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Hi, again! You may be viewing this page on Friday the 13th, which somehow sounds like a movie:) Or you may be reading it during the week of September 16! Either way, we have some new skills on this page, with a review of things we learned during the first week of school. Have fun!
Part One. Idiom of the Day Sentence containing idiom: No matter what she is doing, Yaritza will be at your house at the drop of a hat if you need her! Before we discuss the idiom, take a moment to jot down your thoughts regarding the idiom in bold print above. Ask yourself questions, such as is it positive or negative? What is being compared? Now list some things you would definitely do at the drop of a hat! 1. 2. 3. Part Two. Literary Devices Personification in Review Directions: Underline words in the sentences below that show personification is being used! Example: As I thought about him, even the wind seemed to call his name. 1. The streetlight winked at me as I strolled along the long and winding road. 2. I picked up the book that seemed to be calling my name from its place on the kitchen table. 3. The shopping cart whined as I wheeled it through the store; it reminded me of a small child begging to go home! 4. The new flower buds peeked out at me from their spot just above the ground. 5. The U.S. flag waved and welcomed everyone who passed by! 6. The table itself was shaking in fear when the earthquake hit San Francisco. 7. So many stars were dancing in the sky the night Victoria met George. 8. The words seemed to jump off the page as I read the mysterious letter. 9. Judy's peas hid under the mashed potatoes on her plate; they wouldn't come out until everyone at the table had stopped eating. 10. My piano told beautiful stories each time I pressed its keys! Your Turn: Take a moment and select one of the pieces of personification from the sentences above. Create a sentence of your own using it! Part Three. Question and Answer Answer: I have four of them. Your Question: Note: Feel free to create more than one question, but remember to read your question followed by the answer above to see if everything fits! Part Four. Greek and Latin Roots Quick Review True or False 1. The root biblio means baseball. true false 2. A bibliography is a list of books you use doing while researching a subject. true false 3. Bibliotheque means library in French. true false Part Four Extra Literary Term Inference We spoke briefly about what it means to paraphrase and make inferences while analyzing something said, written or shown. Read the following sentences and decide if each one is either a paraphrase or an inference. 1. The girl in the photo wore a pair of blue jeans and brown sandals. 2. That woman seems very angry; I wonder if she had an argument with someone in her home before coming out to shop. 3. The man wore sneakers that were worn out and a shirt that was a light shade of blue. 4. The girl is typing. 5. That man's face is bright red, and he is squinting his eyes. I bet he was upset to find out that all the items he came here to buy have been sold out. 6. I got a phone call from my friend Jenna. She was speaking so fast I wondered if she were nervous about something going on in her life! Time for a Partner Activity! On an index card, please create one paraphrased sentence and one inference (but do not tell us which is which!)! We will send them around the room for partner students to figure out!
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Here we go! This page is usually dedicated to learning new skills as well as reviewing (and reviewing and reviewing!) everything we have learned. But this week (and next week), we will be busy finding out exactly where we are in our academic areas. The information I gather from your work will help as I plan future lessons in each of our subjects of Reading, Writing, Science, and Social Studies. I will, however, continue with the outline of skills I usually have on this page so that new students can see what we cover in class. Have fun!
Please Note: There will be no grading just yet--only observations from me! So don't worry about making mistakes! It's actually important that you do! Part One Idioms An idiom is a saying that is not to be taken literally. This means that the words that are used have hidden meaning, and it is our job to find out what that meaning is! They can be especially tricky if English is not your first language, so we will be going over at least one every day in class! Today's Idiom: It is wonderful to meet all of you today, and it's important for you to know that we are all in the same boat as we reach for our goals and fulfill our dreams. Directions: The idiom is shown in bold (dark) print in the sentence above. What do you think it means? Look for context clues within the sentence that may help you understand this idiom. Write your thoughts about it in the space below. Part Two Literary Terms Literary terms (also known as literary devices) are words that are used to describe specific ways of thinking about literature and the words that are used to paint pictures in our minds. Understanding their meaning will help us comprehend a story, a poem, or even a movie much more effectively! Today's Literary Term: Personification Personification occurs when a writer gives an inanimate object (one that does not move--is not alive) a human quality. Look at the example below. Can you select a verb (action word) that the object in the sentence would not truly be able to do because only a person has the ability to do it? The sun smiled down upon Denise as she walked along the beach. Take a moment to write down your answers in the space below. What object in this sentence is doing something only a person could do? What exactly is this object supposedly doing? What does it mean in this particular sentence? Part Three The Inverted Question and Answer Something this is inverted is in a different or even the opposite order than it is typically found in. In this section, I will provide you with an answer, and you give me a question that could go with that answer. Below is an example of what I mean. Answer: There are thirty of them. Possible Question (that you would give me): How many days are in the month of September? Do you see how the answer would work with the question given? There are many possible questions students could give. I will provide a few more, using the same answer above. Answer: There are thirty of them. Possible Question: How many cars are in the parking lot this morning? Possible Question: How many flowers do you have in your garden? Possible Question: How many members of your family are at your party? Possible Question: How many pieces of clothing are in your washing machine right now? (Haha!) Do you see that there are so many possible questions that could go with the answer I gave you? Now it's your turn. Try to provide a question for the following answer. After you write your question down, be sure to read it to yourself or to someone near you to be sure it works with the answer! Have fun! If you can come up with more than one question, feel free to write them all down! Answer: It's so much fun! Your Question: Part Four Greek and Latin Roots Roots (unlike the root word) are parts of words, such as a prefix (that goes before the word) or a suffix (which goes at the end of a word) that can often help us understand the meaning of a word when context clues are not available to us. Note: Context clues are parts of a sentence that provide meaning for us so that we do not have to know every word in the dictionary! For example, look at the following sentence: The tree swallows are often bluish green in color and sometimes build their nests within the trunk of a tree. If we do not know what a tree swallow is, the context clues in the sentence can help us figure out what this animal may be. What is your guess and why? Now what if a sentence does not contain any clues that will help you figure out a word? Well another way we can try to decipher word meaning is by knowing a lot of Greek and Latin roots (and even French roots, as well). Let's look at today's root of the day: Greek Root: biblio Meaning: books, of books English word: bibliography (which is a list of all the titles, authors and publishing dates of books and resources we use when we research a subject) French word: bibliotheque (which means library!) Special note: The word bible comes from the Latin word for book! Question: Have you ever created a bibliography before? If not, why do you think it is important to create a list of resources you have used to write a research paper? Write your thoughts below after speaking with someone near you! Part Five Grammar Challenge Verbs Grammar is the name given to the mechanics of writing. It helps us understand why a sentence is created a certain way as well as the function of each word. It is important to study grammar so that we know the proper way to use words (even the order of words we use!) and to ultimately write more effectively! We are beginning today with the study of verbs because it is the only word that can be used alone . . . and still be a complete sentence! Verbs can be action words, such as go, run, jump, laugh, and more. Verbs can be verbs of being, which do not show action but instead tell something IS something else. Verbs of Being: am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been, have, has, had, do, does, did, shall, should, will, would, can, could, may, might, must Verbs can also help each other out! These verbs are called helping verbs or auxiliary verbs. Often, the verbs of being in the list above can work with action verbs (or any type of verb, for that matter) to help us understand when an action took place, for instance. I have been waiting for hours for the train to arrive. Can you pick out the verbs of being in the sentence above? You can look back at the list above that! Can you also pick out the main verb, which in this case is an action verb? Directions: Try the following exercises. Simply circle the verbs in each sentence. We will discuss as a class which ones are verbs of being, action verbs, or auxiliary verbs! The number in parentheses following the sentences tells how many verbs are in each one. 1. Most students arrived at school on time. (1) 2.He has walked for an hour every day this month. (2) 3. Jill runs three times a week. (1) 4. This school is a great place to learn. (1) 5. The puppy was so cute! (1) 6. My friend visited all afternoon. (1) 7. Where are you going? (2) (Hint: You may want to turn this sentence around into a statement to find the verbs more easily!) 8. Wait! (1) 9. Tomas has been studying for hours now! (3) 10. You look like your sister! (1) Your Turn: Directions: Create three sentences of your own! You will then switch your paper with another student, and find the verbs on each other's papers! We will check everything as a class when we are all finished! Good Luck! Part Six Writing Since writing is an important part of our classes, we will be devoting a chunk of time each day to practicing this skill. Sometimes there will be work assigned for a later date, and a syllabus will be provided to do so. But for these opening weeks, we will be trying out a variety of writing styles so that we know which areas may need more attention. I will collect much of what you write for the next few classes, but do not worry! Just try your best, and the rest will follow! Today's assignment: Here is the beginning of a story, which I usually have students copy onto a clean sheet of paper. But today you won't need to do this and can write directly on this page (or on the back of it), You will continue the story in any way you please, BUT you need to write for at least fifteen minutes! I don't want you to stop until I give a warning that time is almost up. Have fun, and enjoy the process!! Writing Exercise: Fiction Santiago was nervous about his first interview at a new company. He had a great resume, which showed all the skills he already had; he had even listed some specific classes he had taken that related to the position he wanted. But when he approached the building, he noticed something very unusual. Hi again!
Here is a continuation of skills for your review! Have a great day! Grammar Fun Review of the Prepositional Phrase In an effort to create more interesting sentences, we can use phrases, clauses, and appositives to add details that make your writing pop. Let's review the prepositional phrase first! A prepositional phrase starts with . . . a preposition! This is a positional word that gives direction to something happening in your sentence. Here is an example: I went to the park yesterday. The words in bold print make up a prepositional phrase. The word to is the preposition that starts the phrase! This phrase tells where you went, and since words that tell where are known as adverbs, this prepositional phrase is functioning as an adverb phrase. Here is another: He will meet us by the front door. In this prepositional phrase, by is the preposition and the entire phrase tells us where he will meet us. This is again a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverb phrase. A prepositional phrase can also function as an adjective phrase. Remember: An adjective is a word that describes a noun. Notice how the prepositional phrase below describes a noun in the sentence. The book about dinosaurs was especially interesting. The prepositional phrase above is describing a book. It does not tell where the book is. This is an example of a prepositional phrase used as an adjective. The preposition about, when used in this way, is often used to begin an adjective phrase. Directions: In the following sentences, please pick out the prepositional phrases. Tell which word in these phrases is used as a preposition, and then decide if the phrase is used as an adjective phrase or an adverb phrase. The number in parenthesis after each sentence tells you how many prepositional phrases are located in each one. 1. Nikki ran down the street. (1) 2. Tomas watched a program about sea life. (1) 3. The boys from Boston waited by the Old North Church. (2) 4. There were so many pencils in her bag that it made it too heavy to carry. (1) 5. The story about her favorite musician was true. (1) 6. In the park, I found the missing bracelet. (1) 7. I told my friend I am on my way. (1) 8. The books on the shelves were purchased at Barnes and Noble. (2) 9. Do you see the girl who is sitting on the bench? (1) 10. I am happy when I sit at the beach on a comfortable chair and can stick my feet in the water! (3) Directions Part Two: Now take each prepositional phrase you found in the sentences above and use it in a sentence of your own creation. Since you should have found fourteen phrases, be sure to use each one either in a sentence of its own or in combination with other phrases in the same sentence! Note: To help you a bit, here are the prepositions that started each phrase in the sentences above! Check your answers to see if your phrases began with these words! 1. down 2. about 3. from, by 4. in 5. about 6. in 7. on 8. on, at 9. on 10. at, on, in Hi everyone!
Let's do some review work in preparation for the fall as well as for tests many students are taking! I am so proud of you for continuing to study throughout the summer--you are sticking to your plan, and I know you will achieve your goals much more easily because of this!! Idiom of the Day When the baked stuffed lobster was finally brought to the table, John said, "Wow! This is certainly a sight for sore eyes!" Note: In analyzing this idiom, ask yourself which words in the sentence can help you figure out its meaning. Besides having a lobster brought to your table, which in most cases would be considered a good thing, I would look at the word finally and make an inference. The word finally implies there was a waiting period for something someone wanted! What happens when you finally get what you wanted? How did John feel, in the sentence above, when he finally received his lobster dinner? Note #2: A new component to our idioms will be a link that explains their origin (where they came from). In this case, please click: interestingliterature.com/?s=sight+for+sore+eyes&orderby=relevance&order=DESC You will find information at the top of the page; please remember to click "read more" to continue the story about this idiom! Exercise: Take a moment to write a paragraph (which means at least five solid sentences!) about something you truly wanted and waited for, and when it finally arrived, you could say it was a "sight for sore eyes." Literary Devices Anachronism Definition: An anachronism is something that is out of place in the time period in which it is shown. Note: The root chron- is included in this word, which could provide some help if you had to define it on your own! Earlier in the year, we learned that chron- means time. Example: If we were watching a movie that was set in 1948, and a character suddenly picked up a cellphone to make a call, this would be an anachronism because cellphones were not even invented yet! Directions: Please identify the anachronisms in the following sentences. 1. Before Celia went to school yesterday, she made sure to feed her horse and to check the wheels on the cart she would use to get there! 2. About a year ago, in 2023, Sondra bought more candles to provide the only light in her home. 3. In 1958, teenagers enjoyed listening to Taylor Swift songs on their streaming devices! Your Turn: Create a sentence in which you add an anachronism of your own! Just a quick reminder: GED & Me is now available as an app for your cellphone! Take advantage of this free resource so that you can review for your HiSET or GED tests wherever you are! I have truly been enjoying our first few "summer school" classes! It has been especially wonderful to teach students who have been with me since last September AND students who have just begun their studies at SCALE! During this time, we are (and will be!) learning new skills, revisiting "old" ones, and practicing all of them to mastery!
Today's classroom lessons inspired practice in the areas you will see below! Have fun, and bring any questions you may have to Wednesday's class! P. S. If you did not have a chance to share your writing piece today, please bring it to class on Wednesday. I look forward to reading your work! Keep working on the "Quizzes" paper, and we will review that handout on Wednesday, as well. Part One. Plural Nouns Directions: In the following sentences, please decide if the plural noun shown in bold print is spelled correctly. 1. The puppies were so adorable; I wanted to bring them all home! Correct Incorrect 2. Sue plans to attend a lot of partys this summer. Correct Incorrect 3. There were so many childs at the fireworks last week! Correct Incorrect 4. Do you know how many women will be at the event tomorrow evening? Correct Incorrect 5. Harry's grandchildren will be visiting him this weekend. Correct Incorrect 6. The men who are running for office are all equally qualified to win. Correct Incorrect 7. There were so many deers at the zoo; I tried to take a photo of as many as I could! Correct Incorrect 8. The O'Sullivans have been running a successful garden shop for the past ten years. Correct Incorrect 9. There were lots of bunnys in my yard this morning. Correct Incorrect 10. How many cities did you visit on your trip to Maine? Correct Incorrect Part Two. Plural Possessives Directions: Please fill in the blanks below with the plural possessive form of the word shown in parentheses. Example: The (boy's, boys') jackets were given to them by their Aunt Jane at Christmas. Answer: boys' Remember to insert our "L Finder" in between the last letter of the word and the apostrophe to see if the word left is the form you want. In this case, the word "boys" would remain, and since "boys" is plural, an added apostrophe s makes it the correct answer as a plural possessive. 1. The (womans', women's) group will be meeting every Tuesday evening in August. Answer: 2. The (child's, children's) rides at the playground were safe for their age group and fun for all! Answer: 3. Have you seen the (mens', men's) suit jackets in that department? Answer: 4. When will we meet our two (friend's, friends') families? Answer: 5. Did you see (Monday's, Mondays') schedule for just next week? Answer: Part Three. The Appositive Directions: In each of the following sentences, please underline, circle, or highlight the appositive. Note: An appositive is a word or group of words that renames a noun in a sentence. It is in balance with that noun and offers an effective way of adding more information to our writing. Example: My dad, the best father in the world, should get an award for all the kindness he showed me in my life. The appositive is shown in bold print above. It is another way of speaking about "my dad" and can take its place in the sentence. For instance, we could simply say: The best father in the world should get an award for all the kindness he showed me in my life. We could also say: My dad should get an award for all the kindness he showed me in my life. But having both in the sentence gives us more information about how the author feels about her dad! Now it's your turn! 1. At the restaurant, I ordered fish, an Alaskan salmon. 2. The doctor, a well-known surgeon from Massachusetts General Hospital, will be speaking at the event. 3. Massachusetts, the state where we all currently live, is part of New England. 4. Did you see that beautiful car, a 2024 Ferrari? 5. His brother, Tom, is going to college now. 6. My friend Sandy works in Boston. 7. I will be going for a swim at the beach, Hampton Beach, and then I'll get ready for the concert. 8. I took two tests, the HiSET and a GED, and I feel confident enough to pass all subjects! 9. His favorite color, purple, was used to decorate the poster's design. 10. Marie's favorite band, the Rolling Stones, put on a great show the other night! 11. I always enjoy visiting Cape Cod, my favorite vacation spot! 12. Jill picked up the book, an exciting Agatha Christie mystery, and planned to read well into the night. Bonus: Please find a singular possessive noun in one of the sentences above! Bonus 2: Now find a contraction in one of the sentences above. Bonus 3: Select one (or more) of the sentences above and make it the opening line of a paragraph you will write. Create a story around it, and add four to five more sentences. In your story, be sure to include one more appositive of your own. |
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