Hello, Friends.
I am always amazed when May gets here and we are wrapping up our year. This year we are becoming comfortable with seeing each other in person and getting out there and celebrating life. We have moved into a very busy time of the year and it seems that people are trying to make up for the lost time when we couldn't get together during COVID.
We are looking forward to a great summer as we wrap up this year of learning. Just because our classes are wrapping up, it does not mean that learning stops. Keep working and adding to what we did this year!
In America and Elsewhere
Mother's Day is May 12 in the United States. Celebrate the moms in your life with cards, flowers, and favorite gifts. Mother's Day is a time to recognize all the moms in your life.
Flying Flags
Flags are important decorations as well as symbols of allegiance. In the United States, people fly all kinds of flags to show fandom or support or to convey a message or celebration. National flags play an important part in community identity. Old Glory can signify national holidays or mourning. When flown a specific way it can signify distress and a need for help.
U.S. Flag Code Etiquette, Rules, and Guidelines - Old Farmer's Almanac provides friendly conventional and official wisdom for flying the Stars and Stripes
Etiquette - National Flag Foundation has more information about how and when to fly the American flag as well as its care and maintenance.
Tweaking English
When you sit, relax and let your mind run free, you are really working hard! Who know that these lapses of inattention were super productive? 15 Reasons Why Daydreamers are Better Learners explains the science and advantages of spacing out and watching the clouds.
Meetings and Classes
American Sign Language: Tuesday, 5:00-6:00 PM EST (UTC -5), Zoom
We ended our classes for the year. Thank you, Scott for leading and teaching us so much! See you in the fall!
International Bible Study: Monday, 8:00-9:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
We met and talked about Genesis 4 - 5. Genesis 4: 3-7 describes how Cain brought an offering that was not sincere and how Abel brought an offering to God that was the best of his work. We talked about what was it that made Cain's offering less acceptable. We were amazed that God continued to bless and protect Cain even though he killed his brother. Abel established cities and lived to have more children. God protected Cain from attacks from other people.
May 6 at 8:30: Read Genesis 6-9 the story of Noah's ark and Psalm 17 for our discussion.
American English and Culture: Thursday, 9:00-11:00 AM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
We met in person for our last official, in-person meeting. This year's pizza party included open mic for everyone to share their songs or poetry. The results were absolutely moving and entertaining. Contact Carolyn for a copy of the book. She also is compiling the pictures. If you have any to add, please email them to her.
You can advance you skills on the world stage! Poetry and Lyric Challenge ended for this year, but there is always next year.
May 9: Please join us for our last meeting to review the year and provide feedback and suggestions. A copy of the year summary is available on the Handouts Page and was emailed to everyone who signed up for classes this year.
Kids' Conversation and More: Friday, 5:30-6:00 PM EST (UTC-5), Zoom
We had a fast and furious discussion about pop culture. We found out that manga and anime come from Japan. We noticed that pop culture can include food (and particular brands like Coke, KFC, McDonalds to name a few), music and music genre and stars, clothing. Sushi and ramen are both pop culture foods in the United States. It is fun to notice what is trending in other countries and cultures.
May 10: Happy Mother's Day! Write a tribute to your Mother and share it with our group.
Words and Phrases
fast and furious: a reference to a pop movie; we were Zooming and driving.
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