Transcript
Spring 2013
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Sardis Soto’s Story By: Sardis Soto, learner
Story: Norielit Lara
2
Story: Vicente Olguin
3
Story: Nieves Bello
3
Volunteer Appreciation
4
Article: Sarah Ramirez
5
Activity: Reading and
5
Discussion Disney on Ice
6
Activity: Dictation
6
Activity: Crossword
7
Puzzle
Music is something very important to me. Every cell of my body is full of music.
changed throughout. There was no more music. I started to work, to take care of my
thinking about music. Fortunately, my daughter is grown, she is in the Air Force and I’m trying to improve my English. At the same time, I’m studying cello, and I am working in a factory. It is really hard, but it is possible.
I can say that music is a worthwhile gift. My father loves music too. He helped me to study music when I was young. For a long time I studied music, theory, violin, and voice. I played and sang in my country for many years. Sardis and her tutor, Leigh Eicke, have been working together since June 2012.
For many reasons, I came to the USA 11 years ago. It was a hard time for me. My life
daughter, and to try to learn English too, but always I was
I’m so happy I found the Literacy Center. I want to say thank you so much to all tutors. They are working together with the Literacy Center. They give their time to help others. That is so marvelous. Thanks, thanks, a thousand times thanks.
Recipe for Shrimp Ceviche By: Mirna Lopez, learner Ingredients needed:
Do you have a friend, neighbor, or family member who would like help with their reading and/or English skills? Encourage him/her to contact the Literacy Center for tutoring or English classes. The Literacy Center has New Learner Orientations monthly and anyone interested in improving their literacy skills is invited to attend. Please call 616459-5151 to sign up for an orientation.
1 Pound of uncooked shrimp (no shells) 5 Limes 1 Avocado 3 tomatoes 1 onion (medium)
1 bunch of cilantro 2 cans of V8 juice (5.5 oz cans) (163ml total) ½ tsp salt or to taste First wash the shrimp. Cut the shrimp in pieces, about 1 inch size. Put the shrimp in a plastic or glass bowl. Then squeeze 2 or 3 limes over the shrimp. Leave them for 15 to 20 minutes.
Mirna and her tutor, John MacKeigan, have been working together since May 2011.
Cut tomatoes into little pieces. Place the diced tomatoes in another bowl. Cut the onion in small pieces and add to the
tomatoes. Chop the cilantro in small pieces adding ½ cup to the bowl and mix with tomatoes and onions. Add the shrimp to the mixture. Add salt to taste, approximately ½ tsp. Squeeze 2 limes in the mixture. Pour V8 juice into mixture and combine. Cut the avocado in small squares and add. Slowly mix together. Serve with crackers or tortilla chips. Serves 5-6 people.
Spring 2013
Page 2
A Trip I Took to Mexico By: Norielit Lara, learner I’m Norielit from Mexico. I came here awhile ago. I went to visit my family 3 years ago. It was really fun. We had to take three flights. The first was Grand Rapids to Detroit. My kids were so excited. It was the first flight they ever had. We arrived to Grand Rapids Airport around 5:00 am. My friend dropped me and my two boys, Christian was only two years old and Jotran seven. I was carrying my four suitcases and my little one. Fortunately someone who work there helped me with all my suitcases while I check in with my passport and my flights tickets. After then they weighed my suitcases and I was over. But I had one suitcase with not much in, so I changed things. After then, we went to the security gate and went to the waiting room. We were there for over an hour. I asked my kids if they wanted something to eat, and they said no. After waiting we board the plane, and I had to check my carry-on, because the plane didn't have much space for luggage. We flew for
about half hour to get Detroit. When we got Detroit we had to wait for my suitcase in the tunnel, and it was really cold in there. We have to wait about 20 minutes and we only have 45 minutes to board the next flight. I was worried, because I
two coats and one little boy, I was so tired. After then, I found the gate and waited a little for my flight. When we board the plane, we waited a long time before taking off, because they had to wash the snow off the plane. After that, the
Norielit and her tutor, Jennifer Griffith, have been working together since August 2012. Jennifer, Norielit, and her daughter, Yaretziat the Literacy Center’s Disney on Ice event.
thought I would miss my connection to Monterrey. When I finally got my suitcase, my boys and I had to run. We went down stairs to a tunnel, through the tunnel and then up the stairs. And I walked long carrying my suitcase,
plane took off. We were very excited to go after a long wait. My kids slept for a while, I didn't. When they woke up, they were very hungry, I didn't have any snacks. A lady sitting in front us had lunch for her kids. My kids just watched the others kids
eating, and my boys said, "we want something." I was expecting the airplane to have lunch and they didn't have any. After another long wait, we had some little snack. It wasn't enough for a long time. After 3 1/2 hours we landed in Monterrey, Mexico, I was very happy to be back in my country. When we arrived, we were very hungry so we had to find something to eat, but the problem was we didn't have Mexican money. We had to find a place to exchange the money. Finally we found it. And we found sandwiches to eat. Then, we had to wait 2 hours for the next flight. After two hours we took our last flight Monterrey to Guadalajara. We were finally there. Then we had to find our suitcases. My mom and my sister were waiting for us, we were very happy to see them. After much waiting, we traveled another 3 hours by car to get my mom's house. On the way home, Jotran and my mom made jokes. After a day of grand adventure, we were in Mexico for six weeks.
Tutoring Tip: Language Experience Stories A good way to find reading materials that are relevant to your learner's life is to have him/her dictate stories to you. This is known as the language experience approach. The story can be factual or fiction. It can be one line or pages long. What is important is that the person recording the story writes exactly what is said. By writing what is said, the student can see and hear the words. This sight/sound relationship is basic to effective reading. After the dictation, the story can be read and re-read by both the learner and the tutor. Words and sentences can be extracted for more concentrated practice. These stories can be collected in a portfolio and/or as part of a book. Extracted from http://www.floridaliteracy.org/teacher/LanguageExperienceStories.asp
The Reader
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My Thanksgiving Vacation By: Vicente Olguin, learner This is my favorite time of year. Thanksgiving starts off a wonderful time of family and friends coming together. I got off of work on Wednesday and had the next two days off. My wife purchased a 16 lb turkey. It was a big turkey for our family of three, but we thought maybe some friends or family may come over for dinner. My wife asked me to take the turkey out of the freezer Wednesday morning to defrost. We awoke early Thursday morning, we washed and added spices to the turkey, waiting about four
Vicente and his tutor, Sue Gladstone, have been working together since October 2011.
hours and stuffed the inside of the turkey with vegetables, small red potatoes and carrots. We put the turkey in the oven by 10:00 AM. It was done by 1:00 pm, it was very moist and good. My wife also made green bean casserole, rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy and we also had cranberry sauce. We bought three deserts at the store. We had cheesecake, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. At dinnertime we gathered together and gave thanks to God for the many blessings he has given to use and loved ones. After eating I played with my 10 year old son Joel and relaxed the rest of weekend. I had a great Thanksgiving vacation.
My Biography By: Nieves Bello, learner My name is Nieves, I am 34 years old, born on July 15, 1978 in Altotonga, Veracruz, Mexico. My parents are Desiderio and Guillermina. I have two brothers Enrique and Berenice, they are now living in Veracruz. I studied 12 years in Altotonga and then continued my studies in a small ranch, where there was not electricity, cars and enough water. The climate was hot and there is coffee, lemons, oranges, mangos, avocados, peppers, tomatoes, corn, papaya, banana, guava, peach, blackberry, beans, etc. It was very difficult for me and my family to adapt to
the place and climate. The means of transport were horses or walking for 3-4 hours to reach the
school to continue my studies, but, I could not continue studying because of lack of money.
Nieves and her tutor, Susan Stefanski, have been working together since May 2012. nearest town to buy basics or to go to the doctor. In 1990-1992 I went back to
In 1998 I returned to high school to graduate, but it was difficult to learn Eng-
lish. When I was 23 I had my first child, Diego. In 2004, I decided to come to Michigan to work. In 2007, my second child was born, Brayan then in 2008, my third child was born, Gerard. Brayan is now 6 years, and Gerard is 5 years old they are studying in school. Now I am learning English with my tutor Susan from the Literacy Center. To me it’s very, very difficult to speak and understand English, because the vocabulary and sounds are different. I am very grateful and happy to have someone who is interested in my learning and I want to thank you for your patience, teacher Susan, for your time and support In my English class. I learned a lot with you.
Idiom Practice: What does “In a pickle” mean? Daniel is in a pickle. His car won’t start and he has to be to work in 15 minutes.
The Reader
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National Volunteer Week April 21-27 The Adult Tutoring Program would like to thank all of our tutors for improving our community through literacy and helping adult learners achieve their dreams. Adrienne Alexander
Sharon Cole
Karla Heuker
William McKee
Joe Schmidt
Linda Alkire
Peter Conrad
Joseph Hogan
Jamie McQuaid
Nancy Scudder
Charlotte Amberger
Auri Cooper
Robert Hollins
Brenda Merizon
Mark Sheeres
Theodore Andrews
Lindsey Corso
Nancy Hollowell
CyntheAnne Meseke
Mary Sherman
Alice Apol
Catherine Curtis
Roberta Horton
Jennifer Meyer
Sheri Shimmel
Susan Arnold
Mary DeGroot
David Howard
Grace Miller
Abigayle Sloan
Russell Baker
Linda DeKock
Stephanie Hurst
Sue Miller
Julianne Smith
Marla Baldwin
Jeannine DeVries
Anmarie James
Kelly Mix
Ron Smith
Linda Barar
Jessica DeVries
William Karpowicz
Jennifer Molyneaux
Anthony Spyker
Peggy Barding
Tom Dooley
Ed Kavalhuna
Amatullah Moria
Julie Squillante
Nora Barkey
Michelle Downer
Mary Kennedy
Ellen Mork
Susan Stefanski
Ruth Baron
Jerry Duba
Tracy Kenney
Dan Morris
Diana Stevers
Pat Bartlett
Jill Dubridge
Muneeba Khan
Gosia Morris
Jan Stone
Alice Beery
Nancy Duiven
Susan Kieda
Scott Morton
Joan Stover
Patricia Belanger
E. Diane Eddy
Martha Kissell
Bonnie Negen
Ronald Strauss
Gina Bivins
Leigh Eicke
Susan Klco
Kathy Nelson
John Sullivan
Denise Blumberg
Janis Ellis
Linda Koivisto
Dave Newton
Dale Svihl
Viola Bogard
Bill Essling
Jack Kok
Joseph Oettinger
Natalie Tassell
Faith Bogdanik
Beth Evans
Kathleen Kovach
Roberta Oettinger
Gregory Terry
Karin Bogush
Matthew Evans
Matthew Kraker
Mike O'Mara
Marilyn Titche
Christine Bonnema
Evelyn Fitch
Doris Kuipers
Michaela Paparella
Monica Tomaszewski
Linda Booth
Laura Folske
Cindy Laforest
Jim Peterson
Jennifer Tompkins
Cynthia Boots
Wayne Fowler
Virginia LaGrand
Jennifer Petryk
Amy Tran
Sherrie Bothee
Karen Francois
Linda Lake
Mary Pitsch
Penny Urbanski
Candace Bourzac
Charles Gallmeyer
Kay Landrum
Ed Potterack
Julie Walwyn-Tross
Susan Brems
Jeri Galloway
JJ Lindke
Jessica Rabideau
Mark Wharton
Mary Brillhart
Lou George
Don Lobelle
Jeffery Rees
Cynthia Will
Deb Brink
James Gillard
Eric Luckenbaugh
Roberta Rice
Don Williams
Marcia Brinks
Marilyn Gillem
John MacKeigan
Mary Richardson
Barbara Wismer
Lynn Brooks
Susan Gladstone
Nicholas Macksood
Valerie Richardson
Kay Wobma
Duane Brummel
Gail Glocheski
Carol Mallow
Elaine Rietema
Nelson Wood
Dwight Burch
Jane Gray
Gail Mancewicz
Abby Riske
Luanne Wybenga
Shirley Burnham
Jennifer Griffith
John Marston
Mary Rodenburg
Ana Yonkers
Mary Jo Burpee
David Hannah
Ann Matchinsky
Gabriel Rodriguez
Chris Young
James Carpenter
Duane Harriman
Judy Mate'
Marni Rose
Robert Zeeff
John Carruthers
Mary Hartwick
Lesley Mayer
Myra Rudy
Megan Zimmer
Ernest Cascini
Susan Hengstebeck
Michael McCarty
Susan Sandberg
Thomas Zubel
Terri Ciosek
Christine Hernandez
Susan McFarland
Kathryn Saukas
Tom Zyskowski Nancy Zywicki
The Reader
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Welcome Sarah Ramirez The Adult Tutoring Program is excited to introduce new Literacy Assistant, Sarah Ramirez! Sarah attended Caledonia high school, and is a graduate of Grand Valley State University, holding a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. Her biggest passion is helping those who want to learn to achieve their goals. She has recently worked as a substitute teacher, teaching Spanish at the
high school level. She enjoys helping people to learn a new language and get excited about expanding their world views. She is excited to help those who are seeking to improve their literacy skills to achieve success, because she believes that literacy helps promote self-efficacy and encourages participation in the community. In her free time, Sarah enjoys reading, writing,
and spending time with her young son, Javier. Sarah is bilingual in Spanish and English and is available to assist tutors and learners with Spanish and English communication. Sarah can be contacted at (616) 459-5151x25. Sarah habla
español y puede contactado en 459-5151x20.
ser
Activity: Reading and Discussion Below is the full text for reading and dictation. Read the story together and discuss. Next, go to page 6 for the dictation activity.
People need exercise for good health. Walking is very good exercise. If you walk 10,000 steps every day, that is very good for your heart. 10,000 steps is about 5 miles. Some people walk a lot when they do their job. They exercise while they are working. Some people don’t walk at work. They sit at a desk, answer the telephone, and use a computer. They work hard, but they don’t walk. How many steps do you walk every day? You can wear a pedometer to count your steps. It is interesting to see the answer. But you don’t have to wear a pedometer to get healthy. You can try to walk more every day. If you walk 30 minutes every day, you will soon be healthier. Discussion 1. Do you walk at work? 2. Do you walk to school? 3. What can people do to walk more steps? 4. Do you like to walk outside? Why or why not? 5. Where can people go to walk in your neighborhood? This activity was extracted from Hands-on English, Vol. 16, No. 5 pg 10
Publish your work in The Reader We are now accepting learner submissions including, but not limited to personal stories, fictional writing, and recipes. Tutors are welcome to share success stories as well. Submit your writing to Valerie or your Literacy Coordinator by June 12, 2013
[email protected] This activity was extracted from Hands-on English, Vol. x, No. x pg x
The Reader
Page 6
The Adult Tutoring Program would like to thank Feld Entertainment and Disney on Ice for sponsoring Family Fun Night and donating 100 tickets for Disney on Ice to Literacy Center learner and tutor families.
Activity: Dictation Directions: Once you have read the text on page 5 together, try the dictation activity below. Tutors, read the story on page 5 at a fairly natural speed while your learner fills in the paragraph below. You can pause as long as you like between sentences while your learner writes. You can repeat the whole sentence if necessary.
People need exercise for _______________health. _______________ is very good exercise. If you walk _______________ steps every _______________, that is very ________________ for your heart. 10,000 steps is about _______________ miles. Some people _______________ a lot when they do their _______________. They exercise while they are _______________. Some people don’t walk at _______________. They sit at a desk, answer the _______________, and use a computer. They work hard, but they don’t _______________. How many _______________ do you walk every _______________? You can wear a pedometer to count your ______________. It is interesting to see the _______________. But you _______________ have to wear a pedometer to get healthy. You can try to _______________ more every _______________. If you walk _______________ minutes every day, you will soon be healthier. This activity was extracted from Hands-on English, Vol. 16, No. 5 pg 11
The Reader
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Activity: Crossword Puzzle Word list: after couldn’t day every exercise good home many minutes more pounds school sit walk walking watch week work Down clues 1. Two months ago I _____ walk very far. So I started walking a little bit every day. Now I can walk for a long time without getting tired. I’m getting fit! 2. If you exercise _____ day, you will feel better and get healthier. Some people say you will live longer, too. 3. “Do you get any exercise at work?” “No, I have to _____ all day. But when I go to lunch, I take the stairs instead of the elevator.” 4. If you exercise _____, you will burn more calories. This helps you to lose weight. 5. “My nephew plays sports at _____ and on the weekends he goes running in the park.” “Oh, he must be very fit!” “Yes, he is.” 10. I like to go for a walk _____ dinner with my husband. We do this every evening, if the weather is okay. 11. “Where do you go to exercise?” “I like to exercise at _____.” “You don’t go outside?” “No, I do my exercise inside.” 12. I would like to exercise more, but I’m too busy. I have to _____ and take care of my family. 13. “What kind of exercise do you do?” “I don’t exercise. Usually I feel too tired.” “Why don’t you walk with me in the morning?” “Okay, that’s a _____ idea.”
Across clues 2. Some people like to lift weights for _____. It’s hard to work but it helps you get stronger muscles. 4. People should exercise at least 30 _____ daily. That is good for your health. 6. “Do you exercise every _____?” “No, but I play soccer with some friends on the weekend.” 7. My teacher told me she’s taking a yoga class. She goes two days a _____. She enjoys it. 8. “My cousin is a little bit overweight. She would like to lose about 10 _____.” “She should exercise more!” 9. “Do you want to go to the gym with me for some exercise?” “No, thanks. I’ll stay here and _____ TV. I’m feeling lazy today.” 12. Jogging is faster than _____ but slower than running. Some people like to do this for exercise. 14. “How _____ steps do you walk every day?” “I don’t know. I don’t have a pedometer.” 15. Some people _____ to school every day instead of driving or taking the bus. That’s good exercise.
This activity was extracted from Hands-on English, Vol. 16, No. 5 pg 6
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Literacy Center of West Michigan 1120 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 240 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Upcoming Tutor Orientations for prospective tutors
Susan Ledy President/CEO Angela Steele Adult Tutoring Program Director Chris Belding Literacy Coordinator Valerie Emmenecker Literacy Coordinator Colleen Blaszak Family Literacy Coordinator Nancy VanIngen Program Assistant Sarah Ramirez Literacy Assistant 616.459.5151
[email protected]
We are always in need of new tutors! Please invite your friends and family to our one hour information session to learn about becoming a tutor. All orientations are 6:30pm-7:30pm at the Literacy Center of West Michigan. Call 459-5151 to RSVP.
Thursday, April 4 Wednesday, April 10 Monday, May 6 Tuesday, May 14 Thursday, June 6 Wednesday, June 12
