Ms. Azar's ESL Blog

     Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the US and Canada. The holiday is celebrated on February 2nd. It comes from a Pennsylvania Dutch superstition . The belief is, if the groundhog sees his shadow there and runs back into his burrow , there will be 6 more weeks of winter. If the groundhog does not see his shadow, then spring will arrive early. There is no correlation between the groundhog's shadow and the duration of winter. However, the holiday remains popular despite this fact.                                                             Vocabulary list: groundhog-(noun)-rodent belonging to squirrel group marmot. Another name for woodchuck. tradition-(noun)-custom or belief passed on from generation to generation. superstition-(noun)-widely held belief lacking support, may be based in supernatural...

         The Fourth of July is an American holiday that celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence . The colonists had grown tired of taxation without representation. The English monarchs were collecting taxes from the American people, without allowing them a say in the governing of the colonies. The Declaration of Independence was written and signed by the Founding Fathers of the Unites States. This action marked the start of the American Revolution. Vocabulary List: Declaration of Independence-(noun) Letter written and signed by Founding Fathers asserting separation from Britain. Founding Fathers-(noun)- a person who starts a movement or institution. Member of the convention that drafted the United States Constitution. Colonists- (noun)- people living in colonies, or settlements. taxation- (noun)-money paid as tax. monarchs- (noun) sovereign head of state such as king, queen, or emperor. representation- (noun)- the ...

                  In the United States, Halloween is a holiday that is celebrated on October 31st. On this day children will wear costumes . Children often dress as monsters, their favorite super hero or cartoon character. After putting on their costume, children go trick-or-treating. This is when they walk around the neighborhood and collect candy. After Halloween, many children will come to school very hyper due to the large amount of sugar they are eating. It takes several weeks for this phenomena to go back to normal.                                                     Vocabulary list: Halloween -(noun) the eve of All Saint's Day, observed especially by children in costumes Costumes- (noun) disguise, dress to appear as someone or something else trick-or-treating- (verb) to go door t...

               On Thanksgiving, many American families join together to give thanks for all that they have. In my family, my mother does most of the cooking and preparations . Others have tried to host the event, however her cooking is the best. At our Thanksgiving, we have an array of food to choose from. Each person will be bringing a dish to share with the other guests. Typically , football is going to be on the tv. This year we are going to go to her new home, which is spacious enough to fit everyone. Vocabulary list: preparations-(noun) things done to prepare or make ready host-(noun) the person who is giving the party dish- (noun) a plate of food array-(noun) a large grouping typically-(adjective) normal, average  spacious- (adjective) containing much space or room Vocabulary exercise: Fill in the blanks with the correct vocabulary word. The ________________ this year will be Aunt Georgia. Her home is...

           I have always been a big fan of the New York Yankees. One day my friend surprised me with tickets. I was very excited to see my first game in the new stadium . What I did not remember is that I had recently been prescribed glasses. Even though we had very good seats the field and players were still a bit blurry .Things became really exciting when a ball came straight towards us. The ball bounced off of my friend's arm and went back on the field. My friend convinced the player to throw the ball back into the stands.  Unfortunately,   the another fan caught the ball. We did end up on ESPN.  Vocabulary list: fan- (noun) or fanatic, is a supporter of sports convinced- (verb) to move by argument to belief or action (adjective)- strongly believes something stands- (noun) the seating in a stadium stadium- (noun) a sports arena with tiered seating unfortunately- (adverb)- resulting from bad luck surprised- (...

        Welcome back to school! Many students are returning back to school from summer break. Adjusting to the earlier hours can be grueling . In addition to shifting daily schedules, students are expected to complete all assignments teachers dole out. It can be a difficult transition for some. In order to succeed , you must learn what are the class expectations? Being prepared is vital to your success. Please be prompt when turning in assignments. Studies show that an extra hour of sleep is more valuable than an extra hour of studying. Sleep deprivation can be harmful to your health.  Vocabulary list: Grueling(adj.)- difficult, hard shifting(adj)- changing position/ time dole (v.)- hand out, assign expectations(n.)- hope, desired outcome prepared(adj.)- has materials required vital(adj.)- important prompt (adj.)- on time sleep deprivation(n.)- lack of sleep that can lead to health issues succeed(v.)- to reach a goal, do well...