Birthday

A birthday is a day that represents another year you have been alive. In America, people celebrate their birthday on the day they were born. Ages 1 to 10, 13, 16, 18, 21, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 are typically the most celebrated years. February 17, 1994 is the day the day that I was born. 17 is my lucky number because it is the day I was born. Many people like to celebrate their birthday with a fun party, or by doing their favorite activity. Some people have a cake with candles that represent how many years they have been alive. On my birthday this year, I celebrated by going to New York City. A birthday celebration can be very exciting for friends and families.

Vocabulary

represents (v) - to be a symbol or a sign for something

typically (adv) - usually

lucky (adj) - brings good luck, fortunate

activity (n)- a hobby someone can do in their free time

candles (n) - wax sticks that are lit to give off heat and light

Vocabulary Exercise

1. The color red ___________ anger.

2. We lit the ____________ to brighten the room.

3. My favorite ____________ is dance.

4. __________ we like to eat dinner at 6 o'clock.

5. People who win the lottery are _________.

Grammar Point

Adjectives: are describing words.

For example: That is a pretty sweater.

Grammar Activity

Write a paragraph that has descriptive adjectives about your favorite celebration.

Be Mine

Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday. Valentine's Day is on February 14th and my birthday is on February 17th, so the holiday has always been very special for me. Growing up, my mom always gave me a Valentine's Day present and a separate birthday present. In America, Valentine's Day is a day that signifies love. People can show love to their significant others, family members, and friends by giving them chocolate candy or flowers. It is a day where people are reminded to tell each other how important they are, and that they are loved. In many elementary schools children give each other treats to celebrate the sweet holiday. This holiday is a delightful way for people to be reminded how lucky they are to be surrounded by caring people.

Vocabulary

separate (v)- to move apart or divide up into parts

signifies (v)- to mean something

significant (adj)- very important

treats (n)- something sweet or tasty like candy

delightful (adj) - enjoyable or lovely

surrounded (v) - to be all around something

Vocabulary Exercise 

1. It was ____________ to receive a special gift.

2. There are ____________ drawers in the room.

3. The field was ___________ by a track.

4. ________ taste sweet.

5. English is __________ to this class.

6. A heart __________ love.

Grammar Point 

Common nouns: are words used to name general items.

For example: We went to the park.

Grammar Activity

Circle all the common nouns you can find in the paragraph. Write five sentences using your five favorite common nouns.

The Beach

My favorite place in the world is the beach.  Since I was a baby the calm sound of the ocean waves has relaxed me. All over the world there are beaches. When I am given the opportunity to visit these places I am ecstatic. I have visited beaches in New York, Florida, the Bahamas, Italy, Costa Rica, and Israel. I am lucky enough to live in the town Wantagh where Jones Beach is about a seven minute car ride away. My favorite time of day is when the sun starts to set. It does not matter the weather, I love to see the sunset at the beach even in the winter.  The sight of watching the sun slip away near the ocean is breathtaking. The sky changes colors every time the sun sets. I love when the sky looks pink because of the sun and clouds near the ocean. Working near Long Beach on Long Island is the best because I occasionally get to end my day with a peaceful sunset. I often dream about visiting new beaches around the world. Everyone should take time out of their busy week to visit a spectacular beach!

Sunset at Jones Beach, New York (November 2016)

Sunset at Playa Manuel Antonia, Costa Rica (January (2016)

Vocabulary

Relaxed (v) – to feel rested

Ecstatic (adj) – to feel very happy

Breathtaking (adj) - very beautiful, or exciting to look at

Occasionally (adv) - to do something from time to time,  or sometimes

Peaceful (adj) - soothing and quiet, no violence

Spectacular (adj) - catches your eye, very pretty

Vocabulary Exercise 

1.       I felt______________ during the vacation.

2.       The fireworks were a __________________ presentation.

3.       The boy was ____________ to see made the basketball team.

4.       The girl rides her bike ______________ after school.

5.       The flowers were _______________ to look at.

6.       It is very _______________ when no one is taking.

Grammar Point

Proper noun: a name of a person, place, or thing that start with a capitol letter. For example, Rachel, New York, and the Yankees, are all proper nouns.

Grammar Activity

Make a list of how many proper nouns you can find in my paragraph, then list 7 of your own proper nouns.