June 15 & 16: Broad Rock and Downtown

Please e-mail or call us to find out when we will resume classes. See sidebar for contact information.

June 13: Broad Rock

1. Watch the film 34 minute documentary film on immigration to the United States, "El viajecito de un sueno."
2. Meet the film maker, Jen Lawhorne. Discuss the film and the topics raised in it.
3. Homework: Write a paragraph describing your own experience immigrating to the United States.

June 11: Downtown

It has been a great EL Civics year! Thanks for studying and participating.

1. Homework review - questions from Crossroads Café “Fish Out of Water” video Culture Clip
2. Listen and read: Culture tips for newcomers - textbook p.136
3. Extension: Listen to mp3 and read along to Voice of America's tour of New York's Lower East Side Tenement Museum of immigration.

June 9: Downtown

Did you arrive in the United States by plane?

1. Homework review: Read your paragraph describing your own experience immigrating to the United States to the class.
2. Revise and edit paragraphs for grammar and punctuation in pairs.
3. Watch Crossroads Café “Fish Out of Water” video Culture Clip
4. Homework - Answer the following:
   Do you remember the first day you arrived in the USA?
   What were your first impressions, thoughts and feelings?
   Did/do you feel homesick at times?
   Do you feel comfortable in this country?

June 8: Broad Rock

Summer's almost here! Check this blog for updates on a possible summer session.

1. Return to our regular room.
2. Review homework: Preparation for Citizenship Figure It Out crossword puzzle, p.18
3. Grammar: forming the negative in the simple past tense
4. Discuss film vocabulary to prepare for Saturday's guest presentation. For more information click here - "El viajecito de un sueno."

June 6: Broad Rock

1. CASAS Reading post-tests for students who have only pre-tested
2. We will meet in the common area of the library. Our regular room will not be available this Saturday.
3. Review homework: Preparation for Citizenship Figure It Out crossword puzzle, p.18
4. Grammar review

June 4: Downtown

1. Watch the film 34 minute documentary film on immigration to the United States, "El viajecito de un sueno."
2. Meet the film maker, Jen Lawhorne. Discuss the film and the topics raised in it.
3. Homework: Write a paragraph describing your own experience immigrating to the United States.

June 2 Unit 7: Downtown

above: Crossroads Cafe, Jamal is on the left

1. Homework review: In case of an arrest - workbook p.54
2. Crossroads Cafe video: watch the end of "Rush to Judgement" again - answer the following questions:
   Where are the people in the scene?
   How does Mr. Brashov help Jamal?
   Who apologizes and why?
   Who rushed to judgement in this story? Why?
   
3. Trying using direct quotes and indirect speech to report in writing what the characters from "Rush to Judgement" said.
4. Homework: Check an online description of the documentary film we will watch in class on Thursday, entitled "El viajecito de un sueno." We will meet the film maker, Jen Lawhorne, and she will answer questions.

June 1: Broad Rock

Above: Malcolm X - The right to free speech, even when controversial, is supposed to be protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution.

1. Explore US Citizenship Podcast website as a class (since it didn't work out Saturday).
2. Read About It - Preparation for Citizenship p.15-17 Partner Work: Groups report one fact they read to the class.
3. Homework: Preparation for Citizenship Figure It Out crossword puzzle, p.18
4. Alternative plan: CASAS Reading post-tests

May 30: Broad Rock

above: a great website I discovered recently

Schedule change: class from 12-2pm this Saturday

1. Read About It - Preparation for Citizenship p.13
2. Write It Down - Preparation for Citizenship p.14 Partner Work
3. Explore US Citizenship Podcast website as a class

May 28 Unit 7: Downtown

above: the scales of justice

1. Homework review: workbook p.51 Use correct punctuation with quoted speech
2. A mistake about shoplifting: textbook p.90 Listen to CD and follow along
3. Crossroads Cafe video: "Rush to Judgement" Part two - answer the following questions:
4. - How is Jamal treated at the police station?
   - What happens to Henry’s grandparents?
   - Who helps Henry look for his grandparents?
   - How does Mr. Brashov help Jamal?
5. Homework: In case of an arrest - workbook p.54
6. Optional: Check out the EL Civics.com lesson "The Bill of Rights."

May 26 Unit 7: Downtown

Can you quote Jamal, Mr. Brashov or the police from the Crossroads Cafe video?

1. Homework review: workbook p.50 Do you agree or disagree with the rules?
2. Practical grammar: textbook p.88 Reporting a person's words: Direct speech
3. Crossroads Cafe video: "Rush to Judgement" answer the following questions
   -Who are the 2 men Mr. Brashov talks to?
   - Who are the 2 people Henry brings to the café?
   - What happens to Jamal? Why do they think he’s arrested?
   - How do the police treat Jamal? Are they friendly?
4. Homework: workbook p.51 Use correct punctuation with quoted speech

May 25: Broad Rock

NO CLASS in honor of MEMORIAL DAY

Please return Saturday, May 30

May 23: Broad Rock

Do you remember the video about the bill stuck on Capitol Hill?

1. The Constitution: Preparation for Citizenship Lesson 2, p.12 - Talk it over dialogue
2. Activity: esl-lab.com "Phone Message"
3. School House Rock video: "A Noun is a Person, Place or Thing"

May 21 Unit 7: Downtown

Do you think teen smoking should be legal? What is your opinion on smoking in public places?

1. Homework review: workbook p.49 Are these opinions pro or con?
2. Agree and disagree respectfully: textbook p.87 Listen and read exercises
3. Realia: Look at the Op/Ed page of the Richmond Times-Dispatch in hard copy at school or by clicking this link. Report to the class about the pros and cons of an issue you read about.
4. Homework: workbook p.50 Do you agree or disagree with the rules?

Unit 7 May 19: Downtown

above: Nuclear power is a controversial issue in the U.S.

1. Discussion: Students who attended the banquet describe it to the class.
2. Introduction to Unit 7 Relationships: Textbook p.85 objectives
3. Practical conversations: Discuss the pros and cons of a controversial issue, textbook p.86. Listen to CD and read.
4. Homework: Workbook p.49 Are these opinions pro or con?

May 18: Broad Rock

above: Susan B. Anthony fought for an amendment to the Constitution allowing women to vote.

Since we had such a small turnout for class the morning after the banquet, I thought we should wait until Monday to do the lesson. Here it is again:

1. Homework review: Preparation for Citizenship Lesson 1 p. 10 - Figure It Out exercise with partners
2. The Constitution: Preparation for Citizenship Lesson 2 p.11 - Objectives and vocabulary. Write and share sentences using new words.
3. School House Rock video: "Three Ring Government"

May 16: Broad Rock

come to the banquet Friday night and receive your EL Civics certificate

1. Homework review: Preparation for Citizenship Lesson 1 p. 10 - Figure It Out exercise with partners
2. The Constitution: Preparation for Citizenship Lesson 2 p.11 - Objectives and vocabulary. Write and share sentences using new words.
3. School House Rock video: "Three Ring Government"

May 14 Unit 6: Downtown

See you at the banquet Friday night!

1. Homework review: Authentic practice, workbook p.45, exercise 10
2. Idiom: "Pay through the nose" to pay too much for an item or service. Example: If you have too many car accidents, you'll pay through the nose for auto insurance.
3. Unit 6 review: textbook p.84 Capitalization, punctuation and service vocabulary
4. Unit 6 quiz: workbook p.93-94
5. Optional: ezslang.com "Making Money" with an example of "pay through the nose"

Unit 6 May 12: Downtown

Did you see any fallen trees after Saturday night's storm?

1. Storm damage - Look at textbook p.82 and listen to CD, discuss as a class
2. Read textbook p.83, then listen to CD again and answer. Discuss your responses with a partner
3. Homework: Authentic practice, workbook p.45, exercise 10
   

May 11: Broad Rock

As usual, last time I planned too much for one class period. Here's Monday's lesson, including a few things I listed on Saturday's post.

1. Who are considered the founders of your country? Share their names and information about them with the class.
2. Preparation for Citizenship Lesson 1: The Revolutionary War - Write It Down partner work
3. Figure It Out exercise
4. School House Rock videos: "The Preamble" and "Three Ring Government"

May 9: Broad Rock

Above: Paul Revere warned, "The British are coming!"

1. Preparation for Citizenship Lesson 1: The Revolutionary War - Read About It
2. Write It Down pair work
3. Figure It Out exercise
4. School House Rock videos: "Fireworks" and "The Shot Heard 'Round the World"
5. Optional: Check out The Thomas Jefferson Hour (click here).

Unit 6 May 7: Downtown

Happy Mother's Day to all our students who are moms!

1. Homework review: Capital letters lesson from elcivics.com (click here)
2. Practical grammar: workbook p.43-44
3. Idiom: "can't make heads or tails of (something)"- to be unable to understand something. Example: His writing has no punctuation or capitalization. I can't make heads or tails of it!
4. Other capitalization rules: textbook p.75
5. Homework: Click here to take an online capitalization quiz.

Unit 6 May 5: Downtown

April showers bring May flowers

1. Practical Grammar - The sentence: Definition, textbook p.74
2. Other capitalization rules, textbook p.75
3. Homework: Capital letters lesson from elcivics.com (click here)

May 4: Broad Rock

above: Betsy Ross created the flag of American independence

1. Preparation for Citizenship Lesson 1 "Words to Know" p.4: introduction and examples
2. Students write sentences using vocabulary and share on board.
3. School House Rock video: "No More Kings"
4. Homework: Read Preparation for Citizenship pages 4-8.

Unit 7 April 25: Broad Rock

In the United States we say that justice should always be blind.

1. A mistake about shoplifting: Textbook p.90, Listen to CD and read
2. Using the helping verb "to do" when forming questions
3. Homework: workbook p.54, exercise 11

Unit 6 April 23: Downtown

ask people you trust for recommendations when looking for a home repair person

1. Discuss Project Connect Learning Unit quizzes as a class. Did you find them difficult? Why or why not?
2. Ask for a recommendation. Benefit from word of mouth. Textbook p.73, Listen to CD, read and do Pair work.
3. Homework: workbook p.42, exercises 3 & 5

Unit 6 April 21: Downtown

Always remember to get an estimate in writing before agreeing to pay for a service. A handshake is not good enough!

1. Homework review: Supplies and services Practical conversations, workbook p.41
2. Ask for an estimate. Get it in writing: Listen to CD, read along with textbook p.72, do Pair work
3. Project Connect - Try a Learning Unit quiz in class or for homework.

Unit 7 April 20: Broad Rock

Tonight we will try to use the laptop computers in pairs to find the definitions of unknown words

1. Use these links to go to online dictionaries and translators:
2. SpanishDict
3. Babelfish
4. WordReference
5. Finish Pro and con opinions, workbook p.49
6. Reporting a person's words: Work in pairs to write each other's statements in quotation marks. Refer to Direct speech, textbook p.88
7. Homework: Practical grammar - quotation marks, workbook p.51

Unit 7 April 18: Broad Rock

People protest for and against issues

1. Pro and con opinions, workbook p.49
2. Reporting a person's words: Direct speech, textbook p.88
3. Homework: Practical grammar - quotation marks, workbook p.51

Unit 5 April 16: Downtown

above: brick laying and masonry are types of construction services

1. Unit 5 Time quiz: workbook p.91-92
2. Unit 6 Supplies and services: Warm up and objectives, textbook p. 71
3. Project Connect learning units
4. Homework: Supplies and services Practical conversations, workbook p.41
5. Optional: esl-lab.com "Car Repairs" (very difficult)

Unit 5 Downtown: April 14

1. Find a partner to help, and work together with him or her at two adjoining computers.
2. Open two windows, both on richmondelcivics.blogspot.com.
3. Now you can follow the directions for the Project Connect website in the second window once you have clicked on the link and have been redirected in the first window.
4. Click here to go to Project Connect.
5. Each student's username is his or her first initial and last name (no spaces or capital letters), example: jsmith for John Smith.
6. Each student's password is his or her first name (not capitalized), example: john for John.
7. Click log in now.
8. Click learning units at the top of the page.
9. Click one of the four topics (students familiar with computers should skip Orientation).
10. Read through the text and respond to the questions.
11. The Key Words section of each lesson will require headphones for audio.
12. Discuss Project Connect as a class. Do you like it? Why or why not?

Unit 7 April 12: Broad Rock

above: the scales of justice

1. Discuss pros and cons of controversial issues: listen to CD, textbook p.86
2. A story about the 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (See p.82 in Preparation for Citizenship)
3. Discuss the meaning of the 5th Amendment with a partner in English.
4. Homework: Pro and con opinions, workbook p.49
5. Optional: Choose an amendment from the Bill of Rights and write about it for Saturday's class.

Unit 4 April 11: Broad Rock

above: gavel is the name of the type of hammer used to call a court to order

1. Homework review: Authentic practice - workbook p.30-31, exercises 12-14
2. A story about the 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution (See p.82 in Preparation for Citizenship)
3. Discuss the meaning of the 5th Amendment with a partner,
4. Star Spangled Banner (lyrics on p.83 of Preparation for Citizenship) - Listen and watch while we wrap up.
5. Marvin Gaye's version
6. Spanish version
7. Roseanne Barr's version
8. Jimi Hendrix's version
9. Homework: Choose an amendment from the Bill of Rights and write about it for Monday's class.

Unit 4 April 4: Broad Rock

Please study your Preparation for Citizenship book over spring break

SPRING BREAK

NO CLASS SATURDAY OR MONDAY

RETURN TO CLASS APRIL 11

Unit 5 April 2: Downtown

remember: classes resume on Tuesday, April 14 downtown

1. Grammar - Conditional verb tenses, textbook p.70, exercises F & G
2. Watch Crossroads Cafe video episode 4 "Who's the Boss?"
3. Discuss the following using conditional tenses: What would you do if you were Mr. Brashov in this situation? What would you do if you were Jamal?
4. Optional homework: esl-lab.com "Driving Road Test" (very difficult)
5. Spring break next week, no classes. Return Tuesday, April 14

Unit 5 March 31: Downtown

above: This teenager just got his driver's license...look out!

1. Homework review: Is Time on Your Side? workbook p.40, exercises 16 & 17
2. Listening comprehension: time & teens applying for driver's licenses, textbook p.69
3. Homework: esl-lab.com "Driver's License" (medium difficulty)

Unit 4 March 30: Broad Rock

Thanks to everyone who brings food on Saturdays!

1. Homework review: Authentic practice - workbook p.29, exercises 10 & 11
2. Listening exercise with CD: The hotel check-in textbook p.48, exercises A & B
3. Citizenship question - pronunciation work
4. Suggested homework: Authentic practice - workbook p.30-31, exercises 12-14
5. Optional: esl-lab.com "Hotel Check-In" (very difficult)

Unit 4 March 28: Broad Rock

above: Vacation travel guides are usually available in hotel lobbies

1. Graduation information
2. Homework review: Write, read and say aloud Everyday Life sentences from Preparation for Citizenship, p.104
3. Citizenship question - pronunciation work
4. Listening exercise with CD: The hotel check-in textbook p.48, exercises A & B
5. Homework: Authentic practice - workbook p.29, exercises 10 & 11

Unit 5 March 26: Downtown

above: Is your work day jam-packed?

1. Homework review: Missing deadlines. Workbook p.39, exercise 15
2. Review picture and questions in pairs, textbook p.68
3. Idiom "jam-packed" to be completely full. example: I don't know if I can accept any more responsibilities at my job because my work schedule is already jam-packed.
4. Homework: Is Time on Your Side? workbook p.40, exercises 16 & 17
5. Optional: esl-lab.com "Weather Forecast: The Four Seasons"

Unit 5 March 24: Downtown

Hello spring, goodbye winter

1. Homework review: Authentic practice, workbook p.38 exercises 12-14
2. Authentic practice - The importance of time sensitivity. Textbook p.66 Listen to CD and discuss, exercises A &B
3. Homework: Missing deadlines. Workbook p.39, exercise 15
4. Optional: Springtime theme esl-lab.com "Gardening Secrets" video (difficult)

Unit 4 March 23: Broad Rock

Goodbye winter, hello spring

1. Homework review: Practical grammar with some and any - workbook p.27
2. Class listening comprehension: esl-lab.com "Hotel Reservations"
3. Citizenship question - pronunciation work
4. Homework: Write, read and say aloud Everyday Life sentences from Preparation for Citizenship, p.104

Unit 4 March 21: Broad Rock

above: The American Bald Eagle emblem looks similar to the Mexican national symbol

1. Warm up: Citizenship question
2. Homework review: Practical Conversations, workbook p.25
3. Practical grammar - Some and any - textbook p.46
4. Class listening comprehension: esl-lab.com "Hotel Reservations"
5. Homework: Practical grammar with some and any - workbook p.27

Unit 5 March 19: Downtown

1. Homework review: Authentic practice, workbook p.37 exercises 10-11
2. Listening exercise - Authentic practice - Time management, textbook p.64 A-D
3. Idiom - "Time flies when you're having fun" means that times seems to pass quickly when a person is enjoying an activity. When does 'time fly' for you? Share and discuss as a class.
4. Homework: Authentic practice, workbook p.38 exercises 12-14
5. Optional: "Weekly Activities" (medium difficulty)

Unit 5 March 17: Downtown

above: a doctor dispenses medical advice

1. Homework review: Practical grammar, workbook p.35-36 exercises 6-9
2. Listening exercise - Authentic practice - Juggle commitments, textbook p.62
3. Listen for/look for uses of the conditional tense in the conversation and discuss.
4. Listen for the following idioms on the CD and discuss: "It's no picnic" "make ends meet" "on total overload" "a lot on your plate"
5. Homework: Authentic practice, workbook p.37 exercises 10-11
6. Optional: esl-lab.com "Medical Advice" (medium difficulty)

Unit 4 March 16: Broad Rock

above: a happy tourist

1. Introduction to The consumer world - Unit 4: Preview and Objectives, textbook p.43
2. Listening exercise: Practical Conversations, textbook p.44
3. Homework: Practical Conversations, workbook p.25
4. Optional: esl-lab.com "Hotel Reservations"

Unit 3 March 14: Broad Rock

I will write the listening/dictation sentences from Monday on the board so that you can check your work.

1. Discuss Preparation for Citizenship pages x-xi on Additional Materials
2. Review CASAS vocabulary identified by students
3. Discuss CASAS test results and educational levels

Unit 5 March 12: Downtown

The conditional: If I were you I would do my homework every night.

1. Homework: Practical conversations, workbook p.34 exercises 3-5
2. Lead in to a conditional phrase giving advice - "If I were you..." Example: If I were you I wouldn't miss that doctor's appointment!
3. Practical grammar textbook p.60-61: Conditional sentences, read, discuss and do exercise A & B
4. Homework: Practical grammar, workbook p.35-36 exercises 6-9
5. esl-lab.com "Show Times" (medium difficulty)

Unit 5 March 10: Downtown

above: This lady is having a very hard time with time management. Do you ever feel like her?

1. Homework review: Practical conversations, workbook p.33: Vocabulary, exercises 1 & 2
2. Unit 5 Time Practical conversations,textbook p.59: Apologize for missing an appointment - Listen to CD and pair work exercises A-C
3. Video Crossroads Café “Time Is Money” continued - watch Culture Clip and answer the following:
   -What does time control?
   -What problems does time cause?
   -In pairs or small groups, discuss what the proverbs below mean.
   -Time is money
   -Time flies when you are having fun
   -The early bird catches the worm.
   -Are they true?
   -Do you have similar proverbs about time in your own country?
4. Homework: Practical conversations, workbook p.34 exercises 3-5
5. Optional: esl-lab.com "Movie Show Times" (medium difficulty)

Unit 3 March 9: Broad Rock

You guys have done great so far on your CASAS tests, congratulations!

1. CASAS Writing/dictation section
2. Remaining students complete CASAS Reading evaluations
3. Discuss new vocabulary from CASAS tests
4. Homework: Read Preparation for Citizenship pages x-xi for discussion on Saturday, March 14.