Pen Pals Rock!

Do you know what a pen pal is? Pen pals are people who write to each other on a regular basis. Pen pals correspond with one another through letters or emails, writing about their lives, hobbies, family, and interests. A pen pal relationship can begin at an early age and last for decades, or can last for as little as a school year. You can make a friend who lives in your own state, your country, or even across the world. These friendships can last a lifetime!

Do you keep in touch with family or friends from your home country? It is important to learn and gain knowledge about your native culture and life-style. Befriending a student from your home country is an ideal way to do this. While creating a friendship with someone, you are also practicing reading and writing skills, as well as improving your knowledge about your home country.

VOCABULARY:

correspond- to communicate by exchange of letters.

hobbies- an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation.

decade- a period of ten years.

gain- to get (something desired), especially as a result of one's efforts.

befriend- to make friends or become friendly with; act as a friend to; help; aid.

ideal- a standard of perfection or excellence.

improve- to bring into a more desirable or excellent condition.

SENTENCES: Fill in the blanks using the vocabulary words listed above.

I have lived in this house for over a ___________.

Snow days are ____________ for relaxing on the couch and watching movies.

I attempted to ____________ the new kid at school.

People ____________ with one another by writing letters and sending emails.

I need to ____________ my geometry skills before the big test next week.

I will _____________ knowledge by going to school every day.

Some of my ___________ include playing sports, reading, and traveling.

GRAMMAR POINT:

During class we discussed past, present, and future tense. Using at least two tenses, write a letter to a student from your native country. Use the format of a letter (also discussed in class), and include your hobbies, interests, and facts about your family and life-style here in New York. Also, be sure to ask your pen pal questions that you'd like to find out about them.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

St. Patrick's Day is approaching and people all over the world are preparing to celebrate. Throughout our country, people of different cultures and backgrounds observe this Irish holiday. Do you know who St. Patrick is, or where is holiday originated?

It is believed that St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to the Irish people many years ago. St. Patrick's Day is celebrated every year on March 17, and has been observed in the United States since 1737. The first New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in 1766!
Whether you’re Irish or not, you can wear green on St. Patrick’s Day to join in on the Irish tradition. Another Irish tradition is to pinch anyone who is not wearing green on this day! Corned beef and cabbage are traditional Irish foods that are eaten on this holiday. Some other things associated with St. Patrick’s Day are shamrocks and leprechauns.
It is important to remember that although St. Patrick's Day originated in Ireland, people all over the world acknowledge and celebrate it. Like many other holidays recognized in the United States, appreciating the diversity of our citizen's cultures is essential and enjoyable for all!

VOCABULARY:

celebrate- to observe (a day) or commemorate (an event) with ceremonies or festivities.

observe- to keep or celebrate (a holiday, for example).
originated- to take its origin or rise; begin; start; arise.

Christianity- the Christian religion, including the Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox churches.

tradition- the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice.

shamrocks- any of several plants, such as a clover or wood sorrel, having compound leaves with three small leaflets, considered the national emblem of Ireland.

leprechauns- one of a race of elves in Irish folklore who can reveal hidden treasure, such as gold, to those who catch them.
acknowledge- to show or express appreciation or gratitude for.
essential- absolutely necessary; indispensable.

SENTENCES: Fill in the blanks using the vocabulary words listed above.

St. Patrick's Day ____________ almost 300 years ago.

____________ are the national emblem of Ireland.

People all over the world ____________ St. Patrick's Day each year on March 17th.

If you are lucky, you will catch a ____________ and get his gold!

It is important to ____________ the different traditions and holidays around the world.

I ___________ this holiday by wearing green!

___________ is the dominant religion in Ireland.

It is ___________ to eat corned beef and cabbage for dinner on St. Patrick's Day.

The history of St. Patrick is ___________ to knowing how the holiday began.

GRAMMAR POINT:

This blog has an abundance of verbs. Can you find and list 5 verbs written above? Use these verbs to write a paragraph about how you will celebrate this St. Patrick's Day.