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.

Unit 3 March 7: Broad Rock

1. Part two of progress evaluation test called CASAS
2. Homework review: workbook p.24, exercise 17
3. Schoolhouse Rock United States history & government video (if time permits)

March 3: Downtown class canceled, return Thursday

March 2: Broad Rock class canceled, return Saturday

Unit 5 March 5: Downtown

above: at work, many people become "stressed out" by deadlines

1. Unit 5 Time Practical conversations,textbook p.58: Express dismay. Offer advice - Listen to CD and pair work exercises A-C
2. Idiom - "stressed out" = the state of being worried and agitated. example: "During exams, lots of students get stressed out.
3. Video" Crossroads Cafe episode 6 "Time is Money" watch part one and answer the following questions:
4. - What is Mr. Brashov doing? Does he like it?
   - What does Jess suggest?
   - Where is Rosa going?
   - How is Rosa’s approach to the problem different from the other student’s?
   - Which is the best approach? Why?
5. Homework: Practical conversations, workbook p.33: Vocabulary, exercises 1 & 2
6. Optional: esl-lab.com "Weekly Activities" (medium difficulty)

Unit 3 February 28: Broad Rock

above: Barack Obama has a statue of Abraham Lincoln on his desk

1. Homework review: Discussion and vocabulary - page iv, To the Learner in your Preparation for Citizenship book
2. Part two of progress evaluation test called CASAS
3. Students who have already completed CASAS progress evaluation will work on PBS Learn English
4. Homework: workbook p.24, exercise 17. Be prepared for Unit 3 quiz next week

Unit 4 February 26: Downtown

Time is the theme for Unit 5

1. Review the "Now I can" skills box on textbook p.56 as a class. Students may look back through Unit 4 for examples of how to request service and respond to requests for service.
2. Unit 4 quiz from workbook p.89
3. Unit 5 Time textbook p.57: Warm up and objectives
4. Homework: esl-lab.com "Driver's License" (medium difficulty)

Unit 3 February 21: Broad Rock updated

Here is more information related to Saturday's motivational career development presentation:

• Nelson Diaz, Employment Marketing Specialist for Telamon Corporation
• (804) 240-6792
• ndiaz@telamon.org
• http://www.telamon.org/

• Boyd Headley, Employment Center Coordinator for Goodwill Industries
• (804) 317-4364
• CBHeadley@goodwillcva.org
• http://www.goodwillcva.org/

Unit 4 February 24: Downtown

pictured above: The Crossroads Cafe

1. Homework review: available rooms at Skyview Suites, workbook p.31 exercise 13, and idioms in exercise 14
2. Listening comprehension for hotel services: Textbook p.55 and CD exercises B-D
3. Video: Crossroads Cafe "Opening Day" watch part two and answer the following questions: Does Mr. Brashov have a name for the café yet? What are some suggested names? Who suggests those names? Which name do you like? Why?
4. Homework: study for Unit 4 quiz on Thursday

Unit 3 February 23: Broad Rock

above: homework this week comes from your citizenship book

Well, Saturday was very different than the plan I first posted. We have several new students. Now we will continue with activities listed for our last class.

1. Orientation: current students describe our class to new students
2. Part one of progress evaluation test called CASAS (some of you have done this before)
3. Homework: read page iv, To the Learner in your Preparation for Citizenship book for discussion on Saturday

Unit 3 February 21: Broad Rock

Special thanks to the students who brought the delicious food to class last Saturday! "Way to go!"

1. Students will tell us about their dance performance at Crestwood Presbyterian on Friday.
2. Part one of progress evaluation test called CASAS (some of you have done this before)
3. United States history or citizenship video (if I can rent it, we'll watch Schoolhouse Rock)
4. Homework: read p.iv, To the Learner in your Preparation for Citizenship book for discussion on Monday

Unit 4 February 19: Downtown

idiom: this car is "packed to the gills"

1. Homework review: Federal Trade Commission tips, workbook p.32 exercises 15 & 16
2. Pair work: Textbook p.54, each pair creates dialogue for one picture. Refer to textbook p.44 for help and ideas.
3. Video: Crossroads Cafe "Opening Day" watch part one and answer the following questions: What job do Katherine and Rosa want?
   Where is Rosa from?
   What happens in the kitchen?
   Does Mr. Brashov like Rosa’s cooking?
   Does Katherine get the job?
4. Homework: available rooms at Skyview Suites, workbook p.31 exercise 13, and idioms in exercise 14

Unit 4 February 17: Downtown

above: a phone call offering a cruise or other type of vacation could really be a rip-off or a scam

1. Travel fraud from the Federal Trade Commission website - textbook p.53, exercises C &D and Do it yourself A & B
2. Idiom - "fly by night" = a dishonest business without credentials or well known history. example: "The fly by night company sold vacation packages to students, cashed their checks, then went out of business without arranging the trips."
3. Homework: Federal Trade Commission tips, workbook p.32 exercises 15 & 16
4. Optional: visit the Federal Trade Commission's website and read the alert about sweepstakes offers.

Unit 3 February 16: Broad Rock

above: Our first President, George Washington, is also remembered on Presidents' Day

NO CLASS. THE LIBRARY IS CLOSED FOR PRESIDENTS' DAY. RETURN ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AT 10:30AM

Click here to find out about the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, whose birthday we honor on February 16 each year. 2009 marks his 200th birthday!

Unit 3 February 14: Broad Rock

above: One citizenship questions asks what group of people lived in North America before the Europeans arrived.

1. Do it yourself! driving activity - textbook p.37, exercises A & B
2. Getting to know your Preparation for Citizenship book p.103 - Sentences for Dictation and Reading
3. Daily citizenship question and discussion
4. Citizenship video
5. Homework: workbook p.24, exercise 16

Unit 4 February 12: Downtown

above: many Americans enjoy vacationing along the Atlantic Coast of New England

1. Discussion of My Lan Tran's presentation. What did you learn? Can you use any of the information in your own life? Which parts? If you wrote a paragraph for homework, refer to it for this class discussion.
2. Idiom - "go bust" = to become bankrupt, to lose all one's money in business. example: "Electronics store Circuit City went bust this month."
3. Authentic practice - Vacations, textbook p.52, exercises A & B, listen to CD, read, and answer
4. Optional: esl-lab.com "Utah Travel Ad - National Parks" (difficult)

Unit 4 February 10: Downtown

above: OMBD staff (My Lan Tran is second from the left)

1. "Business Diversity in Richmond" presentation by My Lan Tran, Program Manager for the City of Richmond's Office of Minority Business Development
2. Idiom: "Make a buck" to earn money example: It's hard to make a buck running your own business.
3. Homework: write paragraph describing today's presentation
4. Optional: esl-lab.com "Business Communications"

Unit 3 February 9: Broad Rock

in honor of Black History Month, we will study important figures like Frederick Douglass (above)

1. Homework review: Authentic practice, workbook p.22, exercise 12
2. Authentic practice: Aggressive driving and road rage, textbook p.36, exercises A-E Listen to CD
3. Talking with the Police handout on types of law enforcement
4. Daily citizenship question and discussion
   

Unit 3 February 7: Broad Rock

above: road rage could result in a serious accident

1. Homework review: Practical grammar, workbook p.20, exercises 7-9
2. Authentic practice: Aggressive driving and road rage, textbook p.36, exercises A-D
3. Talking with the Police handout on types of law enforcement
4. Daily citizenship question and discussion
5. Laptops for online activities: PBS Learn English and/or Naturalization Self Test
6. Homework: Authentic practice, workbook p.22, exercise 12

Unit 4 February 5: Downtown

above: hotels often sell or give away complimentary postcards

1. Homework review: Practical grammar, workbook p. 28 final exercise on some and any
2. Authentic practice; The hotel check-in, textbook p.48 exercises A & B, listen to CD and answer
3. Idiom from esl-lab.com - "tighten your belt" = live on less money example: "We need tighten our belt and reserve a cheap hotel."
4. Homework: Authentic practice, workbook p.29 exercises 10 & 11
5. Optional: visit the web page for the City of Richmond's Office of Minority Business Development in preparation for Tuesday's guest speaker, My Lan Tran. Listen to pod casts, watch videos and read newsletters about entrepreneurship.

Unit 4 February 3: Downtown

above: a typical American tourist

1. Homework review: Practical grammar, workbook p.27 exercises 6-7 choose some or any
2. Textbook p.47, exercises B-C, more uses of some and any
3. Textbook p.47 Do it yourself Pair work using questions and answers about your classroom instead of the book picture
4. Homework: Practical grammar, workbook p. 28 final exercise on some and any
5. Optional: esl-lab.com 20 minute vocabulary mini-lesson "Travel"

Unit 3 February 2: Broad Rock

It's very important to know how to talk to the police

1. Homework review: Practical grammar, workbook p.19, exercise 6
2. Talking with the Police handout and role play
3. Daily citizenship question and discussion
4. Homework: Practical grammar, workbook p.20, exercises 7-9

Unit 3 January 31: Broad Rock

above: a cop car races to catch a speeder

1. Homework review: Practical grammar, workbook p.19, exercise 6
2. Authentic practice, textbook p.35 D-E
3. PBS Learn English (I will bring headphones so you can listen to the audio)
4. Homework: Authentic practice, workbook p.21, exercises 10-11
5. Optional: Talking with the Police handout

Unit 4 January 29: Downtown

above: the typical American family used to go on vacation in a station wagon

1. Discussion: Are you checking this class blog for assignments when you miss class? Do you know you can post a question about an assignment as a comment on the class blog? Adam will answer the question online!
2. Practical grammar, textbook p.46 uses of the words some and any
3. Homework: Practical grammar, workbook p.27 exercises 6-7 choose some or any
4. Optional: esl-lab.com 20 minute vocabulary mini-lesson "Hotel Reservations"

Unit 4 January 27: Downtown

above: luggage

1. Homework review: Practical conversations, workbook p.25, exercises 3-5
2. Idiom: "red carpet treatment/treated like royalty" special attention and services given to guests. example: The resort gave the us the red carpet treatment even though we did not book the most expensive room.
3. Practical conversations, textbook p.45 all exercises, listen along with CD and discuss
4. Optional: esl-lab.com "Hotel Reservations" (medium difficulty)

Unit 3 January 26: Broad Rock

be careful driving in the snow this week

1. Homework review: Driving and infinitives of purpose, textbook p.33 exercises B-C
2. View The Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles' points system online together
3. Homework: Practical grammar, workbook p.19, exercise 6
4. Optional: Because many people in Richmond are becoming sick with the flu lately, I suggest esl-lab.com "Medical Advice: What's the Matter"

Unit 3 January 24: Broad Rock

above: police pull over a motorist during a routine traffic stop

1. Authentic practice, textbook p.34 exercises A-B, listen along with CD
2. Online with PBS Learn English. I will bring the laptops to class.
3. Homework: Infinitives of purpose, textbook p.33 exercises B-C
4. Optional: esl-lab.com "Traffic Ticket" (medium difficulty)