SUPER STARFISH AND HIS SEARCH FOR SNOW

               By Gina Andros

               Super Starfish and His Search For Snow

On Sunday, Super Starfish was feeling super well.

He heard it was winter now, but he really couldn’t tell. 

He wanted to see the weather change he learned the months and then…

He marked off every day that past with one gigantic pen,

On Monday, he felt magnificent- which means he was feeling great!

On Tuesday, he was impatient- which means he could not wait.

On Wednesday, he was wonderful and excited don’t you know?

On Thursday, he was tumbling, as he bundled up for all the snow.

On Friday, he was fascinated he tracked the storm from high and low,

On Saturday, he felt suspense-meaning eager,
for this winter storm to blow.

But eventually he realized- which means he learned,
the snow would never be….

Because he was a starfish who lived deep down in the sea.

He felt a little foolish -which means silly,
although the snow he did adore,

So he decided very quickly to swim up and meet the shore!

On Sunday, he was stunned-which means he felt a bit of shock…

As he dreamed about the snow- it arrived, while he laid out upon a rock!

All week Super Starfish was enthusiastic- meaning excited,
to see something called snow,

Although he had to travel a bit, he then drifted back down below.

Super Starfish is so clever which means he’s really smart.

He knew what his goal was, right from the very start.

The snow would come again and he’d know just where to look,

If he forgets how to get there, he’ll follow the steps inside this book.

The End Song:

The end… the end, that is the end my friend. I hope you like the story! The end, the end, the end!

This children’s story has a fun rhyme scheme, educates students about the days of the week and is a perfect teaching tool when discussing winter weather with ESL students who may not even know what snow is. Some less obvious concepts include positions in space such as “under“, “on” and “in“. The story  also has a variety of new words and reveals an assortment of “bigger words” that  describe feelings which go beyond the very common and sometimes under stimulating words “sad”, “happy”, and “mad”. The main character is Starfish and I think he’s unique. :)

New Vocabulary:

1.magnificent(maɡˈnifəsənt)- very good, very beautiful, and excellent. Adjective.

2.impatient(imˈpāSHənt)- quick to anger. Upset easily when approached. Short tempered and restless. Adjective.

3.fascinated(ˈfasəˌnāt)- strong interest and attention. Attracted to and draw by something.Verb.

4.eager(ˈēɡər)- in a hurry to have or do something. Wanting something badly. Adjective.

5.decided (dəˈsīdəd)-to make a choice. To figure out a solution or to settle.Verb.

6.stunned (stənned)- dazed and shocked. Surprised and temporally unable to react.Verb. 

7.enthusiastic (inˌTH(y)o͞ozēˈastik)- showing enjoyment. Feeling eager and very interested. Adjective.

8.clever (ˈklevər)- very smart, able to understand quickly. Adjective.

Practice: Unscramble the new vocabulary words

1. tagmniifcen is_____________.
2. reeag is________.
3. dddciee is _________.
4. vrelec is___________.
5. ipatentim is__________.
6. citnaedsf is _________.
7. nundets is __________.
8. suthasicitne____________.

Grammar point: Capitalization

When is capitalization necessary? How to know when to capitalize (use an uppercase letter) at the start of a word. Rule #1 is to always use a capital letter at the start of a sentence and after a period. Rule #2 is to Capitalize proper nouns, titles, and names. There are other rules to learn when using a capitalization, but rule #1 and #2 will help with the most common uses of capitalization.

Exercise:
Write a brief description of what you do each day of  the week and include capitalization throughout when needed. Include at least 20 words that need to be properly capitalized in your written description.

To learn more about capitalization refer to the article below:
https://www.boundless.com/writing/textbooks/boundless-writing-textbook/style-structure-grammar-5/mechanics-32/using-capital-letters-148-3239/

                                              Bullies

Vocabulary words:

1. Bully (ˈbo͝olē)- Someone who is unkind. A person who is mean and hurts others with words or actions. Noun

2. Financial (fīˈnan(t)SHəl)- refers to a money status of an individual. Having to do with an amount of wealth. Adjective

3. Detest (dəˈtest)- a strong word for hate. A high level of dislike. Verb

4. Dangerous (ˈdānj(ə)rəs)- something that may cause harm or injury. Adjective

5. Prejudice (ˈprejədəs)- a negative act against another group of people without any reasons or actual knowledge. An unkind opinion about others who are different than the person with the opinion. Noun

6. Opinion (əˈpinyən)- a personal judgment about something. An idea in an individual that is not always based on facts or evidence. A persons belief. Noun

7. Consequences (ˈkänsikwəns)- a negative result of an inappropriate action. A punishment for a wrong. An outcome or a result. Noun.

 8. Pledge (plej)- a promise. A commitment to an idea. An emotional contract. Noun

Practice:
Fill in the blank next to a word that rhymes with a vocabulary word.

1. Substantial is a word that rhymes with ____________.

2. Fully is a word that rhymes with ______________.

3. Jealous is a word that rhymes with _____________.

4. Gracious is a word that rhymes with_____________.

5. Ledge is a word that rhymes with_______________.

6. Undressed is a word that rhymes with_____________.

7. Virginian is a word that rhymes with________________.

8. Audiences is a word that rhymes with ______________.

                                                         
Many students have experienced bullying in their lives, but many ESL students experience  bulling situations more frequently because they are new and unfamiliar with the language and culture. There are ways to help ESL students with bullying issues. Read the article at the link below to understand more about what ESL students experience and how to help them deal with bullies.
http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/55612/

Grammar point: What is an adjective? An adjective is a word or phrase naming an attribute of something, it is added to a noun or pronoun to modify (describe) the word. Examples of adjectives are words that describe size shape, amount, time, emotion, or personality. Example: The funny girl used humor to mask her sadness. To describe taste: The lemon was very sour. To describe touch: The prickly cactus will hurt you so do not touch it. To describe sound: The blaring crowd at the basketball game made my ears ring. Adjectives come in 3 forms or degrees. Normally it is ued in a positive degree such as the word sweet. Then there is the comparative word sweeter. Lastly there is the superlative form sweetest.

Exercise:
Select 3 ajectives found in the passage above. Create a chart with three columns and at the top of each column, title the colomn with the 3 forms of adjectives. Then fill in the missing forms of each in the appropriate spots. What it should look like:

 Positive Degree |  Comparative | Superlative
                            |                       |
1.        Smart             Smarter          Smartest

2.        Happy             Happier         Happiest

3.

                                         

                                         


                                         

Children and Technology

     Most people embrace technology and try to learn and adapt to how it evolves. The apple products are so popular among children and adults alike, I can't believe it. Cell phones are so smart that I even have trouble with them! It's not an uncommon thing to see a young child in public using a device as a form of entertainment. Teenagers don't call each other anymore, they only text. I am surprised  Elementary children have cell phones and pre-k children use tablets, Ipads, and Kindles to take photos, read books, watch videos, and play games.

      There is a real disconnection in the communication process between parents and their children, as well as the verbal communication between friends and peers. Some may argue that technology aides in the communication process but I feel that it makes communication impersonal and often abbreviated. It also does not allow family time to take place efficiently. It's difficult to pry children away from their gadgets and bring them back to reality. I think the skills learned in social settings are being derailed and communication abilities are being compromised. Everything's at the click of a button which can make inappropriate things available to children. 

       I insist on quality family time without interruptions from cell phone notifications, constant gaming, or endless text message alerts. We need to just shut everything down and come back to the present time and exist with each other without technology getting in the way. I am afraid that soon technology will replace everything that is genuine and real. I try to encourage real conversations, outdoor fun, and board games with family.
       I allow some technology in my toddler's life but not too much. I want his imagination to grow and his life experiences to be vast. I want him to explore and learn through play. Technology will not take over my home and I hope children's technology use is monitored closely.

1. Evolves (ēˈvälv)- changes towards progress. Something that grows and switches from it's original form.Verb.

2. Entertainment (ˌen(t)ərˈtānmənt)- something that is enjoyable and amuses people. Noun.

3. Communication (kəˌmyo͞onəˈkāSH(ə)n)- when people give each other news and information. Noun.

4. Abbreviated (əˈbrēvēˌātid)- something that is cut short or stopped early. Adjective.

5. Efficiently (i-'fi-shent)- To produce or make something in a progressive way. Creating something without being wasteful. 

6. Inappropriate (ˌinəˈprōprēət)- not proper or acceptable (good) behavior in a situation. Not the right way to act while in a certain situation. Adjective.

7. Imagination (iˌmajəˈnāSH(ə)n)- the action of being creative and inventing new ideas. To dream about and act out make believe (not real) situations. Noun.

8. Vast (vast)- of a great amount. A larger quantity than normal, a space that is immeasurable. Adjective.

Practice: Draw a line to match the word with a synonym (a word with the same meaning)

Evolves                                                                                                               Grows  

Entertainment                                                                                                     Message

Communication                                                                                                  Pleasure

Abbreviated                                                                                                         Impolite

Efficiently                                                                                                           Shortened

Inappropriate                                                                                                       Advance

Imagination                                                                                                         Creativity

Vast                                                                                                                      Huge

To understand more about the way technology impacts children's lives read this article:

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00094056.2001.10521686?journalCode=uced20#.VDnyEvldXQQ

Grammar point: 

Apostrophes ( ' ) are used in all forms or writing and it is sometimes difficult to know when and how to use them. Knowing a few of the rules will help you understand more about how and when to use them. The most common uses of this punctuation mark is to make contractions and show possession. The rules are to #1. When using an apostrophe to show possession with a singular noun add an apostrophe and the letter s. Examples- A man's lunch, Mrs.Scarpitta's apartment, my best friend's car.

Another rule #2. An apostrophe is also used with contractions. The apostrophe is placed in the space where letters have been removed. Examples- Doesn't (does not), isn't (is not), can't (can not), it's ( it is) and you've (you have).

Exercise:

In the paragraphs above there are some apostrophes used. Write the words that have apostrophes and explain why each one has been used. Then create three sentences where you use a word with an apostrophe in each sentence.

                                                                                                        

HALLOWEEN FOR ME

              The month of October is a very exciting month. I personally celebrate my wedding anniversary and original dating anniversary in this month. But after all my romantic celebrations, one of my favorite holidays arrives, Halloween! I absolute love dressing up and being someone new. I try to dress as something that does not relate to me. I like to be different because that is who I am normally. Not everyone enjoys Halloween because they do not appreciate scary things. I love to be frightened because I like to be brave. I am very courageous in places such as haunted houses and terrifying corn mazes. 

              Pumpkin flavored items are common during the month of October and who doesn't like a unique flavor once in a while? I believe that apples taste best when you pick them yourself. Sadly I have never been able to go and participate in that activity yet. Pumpkin picking is traditional too and carving them is a wonderful family activity. I think two fantastic aspects of Halloween are the costume parties and contests. I like being able to see all the interesting and imaginative costume ideas that others create. I also use my creative side when ever I make my own costume or decorate my home for Halloween. I have purchased costumes before but I like to invent costumes as well. I do a good amount of explaining when I choose to do that, but I don't mind because it makes a great topic for conversation. I am happy to have so many children in my life because trick or treating is both fun and rewarding. I have a serious love for candy and I almost always bring my own "trick or treat bucket". I enjoy Halloween the most because dressing up, being crafty, and eating candy are some of my favorite things to do. Not every part of the world celebrates Halloween the way Americans do, some do not celebrate at all. 

                                                              

                                                 

1. Exciting (ikˈsīdiNG)- causing eagerness and a desire to do something. Thrilling and very inviting. Adjective.

2. Anniversary (ˌanəˈvərs(ə)rē)- an important date. A day that a couple was married in a previous year. Noun.

3. Celebrations (ˌseləˈbrāSH(ə)ns)- an enjoyable social activity where people enjoy a holiday or important event together. Plural noun.

4. Courageous (kəˈrājəs)- to be brave, not afraid, not fearful of some thing scary. Adjective.

5. Terrifying (ˈterəˌfīng)- something that causes great fear. Very scary or frightening. Verb.

6. Participate (pärˈtisəˌpāt)- to be a part of something. To join in or take part in an activity. Verb.

7. Traditional (trəˈdiSH(ə)n(ə)l)- a custom, a ritual, something that has been done repeatedly over a long period of time. Adjective.

8. Imaginative (iˈmaj(ə)nədiv)- a quality of a person having to do with being creative. Inventiveness. Adjective.

9. Rewarding (rəˈwôrdiNG)- something that is productive and fulfilling. Benificial and provides self satisfaction. Adjective.

10. Crafty (ˈkraftē)- to be good at making decorative items and other things by hand. To be skillful at art. Adjective.

For practice draw a line form the definition to the word:

1.To join in or take part in an activity.                                                                Exciting

2. Very scary or frightening.                                                                                Crafty

3. Good at making decorative items by hand.                                                      Rewarding

4. A custom or a ritual.                                                                                         Terrifying

5.  An enjoyable social activity where people enjoy a holiday                            Anniversary

6. Something productive and fulfilling.                                                                Celebrations

7. Not fearful of some thing scary.                                                                        Imaginative

8. Thrilling and very inviting                                                                                 Participate

9. A day that a couple was married.                                                                       Courageous

10. Inventiveness.                                                                                                   Traditional

Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday and can be very enjoyable. Some cultures don't celebrate Halloween and others have different traditions around the world. To find out more about Halloween check out this article:  http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/halloweenglobal.php

Grammar Point:Most people know a noun to be a person, place ,or thing. But a noun can also be an idea. For example an Anniversary is a noun but it isn't something you can touch, it is just an idea. There are also different kinds of nouns. There are count nouns which are things that can be counted. (ex. pumpkins or celebrations) and mass nouns can not be counted (ex.corn).

Exercise:

Can you make your own list of nouns and include 3 nouns that are ideas, 3 count nouns, and 3 mass nouns? What other types of nouns are you familiar with? Look up the word "noun" and give me the name and definition of a different kind of noun that I used in the paragraph above. Example: Proper noun.

                          My Family Rocks...and Rolls

             I have a blended family. Not many people know what that is or how it works out. So I'll explain how my blended family works. Being part of my family makes my life truly exciting. I have been an official step mom to my boys for about 5 years (but part of the family for about 10 years). I am also a new mother of a two year old named Dante. Our house is full of boys and a perfect balance between responsibilities and play time. The dynamic between my husband Todd and I keep our home functioning smoothly. As a mother figure to a 16 year old  and a 12 year old, I need to be very involved with football, other televised sports, need to have knowledge of new videos on Youtube, and be active enough to play some kickball. I also need excellent eye-hand coordination for  any spontaneous gaming opportunities. My husband and I spend our time off singing baby songs, reciting nursery rhymes, changing diapers, kissing boo-boos and handling loads of house work!
The best thing about my family is the different happenings-daily. Sometimes it’s teen troubles or project and homework help, or my toddler is getting into trouble somewhere in the house. But no matter what Dad and I are an unstoppable team! We have even nick named ourselves the GT-UNIT, which is a Gina and Todd well oiled machine. It is a life full of quality, rather than quantity. Todd is so much an active part of his children’s lives I often have to stop him in his tracks much like a yield sign just to steal a kiss. Todd is a phenomenal father, the best I have ever seen. He is  a cool guy who has several amazing qualities. We have joint custody of our boys. We have them 4 nights a week. He and I see them everyday, and we love it! To make our time fun and productive we have special days we have incorporated into our lives.
             We have “Morning Mondays” which is when we are all up getting ready for our day at the same time. Big brothers help with our little guy. As I’m getting ready for the day, Dad’s preparing breakfast, snacks, and bringing boys to school. Tuesdays are “Try- new-Tuesdays”. If not for this day we’d be eating mac and cheese or chicken nuggets with no variations from that kind of meal ever. It’s squash we are trying this Tuesday, not sure that’ll be a hit but who knows. Wednesday’s are “At Work Wednesday”, the boys would head with dad to work but now they stay home with me. Thursday’s will sometimes be our movie night. We take turns picking movies. I’m thinking of showing Twilight at my next turn. Love story stuff is my favorite! We have “Feel Good Friday”, which consists of nice dinner talk. We do an activity where we take turns saying something nice about everyone and we feel good afterward. We have family game night Saturdays when we can. Big brother will read Dante to bed, then we play a game! Sundays we try to get to church. This blended family is fantastic! It’s so amazing how we all work so well together, Dad and I are always on the same page while our baby plays with his big bro’s; that is why my family rocks and rolls!

Blended ('blend)- to blend and mix, to put things together with typically good results. A combination of things that become one to exist as one.Verb.

Balance (ˈbalənst)- fairly proportioned. Equal and even parts. Taking all aspects of something into consideration to make something that is well proportioned. Adjective.

Dynamic- (dīˈnamik)- a force that makes something change and progress. A process of evolution and a system that shows progressive growth in an area. Adjective.

Spontaneous (spänˈtānēəs)- all of a sudden an opportunity. A unsuspecting occurrence. 

A time frame where something happens once and a while. Something that happens at random. unplanned activity. Adjective.

Machine (məˈSHēn)- something with many parts that together function properly. Parts of a whole that work effectively together to preform a task. Noun.

Quality (ˈkwä-lə-tē) - the value of something. The degree of greatness. How good or bad something can be. A feature or characteristic that describes something or someone. Noun.

Quantity (ˈkwäntətē)- the amount of something. A way to measure something but usually not by an actual measurement system. Noun.

Several (ˈsev(ə)rəl)- more than two but not many more. Something that has a countable amount greater than two. Determiner and pronoun.

Joint- something that is shared by two or more people. Two parties that work together as one. Adjective.

Productive (prəˈdəktiv)- to make or create an abundance of something. Producing or able to make more of something and to accumulate some item. Achieving an abundance in a progressive manor. Adjective.

Variations (ve(ə)rēˈāSHən) - the difference and change in something with known boundaries. A shift or change in the normal order of something. a different version of something.

Practice: Unscramble each word, read hints for help.

1. ytilauq                          

(hint: how good or bad something is)

2. tnioj

(hint: together)

3. veresla

(hint: more than two but not many)

4. emacinh

(hint: something with many parts that run well together)

5. endedlb

(hint: mixed together)

6. dnamyci

(hint: a system that shows progression)

7. blanced

(hint: even and fairly distributed)

8. senapontsou

(hint: suddenly and without a plan, at random)

9. qantyitu

(hint: the amount of something)

10. sariationv

(hint: differences and change in something)

11. vetiprocud

(hint: the ability to produce or create an abundance of something)

 It is not uncommon for families to exist in many different forms, such as being a blended family. Knowing more about different types of families helps people to better understand each other and those in their community.

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/relationship_challenges/blended_families.aspx

Grammar point: I used quotation marks in the paragraph above because the days in my week have different titles. Make sure you know when and how to use quotation marks. The first thing to remember is that quotation marks are always used in pairs. Quotations marks are used to set off spoken language or titles of things that do not normally stand by themselves.

Exercise: Look inside of newspapers and magazines and cut out 3 examples of a place where quotation marks are being used. Try to find quotation marks being used to reveal the title of something and an example of when dialogue and spoken language is being used.

A DAY IN DAYCARE

             The importance of being an early childhood educator/childcare professional is more difficult than some may think. Being a childcare provider is a complicated job. A childcare professional must be a  person with elaborate multitask skills and patience. Being able to multitask is among one of the requirements to keep the day running smoothly. Many feel that what I do is just babysitting but the events that occur daily leave me utterly exhausted by mid-day. The day usually starts with a few high energy children with separation anxiety who need to first be changed out of their pajamas and into their clothing during the preparation of breakfast. What a morning routine consists of is coercing picky eaters to have a few more bites of their breakfast, diaper changes or bathroom trips, structured play area activities, and getting older children off to school on time. Parents require my attention too each morning. They need to know how much they owe me, if their child can stay late, switch a day, and if there are diapers left. I receive all kinds of other random thoughts, questions and concerns each morning. After mothers and fathers finally leave I need to construct, demonstrate and aide children in doing a theme related art project. I also perform a 30-45 minute circle time consisting of many games, fun ideas, and songs that help teach my little ones their ABC's and 123's, along with many other concepts. There is plenty of bad singing (on my part) throughout the day and constant creative teaching. I do have a few helping hands who sometimes need more help than they provide. It is occasionally difficult to get the adults to stop chatting or texting and engage the children. I need to constantly monitor what the others are doing to help maintain a safe and healthy learning environment. 

            Lunchtime and nap are action packed moments where we heat up, set out, and get ready all of the individual requirements of each child's meal time and rest time items. Many children have a pacifier, special blanket, or very specific sleep time ritual. I once had to stroll a 3 year old in a stroller back and forth inside until he fell asleep and then transfer that child to the rest mat. Some children go to sleep with bottles and I have to make sure to take them away when they fall asleep, rinse them and send them home. There are lunch bags, back packs, extra clothing, special toys, and so many personal items to keep track of each day. There is also homework to do after school afternoon children.

           In the evening there is usually another art project, have an afternoon snack, some children even have dinner with before leaving to go home. We also spend time outdoors towards the end of the day. We might go on a nature walk or take a trip to the playground. The events of the day are almost always fun, exciting, and interesting. We play pretend, teach, give hugs, and love all children. We sooth the worries of parents, keep children comfortable, and we patch up playground boo-boos. It is not an easy job- but it is a rewarding one.

                                                                         

Words to explore:

1. complicated, (ˈkämpləˌkātid) -  having many parts, something difficult, twisted, interconnecting pieces,tangled, complex. Adjective

2. elaborate, (iˈlab(ə)rit)- complicated, detailed, having complexity, involved, carefully arranged pieces. Adjective

3. utterly (ˈətərlē), - totally or completely, all together, fully, absolutely.

Adverb

4. anxiety (aNGˈzī-itē)- feeling nervous, worry, concern, uneasy, or fearful. Noun

5. coercing (kōˈərs)- trying to convince, to persuade an unwilling person to do something.Verb

6. construct (kənˈstrəkt)- to create, to make, to build. Verb

7. engage (enˈgāj)- to become involved in, occupy, attract,  to speak and communicate with ( with a person), to look at and interact with. Verb

8. monitor (ˈmänətər)- to watch, to look over, to follow and keep track of progress, observe. Verb 

9. specific (spəˈsifik)-  a precise detail or part, something that stands out or alone from a group. One kind. Noun

10. exciting (ikˈsītiNG)- something that creates a positive emotion awaiting something, enthusiasm, to be made eager, feeling greatly or very interested. Adjective

For some fun practice recognizing new words:

                  A  DAY  IN  DAY CARE

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

ANXIETY
COERCING
COMPLICATED
CONSTRUCT
ELABORATE
ENGAGE
EXCITING
MONITOR
SPECIFIC
UTTERLY

 Childcare environments can be challenging but childcare professionals can rise to any occasion. Many childcare environments have ESL children in their classrooms. There are resources to help early childhood educators be more prepared and prepare their immigrant students to learn.

Here is a link to find out more and educate others about ESL children in a daycare setting.

http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleId=475 

Grammar point: The paragraph above describes many things so the use of commas are many.Commas are a frequently used punctuation mark. Commas are usually used to demonstrate a pause in the sentence. Commas are used to separate word groups in a set of three or more items. Example: Many children have a pacifier, special blanket, or very specific sleep time ritual.
Commas can be used in many other ways. One other way is to separate two adjectives that are interchangeable.

Exercise: Can you write 5 sentences about your day at work where you use commas appropriately?

Weekend Mall Trip

Shopping At The Mall:

There are many reasons to make a trip to the mall. I make a trip to the mall more frequently because I live so close to it and I have several reasons to visit besides to shop. I pay bills at the mall to satisfy debts of past shopping experiences. I will also go to the Walmart in the mall to locate better deals and discounts on food items that I do not normally find in the local supermarket. The mall also offers eye brow threading which I stop in to get when I need to maintain my appearance and personal hygiene. An entire Sunday could be spent in the mall when I want to take my son to an indoor playground and the weather is bad. I also occasionally use the children’s barber shop by the Sears department store for his hair cuts. My son Dante also really loves the big indoor fish pond, and last time he had a haircut he enjoyed a lollipop while watching the fish swim. Another one of my favorite things to do at the mall is have lunch in the food court with friends. I feel that the food court is a social spot that has a variety of lunch and dinner choices. I did notice that the prices are a little expensive but it is the convenience and location of the food court that makes it popular. I do not always have the extra money to go shopping, but when I do I head to the local mall for all my shopping needs. The mall is a fun and social place, has so much to offer, and I enjoy my time there with my son Dante on occasional weekends.

***WORDS TO LEARN***
1. Frequently- often, repeated, something that is done all of the time
/ˈfrēkwəntlē/ (adverb)

2. Several- more than one of something, but not many, having a few
/sev(ə)rəl/ (pronoun)

3. Satisfy- to fulfill (a desire or need), to meet the needs of something. To gratify the requirements of something.
/ˈsatisˌfī/ (verb)

4. Locate- to find a place, to discover the position of.
/ˈlōˌkāt,lōˈkāt/ (verb)


5. Maintain- to keep something the same, to stay without changing, sustain, continue, support.
 /mānˈtān/ (verb)

6. Occasionally- sometimes, now and then, every so often, infrequently, once and a while, on ocassion.
/əˈkāZHənl-ē/ (adverb)

7. Variety- different, diverse, variation of something
/vəˈrīətē/ (noun)

8. Convenience- something done easily, something that takes little effort, simple to do
/kənˈvēnyəns/ (noun)


Practice:
Choose from the words above. The word that best completes each sentence.

1. Some people eat healthy in order to __________ their good health.
(hint: People who are healthy will try to support their good health)

2. Many people will _______________ an address by using a GPS device instead of a map.
(hint: When someone has not been somewhere before they need to find the place some how)

3. You may find a good coupon _____________ that will make a sale item even cheaper.
(hint: It does not happen often that a sale item will be discounted even more)

4. Many holiday shoppers will go to the mall ____________ during the holiday season.
(hint: Some may return repeatedly to the mall before they are done with their holiday shopping)

5. There is a _____________ of shoes to pick from when you are in the Macy's shoe department.
(hint: Everyone has a different fashion sense and may need many options to find what is right for them)

6. When you are feeling tired of walking the mall all day you may need to stop at Starbucks to____________ a need for some coffee.
(hint: Many people need caffeine to fulfill their need for more energy)

7. There are __________ clothing stores in the mall but there are also jewelry stores, shoe stores, and restaurants.
(hint: Shoppers have a few good options to find the outfit they are looking for.)

8. Shoppers will use the______________ of the elevator instead of the stairs because there are so many stores to visit on three different floors.
(hint: Elevators are an easy and quick way to get to multiple stores in less time. They are simple to locate and use.)

The mall is a social place which has several cultural aspects; to learn more check out this article on the subject;

http://www.canberra.edu.au/media-centre/2012/august/shopping-malls

Grammar point; What do you think a verb is? A verb is a part of speech that describes an action. Examples: run, walk, stand, sit, bring, offer, carry.

Exercise: Read the paragraph above (print paragraph) and circle all of the verbs I used. Can you write a paragraph about a shopping trip you have taken that includes at least 10 verbs?