Actions speak louder than words, but not nearly as often

Actions speak louder than words, but not nearly as often - Mark Twain

The phrase, "actions speak louder than words" is a very commonly used one. Many people seem to think that what people say is meaningless because they show what they are really made of with what they do. Although this may be true in most cases, we must think beyond that. What about what people are thinking and feeling on the inside? It is safe to agree that sometimes we don't ever get to really know what someone is made of because they have trouble expressing themselves and in result keep their emotions buried deep inside. Even if we try to understand them, we are often times wrong because we are usually quick to make assumptions. That's why the commonly used phrase that tells us that people's actions tell us more about them than their words do is a big generalization because we may never know or see someone's true colors. Mark Twain (the quote shown above); a famous writer, points out that words can speak louder than actions sometimes, and this is totally true. It's a good exercise to write all of your emotions down on paper because it is very therapeutic and lets you examine what you are feeling, and it also helps us to remember that not all things need to be said out loud and to others.

Vocabulary- Mental Verbs

think- to believe
feeling- to be aware of
agree- to have the same opinion
understand- to know the meaning of something
know- to have information of some kind in your mind
see- to become aware of something with your eyes
remember- to think of something from the past again

Vocabulary Exercise
Using the mental verbs in the vocabulary list, please fill in the blanks.

1. I _______ (to know the meaning of) what the teacher was talking about because it makes sense.
2. It is easy to ________ about what you like because it is what you believe.
3. Sometimes it is hard to ________ with people because we might not have the same opinions.
4. Yesterday, I know he was __________ (aware) sick because he didn't look too well.
5. The sunset is a beautiful sight to ________ (to perceive with eyes) because of all the beautiful colors.
6. I like to ____________ (think back to the past) when I was a child and played outside all the time.
7. I ______ (to have information) about grammar because I learn in Mrs. Pinto's class

Grammar Point
Verbs can be categorized by action words or mental verbs; words that describe an inner action, or an action you cannot see. We have learned about action verbs which tell us what we do physically like to run or to dance. This entry is about inner and mental actions that we do in our mind or that we do without having to physically move. Please write four sentences choosing the vocabulary words telling me about what you think about something. The more vocabulary words you use the better! For extra credit, come up with one or two on your own to share with the class.

Let's go team!

Sports are a very important part of school life. They give students a sense of belonging and being part of a team. When thinking about what sport you may like to join, think about what you are good at. Whether it is running, kicking a ball, batting, or shooting a ball at a hoop, I am sure you can find something you are good at. Being part of a team brings you closer together to the other team mates and can lead to long lasting friendships, too. Although it may be intimidating at first, it is worth a try for boosting your self esteem. Neither choosing not joining a sports team nor giving it the slightest chance, shouldn't be an option because it would be well worth your time. It will keep you very busy yet still give you plenty of time with new friends on the team. So if you are thinking about it, just do it! Don't ever give up on something you think you might enjoy. Also consider the reward you can take away later, you might be considered for a scholarship for college and just that alone can be a motivation for many, but not all. Give it a go!

Vocabulary- FANBOYS!
For- introduces and explains the next statement
And- in addition, also
Nor- used after neither to show statement is false
But- used to add a contrasting idea
Or- used to add another choice
Yet- used to add something to the previous statement
So- used to say "for that reason"

Vocabulary Exercise

Grammar Point
Conjunctions link two ideas together in a sentence. The acronym FANBOYS will help you remember them. Without conjunctions, there would be a lot of very short sentences because we wouldn't be able to formulate a longer, more interesting one. My entry talks about joining a sports team in school and the importance of sportsmanship. Also, the great rewards you can get later on in your school career like possibly being considered for a scholarship for college and being able to join a college sports team. For homework, please tell me in three thought out sentences what you think about my entry using FANBOYS.

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching!

The holidays are the most exciting time of the year, in my opinion. The first sign of the coming holidays is Thanksgiving, and it's the time of year when we start seeing a shift in everything-from what people wear, to the different foods we see at the supermarket-like the different colored pumpkins and squash, for example.
Thanksgiving is a very nice season because we get to be especially thankful for everything that we have, and also be reminded that we can give to those in need. We are quickly reminded of how fortunate we are, and how most of us occasionally take things for granted, or not appreciate them in other words. Traditionally on Thanksgiving day, families very happily gather together and excitedly eat turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and much more! Some people may silently think that over eating (eating too much) on Thanksgiving is actually the opposite of what we should be doing. Instead, maybe we could be dutifully helping at a homeless shelter, or gleefully helping out a family in need in any way we can.
The point is, we should all try to change the way Thanksgiving is celebrated and make it much more than just eagerly eating a big plate of food. Let's be the example and be the change we would like to see in the world!

Vocabulary

especially- more than usually, very
quickly- in a fast or quick manner
occasionally- from time to time
excitedly- enthusiastic and eager about something
silently- in a quiet manner
dutifully- doing what is expected of you
gleefully- a strong feeling of happiness
eagerly- interested about something

Vocabulary Exercise Let's try it out!
Please fill in the blanks using the above vocabulary.

1. I see that she is very hungry, because she is ________ eating everything on her plate. (very interested)
2. We could not even see him, because he was running so ___________. (fast)
3. I know I have to go to school and do my homework, and I __________ do so every day. (what is expected)
4. She _________ skipped down the street because she was so happy to have helped a friend in need! (happily)
5. The mouse _________ moved through the floor and it was a surprise to us all. (quiet)
6. It is ok to ___________ eat a lot, like in Thanksgiving, but we should always give to those in need. (sometimes)
7. My mother __________ prepared Thanksgiving dinner for our family because she was singing and dancing in the kitchen. (enthusiastic)
8. The holidays are __________ important for all families because they get together and enjoy each other's company. (very)

Grammar Point

Adverbs are fun! They make each sentence more interesting and descriptive. They are defined by words that modify verbs, like in my entry above. I used several adverbs to describe a special time of year, like Thanksgiving. By using them, I was able to describe what I wanted to say in a more descriptive manner and paint a brighter and more interesting picture for the reader. In your own words, write three sentences using at least one adverb to describe the holidays in your home. For extra credit, write two more sentences telling me what your traditions are at home at this time of year, I am excitedly waiting to find out!

The worst experience of my life

As a child, my family and I tried very hard to settle into this country after such a big change: moving from Venezuela to Long Island. We never seemed to find our place. We moved around many times, each time further out east of the island, until my parents finally bought a house in Farmingville. We moved a total of five times. All throughout grade school, I would settle in a school, and before I knew it, we would be moving again. I think it is safe to say that my worst experience is actually all of those moving experiences put together. Not only was moving to this country and leaving all of our family behind extremely difficult, we were never stable in one place until I finally got to high school. All of the moving around was very traumatizing for me and it caused me a lot of hurt feelings towards my parents because I felt like they didn't care about the way I felt.
Although I had all of these hurt feelings about all of the moving around, I later found out that it was very hard for my mother too. She knew the whole time how much it was hurting my sisters and I to move so many times and she was never able to tell us because she wanted to be strong. On the other hand, it wasn't as hard for my father. He didn't mind being in a new place every couple of years because he was just looking at the money part of it and knew that every move meant saving more money on rent as well as looking for something better for our family.

Vocabulary - Pronouns

I- referring to yourself
We- used to describe yourself and one or more person
they- used to describe a group of people not including yourself
she- used to describe a female
He- used to describe a male
you- used to refer to another person
it- referring to what was just said (as a subject), a place or an object

Vocabulary Activity
Fill out the blanks with the appropriate pronoun.

Linda loves to go out to eat with her family and friends. At least once a week, _____ (referring to Linda) also enjoys getting together with friends and have fun. _______ (referring to Linda and her friends) enjoy singing and dancing together whenever they see each other. _____ (referring to yourself) also enjoy being with friends and having a great time. Whenever I get together with them, ______ (describing yourself and friends) have a night to remember. My friend John does funny impressions of actors while we guess who _______ (referring to John) is imitating and we always laugh a lot. I'm sure if ____ (referring to the reader) were there, you would laugh a lot too. Getting together with friends is very important and so much fun, _______ (getting together with friends) is a must!

Grammar Point
I have used several pronouns in this entry to describe the worst experience of my life. Pronouns are used very often in our writing to make sure we aren't being too repetitive and naming everyone and everything again and again. After the noun or the subject of the sentence is mentioned in the beginning, you can replace that word with the appropriate pronoun to make the sentence sound better. Using the pronouns that we have learned and the ones listed in this entry, write a short paragraph about your worst experience. Try to think of something that you can describe that you can use at least five (5) pronouns.

The Changing Weather

Even though some people may not like the changing weather, I really enjoy it! We get a taste of every season throughout the year: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Lately, we are seeing the weather change really quickly because it is getting very chilly outside! The trees are changing colors, the leaves are falling on the ground, the wind begins to get cold, and the days seem to be getting shorter because it gets dark outside much sooner. Now, it is time to take out your sweaters, coats, and even hats to protect yourself from the new, changing, colder climate. The one thing that I don't really like around this time is the strong wind. I can deal with cold weather, but when it gets very windy, it is hard for me to even go outside!=.
There are some really fun things about fall that I love and am excited to get back such as pumpkin picking. A couple of weeks ago, we went to the pumpkin farm and we picked out a big pumpkin. Other fun things can include making apple pie, wearing really comfortable boots, socks, scarves and snuggling on the couch with a big fluffy blanket and enjoying a nice hot cup of tea with some honey. I love fall!


Vocabulary nouns

weather- the temperature and other outside conditions (rain, snow)
trees- a usually tall plant that has a long branch and many leaves and branches
colors- a quality such as red, yellow, orange
leaves- the green parts of a plant that grow from a stem
wind- a natural air of movement outside
sweaters- a warm and knitted piece of clothing
coats- an outer piece of clothing used to keep warm or dry
hats- a covering for the head
outside- the area out and near something
pumpkins- a large, round vegetable used as food and sometimes decoration

Adriana holding Emma while sitting on some pumpkins!

Vocabulary Exercise
Crossword Puzzle: Please find the ten (10) vocabulary words in the Puzzle below

Across
4. when you walk out the door
5. tall plants with a lot of leaves
6. what grows on trees
7. red, orange, green
8. how it feels outside
9. orange vegetables
Down
1. go on your head
2. warm clothing
3. what goes over clothes
8. the strong movement outside

Grammar Point
Nouns are words that describe a person, place or thing. I have used several nouns to describe the changing weather that we are experiencing at this time of year: fall. Nouns are very important components of sentences because they give us information about who, what and where the sentence is about. I have highlighted ten (10) nouns, but there are a few more that I did not highlight. For homework, please circle the extra nouns that you see in the above entry and using three of them, write a sentence on your own using each one. For extra credit, write one more sentence using an extra noun.

Playing outside

Since the weather has been nice again, I have brought my daughters outside to play more often. I have my four year old ride her bicycle, and I push the baby on the stroller. She also loves to play with her "Elsa car" and her dolls. When my husband is home, they love to kick or throw a soccer ball back and forth to each other.
The sun has been shining very much lately, and they love being outside and enjoying the fresh air! I must admit, I love it too. It is a nice break from being cooped up in the house all the time with a new baby. The smell of the coming fall is great. It is the time of year when the weather is a bit strange, because one week it will be cold and the next it is hot again! It is very confusing sometimes because you may not know what to wear. All I know is, we love playing outside and smelling that brand new fall air outside. Taking a minute to ourselves for some peace and quiet is necessary!

Vocabulary (verbs)

brought- (past tense-to bring) to come with
play- to do fun activities
ride- to sit on and control the movement of something
push- to use force to move
loves- to appreciate something very much
kick- to hit something with your foot
throw- to cause something to move in the air with your hand
smelling- the quality of a thing you can sense with your nose
cooped- to keep inside for a long period of time

Vocabulary Exercise
Word Scramble
Please identify the scrambled verbs and write on the blank space.
1. I ______ (eolv) the warm weather.
2. In soccer, it is important to ______ (cikk) the ball to the other players.
3. I love to stop and ______ (lmsel) the flowers.
4. In baseball, the pitcher ______ (tohrws) the ball to the catcher.
5. He likes to ______ (spuh) the buttons of the game.
6. I am afraid to _____ (erid) the rollercoaster because it is fast.
7. My mom _______ (tbhrogu) my homework to my school because I forgot it at home.
8. The chickens stay _______ (oocepd) up in their cage all night.

Grammar Point
Verbs are very important components of sentences. They tell us what the action is that the subject is doing in a sentence. Without them, the sentence would be inactive and maybe boring. I have used several verbs to describe when I go outside and play with my daughters. Using the above verbs, write a short paragraph about what activities you enjoy and circle each verb. For an extra bonus, add some verbs of your own!

The Best Experience of my Life

The best experience of my life is easily when my daughter was born. Actually, two experiences because I have two. Since the moment I found out I was pregnant, I knew it was a miracle. Nine months later, I experienced the miracle of life before my very eyes. As a whole, pregnancy was a miraculous experience within itself. Feeling the first kick was something I will never forget and all the moments of wonder that came after were just as amazing. Wondering what the sex was and praying for a healthy and safe delivery were always on my mind.
Each week that went by I would get a reminder on my email about what was being formed at that very moment. Picturing my baby’s growing limbs, internal organs and bones was incredible to me. All I wanted was a healthy and happy baby. The moment of the sonogram that was going to show the sex was so special for my husband and I. Even though he dreamt of having a boy both times, we ended up with two beautiful and healthy girls and could not be happier. We could not ask for anything more, a happy and healthy family.
The day of delivery and the days leading up to it were extremely hard and painful for me, constant back pain, anxiety and anticipation set me up for many sleepless nights. I wanted to meet the little being inside of me that had been kicking me for all those months and just picturing myself with someone my body made was something I couldn't digest. When I met my babies for the first time, I stopped being me and became a mother, the greatest gift on earth. Being handed this little being that depended on me one hundred percent was both exhilarating and overwhelming. What came over me moments later was a tremendous sense of ownership over my daughters and responsibility. I knew that from that moment on, both times, my life was over as I knew it and a new beautiful chapter had begun. I will forever be grateful for my girls and could never imagine my life without them. Although it is cliche to say, I never knew how much I could love another person and never imagined what this love could feel like. Although it is very tough at times and I have felt like I want to give up, I could never stop caring for and loving them. I have been given the most enormous gift I could never repay and I will do my absolute best to be the best for them for the rest of my life.

Vocabulary (adjectives)

miraculous- something that seems like a miracle, beyond our understanding
happy- an emotion such as glad, pleased, joyous
beautiful- having beauty, something satisfying to see, hear or think about
painful- something characterized by pain
exhilarating- to make cheerful or to gladden to the highest point, describing an experience
overwhelming- to be consumed by something
tremendous- something huge, big in size, amount or intensity
grateful- thankful

Vocabulary Exercise:

Fill in each sentence using the correct vocabulary word.

1. Today is a _________ day, it is sunny and warm.
2. While riding his bike, Jim fell and it was very ________.
3. I am very _________ for having a place to live and food to eat.
4. It is very __________ having a lot of homework to do.
5. The experience of riding a roller coaster is ___________.
6. Mount Everest is ____________. It is the tallest mountain in the world.
7. Today I am ______ because it is my birthday.
8. A _______ experience is sometimes hard to explain, but wonderful to see.

Grammar Point
Adjectives are words that describe nouns (a person, place, or thing). In this paragraph, I have used several adjectives to describe the best experience of my life. Using the vocabulary above as a reference, write three to four sentences describing your very best experience using at least one adjective per sentence. Underline each adjective you have used.