pieces located?

4. What do you do in your favorite room?

5. What do you want to change or buy for your room?

When you are finished, click on the links on the right.

My Schedule

2010-01-26T09:19:00.001-08:00

This is my routine. I usually get up at about 6:00 and I eat breafast and drink a cup of coffee. I sometimes eat eggs and toast, but I usually eat yogurt and cereal with blueberries. I don't take a shower in the morning because I take one at night. I brush my teeth and get dressed. Then I work from 9:00 to 5:00. After I get home from work, I make dinner and wash the dishes. Next, I take a shower and relax. Sometimes I read a book or watch TV. I usually go to bed about about 10:00.

2010-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the Level 2 computer class. I am happy you are studying with us and I hope you have enjoyed the first few days of your English class.

This is a website where you can practice writing, reading, listening, and grammar. This week, I want you to write an introduction and I will teach you how to post your writing on the blog. After you are finished, I want you to practice grammar with the links on the right.

Here is my introduction:

My name is Robbin. I am an English teacher and I have been teaching for over 10 years. I am from the United States and my hometown is Holt, Michigan. It is a very small town in the middle of Michigan. Now I live in the Uptown neighborhood in Chicago on Foster and Sheridan. I am not married and I don't have any kids. I have a cat and her name is Sophie. My favorite flavor of ice cream is chocolate and my favorite food is pasta. My favorite color is blue because it looks like the ocean and the sky.

Now you get to write. Please write the answers to these questions.

1. What is your name?

2. Where are you from?

3. Where do you live now?

4. If you have a job, what do you do?

5. Are you married?

6. Do you have kids? If yes, what are their names and how old are they?

7. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

8. What is your favorite food?

9. What is your favorite color?

10. What do you want to learn in English class?

Have fun!
Robbin

End of the Term

2009-12-14T14:13:00.000-08:00

We are almost finished. I hope you have had fun this term and you feel like you have learned a lot. I have loved teaching you and I hope to see you in January. Have a great break and enjoy the snow. See you at the party!

Please give me a copy of your vacation posters and I'll put them on the wall in the classroom. Now you can use the links on the right to practice our song, grammar, reading, or listening (I can give you headphones for the song and listening practice). Also, I added two more holiday songs if you want to learn them in English. If you want to practice typing or vocabulary with the picture dictionary and you don't remember how to open the programs, ask a teacher to help you.

Jingle Bell Rock

2009-12-07T14:44:00.000-08:00

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock.

Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring.

Snowin' and blowin' up bushels of fun.

Now the jingle hop has begun.

We are going to have 2 weeks for winter break. During the two weeks, I'm going to take some time off and relax. I'm going to go to Michigan to visit my family for Christmas. We are going to buy presents for my nieces and we are going to eat some good food. When I return to Chicago, I'm going to see my friends. Maybe we will meet for coffee or go to a movie. I'm also going to celebrate New Year's Eve with my friends, but I'm not going to go to a big party. On January 4th and 5th, I'm going to help the school register new students and I'm going to start teaching the new Level 2 class on January 6th.

Now, write about your plans for the winter break. Please tell us about what you are going to do. You can also tell us about any holidays you are going to celebrate and the people you are going to see. When you are finished, post your writing on the blog and then practice English with the links on the right. If you want to practice typing or vocabulary with the picture dictionary, ask for help.

2009-11-30T15:27:00.000-08:00

Now I want you to write a story with your partner. Choose a picture from the list on the right and create a story together. Open "Word" and type your story and paste your picture into the document. When you are finished, ask for help to decorate your story.

After you print your story, you can practice grammar, reading, or listening with the links on the right. Or use other programs to practice typing or vocabulary.

Finding a Job

2009-11-23T13:19:00.000-08:00

Now that you are finished looking at the classifieds for a job, please answer the questions from your handout.

1. What is the job?

2. What is the name of the company?

3. How much does the job pay?

4. Is it full-time or part-time?

5. Do they want you to apply in person, call, or send a resume?

6. Do you like this job? Why or why not?

When you are finished, you can practice job related vocabulary with Oxford Picture Dictionary or you can practice typing. Ask me or Erica for help if you don't remember how to open these programs. Or you can click on the links on the right for other things to practice.

Occupations

2009-11-17T06:19:00.001-08:00

This week, we are talking about jobs. I am an ESL teacher. I like my job because I meet students from different parts of the world. Sometimes, my job is difficult because I do a lot of planning and grading. My favorite part of my job is helping students learn English so they can meet their goals: finding a job, going back to school, helping their children with their homework, going to a doctor's appointment, and calling 911. Now, work with a partner and ask your partner these questions and write the answers. Remember to sign your names.

Do you have a job? Remember - being a parent is a job.

What do you do everyday?

What do you like about your job?

What don't you like about your job?

If you don't have a job right now, did you have a job in the past? You can write about it in the past tense. When both of you are finished, click on the links on the right and practice the things we practiced in class today and last week.

Food

2009-10-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

My favorite food is pasta. I love pasta with cream sauce with some kind of vegetable like spinach or broccoli. I like to go to the farmers' market downtown to buy fresh food. I eat a lot of vegetables, fruit, rice, and whole wheat pasta, cereal, and bread. I don't eat much junk food (chips, soda, french fries...) and I don't eat meat. But I eat fish and other seafood. I like to eat healthy food because many people in my family have heart problems. I want to be healthy.

Now answer the questions below with your partner. Take turns asking each other and typing the answers. When you are finished, you can practice with the picture dictionary or the links on the right.

1. What is your favorite food? Describe what is in it.

2. What do you usually eat for dinner?

3. Do you eat much junk food? What do you like?

4. Why is it important for kids to eat healthy food?

My Favorite Room

2009-10-05T14:59:00.001-07:00

My favorite room is my bedroom because it is comfortable. When I want to relax, I like to sit on my bed and read a book or listen to music. My comforter and sheets are white and I like my big pillows on the bed. I have 2 night tables next to my bed. There are lamps on the night tables and an alarm clock. I have 2 dressers. One is short and the other is tall. My cat likes to sit on the dressers. There is a big mirror over one of the dressers and some pictures on the walls. I have a big rug under the bed. I don't have a TV in my bedroom because I like it to be quiet.

2009-09-28T14:35:00.001-07:00

This week, we started to talk about family. Today, we are going to learn how to use a website to help you practice reading and we are going to do 2 readings about families. After you are finished, you can click on the links on the right and go to other websites.

Have fun!

2009-09-21T14:53:00.000-07:00

This is my routine. I usually get up at 6:00 and I eat breakfast and drink a cup of coffee. I sometimes eat an egg and toast for breakfast, but I usually eat yogurt and cereal. I don't take a shower in the morning because I take a shower at night. I brush my teeth and I get ready for work. Then I work from 9:00 to 5:00. After I get home, I make dinner and and wash the dishes. I usually read a book or watch TV in the evening. Next, I take a shower and get ready for bed. I go to bed about about 10:00. I don't stay up late because I get up early in the morning. On the weekends, I like to sleep late. I do my laundry, clean my apartment, and go grocery shopping. I sometimes meet my friends for coffee or I go to a movie.

Now, talk about these questions with your partner.

1. What time do you get up during the week?

2. What activities do you do before class?

3. What do you eat for breakfast?

4. What activities do you after class?

5. What do you do in the evening?

6. What time do you go to bed?

7. What do you do on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday)?

Next, you can write about your daily activities. When you are finished, read your classmates' writing. Then click on the links on the right and practice some of the things we've been studying this week.

Have fun!

2009-09-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Level 2. I am happy that you are studying with us and I hope you are enjoying the wonderful fall colors we have all over Chicago now.

This is a website where you can practice writing, reading, listening and grammar. This week, I want you to write an introduction. After you are finished writing your introduction, read your classmate's introductions. Here is my introduction.

My name is Robbin. I am an English teacher and I have been teaching for 10 years. I am from the United States. My hometown is Holt, Michigan and it is small. Now I live in Chicago in the Uptown neighborhood. I am not married and I don't have kids. I have a cat and her name is Sophie. My favorite flavor of ice cream is chocolate and my favorite food is pasta. My favorite color is blue because it looks like the ocean and the sky.

Now you get to write. Please answer these questions:

1. What is your name?

2. Where are you from?

3. Where do you live now?

4. If you have a job, what do you do?

5. Are you married?

6. Do you have kids?

7. What are their names and how old are they?

8. What is your favorite food?

9. What is your favorite color?

10. What do you want to learn in English class?

Have fun!

Robbin

Telling a Story

2009-07-13T12:47:00.001-07:00

This is Adele. She lives in France, but her husband is not at home. His name is Philip and he works on a boat. He lives on his boat for many months. She misses him and she is writing him a letter to tell him that she loves him. She is sitting in the chair and she is remembering how handsome he is. She is leaning her face on her hand because she is thinking about what she wants to write. The sun is shining through the window, but she doesn't care. She is only thinking about her husband and dreaming about when he comes home.

Now I want you to write a story with your partner. Choose a picture from the list on the right and then create a story together. When you are finished writing, ask for help to decorate your story.

After you print your story, you can practice grammar, reading, or listening with the links on the right. Have fun!

When I moved to Chicago

2009-06-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

I moved to Chicago in 2006. I left Michigan in the summer. The weather was hot and humid. I said goodbye to my friends and family the day before I moved. I was very sad to say goodbye, but I was excited to move to a new city. The day I moved, my father, my brother, and my friend helped me pack the truck with my furniture. We packed early in the morning and then drove to Chicago. It took 4 hours to drive. We arrived in the afternoon and moved my furniture into my apartment. After we were finished, I bought lunch for everyone. Then they went back to Michigan. I organized my apartment for 3 days. After I was finished, I was comfortable.

Now, write about when you moved to Chicago. When you are finished, click on the links on the write to practice grammar, reading, or listening. 10 minutes before class is finished, we will return to this and read what everyone wrote.

Food

2009-06-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

My favorite food is pasta. I love pasta with a cream sauce and some kind of vegetable like spinach or broccoli. I like to go to the farmer's market downtown to buy fresh food. I eat a lot of vegetables, fruit, rice, whole wheat pasta, cereal, and whole wheat bread. I don't eat much junk food (chips, soda, french fries...) and I don't eat most meat, but I do eat fish. I like to eat healthy food because many people in my family have heart problems. I want my heart to be healthy.

Now, answer the questions below and then read what your classmates write. When you are finished, click on the reading on the right and do the activities.

1. What is your favorite food? Describe what is in it.

2. What do you usually eat for dinner?

3. Do you eat much junk food? What do you like?

4. Why is it important for kids to eat healthy food?

See you tomorrow and have fun.

Family

2009-05-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

We are going to start talking about families tomorrow. Kirsten and Katie are going to show you how to use the reading website and you are going to read about families.

Please bring 4 or 5 pictures of your family to class tomorrow.

Thanks!
Robbin

2009-05-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

This is my daily routine. I usually get up at 6:00 and I eat breakfast and drink a cup of coffee. I sometimes eat an egg and toast for breakfast, but I usually eat yogurt and cereal. I don't take a shower in the morning because I take a shower at night. I brush my teeth and I get ready for work. Then I work from 9:00 to 5:00. After I get home, I make dinner and and wash the dishes. I usually read a book or watch TV in the evening. Next, I take a shower and get ready for bed. I go to bed about about 10:00. I don't stay up late because I get up early in the morning. On the weekends, I like to sleep late. I do my laundry, clean my apartment, and go grocery shopping. I sometimes meet my friends for coffee or I go to a movie.

Now, work with a partner and talk to each other about these questions.

1. What time do you get up during the week?

2. What activities do you do before class?

3. What do you eat for breakfast?

4. What activities do you after class?

5. What do you do in the evening?

6. What time do you go to bed?

7. What do you do on the weekends (Saturday and Sunday)?

Next, you can write about your daily activities. When you are finished, read your classmates' writing. Then click on the links on the right and practice some of the things we've been studying this week.

Have fun!

Classrooms

2009-05-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

Welcome to computer class! This week, we are studying classrooms and "There is..." and "There are..."

I hope you liked using the picture dictionary. Now, Katie and Kirsten are going to show you how to use the links on the right. Today we have links that will help you practice the grammar we did in class.

After you finish practicing grammar, choose a picture that you like and then write a description of it. For example: "It is a big room. There are 15 desks and 2 windows."

Katie and Kirsten will teach you how to copy and paste the picture you choose. They will also teach you how to open the program to write your description.

Welcome!

2009-05-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Level 2. I am happy that you are studying with us and I hope you are enjoying the wonderful spring flowers we have all over Chicago now.

This is a website where you can practice writing, reading, listening and grammar. Joanna will teach you how to use it. This week, I want you to write an introduction. After you are finished writing your introduction, read your classmate's introductions. Here is my introduction.

Now you get to write. Please answer these questions:

1. What is your name?

2. Where are you from?

3. Where do you live now?

4. If you have a job, what do you do?

5. Are you married?

6. Do you have kids?

7. What are their names and how old are they?

8. What is your favorite food?

9. What is your favorite color?

10. What do you want to learn in English class?

Have fun!
Robbin

Chicago Activities

2009-04-20T12:50:00.001-07:00

Now that the weather is getting nicer, it's time to think about summer activities. I love to go to parks, festivals, and parades and Chicago has something going on every weekend. So, I'd like you to find 3 events to go to. Click on the first link on the right and you will go to the City of Chicago's Special Events website. Use the handout to find some events and then answer the questions on the other side of the paper. After you are finished, come back to the blog and write the answers to the questions so that your classmates can read about the events you want to go to. Also, be sure to read everyone's comments (click on the refresh button to see the new comments).

Have fun!
Robbin

1. What events did you find?

2. Why are they interesting to you?

3. What other information do you want to find out about for having fun in Chicago?

Visit a Museum

2009-04-06T06:39:00.000-07:00

With your partner, plan a trip to a museum. Use your imagination and pretend that both of you are going to go with your families. Choose one of the museums listed below. After you click on the link, find the information for the questions on your worksheet. You might need to click on other pages on the website like "Plan Your Visit", "Planning Your Visit", "Info", "Visit the Museum", or "Museum Visit". You also might need to click on other pages for directions, transportation, and activities/programs. Ask Kirsten for help if you can't find something.

Art Institute of Chicago http://www.artic.edu/aic/

Chicago Children's Museum http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org/

Chicago History Museum http://www.chicagohistory.org/

Adler Planetarium http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/

Field Museum of Natural History http://www.fieldmuseum.org/

Museum of Science and Industry http://www.msichicago.org/

Shedd Aquarium http://www.sheddaquarium.org/

Notebaert Nature Museum http://www.chias.org/

National Museum of Mexican Art http://www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/

After you are finished, come back to the blog and answer these questions.

1. What is the name of the museum?

2. What hours and days is the museum open?

3. When are the free days?

4. What is the cost of general admission ($)?

5. What are you going to see at this museum?

6. What is the address?

7. What is the phone number?

8. How are you going to get there? What transportation are you going to use?

Now post your answers to the blog and read your classmates' information about other museums. If you see a museum that is interesting, ask Kirsten to help you print the information.

Stories

2009-03-30T12:10:00.001-07:00

This is Adele. She lives in France, but her husband is not at home. His name is Philip and he works on a boat. He lives on his boat for many months. She misses him and she is writing him a letter to tell him that she loves him. She is sitting in the chair and she is remembering how handsome he is. She is leaning her face on her hand because she is thinking about what she wants to write. The sun is shining through the window, but she doesn't care. She is only thinking about her husband and dreaming about when he comes home.

Now I want you to write a story with your partner. Choose a picture from the list on the right, but do not choose the same picture as another group. Then create a story together and ask Joanna to help you decorate your story.

After you print your story, you can practice grammar, reading, or listening with the links on the right.
Have fun!

2009-01-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

This is my routine. I usually get up at 6:00 and I eat breakfast and drink a cup of coffee. I sometimes eat an egg and toast for breakfast, but I usually eat yogurt and cereal. I don't take a shower in the morning because I take a shower at night. I brush my teeth and I get ready for work. Then I work from 9:00 to 5:00. After I get home, I make dinner and and wash the dishes. I usually read a book or watch TV in the evening. Next, I take a show and get ready for bed. I go to bed about about 10:00. I don't stay up late because I get up early in the morning. On the weekends, I like to sleep late. I do my laundry, clean my apartment, and go grocery shopping. I sometimes meet my friends for coffee or I go to a movie.

Now, you can write about your routines. Please use word like "usually, sometime, in the morning, in the evening..." When you are finished, read your classmates' writing. Then click on the links on the right and practice some of the things we've been studying this week.
Have fun!

Your Dream Vacation

2008-12-17T06:32:00.000-08:00

I'm going to give you $100,000 to go on vacation. You can go anywhere you want. You can do anything you want. You can see anything you want. You are going to go together, so work with your partner and plan your dream vacation. Talk to each other about these questions.

1. Where are you going to go?

2. Why are you going to go to this place?

3. What is the weather going to be like?

4. How are you going to get there?

5. When are you going to go?

6. How long are you going to stay?

7. Who is going to go with you?

8. What are you going to do there?

9. What are you going to see?

10. What are you going to bring with you?

Now, take turns writing your answers and post them on the blog. Help each other with spelling. After you are finished, you can practice reading, grammar, or listening by clicking on one of the links on the right. Or you can ask Joanna to help you open the programs for typing or the picture dictionary.

Have fun!

Biographies

2008-12-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

I hope you had fun learning about a famous person. Now write about the person you learned about. Don't number your answers. Write about him or her. For example:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a minister and politician. He was born on January 15, 1929. He was married to Coretta Scott King. They had 4 kids. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and went to Morehouse College. He died on April 4, 1963. He was killed by a very bad man. He was important because he fought for civil rights and changed the country.

After you are finished, read your classmates' posts. Then click on the links on the right to practice some grammar.

Finding a Job

2008-11-14T15:05:00.000-08:00

Today you are going to look at a website that is like the classifieds in a newspaper. You can search many different areas of work such as "Hospitality" or "Administration". Or you can type in the name of a job you are interested in. Do you want to find a job as a waitress? Type the word waitress in the search box. After you finish the job search handout, please answer the following questions.

1. What is the position?

2. What is the name of the company?

3. What are the responsibilities?

4. Is it full-time or part-time?

5. Do you like this job? Why or why not?

Please read your classmates' posts. Next, you can do a reading exercise or a listening exercise by clicking on a link on the right. If you want to practice typing or go to the picture dictionary ask Joanna to help you.

Jobs

2008-11-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

We have been talking about jobs, and saying things like "He is cleaning the floors right now", "He cleans floors everyday", "Does he clean floors?" and "What does he clean?". Now that you finished reading the article about finding a job, please answer the questions below. Then read your classmates' postings.

1. Do you have a job? (Remember, being a stay at home mother is work.)

2. What do you do?

3. What do you like about your work?

4. What don't you like about your work?

5. Do you want to find a new job? What job do you want?

Now please click on the links on the right to practice the grammar.

Have fun!

Telling a Story

2008-11-03T14:32:00.000-08:00

Now I want you to practice the grammar. Click on the Present Continuous links on the right. When you are finished, find a partner and click on one of the pictures on the right. Do not choose the same picture as another group. Write a story about the picture with your partner. Then paste the picture into a Word document and type your story. Joanna will show you how to do this and how to decorate your story.

Have fun!

2008-10-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

It's almost lunch time and I'm very hungry! I only have a sandwich for lunch today, but if I could have anything I wanted, I would eat Fettuccini Alfredo. This is one of my favorite things to eat. Fettuccini Alfredo is pasta with a creamy sauce made with butter, cream, and parmesan cheese. Sometimes I put pine nuts, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce. I also like to eat warm french bread with real butter and drink a glass of white wine with my pasta. This is my perfect meal. What is your perfect meal? Describe your perfect meal and then read what your classmates write.

Neighborhoods

2008-10-17T12:03:00.000-07:00

I hope you found some interesting activities to do around Chicago. Please answer the following questions and post your answers. Then read what your classmates found.

1. What program did you find for you or your child?

2. What day and time is it?

3. Is there a fee? If yes, how much does it cost?

4. Before doing this activity, did you know that Chicago Park District has so many programs?

Now you can choose what you want to practice. Use the links on the right to practice reading or listening. If you want to practice typing or vocabulary, ask Joanna or Kirsten to help you. Have fun!

Irma's family

2008-10-07T09:35:00.000-07:00

My name is Irma .My parents are from Mexico. Their names are david and Hermenejilda. He is died .My mother lives in Mexico. She grows the flowers. Iam married.I have two children. Their namesare Evelyn and Ignacio.My husband's name is Gerardo. He plays soccer three times week. He is 36 years old. He is from Mexico.

Teresa's sister

2008-10-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

My sisters . They are my sisters: They names are Irma,Bertha,Ana and Gabriela. They have diferent occupation. Irma is student and hausewife she studies ESL.Ana is hardwork she work s seven days a weky she likes read inglish books.she loves her family.Bertha is merrid .She has tree children.She works at rostourant.Bertha likes compiures and internet.she's very besy.Gabriela work's at the drycleaners and runs every day .Gabriela eat vegetables and drinks water she love healthy food .They are different but they are special.

Family

2008-10-01T10:51:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of my family. I am on the left holding one of my nieces. This picture was taken before my grandfather died and before one of my nieces was born. My father's name is Stan and he is 67 years old. He likes to read and go fishing. My mother's name is Sandi and she is 66 years old. She likes to work in her garden. They are retired so they spend a lot of time taking care of my grandmother. My grandmother is 99 years old and she still lives in her house alone. My other 3 grandparents have passed away. My brother is Brian and his wife is Sonoe. Brian is an engineer and Sonoe is a Japanese/English translator. They have 3 daughters. Aili is almost 8 years old, Aina is 7 years old, and Aila is almost 3 years old. The two older girls play the voilin. My father has 2 brothers and 2 sisters and all of them have children, so I have 9 cousins. My mother doesn't have any siblings. Most of my aunts and uncles live in Michigan, but my cousins live in many different states, so I don't see them very often.

Now, I want to learn about your family. Who is in your family? What are their names? How old are they? What do they do for a living? Where do they live? What do they like to do?

After you are finished writing, read your classmates' postings. Then click on the links on the right and practice either reading, listening, or grammar. Be sure to click on the first link so that you can learn a song about families.

Routines

2008-09-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is what I do everyday. I get up at 6:00 and I eat breakfast and drink a cup of coffee. I brush my teeth and I get ready for work. Then I work from 9:00 to 5:00. After I get home, I make dinner and read a book or watch TV. Next, I take a show and get ready for bed. I go to bed about about 10:00.
Joanna is going to give me a copy of the paragraphs you wrote and I will get to read about what you do everyday. Now, click on the links on the right and practice some of the things we've been studying this week.

Have fun!

Welcome!

2008-09-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Welcome to Fall Term's blog. This is a website where you can write, read, and practice listening and grammar. Joanna will teach you how to use it. This week, I want you to write an introduction. After you are finished writing your introduction, read your classmate's introductions. Here is my introduction.

My name is Robbin. I am an English teacher and I have been teaching for 10 years. I am from the United States. My hometown is Holt, Michigan and it is small. Now I live in Chicago in the Uptown neighborhood. I am not married and I don't have kids. I have a cat and her name is Sophie. My favorite flavor of ice cream is chocolate and my favorite food is pasta. My favorite color is blue, but I wear black a lot because it matches everything.

Now you get to write. Please answer these questions:

1. What is your name?
2. Where are you from?
3. Where do you live now?
4. If you have a job, what do you do?
5. Are you married?
6. Do you have kids?
7. What are their names and how old are they?
8. What is your favorite food?
9. What is your favorite color?
10. What do you want to learn in English class?

Have fun!

Robbin

Dream Job

2008-07-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

My dream job is to be a flight attendant because I can fly to many different countries all over the world. I can learn new languages and make many friends. I love to travel! I can take vacations with my husband to Europe, Asia, South America, and many other continents.

Sometimes, my job can be difficult because the customers aren't always very friendly. Also, I might be tired because I have to fly very early in the morning or very late at night. But, that's okay because it is a fun job!

What is your dream job? Why?

Independence Day

2008-06-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

This Friday is July 4th. This is a very special day because it is the birthday of the United States. On July 4, 1776, the people of the United States declared independence from England.

Americans celebrate this day by having barbecues with their friends and family. They go to parades. At night, they watch fireworks.

What is the date of your native country's independence? What happened on this day? Why is this day important for your country? How do people in your country celebrate this day?

Food & Beverage

2008-06-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

What do you eat and drink for breakfast?

What do you eat and drink for lunch?

What do you eat and drink for dinner?

My Favorite Room

2008-06-10T05:53:00.001-07:00

My favorite room in my apartment is my living room. It's a big living room. There's a large couch between a lamp and an end table. There's a lamp on the end table. There's a clock on the wall over the couch. There's a coffee table in front of the couch. There are a TV and an armchair in front of the cofee table. There's a window with curtains next to the couch. Next to the window there are pictures on the wall.

I love this room because it is decorated like the 1960's. The couch, lamp, arm chair, and tables are all from Zak's grandparents' basement. The colors of the room are brown, yellow, blue, and white.

It's my favorite room because this is where I spend most of my time. I sit and relax with my husband. We watch TV. We read the newspaper. I take a nap. We eat many of our meals in this room.

What is your favorite room in your apartment? What does it look like? Use adjectives! Describe the location of each thing. Tell me WHY this is your favorite room.

Festival For Families

2008-06-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

You and your partner have just finished reading about a festival for families that happens every year in Sacramento, California.

I want you to think about why this festival is important for the community. Why is it important to celebrate different cultures?

My Family

2008-05-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of me with some of my family at my wedding (not all of my family!). My husband Zak and I just got married last August. From left to right, you can see my sister-in-law Kathy. She is holding my nephew James. Next to Kathy is my father Julio and my mother Maria Luisa. I am in the middle. Behind me is my husband Zak (he is very tall!). Next to Zak is my brother Alfredo. Next to Alfredo is my brother Ignacio. Next to Ignacio are my aunt Ines and my uncle Jorge. They came from Argentina to be at my wedding. Not all of my brothers and sisters are in this picture.

I have five brothers and one sister. My parents live in St. Louis, Missouri. They moved to the United States from Argentina about 35 years ago. I am the youngest of the seven children. My oldest brother Julio lives in Italy and is studying to become a priest. My sister Maria lives in St. Louis with her husband and three children. My brother Ignacio lives in St. Louis, too. My brother Federico lives in St. Louis with his wife and son. My brother Alfredo lives in Washington, D.C. and he works with environmental disaster relief. Finally, my brother Jose lives in a monastery in Oklahoma.

I have two families: one in the United States (my parents, brothers and sisters) and one in Argentina (my aunts, uncles, and cousins). We are the only family in the U.S., so we are a small family here. In Argentina, we are part of a very big family.

Please tell me a little bit about your family. Write at least 5 sentences (if there is time and you want to write more, you can). Think about these questions: How many brothers and sisters do you have? Where do they live? Where do your parents live? Does any of your family live with you? If yes, who lives with you?

Celebrity Daily Schedule

2008-05-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Michael Jordan. He is a very famous basketball player. He is very popular in Chicago. What do you think he does every day? Maybe he gets up at 7:00 in the morning. He wakes up early. Next, he eats breakfast with his family. He eats a healthy breakfast. Then, he goes to the gym to play basketball. After that, he lifts weights and runs. He is very strong. Next, he goes home to eat lunch with his family. He plays with his children after lunch. Then, he watches TV in the afternoon. At night, he eats dinner with his family. He goes to bed at 10:00. He doesn't go to bed late.

With your group, think of a different famous person. Do you have a favorite actor/actress, singer, athlete, writer, etc? What do you think they do every day? Use your imagination! (Don't forget to add an -s to the verb).

Goodbye Winter! Hello Summer!

2008-04-15T07:12:00.000-07:00

This is the last week of winter term. You have all been wonderful students and I am very proud of your hard work! Are you excited for the party on Friday? I am excited to see your tables, eat food from your country, and watch the dancing!

It is not always easy to learn English because you have to study, do your homework, take quizzes, and practice outside of class. What is some good advice you can give to new students who want to learn English? For example, I tell many of my students to do their homework because it is important to study outside of the classroom.

Can you think of other advice?

My Favorite Room

2008-03-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

My favorite room in my apartment is my living room. It's a big living room. There's a large couch between two end tables. There are lamps on the end tables. There are two arm chairs next to the couch, in front of two big windows. There's a table between the two arm chairs. There's a coffee table in front of the couch. There's a TV in front of the coffee table.

I love this room because it is decorated like the 1960's. The couch, arm chairs, end tables, and lamps are all from Zak's grandparents' basement. The colors of the room are orange, brown, yellow, green, and white.

It's my favorite room because this is where I spend most of my time. I sit and relax with my husband. We watch TV. We read the newspaper. I prepare for my classes. I take a nap. We eat many of our meals in this room.

What is your favorite room in your apartment? What does it look like? Use adjectives! Describe the location of each thing. Tell me WHY this room is your favorite.

My Family

2008-02-19T06:38:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of me with my parents and my husband Zak when I graduated from graduate school. This was a very happy day for me! My parents, Julio and Maria Luisa, drove up to Chicago from St. Louis to celebrate with me. I look up to my parents because they have been happily married for almost 40 years. I hope that Zak and I can do the same. My mother and father have always been very supportive of everything I do. All they want is for their children to be happy. I have 5 brothers and 1 sister and we are all very happy! Julio is studying in Rome, Italy to be a priest. Maria lives in St. Louis, Missouri with her husband and three children. Ignacio lives in St. Louis with my parents and he volunteers for a non-profit organization. Federico is in Afghanistan with the Navy Reserve. He will be coming back home next month to his wife and son. Alfredo lives in Washington D.C. and he works in disaster relief management. Jose is studying to be a monk in Oklahoma. I live in Chicago with my husband and I teach ESL at Asian Human Services.

What about your family? Who are your parents? How many brothers and sisters do you have? What are their names? What do they do? How often do you see them and talk to them? Don't worry about grammar and spelling!

How often...?

2008-02-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

In class, we have been talking about our daily schedules and how often we do things. Please make these sentences true by using one of the adverbs of frequency below. Rewrite the sentences.

always
usually
often
sometimes
seldom
rarely
never

About the teacher:
1. Our teacher teaches on Tuesday.
2. Our teacher is absent.
3. Our teacher gives homework for the weekend.
4. Our teacher brings food into class.
5. Our teacher loses patience when students don't understand.
6. Our teacher tells funny stories.
7. Our teacher wears jeans to class.
8. Our teacher comes to class on time.

About you:
9. I am late for class.
10. I don't want to do the homework.
11. I go on trips on the weekend.
12. I buy lottery tickets.
13. I spend time with my best friend.
14. I am tired at the end of class.
15. I think about quitting school.
16. I ask the teacher questions.

My Daily Schedule

2008-02-05T06:59:00.000-08:00

My schedule is busy on the weekdays. First, I wake up at 7:00 in the morning. After that, from 7:00 to 7:45, I brush my teeth, take a shower, get dressed, and eat breakfast. Then at 7:45, I leave the house and my husband drives me to work. I get to work at 8:15. I start teaching at 9:15 and continue until 1:00. From 1:30 to 2:30, I eat my lunch. Then, in the afternoon, I plan lessons, meet with other teachers, and do activities to help the students. At 5:00, I go home. Then, I make dinner, eat dinner, and do the dishes. After that, I watch TV, read the newspaper, and write emails. Finally, I brush my teeth and go to bed at 11:00. I am usually tired when I go to bed.

Now, tell me about your daily shedule. Please include times and details about your activities.

The Weekend

2008-01-28T13:50:00.000-08:00

I love the weekend because I can relax at home with my husband, Zak. I can sleep longer, read the newspaper, watch T.V., go shopping, or take a nap. This is my favorite time of the week!

On Saturday, I wake up at 7:00 a.m. I take a shower and eat breakfast. I go to Truman College to teach English. The class is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. After class ends, I go home to Pilsen to eat lunch with Zak. Usually, I watch a little T.V. to relax after teaching. After this, Zak and I like to clean up our apartment. We do the dishes, the laundry, and vacuum. Sometimes, we go to Target to buy different things for our apartment. We eat dinner around 7:00 p.m. On Saturdays, we like to go out to dinner. We go to our favorite Mexican restaurant near our house called Pancho Pistolas. I love the nachos and margaritas. After dinner, we either go home and watch a movie, or we go out to a bar with our friends. Usually, I go to bed at 11:30 p.m.

On Sunday, I wake up late because it is the only day that I can! I usually wake up around 10:00 a.m. I eat breakfast and take a shower. I watch some T.V. I eat lunch around 12:00 p.m. In the afternoon, we like to go to Dominick's to buy food. When we come home from the grocery store, I look at my lesson plans and grade homework and tests. I do this for a few hours. We eat dinner at 7:00 p.m. After dinner, I watch a little T.V. and plan for next week. I call my parents to say "Hello" because I think about them during the week. I try to go to bed at 11:00 p.m. so that I can wake up in the morning.

What do you do on the weekend? Think about Saturday and Sunday from the time you wake up in the morning until the time you go to bed at night.

Countries of the World

2008-01-22T06:55:00.000-08:00

Today we started talking about the continents and countries of the world. If I could visit any country in the world, I would visit Brazil because I want to learn how to speak Portuguese. What about you? What country would you like to visit? Why?

Describe This Picture

2008-01-15T06:48:00.001-08:00

Look at the picture above. Please use adjectives to describe this picture. What do the men look like? What are they wearing? Where are they standing? Use your imagination!

Welcome to Level 2 ESL Class!

2008-01-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

Welecome to Level 2 ESL! This term we will learn about family, home, neighborhood, a typical day, food, shopping, jobs, and past tense.

Please write an introduction about yourself. Here are some ideas to write about:

Tell me your name.
Where are you from?
How old are you?
Do you have children? If yes, how many?
Where do you live now?
Why did you come to Chicago?
What do you like about living in Chicago?

Tell me as much as you can about yourself. Don't worry about grammar and spelling! Just WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

Christmas in Chicago

2007-12-17T18:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas is next week! Do you like this holiday? Why or Why not?

My husband Zak and I are going to do a lot of driving over the holiday. This is our first Christmas as a married couple. We want to spend time with both of our families.

First, we are going to drive to St. Louis, Missouri to see my family. I'm really looking forward to spending time with my family. My sister had a baby in August and I'm so excited to meet my new nephew! We are going to eat dinner at my sister's house on Christmas Eve (the day before Christmas).

After dinner, we are going to drive to Peoria, Illinois to see Zak's family. This is the first year that I am going to spend Christmas day with Zak's family. We are going to wake up early to open gifts. After that, we are going to eat breakfast. At night, we are going to eat dinner with his grandparents and his aunt and uncle.

What are your plans for Christmas? Who are you going to see? Where are you going to go? What are you going to do? Be descriptive. Don't worry about grammar!

What happened?

2007-12-11T06:54:00.001-08:00

What do you think happened in this picture? Why was Ronald McDonald arrested by the police?

Tell me a story about this picture in the PAST TENSE. Be descriptive. Use your imagination.

Don't worry about grammar and spelling, just WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!

Moving to Chicago

2007-12-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

I moved to Chicago from St. Louis, Missouri to go to college. When I moved to Chicago, I had to pack all of my things in boxes. I called all of my friends to say goodbye. I was nervous and excited to move to a new city. I traveled in car to Chicago for five and a half hours with my father and brother. When they drove away, I was very sad. I missed my family and friends.

When I moved to Chicago, I had to leave behind a few things that I could not bring with me. I had to leave behind a car. I used the car every day in St. Louis, but in Chicago I had to use the train and bus. It is too expensive to have a car in Chicago. I had to leave behind my cat. I loved my cat so much, but there was not enough room for him to live with me in Chicago.

What are two things that you had to leave behind in your native country? Please tell me how this made you feel.

The Perfect Meal

2007-11-27T06:31:00.000-08:00

Talking about food in class is making me hungry! What about you?

My perfect meal would be pastel de carne (a bottom layer of ground beef with tomato sauce, pimenton, eggs, onions, and a layer of mashed potatoes on top). My father would make the meal because he makes the best pastel de carne! I would need lots of bread so I can soak up all the delicious juices. I would drink a large glass of water. For dessert, I would have a large bowl of fresh fruit like in the picture you see above.

What is your perfect meal? Be very descriptive and use adjectives! I want to be able to taste your perfect meal!

Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T06:44:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is on Thursday. This is a very important holiday for Americans. It is a day to gather with family and friends to give thanks and enjoy a very large meal. Some of the popular foods are turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

Do you celebrate this holiday? Why or why not? What do you do on Thanksgiving? Where do you go? Who do you see? What do you eat?

Is there a holiday like Thanksgiving in your native country?

What are they doing?

2007-11-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

Tell me as much as you can about this picture. Where are these people? What are they doing? Use adjectives to describe each person.

Employment

2007-11-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

Today in class we started talking about employment and I would like to hear your opinions about work. Pick two to write about:

1) Do you think it is difficult to find a job in Chicago? Why or why not?

2) If you are married, do you think your husband has a good job or is he
looking for a better job?

3) Do you enjoy learning about employment in class? Why or why not?

Occupations

2007-10-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

This week we're going to start talking about occupations. I am an ESL teacher. I like my job because I meet students from all different parts of the world. Sometimes, my job is difficult because there is a lot of planning and grading involved. My favorite part of my job is helping my students learn English so that they can meet their goals: finding a better job, going back to school, helping their children with their homework, going to a doctor's appointment, calling 911.

Do you have a job? Remember --> Being a parent is a job! What do you like about your job? What don't you like about your job?

A Typical Day

2007-10-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture from my trip to Ireland. This a picture of the Cliffs of Moher overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. That's a castle at the top of the cliff. Isn't it beautiful? This is not a typical day for me!

Usually, I get up at 7:00 a.m. Sometimes I eat breakfast in the morning before I come to work. I leave the house by 8:00 a.m. to get to work. I teach class from 9:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. After this, I eat lunch between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. Then, I plan for the next day's class. I leave work at 5:00 p.m. I take two buses to get home. I arrive at home between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. I am usually hungry when I get home, so I make dinner. After I eat dinner, I clean up the house, look on the internet, and watch a little TV. I go to sleep around 11:00 p.m.

What is your typical day?

Places Around Town

2007-10-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Look at this picture of a neighborhood. Tell me the location of each building.

Our Homes

2007-10-09T05:57:00.000-07:00

I love my home. It is a place where I can completely relax with my family. I like to sit on the sofa and read the newspaper on Sunday mornings. I like to sit in the sun in the backyard in the summer. I like to share a delicious dinner with my husband in my dining room. I like to sit on the front porch with my dog late at night and listen to the sounds of the city in the dark. I am very comfortable and calm when I am in my house.

Please tell me the things you like to do in your house.

Family

2007-10-01T18:25:00.001-07:00

Hi! Here is a picture of me and my husband Zak next to Lake Michigan. Sometimes we like to ride our bikes to the lake. In the summer, we like to go to baseball games. When the weather is nice, we like to go to drive-in movie theaters. Our favorite thing to do together is to shop for antiques.

What are 4 things that you like to do with your family?

Countries of the World

2007-09-24T14:26:00.000-07:00

Hi! Today you're going to research a country. If I could visit another country, I would love to go to Brazil and learn Portuguese! If you could visit any country in the world, which one would it be? Why?