A PEEK INTO THE PAST __ MAI

Actually, nowadays everything is very convenient and easier to shopping. You do not have to get line

anymore, you can buy online quickly. On the other hand in 1824 was different, at that time the

caravan traveled more than one thousand miles to south Mexico City. Abuelito trades silk, cotton,

good, lace, for an iron tool (ink, paper, books, fine dishes, coffee, sugar).Then the caravan would load

up and start the long trip back to Mexico. In 1824, there are handmade items. However, nowadays

people just buy a thing they do not have time for that

Now, the technology occupied all and make the life easier.In my opinion, the similar thing is we

have a family


5 NEW WORD

1.Settlers( noun ) one of the first people to live in a new community

Ex: Settlers are usually smart people.

2.Moccasins(noun) flat shoes made of soft leather

Ex: Moccasins are the most popular shoes in 1824.

3.Gather(v) come together

Ex: We would like to gather to party.

4.Drought ( noun )  a long period when there is little or no rain.

Ex: The time tough is has a drought.

5.Bolted (noun) a metal bar on a door or window that slides across to lock it closed

Ex : She wants to look the stable door after the horse has bolted.

Syeda Akter (5 new word)

Herd -v/n - a large group of animals, drove
A herd of elephants
They herd reindeer.

servants - n- a person who performs duties for others.
Servants were cleaning the hall.

settlers - n- a person who settles in an area
The settlers were ill-prepared for the severe winter ahead.


Fabric- n- the basic framework of something
An example of fabric is cotton.

Return - v- to go or come back
I have something to return to you.

Thao - A Peek into the Past

I think, the differences compare lifestyle of New Mexico 1824 with life in modern day USA.
* In New Mexico in 1824, several generations of the same family lived in one househole. They built the house and everyone must work. They shared the work together. Their live was simple. Children knew their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins wery well. All these relatives lived nearby. The things they used or the foods they made them. They sew clothes and made jewelry.They live economically.
* Life in modern day USA, several generations of the same family do not lived in on houshole. They do not built the house, if they build a house they will  have builders to build their house help them.
they usually buy house . Their life is more picky. They buy furniture.
* The similarities  : In the family. They love each other. They work. They take care of family members.

5 new words
1. Rainstorn (n) - that stared very wet after a heavy.
- Houston city has rainstorm.
2. Tortilla ( n) in Meciacan cooking
- Commed is putted into a think pancake called a tortilla.
3. Relatives (n) a person connect by blood
- My relatives lived nearby .
4. Canyon (n) valleys - a deep gorge
- She could barely see outline of a river winding lazily throught the canyon.
5. Gather (v) come together
The two embrace and gather the child between them.

Syeda Akter (A peek into the past)

Today we travel in our own luxurious car with A.C. or we can go to Google, Amazon, eBay and buy whatever we want. We don't realize who easy we get the things. It becomes us lazy. But Josefina's time it's different. Once each year Abulito organized a huge caravan. It was made up of many carts and the mules. they were loaded with wool, hides, and blankets. The caravan traveled more than a thousand miles south to Mexico City. Villagers and Indians from the nearby pueblo walked along with the caravan to welcome it. They think they come from all over the world. All are different only one similarity that is we need the things for our life. 

CLAUDIA FLORES * A PEEK INTO THE PAST*

Josefina's family did their shopping when caravans like Abuelito's arrived in town. Compare the way people shop today and the way the made purchases in Josefina time. How have things changed?




Definitely today is more easier to do your shopping. Now all people have many ways such as Amazon, Craig List, purchases in line the any store. It's too easy.  In the 1824 was very different. The caravans traveled more than a thousand miles south to Mexico City, for six months.In this time the trades bought silk and cotton goods an lace, for iron tools, paper, ink, books, fine dishes, coffee and sugar. In this journey the caravans went through sandstorms that were so bad they blocked out the sun. Sometimes robbers or wild animals attacked  them. In this time was very dangerous. Now the technology has facilitates the purchase and sale of everything.


* DROUGHT.- (noun) a long period when there is little or no rain.

                          This year a severe drought has ruined the crops.

* SUDDEN.- ( adjetive) happening or done quickly and without warning.
                       It's all bit sudden.

* HERDED.- (noun) a large group  of animals of the same type that live and feed together .
                       A herd of elephants.

* BOLTED.- (noun) a metal bar on a door or window that slides across to lock it closed.
                      I close the window and drew the bolt.

* PILGRIM.- a member of the group of English people who sailed to America and began living in Plymouth,Massachusttes, in 1620.

Chapter 4 ( Josefina's Idea ) __ MAI

From this chapter I learned about Tia Dolores was a good teacher , give her nieces the activities . She taught and helped them a lot . Tia Dolores was really sensible , and hard working . All of kids always love their aunt ( Tia Dolores ) .


NEW WORD :

1. Needles (noun) thin use for sewing .
2. Indeed (verb) in truth , in fact , surely.
3. Surrounded (adj) shut in on all sides.
4. Husk (noun) worthless outside part of anything.
5. Sensible (adj)  smart and practial

Dear students,


Thanks so much for being such thoughtful readers and writers and having a healthy discussion on our class blog. I love reading your comments!
 
We have finally turned the last page of Meet Josefina. This book took us on a journey back in history and showed us life in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1824. I do hope you have enjoyed reading it and learned a lot about the way settlers lived back then and how they influenced traditions and culture in modern day America. Books like this help us understand today's Americans and their life better.

As you are discussing the last chapter "A Peek into the Past", please refer to the content of the entire book as well. 

For your final discussion please choose one of the questions below and answer it in a paragraph format (about 10 complete sentences or more). Support your answer with examples from the book where possible. Include five new words and their definitions. Your post is due on April 27. 


___________________________________


1. In New Mexico in 1824, several generations of the same family lived in one household. Compare their lifestyle with life in modern day USA. What are the differences? What are the similarities?

2. Abuelito's caravan traveled four or five months to bring goods from Santa Fe to Mexico City. Compare the way people traveled back then and now. Are there more similarities or differences? 

3. Josefina's family did their shopping when caravans like Abuelito's arrived in town. Compare the way people shop today and the way they made purchases in Josefina's time. How have things changed?

4. What were the advantages, if any, of Josefina's lifestyle?  Disadvantages? If you could switch places with Josefina, would you like to live on her rancho in 1824? If yes, why? If no, why not?

_______________________________________

Your two  comments to your classmates posts are due on May 1. While you are commenting, please do not simply say, "You are right. I agree with you." :-). You want your comments to be meaningful, so please add to your classmates' posts to show why you agree or disagree.


Happy blogging!

Your devoted reader Natalia

Chapter 4

Tia Dolores is very important for Josefina because she feels happy with her all the time. Tia Dolores knew very well all her nieces, so she gave them the perfect gift. Everybody was so happy with the aunt that they want her to stay. I think after tia Dolores came back from Santa Fe,  she will teach Josefina and her sister music. The next book could be too about how tia Dolores teach Josefina and her sisters to read, and how to make beautiful dresses.

Chapter 4 Josefina's idea

Tia Dolores inspired Josefina to make a flower garden. Josefina wakes up earlier than usual and does it properly. I learned from this chapter If we inspired little kids, I think they can do anything, maybe we don't expect for them. Ana's responsibilities.                                                                                       Tia Dolores was a good teacher, interested in everything, very sensible and hardworking person.         For example, she showed Clara a  faster way to knit the heel on a sock and showed Francisca how to sew a patch over a hole so that it hardly showed at all.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              5 new words:                                                                                                                                               Swallow - V - allowed to pass down the throat.                                                                                                 She swallows a mouthful slowly.                                                                                                      Shove -v/n- a strong push.                                                                                                                                    Police started pushing and shoving.                                                                                                Blurt - v - exclaim                                                                                                                                                 She wouldn't blurt out words she did not mean.                                                                            Tugged -v - twitch, tweak                                                                                                                                      She tugged off her boots.                                                                                                                 Frowned -v- scowl, lower                                                                                                                                    He frowned as he reread the letter.

Chapter 4 ( Thao)

2/ I see the first picture is the oven for baking bread and the second picture is Josefina’s kitchen . I compared wit my kitchen in my house and I think they are very different.

* Josefina kitchen : The kitchen is very simple, the oven for baking bread was made of terracotta, they leave it outside the kitchen, they used firewood or charcoal for cooking. I think cooking pots were made from terracotta. They did not have much cooking utensils in the kitchen, the kitchen was not beautiful and it wasn’t neat . They did not have tables or chairs in the kitchen.

* My kitchen :  My kitchen is not only for cooking but also a place to decorate beautiful. My kitchen has many cooking utensils, we use electricity or gas to cook, my kitchen is more modern and beautiful, it is neat. We have table and chairs in the kitchen.

My opinion, I think the similar is there, we both use the kitchen as a place to cook meals for family, the kitchen is also where the family eat together.


* 5 new words ( chapter 4)
1. tune ( noun) quality of sound , tone.
 She sang in tune
2. orchard ( noun) nut trees, a planing of fruit trees.
There is a lovely big garden with an orchard.
3. protect ( verb) to save, to keep.
He keeps her jewely protected in safe.
4. surround ( noun) a border, encircle.
The ring has tone surrounded by silver.
5. husk ( verb) a carob pod, hull ( dry layer that covers some seeds)
She picked up an ear of corn and peeled the husk slowly.

Chapter 4 (Thao)

Chapter 4 Claudia Flores

In this chapter I learned about what important is for the daugther s feel to love their mother. Although  tia Dolores they felt comforted. For all sisters tia Dolores is a beautiful person. She is very nice and kind. She taught and helped her nieces in their activities. Tia Dolores is very sensible. All sisters really love her.
EXAMPLES:

* Tia Dolores was interested in everything.
* Tia Dolores was a good teacher.
* Tia Dolores is a vey sensible, hardworking person.

EAGER.- Wanting  very much  todo or have something , especially  something  interesting or enjoyable.

* I'm eager to see the results.

PERHAPS.- Used to show that something is possible or that you are not certain about something.

* Perhaps the most important question has not been  asked.

WEAVING.- To make cloth by repeatedly crossing a single thread.

* This type of wool is woven into fabric.

HARDLY.- Only just.

The party has hardly started  when she left.

INDEED.- Used to add some extra information that develops or supports something you have just said.
* I am happy, indeed proud, to be associated with this project.

My dear students!

Thanks for a very meaningful discussion here on Blogger! Your opinion is valuable and I agree with a lot of your posts and comments. Please continue reading and discussing this book.


Chapter Four          Your posts are due by April 16


Choose one question and respond to it in a form of a paragraph of minimum 10 complete sentences. Include the list of 5 new words and their meaning. 



1. From what you have learned in Chapter 4, how would you describe Tia Dolores' personality? What is she like? Give examples from the chapter.


























2. The first picture is of the oven for baking bread. The second picture is Josefina's kitchen. Compare it with the kitchen in your house. What is different? Is there anything similar? How would you personally prefer to cook and bake? 


3. Have we learned anything new about Josefina and her older sisters in this chapter? If so, what? Which sister do you like most of all? Least of all? Why? Use examples from the story.



4. This is the end of book one in a series of 6 books. What do you predict will happen in the rest of the story? 


Don't forget to include your VOCABULARY!


ATTENTION: when posting a comment, please click on the "comment" button under my post and post your paragraph and vocabulary list there. 

By April 19, please  read all your classmates' posts, choose two and write a meaningful comment about each!

Have fun with it! I am looking forward to reading your posts!

Your devoted reader, 
Natalia

Josefina - chapter 3

 In this chapter, Josefina deals with the stubborn and mean goat Florecita. She learns how to handle the animal. She was so angry she forgot to be afraid of Florecita. She prepared a gift for her aunt Tia Dolores. One by one, she picked all the freshest and brightest-colored flowers from her mom’s garden  in the back courtyard. She put them in the water jar. She wanted the beautiful flowers to be a surprise for Tia Dolores and everyone. The goat Florecita had ruined everything. The goat ate the flower and destroyed Mama’s garden.
# 5 new words:
1/ Silk (N): fine, strong, soft fiber produced by silkworms to make thread and fabric.
    Ex: A silk shirt.
2/ Neatly (adv): methodically, systematically, smartly.
    Ex: neatly folded shirts.
3/ Suit (v): to be convenient for or acceptable to.
    Ex:   He lied whenever it suited him.
4/ Admire (v): approve of, respect, think highly of...
    Ex: I admire your courage.
5/ Fornal (adj): done in accordance with rules of convention.
    Ex: A formal dinner party.

A gift for tia Dolores

This chapter is about the fandango, the bouquet for tia Dolores and the flowers of mama. Josefina was so happy for the piano that she made a bouquet from mamas garden. Josefina was waiting for the perfect moment to give to her, but she didn't find it. Florecta ate them all, so she was so mad that she forgot that she was afraid of her. Nonetheless,Tia Dolores make her happy again.They planned to wash the blue silk hair ribbon, and plant more flowers in mamas garden.

Different between Josefina’s childhood and today kid’s childhood                                                    

Josefina’s childhood was different from the childhood kids have today in the United States and my country too. Today kid has lots of toys, computer game, and many things. They are going to school on a school bus or their own car. They are going to a supermarket and buy whatever they want. But I think, they don’t understand how important thing they found available today. Also, they have electricity, air-condition, washing mashing etc. But Josefina’s time, they have none and they work so hard. If I were a child, I would rather live in now, because today's life is easier than before. I am lucky because I found everything available. 

Chapter 3 - A gift for Tia Dolores ( MAI )

Tia Dolores was a good listener, she sat still and gave Josefina her full attention. Josefina wants to

give Tia Dolores some flower but " there is nothing left " it make Josefina bored, Tia Dolores said: "

Don't worry, your mama planted these flower well. The roots are deep and strong. You're kept them

healthy by watering the soil. They'll live, I promise ".

I have learned from this chapter, How to respect for somebody as Josefina always respects for older

people. She usually thinks positive things and forgives to one another people.



5 NEW WORDS

- Fidgeted (Noun) To move about restlessly, nervous
Example: Sometimes, she has the fidgets.

- Adjustment (Noun)The act of making something different
Example: Adjustments in the exchange rates.

- Courage(Noun) Quality of having a brave heart
Example: I didn't have the courage to tell him.

- Candlelight(Noun) The light provided a burning candle
Example: Candlelight is too bright.

- Ruined (Noun) Destroyed, Spoiled
Example: He disappointed to the ruin of one's hope.

Chapter 3:  A Gift For Tía Dolores. ( Thao)


1/ In this chapter, Josefina deals with stubbom and mean goat Florecita. As she learn how to handle the animal. Josefina learned about courage. She was afraid of goat but she’ll brave sit on its back. Josefina learned forgiveness and hope. Josefina forgave the goat and hopefuly the seeds will grow up a lot of  pretty flower. She thought that forgiveness would made her happier. Angry would made her unhappy also made goat scared.
     Josefina listened to the advice and encourge of her father. She has more positive and her thoughts made her father was surprised . He was glad because Josefina had grew up in positive thought.

*** New words:

1/ narrow - adj - limitary.
 He goes to the narrow road.
2/ shadow - verb - mirage, dark.
We sit in the shadow.
3/ grin - verb - beam, smile broadly.
She grins at her husband.
4/ trample - verb - walk over.
My son trampled on my foot.
5/ satisfy - verb - well pleased, happy.
We should satisfied with our successes.

Chapter 3 (A gift for Tia Dolores)- Syeda Akter

I learn from this chapter, how to respect an older person and love them. Josefina wants to give some flower to Tia Dolores because she loves her. When she laughs Josefina feels her mama  is laughing. Tia Dolores respectful, helpful and beautiful person. So I chose Tia Dolores chararacter and want to be like Tia Dolores. She listens to little kids, what they want to tell her and what's their problems, than solves the problems.
Sometimes, animals did a bad thing, because they don't understand it's bad. We should teach them how to be obident and love them.




5 new words:

Stiff- adj- heavy, punishing
They face stiff fines and a possible jail sentence.

Fidgeted- verb- be agitated,move restlessly
The audience began to fidget.

Admire- verb - reapect
I admire your courage.

Scrawny- adj - skinny , size-zero
Scrawny teenage girls addicted to dieting.

Knelt - verb - fall to one's knees
They knelt to pray.

Barely- adverb- hardly, scarcely
She nodded, barely able to speak.

Flute-noun- ridded
A roof supported by fluted columns.

Lurch-verb- stagger, wobble
 The car lurched forward.

Stripe- noun -line, band
Her body was striped with bands of sunlight.

Shiver- verb - shake, tremor
He was shivering with fear.

Josefina's Book

The childhood between the United States and Mexico ( my country) are very different. It is so many factors. For example, the electronics is the one that influences more. In the USA the children's spend more time in video games because parents have to spend more time in the workplace, so it is the cheaper way to keep them busy. In contrast, in Mexico, many children's do not have access to electronics or video games because parents can not afford it, so the outdoor games are the only choice for some children's.
If I have to choose between Josefina's time and my. I will choose Josefina's.However, at that time everything was more peaceful, and people enjoyed more nature. Also, at that time people had more time to share with the family, like Josefina and her sisters. They enjoyed abuelito, tia Dolores and their dad, and of course the beauty of the flowers like florecita.

Dear students!

You have done a fantastic job expressing your opinions and comparing Josefina's childhood in New Mexico in 1824 and the life kids have today. I am really enjoying reading your posts and comments.  In some cases there is very little in common! And some of you find a lot of similarities! And that makes it even more interesting to continue reading, learning new ideas and comparing such different ways of life. 
Now it is time to continue reading our book. 


CHAPTER 3   Your posts are due by March 30  (80 points)

Now, that you have started reading Chapter 3, A Gift for Tia Dolores, there are a few new questions for you to consider. 

Choose one of the questions and answer it in a paragraph of 8-10 sentences. Please mind your grammar! 

1. In this chapter, Josefina deals with the stubborn and mean goat Florecita. As she learns how to handle the animal, what did Josefina learn about herself ?

2. What can we infer* about the traits of Tia Dolores from Chapter 3? What kind of person is she? Support your answer with examples from the text. (for help about inferences see * below)


3. The lesson I learned from this chapter is....... 

4. If you had been one of the main characters in the story, would you have acted differently? Why? Or why not?


VOCABULARY Also, along with your answer, please write five (5) new words that you have learned in the chapter and their meaning. (10 points)


By April 1, please read all your classmates' posts, pick 2 and write your comments. If you agree or disagree with your classmate, write why. Make the comments interesting and meaningful! (10 points)


* INFERENCE

TEXT CLUES     +         SCHEMA                    =         INFERENCE
The words                   Your background                        Infer what the author 
 you read                     knowledge and life                    means by "reading
 and the hints               experiences                              between the lines"
 the author                                       
gives you
 


Here you can find some helpful adjectives that you can use to describe characters:

You have been doing great! Keep the great work up!
HAPPY BLOGGING!

Natalia

Chapter 2 of Josefina’s story - Thy

After reading chapter 2 of Josefina's story, I like to live the life today for my children than Josefina's childhood life.
Nowadays, people have televisions to watch things happen around the world; buses for kids going to school; with high technology our life is getting better each day. And my son do not have to wash clothes by their hands.

Josefina Chapter 2 ( Abuelito's surprise ) __ Mai

              Josefina's childhood was different from the childhood kids have today in your country

Nowadays, In my country, Children's are belong to technology too much. Nowadays, They always have iPad, cellphone in their hands. However, Josefina's childhood plays folk games.  At that time Josefina has a lot of fun on the ranch with her family. She helps her family to do something.  She is an innocent girl, Josefina is really like to hear piano music. Abuelito said that " The girls and I have never seen or heard a piano".

If I were I child, I would rather live in Josefina time. Because at that time, her life is very peaceful. I want to see the rancho and activities of her family. In my opinion, the Rancho is an amazing place. The countryside which has ancient activities such as laundry. But now in a big city, we do not have anymore. 

   New words : 

. grinned ( adj ) - a wide smile.

. bashfully ( adv ) - in a shy manner.

. eagerly ( adv) with a great deal of enthusiasm, wanting. 

. gourd ( noun ) A melon, pumpkin, squash, or some similar fruit having a hard rind.

. fierce ( adj ) very strong or violent

Chapter 2 ( 5 new words) . Thao

1. tremulously  (adj) : shaking slightly especially because of nervousness, weakness or illness.
2. Shimmer ( verb) : to shine with a soft tremulous or fitful light.
3. Courtyard ( noun) : an open space that is surrounded completely or partly by a building or group of buildings 
4. Fandango ( noun): fast Spanish dance
5. Sizzle ( verb) : to be very exciting, romanti

Josefina _ Chapter2 ( Abuelito's Surprise) . Thao

Josefina's childhood was different from the a childhood kids today in my country :

(In my opinion), about the school, Josefina's
childhood  has been lightweight program, had plenty of time to help patents and have fun so life skills and communication were higher ( Ana said with Josefina " Now please go to the kitchen garden and get me some onions"  or Francisca and Clara were helping cooking tortillas). Today's children in my country many study programs not enough time to help parents and have fun so life skills and communication are low.
  About the games and toys
Josefina's childhood play the folk games were freed and creative. Today's kids love watching video games on ipad, Tivi and buying game is expensive.

If  I was a child I would rather live in Josefina's time. My opinion is that the Rancho farm life is healthier than City life because people from the countryside communicate more, enjoy family dinners, enjoy outdoor walks and games. The City has technology that lamentably separate people sometimes.

Reading 2 Thao

Hi everyone :)

Dear students,

Welcome to our class blog! Here we are going to share our thoughts and ideas about what we read. Writing about your ideas will help you improve your English and boost your confidence!


 

 Chapter 2


        Josefina Montoya, the main character of our book, lived in 1824 on a rancho in New Mexico. These pictures are of the El Rancho de las Golondrinas (the book illustrations are based on this rancho) that is located not far from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Josefina's lived in a place very similar to this.


























 



 1.  Read chapter 2 of the book and write one paragraph (8--10 sentences) about how her childhood was different from the childhood kids have today in your country or in the United States. Include examples from the chapter.

If you were a child, would you rather live in Josefina's time or now? (80 points)

2. Choose five (5) new words that you find useful and include them and their meanings. (10 points)

This should be uploaded by March7. To do so, please scroll down the page and post them in the "COMMENTS" window.

3. Then read all posts of your classmates, choose two and write one comment for each post (the total of two). (10 points)
Your posts should be meaningful, not just "this is great!". If you like your classmate's post, explain why or what you like about it. Remember: have fun, but do not forget to respect other people's opinions and be polite! I hope we will have an interesting discussion!

 Your comments are due by March 11.


If you have questions, please email them to natalia.s.dovzak@lonestar.edu

Happy blogging!

Cheers,

Natalia