My Passion

Teaching has always been my passion since I was a little girl in elementary school. I would take the teachers paper out of the recycling bin to take home and teach my imaginative students and convince my classmates during indoor recess to be my students. In high school, I took child development as an elective, which allowed me to volunteer for 40 minutes a day at a local kindergarten center. After getting such great hands on experience I knew that teaching is something I was made for. Currently, I am a full-time junior at Molloy College studying Elementary Education (1-6) with a history concentration and TESOL, also known as Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. In May of 2019, I will graduate with my master's degree in those areas. Teaching is something I have always been passionate about, and I look forward to being a teacher in the near future.

Vocabulary:
1. Passion: (noun) a strong feeling of excitement for something or about doing something.
2. Recycling: (verb) to make something new from something that has been used before.
3. Imaginative: (adjective) having or showing an ability to think of new and interesting ideas.
4. Recess: (noun) a short period of time during the school day when children can play.
5. Elective: (noun) a class that is not required, but rather an option.
6. Experience: (noun) the process of doing and seeing things and of having things happen to you.
7. Teaching: (noun) the job or profession of a teacher.
8. Masters degree: (noun) a degree that is given by a college or university to a student following a bachelor's degree. 

Vocabulary Exercise:
Directions- Write 6 complete sentences using the vocabulary terms from above.

1. _________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________

4. _________________________________________________________

5.  _________________________________________________________

6.  _________________________________________________________

Grammar Point:
Singular noun- names one person, place, thing, or idea. 
Plural nouns- names more than one person, place, thing, or idea.

Grammar Activity:
Directions- Identify if the following sentences are singular or plural nouns.

1. I am taking many electives this year.                              _______________
2. I volunteer at the kindergarten center in my town.          _______________
3. My cousin recycles everyday.                                          _______________

Carnevale Night

Every year Club Italia at Molloy College hosts Carnevale Night in March. Carnevale is a Venetian-themed event filled with dancing, singing, homemade Italian food, photos, and culture. My favorite part about Carnevale Night is the raffle prizes! Each year I go home with multiple baskets. The proceeds raised from the raffles are donated to the Bethany House Services, a local charity for homeless women and children.

I have been the President of Club Italia for 2 years now, and Carnevale night takes a lot of planning and work despite the fun time I have during it. For several months I run around to local businesses requesting donations. After I get the donations I have to put together over 40 different baskets! Additionally, I have to get the decorations, create flyers, make trays of food and hire expertise, such as a photographer and DJ. 

The event has always turned out amazing in previous years, and I am looking forward to it this year on March 30th 2017 from 8pm-11pm in the Hays Theatre. Come join us!

Vocabulary:
1. Club: (noun) a group of people who meet to participate in an activity.
2. Venetian: (noun) origin of Venice, Italy.
3. Culture: (noun) the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group or place. 
4. Proceeds: (noun) the total amount of money or profit that was made.
5. Charity: (noun) act of giving money, food or other types of help to those in need of it.
6. Planning: (noun) the act or process of making a plan to achieve or do something.
7. Expertise: (noun) special skill or knowledge. 

Vocabulary Exercise:
Directions: Fill in the blank with the correct vocabulary term from above to complete the sentence.
1. Carnevale is a __________ event and is celebrated annually in Venice, Italy as well. 
2. My dentist is an __________ in dentistry and has a medical degree. 
3. The __________ I raise from the church will be donated to a homeless __________ organization.
4. I am a Roman Catholic and in my __________ we have to give up something during Lent. 
5.  The sports __________ practices after school every Wednesday.
6. My sister is __________ her wedding with my mom and her fiance. It is a lot of work! 


Grammar Point:
Antonym- a word opposite in meaning to one another
Example: I get good grades VS I get bad grades

Grammar Activity: 

Swirls and Twirls

For the past 3 years, I have worked as a weekend supervisor at Swirls and Twirls a frozen yogurt store in Oceanside. The store is most popular for its delicious frozen yogurt flavors and abundance of toppings and sauces, although we also have smoothies, fresh juices, cappuccinos and warm treats. My favorite flavor yogurt is birthday cake mixed with chocolate cookies. After I like to top my yogurt off with rainbow sprinkles and marshmallow sauce. Despite the mouthwatering delights Swirls and Twirls also has children's birthday parties. Every party package includes face painting, glitter tattoos, pizza, games, giveaways, and yogurt, of course! I love running the birthday parties because it is so much fun, and I seem to connect with the children well. Swirls and Twirls is open all year round and satisfies everyone's craving.

Vocabulary:
1. Supervisor: (noun) an administrative officer in charge of a business, government or school. 
2. Frozen Yogurt: (noun) a sweet frozen dessert that is like ice cream but is made with yogurt. 
3. Abundance: (noun) a large amount of something.
4. Mixed: (adjective) made of different things.
5. Birthday: (noun) the day someone was born which is generally celebrated with a cake. 
6. Package: (noun) a group of things that are sold together for a single price.
7. Connect: (verb) to join two or more things together.
8. Satisfy: (verb) to cause someone to be happy or pleased.
9. Craving: (noun) a very strong desire of something. 

Vocabulary Exercise:

Grammar Point: 
Countable nouns- Having a singular and plural form. Example: book (singular) and books (plural)
Uncountable nouns- Only one form. Example: furniture, not "furnitures"

Grammar Activity:
Identify 2 countable and 2 uncountable nouns from the passage above.

Countable
1. ________________.
2. ________________.

Uncountable
1. ________________.
2. ________________.

My German Shepherds!

I have two german shepherds, Autumn and Thunder. They are both purebreds from New Jersey and come from a family line of show dogs. 

Autumn is the older sister. She is a beautiful, 4-year-old shepherd. Her favorite toy is a tennis ball, and she loves swimming in the pool during the summer.

Thunder, the puppy is a cute, 1-year-old, black and tan, long haired shepherd. She is a great listener and loves to cuddle.

 Both dogs love to play outside, go on long walks, and spend quality time with each other and their family! 

Thunder as a puppy!

Autumn as a puppy!

This summer my family and I have booked a vacation Upstate, NY on a large property where the dogs can run freely, play and exercise. We are all very excited for the trip. 

Vocabulary:
1. Purebred: (adjective) animals having parents of the same breeds.
2. Puppy: (noun) a young dog.
3. Quality: (adjective) very good or excellent.
4. Property: (noun) a piece of land often that is owned by a person, business, etc.
5. Exercise: (verb) a physical activity that is done to become healthier and stronger.
6. Trip: (noun) a journey to a place.

Vocabulary Exercise:
Directions: Fill in the blank with the correct vocabulary term to complete sentence.
Example: My grandpa went on a fishing TRIP with his friends.

1. It is important to ________ and eat well every day to stay healthy!
2. My friends and I are taking a ________ to Florida during winter break. 
3. My ________ is playing with her new toys.
4. I have two ________ german shepherds named Autumn and Thunder. 
5. My best friend just bought ________ for his shoe store. 
6. This restaurant has ________ food, I love it!

Grammar Point:

Adjectives are often called 'describing words' because they provide information about the qualities of something described in a noun, a noun phrase or a noun clause.

Adjectives are related to nouns or verbs.
For example: beautiful/beauty (noun) or talkative/talk (verb)

Adjectives must be in the following order...
-Numbers (two, several)
-Opinion (pretty, cute)
-Size (big, small)
-Age (mature)
-Color (red, purple)
-Origin (American, United States)
-Material (wooden, cotton)
-Purpose (sleeping, sun)

Grammar Exercise:
Directions- Write three sentences using at least 6/8 adjectives in the correct order. 
Example: Autumn and Thunder love their several fun medium new round yellow rubber tennis balls while playing outside. *This example uses 7/8 adjectives in order*
Breakdown of the sentence:
-Numbers: SEVERAL
-Opinion: FUN
-Size: MEDIUM
-Age: NEW
-Color: YELLOW
-Origin: XXXXXX                                     
-Material: RUBBER
-Purpose: PLAYING OUTSIDE


1. _________________________________________________.
2. _________________________________________________.
3. _________________________________________________.

Splish Splash Waterpark

Every summer my boyfriend, friends and I buy season passes to the one and only, Splish Splash waterpark located in Calverton, Long Island. What better way to beat the sun and cool off? The park is open 7 days a week from 10:00am-7:00pm during the months of May through September. The waterpark includes roughly 30 rides ranging from mild to extreme.



Map of Splish Splash Waterpark

One of my favorite rides is the Alien Invasion, a tube slide that spins intensely. My other favorite ride is the Bootleggers Run, which is known as a water rollercoaster without rails. It goes uphill and downhill at various speeds creating a thrill through your body.

Despite the awesome and thrilling water rides the park also has a wave pool, a kiddie park, food court, and a live parrot show. Every visit with my friends is a new adventure! Additionally, the travel channel ranked Splish Splash as one of the best water parks in the United States. I can't wait to go back this summer!

Vocabulary:

1. Summer: (noun) the warmest season of the year.

2. Season passes: (noun) a ticket or pass that is paid for in advanced, and generally costs less than purchases several individual tickets.

3. Waterpark: (noun) a large outdoor area with swimming pools, waterslides and similar attractions dealing with water.

4. Extreme: (adjective) reaching highest degree.

5. Intensely: (adverb) with force or strength.

6. Rollercoaster: (noun) an amusement park attraction.

7. Thrill: (noun) a sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure.

8. Adventure: (noun) an unusual and exciting, experience or activity.

Vocabulary Exercise: 

Grammar Point- Articles (the, a/an)

Directions:
1. Watch the video on articles-

2. Complete grammar exercise
-Place the correct article in the line (a, an, the) or put X if no articles needed.

1. I have ___ toy for you.
2. Lets go to ___ movies tonight.
3. I love ___ book that you lent me.
4. Did you get ___ new phone?
5. This is ___ expensive dress.
6. He is ___ doctor who works in ___ hospital.
7. Can you play ___ chess?
8. I quickly ate ___ cookies.
9. Today I went to ___ mall and bought ___ skirt with my ___ wallet.
10. My birthday party is at ___ icecream store.

My Favorite Restaurant!

My favorite restaurant is The Melting Pot, which is fondue based. I always order the 4-course meal, which consists of cheese fondue, salad, an entrée, and chocolate fondue. Each dish comes with multiple options to choose from.

The entrée dish requires you to cook the food yourself. The menu gives you various meats, seafood, and vegetarian options to choose from. Each dish is delivered completely raw and requires you to cook it in a broth for a certain amount of time before eating.

Despite the delicious food and endless choices I really love the restaurant for the unforgettable experience. Every Valentines Day my boyfriend and I spend our night at The Melting Pot because of how special they make it for us. The table is decked out with rose petals, candles, and a gift, such as a teddy bear. The dinner is hands on, and perfect to socialize with family, friends and loved ones making every occasion special.



Vocabulary:

1. Favorite: (noun) a person or thing that is liked more than others.
2. Fondue: (noun) a hot liquid dish (such as melted cheese or chocolate) that you dip small pieces of food inside (such as bread, meat, or fruit).
3. Entrée: (noun) the main dish of a meal especially at a restaurant. 
4. Option: (noun) the opportunity or ability to choose something. 
5. Menu: (noun) a list of the foods and drinks that may be ordered at a restaurant. 
6. Raw: (adjective) not cooked. 
7. Delicious: (adjective) very good to taste. 
8. Valentines Day: (noun) holiday for loved ones held annually on February 14th.
9. Deck: (verb) to decorate something.
10. Socialize: (verb) to talk to and do things with other people in a friendly way. 

Vocabulary exercise:
Directions-  Fill in the blank with the correct vocabulary word. 

1. For dinner I ordered a steak ____________. 
2.  My family and I  ____________ out the house with lights for Christmas.
3. The Thanksgiving dinner cooked by Aunt Cathy was ____________.
4.  My teacher gave me the ____________  to do a power point or essay for my project.
5. Most sushi is  ____________ fish.
6. It is important to ____________  to make friends. 
7. My ____________  color  is purple.
8. The Melting Pot has good cheese and chocolate  ____________.
9. The ____________  at The Melting Pot has a lot of choices.
10. On  ____________ my dad bought mom flowers and chocolate.

Grammar Point:

Verb- a word used to describe an action, an occurrence, or a state of being.
Examples: eat, think, happen, hear, build, call.

Helping verb- verbs that help the main verb in a sentence by adding detail to time and mood to make an action or statement.
Examples: will, should, would, can, must, could. 

Activity: 

Directions: Read each sentence and choose the correct helping verb.
Example: I (will/would) eat the cookies, but I am allergic. (Answer: would)

1. My parents (can/are) going grocery shopping tonight.
2. I (am/is) waiting for dinner.
3. My cousin (can/must) play the piano. 
4. We (had/have) saved a lot of money for a vacation this summer.
5. Christina (is/are) going to the mall after school.

Christmas in Manhattan!

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree

Gingerbread Village in Madison Sq Park

It is the most wonderful time of the year--Christmas in Manhattan, New York City. The entire city is lit up with beautiful lights and holiday decorated windows. The most known public attraction is the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center reaching almost 100 feet tall. Additionally, ice skating underneath the tree is also available creating an unforgettable experience. Despite the beauty, there are many holiday shows and events that take place annually. The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is a musical that brings magic to Christmas in New York. Fairytales come true in Madison Square Park where there are life-sized gingerbread houses! The roof is covered with frosting, candy gumdrops, peppermint sticks and more. You can even go inside of the house which includes hands-on elements. Furthermore, Bryant Pant is a great place to visit with friends and family. Ice skating is available along with a winter village featuring dozens of boutiques. There is no Christmas like Christmas in Manhattan! The attractions are endless. ☺

Vocabulary: 

1. Holiday: (noun) a special day of celebration.
2. Attraction: (noun) something interesting people want to visit, see or do.
3. Creating: (verb) make something new and/or different. 
4. Annually: (adj) yearly.
5. Musical: (noun) a movie or play that tells a story through songs and often dancing.
6. Element: (noun) a particular part of something, such as a activity or situation.
7. Dozens: (noun) large number of people or things.

Vocabulary Exercise:

Directions- Fill in the black with the correct vocabulary term.

1. A new aquarium __________ is opening up next week in my town.
2. The school __________ was amazing to watch!
3. I celebrate my birthday __________.
4. The class and I worked on __________ artwork for back to school night.
5. She concluded there was a major __________ missing in her English paper.
6. Martin Luther King Day, Hanukkah, Christmas and Easter are all examples of __________.
7. This ice-cream parlor has __________ of flavors and toppings to choose from.


Grammar Point:

Noun-
A person, place, thing and idea.

Proper nouns-
A name used for an individual person, place, or organization spelled with initial capital letters.
Examples: New York, Burger King.

Common nouns-
A noun regarding a class objects or concepts as opposed to a specific individual.
Examples: state, fast-food restaurant.


Activity-