How to Learn English…Quickly

                Do you know how to learn English quickly? I do, and here are the instructions:

1.       Always listen to your teachers.

2.       Do your best on your homework and class work.

3.       Speak only English (my advice is to hang-out with American kids (if you’re a kid) and make them your best friends).

4.       Try to be like American person.

5.       Use a dictionary if you need it.

6.       Try to stay away from your country-mates. That way you won’t speak your home language.

7.       SMILE and HAVE FUN!

I am in ESL Writing

On March 19-23, 2012, at Ojai Valley School we learned about poetry. I loved it, because I used to try to write it with my mom. In fact, we learned a lot of new vocabulary in ESL Writing with Mrs. Cassidy and Mrs. Andrews. For example, I never knew that poetry is just another way of writing that been written in a more fancy way. However there is one thing that I hate to; do- group work. It is important to do, but I never got along with other people and I probably won’t. but because I like to write poetry, it’s fine. In addition I will show you one of my poems. It is a cinquane. I hope you enjoy it!

Desert

Sunny, sandy

Dying, hardly-living, drying

In the middle of nowhere

Emptiness

Class Hikes

On January 27, 2012, the OVS seventh graders went to Rose Valley for a hike. It has been a tradition at Ojai Valley School for 100 years,-since the school was built. In the morning, we got on the bus. We all had to squish in there because two other classes went with us. However, it was a great ride, a great hike, and an amazing trip back home; even though we had to wait for about 30 minutes for the bus to come.

          When Mrs. Scott awoke all the dormers, I just got up rapidly to brush my teeth and do my crew job, so I could check everything in my daypack and fill up two water bottles. After breakfast, I took my stuff to make a lunch. In about 8:30 we got on the bus and left the school. During the ride, we made silly jokes and sang some songs. When we went through some tunnels, some little kids screamed. Soon, the Sevies got to Rose Valley around 9:00 o’clock.

          After we took a picture, we went up the hill. Mr. Gatrell warned us about a bug that can stick its head in your skin and drink your blood. Luckily, I was wearing long pants and jacket, so I didn’t got any. We saw many beautiful views on our way, like mountains ranges, lakes, and even Ventura when we were on the big hill. It was very windy up there! When we traveled farther, we took a little break and during this break, I had very fun time putting little rocks on my friend’s head and in his shirt. Unfortunately when he stood up, all the rocks fell out. By the end of the hike, we saw a lot of avocado trees. Finally, we got to the road where the bus was supposed to come. The Sevies waited for 30 minutes for the bus, and during this time, we threw tiny rocks at each other.

          It was a terrible 30 minutes because I wanted to go to the bathroom so badly and there was nowhere to go. When the bus arrived, we shoved our “tickets” (two empty water bottles) and exhaustedly dropped ourselves on the soft seat. Unfortunately, we had to squish again because the bus was too small. We were so happy to be there. At the end, we had cold soda, but I didn’t drink it until I took a shower. After I did everything, I just lay on my bed and slept. The next day I found out that my legs and my back hurt, and it’s not the best feeling when there is play practice.

          My favorite part was putting rocks on friend’s head. It was very fun, and even Mr. Gatrell took a picture of it. Also I had a good time listening to the kids on the first ride, having a challenging hike, and a nice ride home. Even though my body was hurting for a couple of days, I still liked this hike because it’s just nice to be outside. Honestly, I liked any trips we can go. Hiking is a very good activity.

Shrovetide

At the end of the February till beginning of March, Russians celebrate, the Shrovetide. It’s the Slavic holyday a week before Lent. We cook pancakes and crops, we ride sledges, and lastly, we burn a scarecrow.

            First of all, we cook pancakes and crops that symbolize the Sun. this part is actually about the Lent. The monks and people who believed in Gog so much eat those pancakes with syrup, sugars or whatever for a week and after that, they stop eating any kind of animal products for the whole forty days! That’s a lot isn’t?

            During the Shrovetide, children enjoy the last days of winter by riding the Sledges downhill. All kids love doing that together, but as you may know, I am not a friendly person and my family does not do that sort of thing. But once, we went somewhere and I rode my sledge all day. I remember that it was fun until you fell down and hurt yourself. But it’s okay. Most kids who fell went up the hill and rode again. Some of them rode without any sledges.

            Finally, at the end of the party we burn the scarecrow that is dressed up as an old woman. This ‘woman’ symbolizes winter. When all the people come and watch, the lucky person carefully puts a little fire to burn it. During the time when the ‘winter’ is burning, people sing. Some children go to ride the sledges again. When it finally burns, people slowly go home.

            The conclusion is I like the Shrovetide holyday! My Grandmother cooks the best crops ever every holyday. Riding the sledges is fun when you’re the kid, but not really when you grew up. For some people the burning part is the best. I don’t really understand why. Maybe it is fun for them watching the scarecrow burning.