Counting Down!

We have only 4 sessions left of the Fall Cycle of our class. Here are some notes to keep you informed about what's to come:

Mon. 11/30- Reading Post-Test; Review Math Strategies

Wed. 12/2- Math Post-Test; Continue A Million Little Pieces

Mon. 12/7- Literacy Review submissions are due! Review scores from Post-Tests and confer with Karen about next steps; Finish A Million Little Pieces

Wed. 12/9- Our last class- final celebration, potluck with awards, and reading our second writing pieces; Please bring a dish that represents your culture to share with the class along with your typed and finished second writing piece

Keep working hard until the last day! You can do it!

Photos From Our Writing Celebration and Pre-Thanksgiving Potluck

Our Pre-Thanksgiving Writing Celebration and Potluck

This is how we get after we work so hard!

my story

Hi i am Jessicai'm26 years old was born on 10 /21/83 at kings county hospital on Friday i'm middle child i have one sister and one brother i came divorce family.in1991my family and i to Haiti i also grew up there spent 7years i came back on7/1/98 it was supposed to be vacation ,but i end up staying i also went to high school here at that time the school name was prospect Height high school.i drop out of school.In 97my family suffer blow my maternal grand-father died his illness was diabetes and lack care. but few things i did regret were dropout of school. but it's too late even i tried to take the g.e.d and i fail many time.the first i took the g.e.d i saw the result i was divested was insulted by my intelligent.but that not going to stop me.there something did appear in my life but GOD can help me through it but the greates is decision i ever made is accept Jesus-Christ as my lord and Savior , with GOD help everything going well even for my job i was able to hold a job more than a year he changing in life completely step by step what you doing mean?like for example forgiveness Matthiew ch6;15 but there still room for forgiveness for my father i wish had father -Daugther relation the past is the past we both can grow in relation i said forgiveness if i don't forgive neither the father forgive
is not like he does not understand2 timothych3;1-16 he's also against any criminality so my life going smootly .

Me and Family

My name is Damian Vasquez I'm 23 years old I live in Brooklyn NY with my dad.

I'm the youngest of 3, my brother is the oldest and my sister is the middle child.

I like to be with family. Family is imprtant to me. With out them I wont be who

I'am today. I have two side of the family from my mom and my dad. My mom from Argentina, Buenos Aires and my dad from El Salvador. Argentina is from South America and El Salvador is from Central America.

I been to Argentina, Buenos Aires and also to El Salvador. I like both countries

because thats were my family lives. When I see my family from my parents side I feel excited because they live so far away and I dont get to see them that often. Sometime I communicate with my family online. I miss them so much. I do have a huge family from my mom side and my dad side. And some famlies here in North America.

I've been to Argentina, Buenas Aires this year 2009 and I loved it cause the

last time I went to Argentina I was 3 or 4 years old. Over there I got to spend with my cousins and my grandmother I had a wouderfull time there. In Argentina I ate lot of foods like blood sausage, beef, chicken, and empanadas and for dessert I had Dulce de Leche with Flan. It was really good. It was my best 3 weeks in Argentina.

Famlies are great to have especially when they are loving and caring. Do you have a big loving famlies like mine?

THIS MONDAY: WRITING CELEBRATION AND THANKSGIVING POTLUCK!

I am so proud of the class's accomplishments so far!

We will be celebrating our first writing pieces this Monday 11/23 in class. Please bring:

1. Your typed writing piece (if you for some reason are unable to type it, please bring at least the handwritten finished piece)
2. Something delicious to contribute to the potluck!

Here are what folks are bringing so far:

1. Maria- cheese pizza pie (though I was thinking about...Maria would you be willing to cook something for us to eat instead of buying pizza? it might be nice for a Thanksgiving potluck that things be handmade...only if you have time and not too much trouble)
2. Damian- pepperoni pizza pie (again, Damian, would you be able to cook something instead?)
3. Karen- vegetable dish- probably candied yams?
4. Jessica- dessert
5. Eric- sushi rolls (Eric, will you be making the rolls by hand? If not, can you cook something instead?)
6. Della- drinks (would you be able to make something handmade to drink, Della???

If you are not on this list- Saleema, Jesus, Gabriela, Simone, Fiore...please can you comment with what you are bringing?

And Maria, Damian, Eric, and Della, can you comment to say if you will be bringing something home cooked instead? Again, no worries if you can't...I just thought it might be a nice touch for us to share our home cooking with one another to make it like a true Thanksgiving meal.

Very much looking forward to Monday! Good luck on your writing pieces, everyone!!!

Post-Testing coming up!

Please note:

*The Reading TABE post-test will take place on Monday 11/30 (the day we return from Thanksgiving weekend).

*The Math TABE post-test will take place on Wed. 12/2.

No stress! Just do your best, and your results will help us know what direction you should take at the end of this cycle of classes.

Homework Due Wed. 12/2

Because there is no class next Wed. due to Thanksgiving break, please note that the following homework is due on Wed. 12/2. That means you have 2 weeks to do it!

1. Visual Literacy Red book- pp. 43-45
2. Visual Literacy Blue book- pp. 43-45
3. Read pp. 32-74 of A Million Little Pieces. Pay attention to new characters, setting changes, emotions of characters, and actions. This will help you to remember and summarize what happened.

Please complete all questions on looseleaf. Thank you!

today

today i was frustrated { this morning }but now i am so so this afthernoon i was at the computer learning center

Online practice for vocabulary, reading, writing, and math

This is a cool website I found that has sections for online practice in reading, writing, vocabulary, math, and more:

http://www.tv411.org/

This link goes directly to the vocabulary section focusing on suffixes, which supports what we're learning in our class! It looks fun because it's interactive:

http://www.tv411.org/lessons/cfm/vocabulary.cfm?str=vocabulary&num=10&act=1

Enjoy!

Some spelling rules...

Here is a list of spelling rules for adding suffixes and making nouns plural that we discussed in class. I will be printing a copy of this list for you in class today as well.

http://server.riverdale.k12.or.us/~bblack/spelrul.htm

ok i'm trying to finish today if possible

One more week left until we celebrate our first writing pieces!

We have only one more week until we share our first writing pieces! This week, we will be working on revising and editing strategies to improve our writing. Please come to class with your drafts ready for reworking.

Next Monday 11/23, we will be having an early Thanksgiving potluck and writing share for our class. Please plan on bringing something delicious to share, as well as your final typed writing piece!

Keep on writing!

Take a cruise to travel with my family

                        

Take a cruise to travel with my family
 
Last September, I took a cruise with my family because my sister would like to travel with us. Therefore my mother took a one-week vocation to travel with us. I am glad to my sister invited us to travel. While the day was coming I felt excited become I haven’t travel with my mom and my sister for a long time. On the morning, we already packed everything and then took car service to the J.F.K. airport. We got off the car and then we went to check in. We took to the Delta airplane to Miami and then we took the taxi to the cruise. The ship 's destination was going to Bahamas. It was the first time to be on a cruise as we walked into the ship.

        On the ship, the map of the boat that showed us the different layers The ship ’s living areas are on the 2nd, 3rd, 8th , and 9th level. The first thing we did was go to the our bedroom and put our bags down. I looked out of the window. There was a small island. In this period, I walked back and looked at the map of the boat. We got on the elevator up to the eleven floors and then there were a lot of people in the cafe. During the lunch time, I looked at different kind of food,. such as vegetables, bread, chicken soup, fruits, beef, pork, bacon, spaghetti and other kind of drinks such as ice tea, coffee, orange juice, ice water, beer, wine and lemon tea.  The food is delicious and mouth watery and then we picked up food with a tray but I had problem finding a seat, because there were so many people. Finally, someone got up and I found my seat.  I looked at a lot of people talked, laughed, ate lunch and enjoyed themselves as they sat in the cafe. I shared and tasted different kind of food that I like to eat with my family as I enjoyed to talk with them.  I got full and then I walked around on the boat, There were many people playing sports such as volleyball, basketball, golf, and swimming.  I took the elevator down it had casino, library room, gym, massage place, dancing stage, bar and Broadway show after that  I went to those places to take some pictures by myself on the boat. On the other hand, my sister and my mom went to other places after they finished lunch. At night, we were going to eat dinner after watching the Broadway show.  It was a great show the dancing was excellent.

       Next day, we arrived to the destination. It was Grand Bahamas Island and then we went off the ship after taking the tour around the island. It was a beautiful place and nice island. We got off the car, just took some pictures but nothing I would like to buy and then we went back to the ship early.

      The day after, the cruise went to other places. There were Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau. Those places that everybody would be available to driving but because of typhoon season, we couldn't go to diving. We were disappointed because the weather was raining with lighting storm as we hadn't take the small boat to the Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau and diving we only could stay in the ship as we went to shopping, swimming, library, and gym.

        In the last day of the trip, I bought two things it was a bracelet and ring. I had fun with my family on the ship and want to many places. I hope that we will take another cruises to different places with my family soon.

MY READING

I am reading actually an interisting book the name is Cleopatra. For me this book is cool becaause show me the ruler of Egypt abd contributed Cleopatra as a fascinating historical figure and how can we learn about universal hisstory.

I think Cleopatra was the great queens that the ancient Egypt because she was so smart to get her goverment and control the city. She tried to get the power and people adored her because she was really stronger to fight or waging a civil war.

Cleopatra was born in 69 B.C. in Alejandria, Egypt. Her name means "her father's glory ". She lived in the royal palace and she was grewing up and learnig about the conquests of Alexander. Cleopatra was not only powerful woman, Arsione II, wife of Ptolemy help to her husband to control the city. Romans were very critical of the freedom adn enjoyed by Egyptian women. They also criticized the power exercised by Egyptician queens.

I think this book help to contribute about the history of world and how important is the powerful of control to the big cities.

GABRIELA PARRA

My name is Della Laurencin.I was born in 1987, now I'm 22 years old .I live on Flat bush, and I'm a loving person if you get to know me.I've lost alot of people in my family that was close to me. Lets start with my uncle .He was the best uncle someone could ever had,me and my brother use to always make a race to go wash the dishes.When we were done he would pay us and we could of made anything we wanted to eat.He use to always give us money to go to Coney Island to spend on the fun rides, games and food. One day his car had a problem and so he went under to see what was wrong and a piece of rusty iron went into his arm. My grandmother which is his mother told him to go to the hospital. My uncle was a Rastafarian who don't believe in hospitals. One week later he got lock jaw which you get from Tetanus, plus its deadly and it caused his death. I was sad because he was my favorite uncle. It took me a while to get over his passing. Another person who I lost was my grandmother three months ago. And she was my favorite, especially because she spoiled me and I was her last grand daughter.Everything she had she use to give it to me. Plus I grow up with her. She was my father's mother, I couldn't believe she had passed away. It never occurred to me that she would pass so soon, because she lived for so long. I live two houses away from her and I use to go to her house every day, I even use to spend the nights to. And every time I use to go to the store for her, I always use to get the change for myself. My grandmother was like a mother to me, and she would always cook up some good macaroni pie, the best I must say .She died from a heart attack. Last but not least, my grandfather.I lost him two years ago. He died from diabetes. A week before that he had gotten a surgery done the Thursday and he died the Saturday. Now it got me thinking that the doctors may had done something wrong. I'm trying to deal with it but it bothers me sometimes. And he was the only grandfather i knew, because the other one died when my father was three years old. So I never got a chance to meet him or go to his house to chill with him so he could give me candy as a child. And it really hurts me too. Back to the first grandfather.One day he was sick at the hospital and I sent him a get well soon card. So every time my mother would call he would be like is this Della or where is Della. Plus he use to always talk about me so much. And every time he use to come see us, he would always give us money and i use to get the most, and my brothers use to get mad . All I gotta say is, I miss them and I wish they were still there with me.I feel bad but not to bad, because I know that God was ready for them. So I'm taking it one day at a time. Life sucks without them. And I know we're gonna meet up some day again . Plus he got a better place for them and I'm still cooping with their deaths.

Why?

Why?

Why do you play with my heart?
You say you care but you act like I'm not even there
It seems you look for me only when I'm not around
And you act like you stomping me t0 the ground
Why does it feel like you don't care
When I know in my heart that you do
Yet I'm scared to learn the truth

The mind games have got to end!
Don't be so cruel, I don't like this cold treatment trend
I hope that you see that you're hurting me
Why don't you open you eyes
and see what you have in front of you?
See the real me, not a toy to be playing with


Can't you can see I'm a man that will be there for you
Hoping you"ll open your mind, come around
And see what you're missing
Otherwise I won't lost long and will have to forget about your kisses
Why don't you just give up hiding and stop playing games
We're meant to be together

Even if it as friends for now, I still want you around
And I am willing to wait for our ship Love-bound to head out
Now, how does that sound?

A memory of a life time

A memorable event in my life was my first vacation to Florida with my family .

It was our first vacation any where.
So we were very excited and could not wait to get to Florida.
We sat in our chair wating for the plane to take off.
Once the plane took off, we could not wait intil they serve lunch, so we thought.
But all we got was a bag of potato chip and cup of soda.
We looked at each other and said this is it.
They we selling some crackers and cheese for five dollars ,
that we bought some and ate it so fast we did not even look at each other.

Then we could not wait to get to Florida.
Once we got to Florida, we picked up our bags and
rented a car and headed to the hotel .
In the hotel we checked in and went to our room.
The room was a good side with a terrace and the view of the pool.

Then we went to eat. We hade a BLt and the kids haded a hamburger deluxe.
Then we went to a park called Island of Adventuces.
Once we got to the park it was so exciting,
they have all these rides from small, to medium to large .
Rides like The Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, Dr.Susu,
Jimmy Nutron,Screk, ect.

One of the best rides that i like was E.T you sat on a chair where it took you up and around.
You see all these Christmas lighs lett up and all kinds of flowers and things for the movis,
like the moon, E.T, the bike, You filled like you are two again.
You look at your partner his eyes are lit up and we both smiled.

It made my son thrilled because it was his birthday. He was turning 10 years old.
He was thrilled to be in Florida to celebrate.
The best ride he like was the spiderman ride. he went on that ride 20 times with his father,
the way they looked at each other and smiled, was price less.

The best was when my son got to blow out the candles and looked at us and said this is the best birthday ever. "

This is a memorable day for my family because of how much fun we had. Meeting new people , new rides, new places. My son celbrated his 10th birthday and the excitement of everything, made us feel like we were 2 again. we can not wait for our next trip .

First Draft of Writing Pieces Due This Week

Please make sure that you have drafted your writing piece by this week. They should be typed onto our blog. If you are having trouble typing the piece, please make sure that you have hand written it at least to share with the class.
Thank you,
Karen

Math Homework Due NEXT Wed. 11/18

The next homework assignment is Math Workbook #2 pp. 6-11. It is more homework than normal because you have an extra week to complete it.
Please remember to do this assignment on looseleaf to turn into me.
Thank you!

No Class this Wednesday 11/11

Please note that there is no class this Wednesday 11/11 due to Veteran's Day!

My Journey To Self

It was October 17, 1989 2:30 am Monica gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Brandy. Shortly after giving birth Monica found out Brandy was diagnosed with a spinal disorder called Spina Bifida.

Doctors told Monica Brandy would never walk or do what other kids do yet Brandy does everything a regular child her age would do.

Four year's after having brandy Monica had another child named Felisha with Bryan her husband at the time. Bryan wrote and produced music.

The family lived in New Jersey for a longtime before Monica and Bryan got divorced. after the divorce Bryan had gotten remarried. Then Monica and the kids moved to New York. Brandy caused confusion and Felisha had to live down south with her dad and his new wife.

Now at the age of 20 Brandy is focused on her Independence and finding her self as a person.

MY LIFE

My name is Della Laurencin. I was born in 1987 and now i'm 22 years old. I live on Flatbush, and i'm a loving person if you get to know me. I've lost alot of people in my family that was close to me.

Let's start with my uncle. He was the best uncle someone could ever had, me and my brother use to go to his house everyday to make race to wash the dishes, when we wre done he would pay us and we would make what we want to eat. He always use to give us money to go to Coney Island to spend onthe fun rides. One day his car had a problem so he went under to see what was wrong and a piece of rusty iron went into his arm. My grandmother which is his mother told him to go to the hospital. My uncle was a rastafarian who didn't believe hospitals. One week later he got lock jaw which is deadly which caused his death. I was sad because that was my favorite uncle. It took me awhile to get over his death.
Another person who i lost was my grandmother three months ago. She was my favorite especially because she spoiled me and i was her youngest grand-daughter. She was my father's mother, i couldn't believe she had passed away. It never occurred to me that she would pass so soon, because she lived so long.
Last but not least is my grandfather i lost him almost 3 years ago. He died from diabetes. A week before he did surgery that got me thinking that the doctors had done something wrong. Í'm still trying and deal with his death but it bothers me sometimes. He was the only grandfather i knew because the other one died when my father was 3 years old so i never got the chance to meet him. It hurts me so bad. I never really got the chance to see him and tell him goodbye and how much i love him. There was a time he was sick and i sent him a get well soon card at the hospital and he always talked about me. Everytime someone called he would ask for me.

I feel bad but not to bad because i guess God was readyf or them, so i'm taking it one day at a time.I wish they were still here with me. Life really sucks without them in my life but i will see them someday where ever the at n that better place.