The Mets are currently in third place. Although they are not in first place like I would like, they are playing better baseball this year. I know being a Mets fan isn’t the best decision I have made but I will always be a Mets fan. Ever since I young I have been a fan. My dad used to take me and I always dreamed of playing in Shea stadium. I was very blessed to have that opportunity in the summer of 1999. I was playing for the Long Island Braves. That was a travel baseball team. I had a really good summer that year. My batting percentage was really high and I didn't make any errors. At around mid-season, my coach pulled me to the side and told me that I had made the all-star team and that that the game was going to be played at Shea stadium. I was so happy that day. I could not wipe the smile off my face. I could remember getting the stadium and taking a deep breath. My heart was pounding harder and harder the closer I got to the field. I had my dad at my side and we walked side by side through the players’ entrance. I had been to the stadium numerous times but this particular it was something special. I had my video recorder in hand and I just felt like I was in heaven. I walked out to my position and I envisioned the stadium being filled with people cheering for the home team. I also walked to the outfield and laid down on the grass, it felt like a soft rug. As I lay on the grass my life could not get any better. The Mets will always have a special place in my heart no matter what their record is. 

Vocabulary 

1. Mets - one of New York's profession baseball teams

2. Fan – admirer

3. Travel – tour

4. Position – place

5. Numerous – many

6. Particular – specific

7. Percentage – the amount of times I got a hit

Vocabulary Activity 

Grammar Point - Contractions 

A contraction is a shortened version of the written and spoken forms of a word, syllable, or word group, created by omission of internal letters.

Examples

I'm --- I am --- Example: I'm waiting for my friend.
I'll --- I will --- Example: I'll see you tomorrow.
I'd --- I had / I would --- Example: I'd better leave now. OR I'd already eaten by the time he arrived.
I've --- I have --- Example: I've worked here for many years.

The following sentences all have words that can become contractions.  Decide which words can be a contraction with an apostrophe and write the word in the space.

We are going to the store.	_______
It is cold outside.	_______
He is an engineer.	_______
She is a good neighbor.	_______
That is a beautiful necklace.	_______
I am not using Twitter.	_______
They are not using the computer now.	_______
You are welcome.	_______

Softball season started up this weekend. I love this time of year. There's a distinct smell in the air. If I did not know the day of the year it was, then just by the smell in the air, I could tell you what month I was in. Everything has its unique scent. The bats smell like pine tar, the gloves smell like oil, and the uniforms smell like the dirt in the infield. I almost forgot the smelly cleats. I was really excited to get back out on the field and to get up at bat. I hit well. I got on base 3 times and I got an R.B.I.I play third base fir my team. We had a double header and we won them both. My team is called Unique. They are a great group of guys and some of them I've known since high school. I can't wait until next week.

Vocabulary

1, Distinct -   separate

2, Unique – by itself

3, Scent – smell

4, R.B.I – Runs Batted In

5, Double -  twice

6, Softball – sport similar to baseball, played with a bat, a ball, and a glove.

7, Uniform – apparel worn during the game

Vocabulary Activity 

Create a sentence or a question using each vocabulary word. Use the blog to assist you.

Grammar Point – Imperatives

A type of sentence that gives advice or instructions or that expresses a request or command. 

Giving commands activity

Read the commands and the situations. Match each situation to the appropriate command. In some cases more than one answer may be possible.

Commands	Situations
_g_1. Keep the change.	a.    Police officer to driver
___2. Follow me, please.	b.    Teacher to student
___3. Jack, you clean your room.	c.    Customs officer to tourist
___4. Don’t be late	d.    Librarian to students
___5. Please be quiet.	e.    Tour guide to tourist
___6. Do your homework.	f.     Boss to employee
___7. Do not park here.	g.    Customer to taxi driver
___8. Show me you passport.	h.    Father to son

.

The Avengers movie came out this weekend and it was amazing. I saw it on Sunday in IMAX 3D. The story line was great, the visual effects did not disappoint, and it even had comedy. The best scene in the movie was when the incredible hulk takes on Balder, a god. The Hulk took Balder and treated him like a rag doll. It was hilarious because it reminded me of a scene from Tom and Jerry. The whole audience laughed together, cheered together, was silent together. There was very little movement in the theater. ALL week my student's were talking about how great a movie the avengers was and I'm glad that I made it out to watch it. 

Vocabulary

1, Avengers -  nemesis

2,  Amazing – wonderful

3, Visual – image

4, Effect -  end product

5, Comedy – humor

6, Hilarious – funny

7, Cheered – applauded

8, Audience – spectators

9, Disappoint – fail

10, Incredible – hard to believe 

Vocabulary activity 

G  C  D  H  L  A  U  S  I  V  U  C  C



A  A  I  I  M  V  X  H  A  E  T  I  H



A  M  S  L  R  D  N  A  O  F  A  N  E



V  H  A  V  Y  M  W  B  U  F  D  C  E



E  B  P  Z  A  X  D  Q  J  E  F  R  R



N  I  P  P  I  G  A  N  M  C  L  E  E



G  B  O  F  W  N  J  B  Z  T  X  D  D



E  N  I  H  N  T  G  C  V  K  O  I  E



R  G  N  E  C  N  E  I  D  U  A  B  O



S  G  T  K  P  Y  M  E  L  V  N  L  H



O  N  K  Y  H  O  L  Z  F  O  B  E  S



D  H  I  L  A  R  I  O  U  S  H  J  K



C  O  M  E  D  Y  U  D  R  Z  A  F  R

	Disappoint
Amazing	Effect
Audience	Hilarious
Avengers	Incredible
Cheered	Visual
Comedy

Grammar Point Adverbs of Frequency Definition: Use adverbs of frequency to say how often you do something. Adverbs of frequency are often used with the present simple because they indicate repeated or routine activities. For example, They often go out for dinner.

Adverbs of frequency include (from most often to least often):

Adverbs of Frequency

Unscramble the adverbs of Frequency 

Mr. Marcano

lsaayw
neerv
fonet
tuqie otfre
enerv
ahdlyre veer
eetomissm

We all struggle with a fear of vulnerability. What if others knew who we really are? Is there anyone to whom we can or should reveal our deepest fears, hurts, or doubts? The Bible teaches that every human being has a need for intimate relationships, but that we are to choose carefully those to whom we reveal our heart. While we cannot become intimately vulnerable with everyone, we can trust God and should be able to depend on the fellowship of the church to handle our deepest feelings with care.

Vocabulary

1, Struggle – resist

2, Fear – terror

3, Vulnerable – helpless

4, Reveal – expose

5, Doubts – worries

6, Intimate – dear: close

7, Depend – rely

8,  Fellowship – companionship

9, Handle – feel

10,  Relationship – bond 

Vocabulary Activity 

P  J  S  R  X  L  E  X  I  Z  S  Q  K




X  H  V  J  Q  E  A  L  F  B  Z  Z  D




S  X  U  A  E  U  O  F  D  I  P  A  E




T  W  L  P  G  U  E  L  Y  N  A  W  P




R  J  N  L  D  A  I  D  P  T  A  H  E




U  C  E  A  R  E  A  P  N  V  B  H  N




G  Y  R  E  Y  E  W  W  E  O  L  K  D




G  F  A  V  I  N  T  I  M  A  T  E  P




L  J  B  E  P  D  R  G  N  Z  T  E  W




E  J  L  R  V  D  J  G  C  A  L  G  L




G  R  E  L  A  T  I  O  N  S  H  I  P




Y  B  S  M  D  O  U  B  T  S  K  Z  Q




P  I  H  S  W  O  L  L  E  F  E  R  E

Depend	Intimate
Doubts	Relationship
Fear	Reveal
Fellowship	Struggle
Handle	Vulnerable

Grammar Point Present Continuous 

We use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about activities happening now.

Examples
   The kids are watching TV.
   I am sitting down, because I am tired.
   I am not learning German, because this is an English class.
   Who are you writing to?

We can also use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about activities happening around now, and not necessarily this very moment.

Examples
   Sally is studying really hard for her exams this week.
   I am reading a really interesting book now.
   How are you brushing up on your English for the trip?
   We aren't working hard these days.

The Present Continuous Tense is also used to talk about activities happening in the near future, especially for planned future events.

Examples
   I am seeing my dentist on Wednesday.
   Polly is coming for dinner tomorrow.
   Are you doing anything tonight?
   We aren't going on holiday next week.

Vocabulary Activity.

1. I am playing football tonight. (NOW, AOUND NOW, FUTURE)

2. I can't play with you now. (NOW, AOUND NOW, FUTURE)

3. I am finishing my homework (NOW, AOUND NOW, FUTURE)

4. Where are you studying? (NOW, AOUND NOW, FUTURE)

5. What are you doing these days? Working? (NOW, AOUND NOW, FUTURE)

6. Sally is taking a bath. (NOW, AOUND NOW, FUTURE)

7. What are you doing at the weekend? (NOW, AOUND NOW, FUTURE)

8. Peter and Mary are going out. They met at Adam's party last week. (NOW, AROUND NOW, FUTURE)

Prayer is our way of talking to God. Prayer to a god or gods is a feature of many religions, but here we will focus on the biblical teaching about prayer and some of its implications. A classic definition of Christian prayer is “an offering up of our desires to God, for things agreeable to his will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies” (Westminster Shorter Catechism). Basically, in prayer we can talk to God and He, in turn, can talk to us. Through prayer, we discover the will of God.  Prayer should be a vital part of every Christian’s life.

 Vocabulary

  1.     Prayer – a request to God

  2.     Religion – ones belief 

  3.     Offering – contribution

  4.     Desire – a want 

  5.     Acknowledgement – recognize

  6.     Confession -  admission

  7.     Mercies – compassion 

  8.     Discover – find out

  9.     Implication – a suggestion

 10.  Vital – crucial 

  Vocabulary Activity

                          C      A     G       I      X     K     R      C      F      F      A      L     K      L

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

acknowledgment	mercies
confession	offering
desire	Prayer
discover	religion
implication	vital

Grammar Point  - Simple Past ( be )Simple Past of be to talk about people, things, or situations that existed in the past. Using the past time expression with WAS/WEREComplete the each sentence. Use was/wasn't or were/weren't to make true statements.1. I ___wasn't__ at home last night. 2. My friends ____________ in school yesterday.3. My best friend __________ in New York three days ago.4. I ___________ happy about the grades on my last test.5. Our teacher  __________ in class the day before yesterday.6. The movie Casablanca _________ on TV last night. 

   

QUALITIES A MOTHER SHOULD POSSESS

A wise mother should love her children unselfishly, wanting what is best for the child above what is best for her.

A wise mother is gentle with her children.

A wise mother exercises great faith for her children.

A wise mother builds her family up rather than tearing them down with hurtful words

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A MOTHER

A mother should love her children.

A mother should lead her children to Jesus.

A mother should be a woman with great faith in God which can become a great heritage for her family.

A mother teaches her children God’s way.

A mother comforts her children.

A mother raises her children to become mature and independent young people.

Vocabulary

1.Wise- someone with great knowledge; experience.

2. Qualities- the standards of someone or something

3. Unselfishly- willing to put the needs of other before ones' self.

4. Faith- complete trust in someone.

5. Comforts-sooth or relief 

6. Mature- fully grown

7. Independent- free from outside control

Vocabulary activity – Match the related word

1. Wise                           a. grown

2. Qualities                     b. freedom

3. Unselfishly                  c. trust

4. Faith                           d. counsel

5. Comforts                     e. characteristics

6. Mature                        f.  greedy

7. Independent                g. smart

Grammar Point- Adjectives describe nouns. 

Circle the adjectives in the following sentences.

1. The tea is hot.

2. The oatmeal cookies are delicious. 

3. Amsterdam us a pretty city.

4. The weather is cloudy and rainy.

5. He is a strong athlete.

6. Chocolate cake is on the menu. 

7. We are tired and hungry. 

8. The students are intelligent. 

Abilities

Deep within the human spirit is a desire, and a capability, to do wonderful things. Because we were made in the image of God, we inherited from him the desire to create, to accomplish, to make things happen. But God wouldn’t give us these desires without the means to carry them out. These “means” are called abilities, or talents. They are the gifts God has given us to help us accomplish great things for him, and to help us enjoy life. How we use or misuse these abilities ultimately determines our quality of life—quality being defined not as comfort or the accumulation of things, but in terms of character, joy, and lasting satisfaction. Our goal is to first discover our abilities, then exercise them, and finally channel them toward good and not evil. 

Discovering these abilities might be the hardest of the three to accomplish, but with help from leaders around you, realization of these abilities can be achieved. Usually a counselor or a leader can see these hidden talents inside of you and can create an environment to nurture ones ability. Though, to the one discovering the talent, this may seem nerve wracking; a strong leader would make sure that everything would work out to the persons’ favor.  Putting them to practice is the next step. If you do not apply this ability in your life, you will eventually lose it or it may become so weak that you cannot use it. Just like a body builder needing to work out to maintain his/her muscles. Finally, you would determine whether or not you would use these abilities for good and not evil. 

Vocabulary 

1.  Desire- to long or hope for

2.  Capability- having power or being competent

3.  Inherited- to receive as ones' portion 

4.  Abilities- special skills

5.  Discover- to find something

6.  Exercise- doing something as a means of practice to improve upon

7.  Channel- to convey through

8.  Accomplish- to bring to its goal or conclusion

9.  Goal- the result of an achievement

10.  Nurture- to support and encourage

Activity 

Please unscramble the words below

1. Deseri   2. layiapCitb   3. iIdtrenhe   4. iibelisAt   5. oseDvcri   6. riexcseE   7. nlhanCe   8. oplhcsiAcm   9. loGa   10. turreuN

Grammar Point - There Is and There Are

Sentences with there is/there are describe the location or the existence of someone or something, and usually state factual information. 

Location

There's a man at the door.

Existence

Guess what! There's a new James Bond movie. 

Fact 

There are 365 days in a year. 

Activity

Write factual statements with there is/there are about each phrase in your notebook. Punctuate your sentence correctly. 

1. Days in a year.  There are 365 days in a year. 

2. Months with 28 days. ______________________________________________

3. Hours in a day. ___________________________________________________

4. Planets in the solar system. _________________________________________

5. Sunrises everyday. ________________________________________________

6. Full Moons every month. _____________________________________________

7. Pennies in a dollar.  ________________________________________________

8. States in the United States. _____________________________________________