Reflection

My experience as an ESL instructor so far is a blessing. By the end of this session all my students passed their final exams and were passed onto the next higher level of English. It was memorable when I handed my students their grades and they asked to take a picture of me with them and thanked me and asked if I could be there teacher for the next session. I learned so much in teaching a English language learner. I learned that speaking slowly, writing on the board, and showing visuals is important for them. I learned that incorporating their language or their culture to the lesson means so much to them, it shows an act of kindness, and they appreciate it, they see that you took time to write words in their language to help them understand the concept easier. I learned that it takes patience, flexibility, creativity, and passion to educate students. Most of all, I learned that even though we all come from a different culture or speak a different language, a smile is a universal expression to make your ELL feel at ease, comfortable, and welcomed in your class. I look forward to my new students next session and I look forward to learning new ways of teaching and also learning from my students. I must admit I have found my calling in life and it feels great to study so hard and be able to get hands on experience of teaching and seeing the hard work that is put in, but I also get to see the rewards that come with teaching. I wouldn't give it up for any other career.

Definitions:

Culture- Noun- The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also : the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life} shared by people in a place or time

Language- Noun- The words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community.

Universal- Adjective- Existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions.

Rewards- Verb- To give a reward to or for.

Instructor- Noun- One that instructs : teacher; especially : a college teacher below professorial rank.

Concept-Adjective- Organized around a main idea or theme.

Practice:

Using the words above place them in the correct space in the sentence below.

Someone who is teaches in the college level is know as an ________.

Sometimes the _____________in class can be confusing.

I believe that teaching comes with many__________.

Every one has a ___________that they use to communicate with others.

A smile is a ______________ expression.

Everyone belongs to a _________________.


Grammar:

A verb refers to an action.

For example: In early October, Giselle planted twenty tulip bulbs.

The boy jumped over the moon.

The girl ran to school.

Look over the reflection and write down at least 5 verbs you find in the reading. Write a sentence for each verb.

"A Window of Opportunity"

On October 26, 2010 I was sick in bed with the Flu. I had a fever of 102 and felt sore all over my body. The last thing I expected during these conditions would be a phone call that would open the doors to my career. Later that day my cell phone rings and it was Peter, the Assistant Supervisor of the international ESL program at Adelphi University. He told me that he heard from Amy, my classmate and friend, that I would be a perfect fit for their ESL teaching position. I admittedly got out of bed feeling dizzy and weak and forwarded Peter my resume. Two hours later Peter called me and told me I was hired and would need to start Monday morning. At that moment, my career path had changed and all my prayers were answered. I said to myself, “I can’t believe that I will be a teacher with no experience and no certification, this just sounds to be good to be true, but I am grateful for this opportunity.”

Definitions

Career- Noun- A profession for which one trains for.

Flu- Noun- Any of several virus diseases marked especially by respiratory or intestinal symptoms.

Classmate- Noun-A member of the same class in a school or college.

Dizzy- Adjective: Having a whirling sensation in the head with a tendency to falling.

Opportunity- Noun- A good chance for advancement or progress.

Sore- Adjective- Painfully sensitive : tender .



Practice: Using the words above place the word in the space that it fits in the sentence.

Sam and Sue are____________. They attend classes together and love to work together on projects. Any __________________ that comes they grab it so they can work together. They plan to major in the same_____________ once they graduate from college. One day Sam was feeling sick and felt that he was coming down with the ______. He went to the Doctor's office and told the Doctor his body felt ______________ and he also felt ___________. Unfortunately Sam and Sue had a big project due in class that upcoming week. Sue had to work on her own on the project with you Sams help, but Sue understood because Sam was sick and couldn't work on his conditions.


Grammar:

Noun: A noun refers to a person, a place, or a thing. Look over the reading and see how many nouns you can come up with.

"Because I love him" By Marleny Abreu

Because I love him, are the words I hear you say

What ever happened to saying, because I love myself?

What ever happened to your feelings, do they not exist?

It took three heart breaks for me to realize this at the age of twenty-six.


It's been so long since I’ve seen your face smile, those eyes lighten,

So long since I’ve heard your words of positivity.

All I see is your soul ponder in circle of despair,

You look in all directions searching for the signs,

All your answers are deep in your soul.

Open your eyes my friend, and see what’s inside.


You are not alone, I am here for you.

To hold your hands, Catch your tears

That’s why God gave us each other, To lift each other up when needed.


All I can do is listen to your pain.

Hope that one day you will see your significance as a woman,

Hope that one day you will see what you deserve,

What you’ve long to ear, feel, see, and hold.

It’s not a fantasy that you desire,

its true love that you have not yet experience.


Definition:

1. Heartbreak- great sorrow, grief, or anguish.

2. Lighten- to brighten or light up, as the eyes or features.

3. Positivity- the state or character of being positive: a positivity that accepts the world as it is.

4. Despair- to give up hope of.

5. Ponder- to weigh carefully in the mind; consider thoughtfully

6. Significance- the quality of being significant or having a meaning.


Practice:


1. How __________________ is school to you?

2. Sometimes I just ______________ on how life would be with out Facebook.

3. When you lose hope you will feel____________.

4. Those words of ______________ always touch my heart.

5. Her face ____________________ed when she heard the good news.

6. A _______________ is always hard to over come, but it's possible.


Grammar:

Pronouns are any member of a small class of words found in many languages that are used as replacements or substitutes for nouns and noun phrases, and that have very general reference, as I, you, he, this, who, what. Pronouns are sometimes formally distinguished from nouns, as in English by the existence of special objective forms, as him for he or me for I, and by nonoccurence with an article or adjective.

Look over the poem and write 5 pronouns that you find and write a sentence using each one.

"It took 14 years, 3 months, a couple of hours, and 1 second" Written By: Marleny Abreu

It took 14 years, 3 months a couple of hours
and 1 second to realize you are the one for me.
I knew there was more to us then childhood memories
and a friendly love that brought us together throughout the years.

When I last saw you, I felt IT!
And I couldn’t believe,
how blind I was and without you saying a word,
I looked into your eyes and I realized that you are:
my happiness, my hope, my soul mate, and on that day,
I saw the truth.

Visions from the past quickly raced though my mind
and I notice that my happiest moments in life was with you.
I continued my journeys in life holding these feelings inside
and every night I dream of the day that I would say “I Love you.”

Then that day came true,
you were walking towards me with a smile on you face,
I started to say “I” and shortly you hugged me
and said “I have something to tell you”.
You walked me over to your car, and
As you opened the car door, I started to say “LOVE”
and you said “I would love for you to meet my wife.”
then, I realized that I was...
14 yrs, 3 months, a couple of hours, and 1 second to late for “YOU”..

Definitions:

1. Childhood- (Noun) The state or period of being a child.

2. Blind- (Adjective) Unable to see.

3. Soul mate- (Noun) a person with whom one has a strong affinity.

4. Visions- (Noun) the act or power of sensing with the eyes; sight.

5. Journey- (Noun) a traveling from one place to another.

6. Late- (Adjective) occurring, coming, or being after the usual or proper time: late frosts; a late spring.


Practice:

1. I am always_______ to Church.

2. Life is full of ___________s.

3. My _______ gets worse as time goes on.

4. My Mother and Father are ______________.

5. Life would be very hard if I were______________.

6. I have so many wonderful memories of my ___________________.

Grammar:

Past tense is a verb tense that expresses actions or states in the past.

Ex: He walked to the store.

Look over the story and complete a list of Past tense words.

"My reason" By Marleny Abreu

I’ve met so many people in my life

some left imprints, some left scars

They say some people come in your life

for a season, for a reason, or for a lifetime

I don’t know what yours will be…

finally I got to meet what I’ve been longing to see

To taste the laughter’s, the happiness, and the tears

Never thought such natural intuition between two souls existed

Every word is right, every feeling is ecstasy

Your lips soft and passionate

Your hands manly and gentle

Your smile genuine and natural

Finally I got to feel and to see love like this exist

read through these lines you will see

my reflection smiling with gratitude and bliss

Remembering the moments that we shared with delight

I’ve met so many people in my life

Some were good and some were bad

I may never know what your purpose will be, but for now

Thank you for being my reason

to keep believing in love like thee.


Definitions:

1. Imprints-(Noun) a mark or figure impressed or printed on something.

2. Intuition- (Noun) quick insight.

3. Ecstasy- (Noun) an overpowering emotion.

4. Gratitude- (Noun) feeling of being grateful or thankful.

5. Bliss- (Noun) supreme happiness.

6. Delight- (Noun) a high degree of pleasure or enjoyment.


Practice:

1. My dog that his________ in the sand.

2. Sometimes it better to listen to your_______________.

3. An overpowering feeling is also known as____________.

4. There are people who feel no _____________ when people do them a favor.

5. I am at ____________ when I am with my family.

6. I was ____________d when I saw Melissa after seven years.


Grammar point:

Verbs are any member of a class of words that are formally distinguished in many languages, as in English by taking the past ending in -ed, that function as the main elements of predicates, that typically express action, state, or a relation between two things, and that (when inflected) may be inflected for tense, aspect, voice, mood, and to show agreement with their subject or object.

Look over the Poem and write down 5 verbs you find in the poem.

"Last Breath" By Marleny Abreu

You hear a knock at the door, receiving the news that took the air out of you,

preparing you for the fight of your life.

Within time, your reflection in the mirror is not the person you once knew.

Weight is lost, hair is falling, your body is tugged and pulled, and

body parts are removed. The signs of the scars remind you of it all.

Every day is a battle for you.

Your thirst for existence keeps you going, Your love for your family is your

strength, Hope, is your motivation to keep you at peace.

This ache taking over your mind and body,it can never reach into your soul

You smile, but nobody feels the pain of the unseen.

Your faith is so strong, Giving up is not an option, fighting is your purpose.

You fight, You fight with all your power, for your faith, for you.

The battle is soon coming to an end…

you fought, for your life, you fought, Until your last breath, and departed

in peace.

We forever unite in the fight for Cancer, In memory of you.

We will fight with all our strength, until our last breath, Just like you.


*Dedicated to the ones who fought to survive (Tia Elba & Tia Chila)and to the ones who continue to fight*


Definitions:

1. Cancer -noun- Any evil condition or thing that spreads destructively.

2. Reflection -noun-An image; representation.

3. Tug -Verb- To pull at with force.

4. Pull - Verb- To draw or tug at with force.

5. Battle - Noun- Any conflict or struggle

6. Departed - adjective - gone; past.


Practice:

1. The police officer _________________ after the car accident.

2. At dinner time there is a _____________ at my home for dinner.

3. The dog ___________ my son down the street.

4. I love to play ____ a War at school.

5. I can see my _________ in the mirror.

6. People wear pink to represent the fight against ________________.


Grammar points:

Pragmatics- Is the study of language use and the ways in which people produce and comprehend meanings through language.

For exercise: Look over the poem and pick at least 5 words you know the meaning of, and ask yourself what does it mean in the poem. Does it mean the actual meaning? or does it mean something else in the poem? Please explain your answers in detail.

"A Child's Footprint" Dedicated to all parents-Written by Marleny Abreu

"A Child's Footprint"

I anxiously wait 9 months for your arrival
I see a miracle for whom God's gift is entitled
I see the movements of you’re existence
Your head, your hands and your feet
I see myself falling in love

The day arrives
I feel the pain
Every force is used to push you into to this world and
finally I see my creation

I hear your cries
Now I understand love at first sight
You are the bundle of joy that owns my heart and soul
Your presence in this world makes me weak in my knees
I lay next to you, dream with you, dream of the person you will be

I hear the pitter patter of your little feet
I hear your voice calling for me
Your smile takes the air out of me

Everyday I work to provide for you with the hope
To give you the stars, the sky and the moon
The sight of you is my motivation to work harder for you

Every night I look forward to having you fall asleep in my arms
Every night I pray for no harm to come your way
I wish you can stay this little and forever stay this way

I know that one day you will grow up and leave my side
All I wish is for you to take the best part of me and
become better then me

Definitions:

1. Anxiously- (adjective) greatly worried.

2. Motivation- (noun) something that motivates.

3. World- (noun) the earth or globe, considered as a planet.

4. Leave- (verb) to go out of or away from, as a place: to leave the house.

5. Miracle- (noun) considered as a work of god.

6. Sight- (noun) To see.

Practice Using the words above place the words below where it best fits the sentence.

1. My ______ gets worse every day.

2. It must be a __________ that you are alive today.

3. I want to____________ now!

4. This _______ would be better if everyone would put their part in helping.

5. I have to keep my ______________ in order for me to succeed.

6. I am ________________ waiting for the arrival of the baby.


Grammar Point:
There are many phrases or words in the English language that can mean more then one meaning. Can you find at least five throughout the poem?

"Mi Viejo" By Marleny Abreu

"Mi Viejo"

You are the root of this family.
You've done your deed by raising 6 kids in a farmland filled with cows and leafs.
I remember seeing you on your horse trotting your way home,
upon your arrival you would ask for a cup of water to refresh your needs.

The presence of your firm body, white hair, and that baby doll face made women fall to their knees. There is something about you that earned everyone's respect and love, it must be your humble, loving, and innocent traits. Now I know where my mom gets hers from.

You told stories that left me laughing for days.
I never wanted to leave your side, hated to see the ending of my summer time.
I held you tight and departed, you watched until you didn't see a sight of me,
I gazed at you from the rear view mirror; I was too weak to look back and
watch you as I leave. Every moment I spent with you,
I ask god to give me another chance to be with you.

I love hearing your tired voice through the phone asking about my life.
No matter how far we are from each other your laughter always makes me smile.
The best part of our conversations is asking you how many platanos you ate,
and you would reply with a childish laughter you hold inside.

You've waited patiently: as you watch your days go by,
you've had to bury grandma and your youngest child too.
At the burials, I stared at you from a far as you washed away your tears from your wrinkle weary face, I held your hands, prayed for god to give you strength and grace.

Mi Viejo. Mi querido viejo, I sometimes wonder if I've made you proud.
You say to "conservarme" and till this day I follow your request.
Te amo papa and thank you for being such an honorable man in my life.
Thank you God for allowing 97 years of his presence in my life.

Definitions:

1. Trotting-Trot-verb- to go at a quick, steady pace; move briskly; bustle; hurry
2. Humble-Adjective-not proud or arrogant; modest.
3. Traits-Noun-a characteristic or quality of one's personal nature.
4. Proud-Adjective-feeling pleasure or satisfaction over something regarded as highly honorable or creditable to oneself
5. Presence-Noun-attendance or company: Your presence is requested.
6. Honorable-Adjective-Worthy of honor and high respect.

Practice:
Write your own poem or short story of someone special to you or write about a special moment in your life. Make sure to add details of your feelings and how it felt to be with that person or how it felt to share that special moment. Include at least 6 adjectives in your poem or short story.

Adjectives:

Adjectives: Adjectives are words that describe or modify another person or thing in the sentence.

Examples:
* the tall professor
* the lugubrious lieutenant
* a solid commitment
* the unhappiest, richest man

Have Fun!

Word Search

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

ADJECTIVES HUMBLE PRESENCE
PROUD TRAITS TROTTING

"It is in giving that we receive."

Short Story:

This past summer I was able to accomplish a dream of mine. I always wanted to help the less privilege and give back to my Community. I am from Dominican Republic and in Dominican Republic there are many people and places that deal with poverty. I wanted to help the hometown where my parents came from and help the school in that town. The school is very poor and barely makes it with school supplies. I quickly decided to take matters into my own hands and formed a School Supply Fundraiser for this school. I informed friends and family of the drive and through the help of Facebook and through word of month, this life long desire of mine was able to become a huge success.

They say "every little bit counts." and when I saw the final days of this effort, I witnessed just that. Each and every contribution, big or small, was part of the success of the school supply drive. I was able to collect: 314 notebooks, over 2,000 crayons, over 800 pencils, over 200 pens, two computers fully geared, 20 bilingual software programs, tech support to install Microsoft works (power point, word document, and excel), three printers, 20 book bags, 56 rulers, 21 calculators, art supplies (glue sticks, glue bottles, scissors, tape, glitter, construction paper etc) bilingual children books, and many more useful school supplies for children of this grade school in Monte Cristi.

After this fundraiser I beautifully realized that dreams do come true and I will continue to help this school and other schools that need assistants.

Definition:
1.Dream (Noun) - experience while sleeping
2.Privilege (Noun)- a special advantage or benefit
3.Poverty (Noun) - poor
4.Success(Noun) - an event that accomplishes its purpose
5.Contribution (Noun) - a voluntary gift
6.School supplies (Noun) - Notebooks or materials to use for school


Practice:

Write your own short story of "Giving" or write a short shorty of your own dream that you would like to come true. Make sure to include at least Six adverbs in your story.

Adverbs:
Adverbs are words that refer to the time, manner and frequency of the action.

Examples: brightly, very, quickly, beautifully, quietly, very soon, in a hurry.
I walked quickly to the store.


Word Search

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

CONTRIBUTION DREAM POVERTY
PRIVILEGE SUCCESS SUPPLIES

Thank you!

A Thank you letter:

Dear friends, family, and supporters.

I would like to take the time to THANK YOU one last time, for your generosity. The school supply collection has been a tremendous success! As you may already know, the desire to make a difference and help these kids has been a goal of mine for many years. It is indeed a dream come true to finally accomplish such a goal on a much larger scale than what I originally planned. None of this would have been a success, if each of you hadn't made a contribution to this cause. I am so appreciative of your compassion and your desire to help the kids of Monte Cristi in the Dominican Republic.

They say "every little bit counts" and when I saw the final days of this effort, I witnessed just that. Each and every one of your contribution, big or small, was part of the success of this back to school drive.

When I say thank you, it's doesn't express enough. I sincerely appreciate your support; for if it wasn't for YOU and your generosity none of this would have been possible. I will keep you updated with in three weeks on the arrival of the boxes and the student's progress. I look forward to your support for future back to school drives and future fund raising events for this school.

Sincerely,

Marleny Abreu

Definitions:

1. Generosity (Noun)-willing to give your money or time
2. Tremendous (Adjective)-large in size
3. Appreciate (Verb)- be fully aware of; realize fully
4. Accomplished (Adjective)-successfully completed
5. Effort (Noun)-the amount of work involved in performing an activity
6. Fundraiser (Noun) - a social function that is held for the purpose of raising money


Grammar:
Nouns: A noun is the name of a person, place, thing, or idea
Noun examples:
Persons: girl, boy, instructor, student, Mr. Smith, Peter, president
Animals: dog, cat, shark, hamster, fish, bear, flea
Places: gym, store, school, Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota, village, Europe
Things: computer, pen, notebook, mailbox, bush, tree, cornflakes
Ideas: liberty, panic, attention, knowledge, compassion, worship


Practice:
Write your own letter to someone thanking them for something your greatly appreciated. In your letter make sure to include Nouns.

Puzzle:
Directions: Copy and Paste the link below and figure out the missing letters to complete the word.
http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/puzzles/50943akmft.png