Congratulations, class of 2012!

My darling girls, Gladys, Diana, and Jocelyn,
It was a privilege to have you in my class and in my life.  Thank you for showing me that learning looks like hard work and dedication.  Thank you for showing me the teacher in me.  Until you came into my classroom, I had a job.  Now, I teach.

I am so very proud of all of you.  You will achieve you goals because you can and because you believe on yourselves and I believe in you.  Your parents' hearts must be bursting with pride.  Years from now, I hope that you will look back on this day as the least of your accomplishments.  And stop by and see me sometimes.

Yours,
Ms. Sakhno

Living up the Street by Gary Soto

Chapter1 "Being Mean"
Vocabulary - mean, industry, broom, violent, provocation, orneriness, prevention, intend, feign, hurl threaten
Questions:
1. Who are the characters?
2. How does the author describe them?
3. Where does the story take place? (setting)
4. Why are the kids "being mean"?
5. Why did the Sotos want to fight the new kids?
6. What is ironic in the kids' decision to burn down the house?
7. What are the similarities and differences between Gary's and the Molinas' mothers?

Chapter 2 "Father"
Vocabulary - alley, garden, lawn, rake, stiff, conspicuous, bow, eulogy, casket, bury.
Questions:
1. Describe the father.
2. Why is the author paying so much attention to the garden scene?
3. Who scares the boy the most?
4. Why can't Gary hear "the things in [his] heart'?

Comparison Essay
Introduction - You are writing about the differences between Gary's family and the one on TV in "Father Knows Best."  Introduce both to the reader and explain why the boy is comparing the two. Write your thesis statement including points of contrast I & II.

Body Paragraph I - Point of contrast I.
Topic A
Support 1
Support 2
Topic B
Support 1
Support 2

Body Paragraph II - Point of contrast II.
Topic A
Support 1
Support 2
Topic B
Support 1
Support 2

Conclusion - summary of points, restatement of thesis, and a final comment.

NYSESLAT test-taking strategies

You cannot fail this test! You can do your best and show how much English you have learned in one year.  The information below may help you during the test.
Listening Strategies:


• Pay attention to the introduction. (“Listen to the article about…”)

• Read the questions.

• Take notes as you listen.

• Pay attention to intonation, rise in the volume of the voice, pauses, etc.

• Don’t get stuck on words you don’t know.

• Look down to concentrate.
Practice listening here or come for Rosetta Stone in the library Tues & Wed 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Reading Strategies:

• Read the questions first.  Look them over and decided what information you are asked to look for in the text.  Remember, if you have a question about something, then it's important!
• Look for dates, names, titles - they stand OUT!
• If you see a word you don't know, read the entire sentence and try to figure out the meaning.
• Write a summary of the text.  Use your own words to retell.  

Writing Strategies:

• Understand the TASK & GUIDELINES.  Read the task carefully.  
• Plan ahead: introduction, Body Paragraph I, II, conclusion.
• Make sure your thesis statement is well-developed.
•  Re-read your essay to see if you've made any grammatical/spelling mistakes.