happiness is a fortune cookie questions - pbworks

NameMonday, September 13

Happiness is a Fortune CookieBy Colleen Messina

Fortune cookies started in a strangeway. Long ago, the Chinese peoplehad a problem. The Mongols tookover China! The Chinese didn't likethis one bit. They came up with aplan. They used a tiny baked cake.This cake was the ancestor of themodern fortune cookie.

A man named Chu Yuan Changhad the idea first. He wanted to getrid of the Mongols. He had to figureout how to alert everyone about hisplan. Many Mongol soldiers walked around. Talking about his planwas impossible.

The Mongols didn't like the lotus nut paste that the Chinese used intheir Moon Cakes. Moon Cakes were passed out during the MoonFestival. Chu Yuan stuffed a little message into the Moon Cakesinstead of lotus nut paste. The message explained his plan. SinceMongols didn't like Moon Cakes, it was a secret way to alerteveryone.

Chu Yuan Chang dressed like a Taoist priest. He filled a basket withyummy Moon Cakes. He walked around the cities. He handed outcakes. Soon many Chinese knew of his plan. They would overthrowthe Mongols!

At exactly the right moment, the Chinese people rose up. TheMongols were kicked out. The Chinese Ming Dynasty began. It allhappened because of a little cake! Thus, the custom of giving cookieswith messages in them began.

Moon Cakes didn't look like the fortune cookies you eat today. Theidea changed a little in the United States. The tradition of givingfortunes in cookies started with railroad workers. They were in theSierra Nevada, and they had a hard life. They only had hard biscuits to

eat!

For the Moon festival, they stuck little messages in the biscuits as aspecial treat. The messages told them happy things. They were called"fortunes." This simple treat gave them great happiness! After therailroad was done, the Chinese moved to San Francisco. SomeChinese people started restaurants. They served fortune cookies aftereach meal.

Fortune cookies were first made by hand. By 1964, fortune cookieswere made in factories. The next time you eat at a Chinese restaurant,remember the railroad workers. They thought that happiness was afortune cookie!

Happiness is a Fortune Cookie

Questions

1. Who first put messages in little cakes?

A. King TutB. Woodrow WilsonC. Alexander the GreatD. Chu Yuan Chang

2. Which people in the United States first enjoyed fortunecookies?

A. politiciansB. railroad workersC. librariansD. teachers

3. What was the name of the first version of a fortune cookie?

A. Moon CakesB. Imperial PancakesC. Good Luck cakesD. Ming Muffins

NameMonday, September 13

4. Who did the Chinese overthrow by passing messages in MoonCakes?

A. MongolsB. RomansC. IndiansD. Japanese

5. Where were the workers building a railroad in the UnitedStates?

A. ArizonaB. New MexicoC. New YorkD. the Sierra Nevada

6. Where did the Chinese workers move after building therailroad?

A. San FranciscoB. DenverC. San DiegoD. Los Angeles

7. Where do people commonly get fortune cookies?

A. fortune teller boothsB. collegesC. restaurantsD. farmer's markets

8. When did fortune cookie production begin in large quantitiesin factories?

A. 1904B. 1934C. 1834D. 1964

The Chinese brilliantly used messages in Moon Cakes to plan theirrevolution. Can you think of another way that they could havecoordinated their plans without alerting the Mongols?

NameTuesday, September 14

Journal Entry, First Day of 6th GradeBy Brenda B. Covert

Dear Me,

I'm so glad this day is over. Mom'sfavorite saying is, "Whatever you docomes back to you." I hate it when shesays that, and I'm simply mortified thattoday it proved to be true.

I thought about skipping today's entry inmy journal, but maybe if I write about it,I'll remember never again to behave as Idid a year ago. What I did last year came back to haunt me today. Iwant to climb the highest building in town and shout, "It's not FAIR!!!Why ME???" In my heart, though, I know I deserved it, though Ididn't enjoy it. The Golden Rule tells us to treat others the way wewant to be treated. Today I was treated as I had treated others lastyear.

I'll start at the beginning - the first day of 5th grade. Me and my girls,Natasha and Ashley, looked fabulous. After poring over fashionmagazines and shopping at the mall, we got the perfectfirst-day-of-school outfits and trendy accessories. We could have beenmistaken for a hot, new, girl band - that's how good we looked. I'vegot the photo to prove it! We walked into school that day withATTITUDE. Why did I think it was necessary to ridicule ourclassmates who weren't as well-dressed? I laughed then, but now I'mashamed. I said outrageously mean things about some less popularclassmates. I didn't care whose feelings got hurt, as long as I was thecenter of attention. I felt like a diva and acted like one too!

Today I was the center of attention again, but for all the wrongreasons.

It all started when Mom and Dad split up after school let out for thesummer. I knew they were having problems, but I never dreamed that

they would give up on each other! Suddenly my life was utter chaos.Mom and I moved to an apartment. Although Dad was paying childsupport, our standard of living dropped. No matter what I asked for,Mom would say, "We don't have the money. We don't have themoney." It was a long, boring summer. Guess what she said aboutbuying first-day-of-school clothes! "We don't have the money."

She wouldn't even let me get the trendy notebooks! No, I was stuckwith cheap, generic school supplies packed in last year's book bag.She said my spring clothes still fit and that I'd look fine wearing them.I was even doomed to wear old shoes. I called Dad to complain, butmy pleas didn't impress him, either. How unfair is that?

Long story made short - I went to school looking ordinary. My tanktop had shrunk a bit, so my midriff was showing. That's stylish, right?Unfortunately, my school has a new dress code. Before any of myclassmates could tease me about wearing old clothes, Miss Swannhauled me to the principal's office and made me wear the ugliestT-shirt ever made. It hung to my knees! As if that weren't humiliatingenough, all the kids were snickering at me, even Natasha and Ashley.They had gone to the mall - without me - and bought the hottestoutfits of the season. The kids I'd teased last year seemed to take greatdelight in pointing fingers at me. It was pay-back time for sure.

While I don't hold out hope that tomorrow will be better, I have aplan anyway. Perhaps if I wear a smile and act like the teasing doesn'tbother me, the others will lose interest.

Sadder but wiser,B. B. Lansing


Journal Entry, First Day of 6th Grade

Questions

1. B. B.'s mother often says, "Whatever you do comes back toyou." How would you say that in your own words?

2. In the 3rd paragraph, the sentence that begins, "Me and mygirls," is grammatically incorrect. Rewrite it so that it isgrammatically correct.

3. Which of the following statements is the main idea in thisstory?

A. If you aren't kind to others, others won't be kind to you.B. If you don't follow the dress code, you'll be forced to

wear something tacky.C. This is what the first day of school is like.D. Our parents should spend more money on back-to-school

clothing and supplies.

4. Which of the following statements is not true?

A. B. B. was embarrassed to wear the school's T-shirt overher clothes.

B. Mr. Lansing refused to give B. B. extra money for schoolclothes.

C. Mrs. Lansing allowed B. B. to get a trendy notebook.D. B. B. and her mother had less income after the separation.

5. B. B. boasted of looking like a ______ on the first day of 5thgrade.

A. Famous pop starB. Member of a girl bandC. DivaD. Cheerleader

6. How did B. B. feel about her best friends going to the mallwithout her?

A. She was furious.B. She didn't care.C. She felt abandoned.D. She felt disappointed.

7. The author uses the word "trendy" to describe the currentfashions. List some synonyms that mean trendy.

8. B. B. knew about the dress code when she chose to wear hermidriff-baring tank top to school. Why do you suppose shetook that chance?


Pam Plans a PicnicBy Patti Hutchison

Pam's phone rang at 10:00Saturday morning. "It'ssuch a nice day," herboyfriend Joe said, "let'shave a picnic."

"That sounds great," Pamsaid. "Where should wego?"

"Let's go to the park," Joereplied.

"Okay. Why don't you come over and help me get things together?"Pam asked.

"I'll be there in ten minutes," Joe told her.

While she was waiting for Joe, Pam began to plan the picnic. Whatkind of food should they have? It would be easier to have cold food.That way they wouldn't have to worry about keeping the hot food hot.They also wouldn't have to bring a barbecue grill to cook on. Sinceshe didn't have a long time to plan, Pam decided cold food would bebetter for this picnic.

"But what kind of cold food should they have?" Pam wondered. Shethought of sandwiches made from cold cuts and cheese. She began tolook in her refrigerator. Pam spied the leftover fried chicken. "Thatwill be perfect," Pam thought. "Fried chicken tastes good cold." Shethought about what she and Joe could have with it.

Pam thought potato salad sounded good. She found four largepotatoes. She also had eggs, onions, and celery. The salad dressing jarwas half full. She had everything she needed to make potato salad.Pam was getting excited. Joe had had such a good idea about having apicnic.

Pam put the potatoes and the eggs on the stove to boil. She cut up theonions and celery. Then she began looking for other things she couldbring to eat. Pam found a jar of pickles. She didn't want to bring theglass jar; she was afraid it would break while bouncing around in theback of Joe's truck. So she put some pickles in a plastic container. Shepoured some of the juice on them so they would stay moist. Then sheput a lid on the container.

Looking in her cupboard, Pam found a brownie mix. She thoughtbrownies would be perfect for dessert. It would only take her a minuteto mix them up. They could bake while she was waiting for thepotatoes to boil. Pam mixed the brownies, then put the batter in ametal pan. She put them in the oven to bake. She used a special metalpan that had a lid. Once the pan was cool, she could put the lid on it.That way she could carry the brownies safely, and they would becovered. She wouldn't have to go to the trouble of putting them in aseparate plastic container.

Soon, Joe arrived. He had brought leftover tossed salad he had in hisrefrigerator. He also had a bag of chips. "We can have these for asnack," he explained. "I also brought the Frisbee and my football," Joesaid. "We can toss them around."

"That's great!" Pam exclaimed. "This was a really good idea youhad." Pam told Joe about everything she was making.

"This will be a real feast," Joe said. "Can I help you with anything?"

"We'll need something to sit on," Pam said. "Can you get the picnicblanket out of the closet? And while you're there, get the picnicbasket, please."

Joe quickly brought the things Pam had asked for. Pam checked thepicnic basket. She kept it packed with paper plates and napkins. Shealso had forks, knives, and spoons. Satisfied that she had enough ofeach, she added some serving spoons. Then she went to get the coolerfrom the garage.

"It's very warm today," Pam explained. "We need to keep the foodcold so that it doesn't spoil. We can put some of the food in thecooler." Pam finished preparing all the food. Then she dumped someice in the bottom of the cooler. She put in the chicken, potato salad,tossed salad, and the pickles. These are the things she needed to keepcool.

Pam put the chips and brownies in the picnic basket. These things


didn't need to stay cold. "Oh, we almost forgot dressing for the tossedsalad," Pam said. She took a bottle of Italian dressing out of therefrigerator. She put it in the cooler. "Now, I think that's everything,"she told Joe.

Pam and Joe packed the back of his truck with all their picnic items.They drove to the park. They found a nice spot to sit next to the creekand have their picnic. They ate and played catch. After a while it wastime to go home.

Joe took Pam home. He helped her carry all the stuff into her house.They unpacked the cooler, putting the leftovers in the refrigerator.Soon, it was time for Joe to leave. "I had a really great time today,"Joe said. "You are a really great picnic planner, Pam!"

Pam Plans a Picnic

Questions

1. Why is it easier to have cold food instead of hot food at apicnic?

2. Name two cold foods you could bring on a picnic.

3. Why should you not take glass jars on your picnic?

4. Why do you have to put cold foods on ice in a cooler?

5. Name three things besides food that you should take on yourpicnic.

NameWednesday, September 15

The Life of Agatha ChristieBy Jennifer Kenny

Can you name someonefamous who was born onSeptember 15, 1890? If you area good detective, you might beable to figure it out. That's thebirth date of perhaps the world'sbest known mystery author -Agatha Christie.

Agatha was born to FrederickAlvah Miller and Clarissa Millerin Torquay, England. Her fatherpassed away when she was onlya child. Agatha was educated at home until she was sixteen yearsold. Part of her education at home included her mother'sencouragement to write even when Agatha was little. That effortcertainly paid off.

When Agatha reached the age of sixteen, she was sent to schoolin Paris. There she focused her studies on singing and piano.Agatha was actually an accomplished pianist. However, she wasvery shy and suffered from stage fright. Therefore, there appeared tobe no career for her in music.

In 1914, Agatha married Colonel Archibald Christie. He was anaviator in the Royal Flying Corps. Their daughter, Rosalind, wasborn in 1919.

In 1920, Agatha's first novel was published. It was called TheMysterious Affair at Styles. In this book, she introduced her mostfamous character, Hercule Poirot. He was the eccentric Belgiandetective that was present in thirty-three of her novels. As a tributeto this book, Agatha and her husband actually bought a house andnamed it Styles.

In 1926, Archie Christie announced he was in love with someoneelse. This broke up their marriage. They were divorced in 1928.

During World War I, Agatha worked in the Red Cross Hospital inTorquay. During World War II, she worked in the UniversityCollege Hospital in London. Providing services at these facilitiestaught Agatha Christie something. It gave her knowledge of poisonswhich she later used in many of her mystery novels. Later on,Agatha married her second husband, Sir Max Mallowan, anarchaeologist who was fourteen years younger than Agatha and whoexcavated in exotic places such as the Middle East. Agatha went onsome of his expeditions and was able to use some of these settings inher books as well, such as Murder in Mesopotamia.

Agatha Christie was known for her interesting settings based onher experience and complicated but possible plots, as well as famouscharacters. Her characters were usually well-to-do people with nicelifestyles until some problem, often money-related, led to murder.Who solves the cases? Perhaps the two most famous fictionaldetectives are characters in her books - Hercule Poirot and Miss JaneMarple. They always cleverly revealed the guilty party.

As mentioned before, Hercule Poirot was a Belgian detective inthe books. He had been a policeman before leaving Belgium due tothe German invasion. He had an assistant named Captain Hastings.He was eccentric but likable. He was described as short with anegg-shaped head, a waxed mustache, and small feet. He used logicaland rational methods to solve the cases. He liked to observe theenvironment, people, and objects closely. He always said his "littlegray cells" noticed patterns and helped him find the guilty party.

Miss Marple, on the other hand, was an elderly spinster. Shelived in the village of St. Mary Mead. She was a more classicEnglish character. She used different methods to solve the casesthan Hercule Poirot. She utilized her femininity to her benefit! Sheappeared in 12 novels starting in 1930.

Agatha wrote for more than fifty years of her life. Therefore, sheis considered a prolific author because she wrote 79 novels and shortstories as well as over 12 plays. Some of her best detective novelsinclude The Murder of Roger Acroyd, Murder on the Orient Express,and Death on the Nile. Her most famous play was probably TheMousetrap, which opened on November 25, 1952, in London. It hasthe distinct honor of being the longest continuously running playthere.

Agatha also wrote six romantic novels using a pseudonym, MaryWestmacott. She tried her hand at a few nonfiction books including


her autobiography and a recounting of some archeologicalexpeditions.

Agatha's novels were so well-received that many of them weremade into films. Have you ever seen Murder on the Orient Express,Witness for the Prosecution, And Then There Were None, or Deathon the Nile? These are all successful films based on her books.

In 1967, Agatha became president of the British Detection Club.In 1971, she received her country's biggest honor. She was made aDame of the British Empire. Agatha Christie died on January 12,1976.

This famous English detective-story-writer left quite a mark inthe mystery world. Her works have sold over one BILLION copiesin English. Another billion have been published in over 45 otherlanguages. That's an amazing result of such talented writing.

The Life of Agatha Christie

Questions

1. Agatha's parents were ______.

A. Hercule Poirot and Jean MarpleB. Frederick and Clarissa MillerC. Archie and Agatha ChristieD. None of the above

2. Which statement is true?

A. Agatha was only married once.B. Agatha was taught at home until she turned 16.C. Agatha died on September 15, 1890.D. Agatha was only educated at home.

3. What prevented Agatha from pursuing a career in music?

A. stage frightB. educationC. moneyD. talent

4. Agatha's second husband was ______.

A. a soldierB. a writerC. an archaeologistD. an aviator

5. What was the title of Agatha's first book?

A. Witness for the ProsecutionB. The Mysterious Affair at StylesC. Murder on The Orient ExpressD. Murder in Mesopotamia

6. Which fits the description of Hercule Poirot?

A. Belgian detectiveB. Short with egg-shaped headC. Logical and rationalD. All of the above

7. None of Agatha's books were made into films.

A. TrueB. False


Arlington National CemeteryBy Cathy Pearl

The land where Arlingtonis today was never meant tobe a cemetery. The landfirst belonged to the familyof George Washington. Hisadopted grandson wasGeorge Washington ParkeCustis. He started a largehouse on the land in 1802.It would be called ArlingtonHouse.

Arlington was the name ofa Custis family estate. It was an ancestral estate in Virginia. Georgeand his wife lived in the house that he built for the rest of their lives.

The only child of George and his wife was Mary Anna. She wouldmarry Robert E. Lee. This is the same man who would eventually leadthe Confederate Army during the Civil War.

Despite what many people think, Lee never owned Arlington. Theestate belonged to his wife. When she died, the estate was supposed togo to their oldest son.

Lee and Mary Anna lived in the house until 1861 when Virginiaseceded from the Union. Lee was worried about his wife. He wroteher a letter and asked her to get ready to leave.

In the house were many things that George Washington had owned orused. Lee urged his wife to take care of these things and then leave thehouse. Lee was sure the family would never live at the estate again.He told his wife to value the memories that they had of the place.

When taxes came due on the place, Mary Anna sent a representativeto pay them. The taxes were just under one hundred dollars. Thegovernment would not take the money. It said that Mary Anna had tocome in person and pay. By the time she heard, it was too late. The

property was taken by the federal government.

The government sold the property. The first man buried on theproperty was Private William Christman. It was 1864. Later that year,the land was commissioned as a cemetery. The first burials were donenear the rose gardens. This was to keep the Lee family from comingback to the land. It worked. Lee had been right when he said theywould never live there again.

Robert E. Lee and his wife never tried to get the land back. Theiroldest son took the government to court. In 1882, the court agreedwith their son and said the government had taken the land illegally. Itordered all the land returned to the Lee family. But by then there wereten thousand graves on the property. Congress bought the land for onehundred fifty thousand dollars.

Today, the cemetery is one of the most respected in the country.Millions of visitors come each year to honor the men and women whogave their lives in service of this country. There are more than300,000 people buried in the cemetery. There is an average oftwenty-eight funerals a day.

Many people important to this country are buried in the cemetery.President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated, is buried nearArlington House. His brother Robert, who was a senator, was alsoassassinated. He is buried near his brother.

Of the total number of Civil War dead in the cemetery, about fourthousand of them are nameless. No one knows who they are. Theywill instead be remembered for giving their lives during the war.

Arlington National Cemetery is an overwhelming site. It willcontinue to be an honored place in this country.


Arlington National Cemetery

Questions

1. Why did the government take the property from the Leefamily?

2. About how many people are buried in the cemetery today?

A. 300,000B. 100,000C. 200,000

3. How much did Congress pay to buy the land?

4. Who was the first man buried on the property?

A. George WashingtonB. William ChristmanC. Robert E. Lee

5. What assassinated president is buried at Arlington?

A. John F. KennedyB. George WashingtonC. Robert Kennedy

6. Arlington House belonged to Robert E. Lee.

A. FalseB. True

Was the government right to take Arlington House from the Leefamily? Why or why not?

NameThursday, September 16

Wendy's WorldBy Jane Runyon

Welcome to Wendy's World. Wendy likes lots of things. She likes toplay games. She likes to be with her friends. She even likes school.

Wendy's best friends live right next door. Tim and Tess are twins.They go to Wendy's school. They are in second grade. Wendy saysshe is much older and wiser. After all, Wendy is in third grade.

One day, the three friends made a magical discovery. They wereplaying a game at Wendy's house on a very rainy day. When Wendypicked up the dice, she looked out the window. "Oh, I wish this stormwould stop," she sighed. Suddenly, the rain stopped.

"Wow!" yelled Tim and Tess together. They always did thingstogether. "You made the rain stop with your wish. What else can youdo?"

"I don't know," Wendy answered. "Let's try again and see whathappens. What shall we wish for?"

"I want a puppy!" squealed Tess. "Can I please have a puppy?"

Wendy picked up the dice and squeezed them tightly. "I wish thatTess could have a new puppy."

The children looked at each other. They all waited for a puppy toappear in Tess's hands. Nothing happened. They waited for severalminutes. Still, nothing happened.

Disappointed, Tim and Tess decided to go home. When they openedthe door, they stopped in their tracks. On the porch, shivering and wet,was a puppy. He was black with a white spot on his chest. When hesaw the children, his tail began to wag. He waddled over to Tess. Heplopped himself down at her feet. He looked up at her and whimpereda puppy greeting.

"My puppy!" exclaimed Tess. "This has to be my puppy! Thank you,Wendy, thank you! He's just what I wanted." Tess bent down and

picked up the wriggly body. The puppy began to cover Tess's facewith watery licks. "I'm going to name him Stormy," decided Tess. "Hecame through a storm to find me."

Tess and Tim took Stormy home. Wendy sat down and started towonder. "I wonder what magic we have found. I wonder whatadventures we can have with this magic."

Maybe you would like to find out what adventures the three friendswill have. Join them each week for a new adventure.

Wendy's World

Questions

1. How did Wendy know Tim and Tess?

A. They were in the same class at school.B. They were neighbors.C. They were cousins.D. They were visiting Wendy's family.

2. What was special about Tim and Tess?

A. They were from another country.B. They were twins.C. They were magicians.D. They were babies.

3. What kind of weather was outside the house?

A. SunshineB. StormyC. SmogD. Snowy

4. Wendy's first wish was for a puppy.

A. FalseB. True


5. What does Wendy have to hold for the magic to work?

A. A magic lampB. A magic cardC. Magic diceD. A magic wand

6. Tess found her puppy on the front porch.

A. FalseB. True

7. What did Tess name her puppy? Why did she choose thisname?

8. What kinds of adventures do you think the children mighthave?

If you had one wish, what would you wish for?


Mexican Independence DayBy Brenda B. Covert

The Saucedos [saw-SAY-dohs] missedtheir hometown and old friends. However,their move to the U.S.A. represented theirresolve to hope and even struggle for abetter future. Because many Latinos hadsettled in the same area, they couldcontinue some of their favorite Mexicantraditions. It was the next best thing tobeing there!

One afternoon in early September, ElenaSaucedo came home from the tienda with a bag of groceries and aflyer. After setting the bag on the kitchen counter, she turned to hermother and her young daughter and said, "There is going to be aMexican Independence Day parade in town! Look at this!"

She showed them the bright orange flyer. Her mother, MargaritaGarcía, put a work-worn hand to her face as she read the notice, whichhad been printed in Spanish. Little Lupita wanted to see, too, andpointed at the graphics of flags, balloons, and sombreros.

Both Mexicans and Mexican-Americans celebrate MexicanIndependence Day each year on September 16. Much like our Fourthof July, this is the biggest day of the year for Mexico. Mexicanscelebrate the spirit of freedom and revolution that won themindependence from the 300-year, colonial rule of Spain in the 1800's,just as Americans celebrate the spirit of bravery and courage thatpropelled the colonists to a tax revolt and a war against Great Britain.

Life was difficult under Spanish rule. Citizens of "Nueva España"were mistreated and exposed to harsh conditions. They enduredepidemics that wiped out many people and a merciless workload thatfinished off even more of the population. In the early 1800's, whenNapoleon Bonaparte invaded Spain and declared his brother José theking, the natives of Mexico decided the time was ripe for revolt.Encouraged by the message of freedom spread by Frenchphilosophers and also the results of the American Revolutionary War,

they made plans to go to war.

Unfortunately, their secret plans were discovered and they had to actquickly. In the early hours of September 16, 1810, Father Hidalgo, aCatholic priest in the village of Dolores, rang the bell of his littlechurch and called everyone to fight for liberty. That moment's call of"Mexicanos, viva México!" is known as "el grito de Dolores." Thiswas the beginning of the Independence War, which lasted 10 years.Although Father Hidalgo was captured and executed a year later, whathe had started could not be stopped, and he is still revered as thefather of Mexican independence. Every year at midnight onSeptember 15, Mexicans shout the grito and remember their struggleto gain independence. The celebration continues throughout the dayand would not be complete without fireworks!

The news of the celebration brought tears of emotion to Mrs. García'seyes, as Elena had expected. Of the entire family, Margarita Garcíawas the one most homesick for her homeland. Lupita Saucedo had nomemory of Mexico and didn't understand her grandmother's reaction.

"Abuela, what's wrong?" she asked.

Mrs. García patted Lupita's head. "Nothing, mi nieta - mygranddaughter. Shall I tell you about the celebrations we had inMexico?"

As Mrs. García described the festivities, Lupita listened with raptattention. Elena began to prepare the evening meal, and her husband,Onesimo Saucedo arrived home from work. He strode into the kitchento greet his wife with a kiss and peer into the soup pot. Elena drew hisattention to her mother's reminisces, and they all stopped to listen toher recollections.

Everything was decorated in green, white, and red, the national colorsof Mexico. Many people donned typical Mexican dress, or at leastwore the national colors. The Mexican flag flew from nearly everyhouse and building, and beautiful lights were everywhere. Vendorssold flags, balloons, sombreros, and food! There would be Mexicanfinger food, candies, and punch. The punch, or ponche as it is called,was made from seasonal fruits such as guayabas, sugarcane, raisins,and apples.

Live Mariachi bands played for the enjoyment of the revelers. Therewere also photography stands. Lupita's abuela remembered taking herdaughter, Elena, to one of those and having her picture made astride awooden horse with a sombrero on her head! This annual fiesta was


enjoyed by people of all ages.

"We will go to the parade," Mrs. García said to her granddaughter."You will see for yourself our pride in our heritage."

"I wonder if I should get a flag," Onesimo said to his wife with awink.

"Oh, Papá! Please get a flag!" Lupita cried, jumping into his arms andkissing his cheek. "We're going to celebrate Mexican IndependenceDay right here in America!"

Mexican Independence Day

Questions

1. The word tienda appeared in the 2nd paragraph. Judging fromthe context in which it is used, I know it means:

A. StoreB. LibraryC. SchoolD. Church

2. The word abuela was used several times. What does abuelastand for?

A. Pet name for an old womanB. GrandmotherC. a given nameD. an expression of surprise

3. Put the feminine names in order from oldest to youngest.

A. Elena, Margarita, LupitaB. Margarita, Elena, LupitaC. Elena, Lupita, MargaritaD. Margarita, Lupita, Elena

4. How did Father Hidalgo start the Independence War?

A. He masterminded the plans for the revolution.B. He sounded the rallying cry for the revolt.C. He set off fireworks to arouse the people's fighting spirit.D. He led an army while posing as a priest.

5. Mexico fought for freedom from which country?

6. How many years did the Independence War last?

7. What is el grito de Dolores?

A. Dolores' recipe for a Southern dish.B. the Mexican Independence Day celebration.C. the cry of "Mexicanos, viva México!"D. Father Hidalgo.

8. How do people celebrate Mexican Independence Day?


9. Bonus Question: The bell that sounded the beginning of theIndependence War is kept in Mexico City and rung every yearto celebrate Mexican Independence Day. If you can name thebell used during the American Revolutionary War and itshometown, you get 5 bonus points!

Ana Maria and her family just moved to the United States fromMexico. Today is her first day in your school. She speaks only Spanishand you speak only English, but you want to be friendly. Tell how youwould get to know her.


Torn Apart and Back TogetherBy Jody Williams

Katie sat in school oneday. She heard her teachertalking about fractions, butshe was not reallylistening. She had otherthings on her mind. Shedid not want to be inschool, but she did notwant to be at home either.She did not quite knowwhere she wanted to be.

Katie's parents were not getting along. They had not been gettingalong for quite awhile. They did not fight when she was around, butthey did not talk either. They did not seem happy. At night, whenshe was trying to fall asleep, she heard them talking. It was morelike yelling. Last night she even heard the word divorce. Katie wasscared. She loved both of her parents.

Lucy's parents had divorced. Lucy was sad for a long time. Nowshe lives with her mom during the week and her dad on theweekends. Katie did not want to be away from her mom or her dad.She liked having her family in one house.

When Katie got home from school, her mom was on thetelephone. She was having a serious conversation. Katie got herselfa snack and sat down to do her homework just like she always did.When Katie's mom got off the telephone, she stood in the kitchenwith her back to Katie. She just stared out the window. Then shecame into the room where Katie was. Katie noticed her mom hadbeen crying.

Katie had always been able to talk to her mom about anything.This time, she did not know what to say. Katie finally said, "Areyou ok?" Her mom said that she was fine. She said that whenKatie's dad got home that they would talk about it more. Deep downKatie knew her life was about to change.

Dinner was very quiet that night. Katie's mom tried to ask aboutschool, but Katie knew that she was not truly listening. Finally Katiesaid, "What is going on?" Her parents looked at each other. Theyboth put their forks down and pushed their plates to the side.

Katie's parents explained that they were not happy being married.Katie's dad said that over the weekend he was moving to a differenthouse. Katie and her mom would stay in the house that she hadgrown up in. They said over and over again that they both lovedKatie and that would never change. Katie did not believe them. Ifthey loved her so much, they would not be doing this. She told themthat she wanted her family to live in the same house.

Katie ran upstairs to her room. She looked around wonderingwhat was going to happen to her. She felt angry. She felt sad. Thenshe did not know quite how to feel. She sat on her bed hugging herfavorite bear that she had since she was a baby. She was cryingwhen her parents came into her room. They put their arms aroundKatie and hugged her. It was a family hug. Katie could notremember the last time that happened. Katie felt so safe and warm.She did not want to feel anything else.

They sat like that for a few more minutes. When they broke apart,all of them had tears stains on their cheeks. Katie's parents at thesame time said, "We love you Katie."

Katie told them that she did not understand. They each explainedhow they were feeling. They explained that they felt like they wouldbe happier apart. They said they felt they would be better parents toher. They said that Katie deserved parents that were happy. Theytalked for quite awhile. Katie was able to ask questions. Her parentsanswered every question and told her again and again that they lovedher.

As Katie was getting ready for bed that night, her mom came intoher room. She was carrying some books. She told Katie that shehad found these books and thought Katie would enjoy them. Shealso gave Katie a journal.

Katie loved to read and write. Her dad was always readingsomething, and she knew that her mom wrote in a journal everynight. The books were about divorce. One of the books was writtenby someone the same age as Katie. Her mom suggested that sheread them. She said she would even read them with her if Katiewanted her to. The journal was beautiful. The cover was pink and


purple and had glitter that sparkled in the light. There were unicornsand stars printed on each page. Katie's mom explained that writingin a journal was a great way to express her feelings.

Before Katie went to sleep, she opened her journal and made herfirst entry.

Today my parents told me that they were getting divorced. I crieda lot. I don't want my family to be torn apart. I feel like they arebeing selfish. They are not thinking about me at all. Wait a minute,maybe they are. They said that I deserve parents that are happy.They told me over and over that they love me. They answered all ofmy questions and reassured me that they would always be therewhen I need them. They said that they would never miss my soccergames. They would always be at school events. I would have a newroom at my dad's house. Still, with all of those things, I still wishthey were going to stay married. I will write more tomorrow.

When Katie went to school the next day, she was sure thateveryone would know that her parents were splitting up. Herstomach felt a little nervous, and she was not sure she wanted towalk into her classroom. She slowly walked to the door and lookedin. It looked like a normal day. The teacher was busy writingmorning instructions on the board. The kids were getting organizedfor the day. Katie walked in and did the same.

Katie's teacher quietly leaned down and whispered in Katie's ear.She said, "I'm so glad to see you. Your mom called me this morning.Always know that we care about you. If you need anything, we arehere for you." Katie shook her head and smiled. She felt betterknowing that her teacher knew what was going on. Now she wouldnot have to pretend.

The days went on as usual. Katie's mom was home after schooljust as she always was. Katie's dad called her every night. She evenspent time at her dad's house. As time went on, it felt like her house,too. Her parents were right. They were happier. Katie enjoyedbeing with each of them. She still felt loved. She felt safe. Sheknew they were working hard to make that happen.

Torn Apart and Back Together

Questions

1. Why did Katie have trouble paying attention in school?

2. Before Katie talked to her parents, what did she know aboutdivorce?

3. What signs did Katie use to figure out that something waswrong with her mom?

A. She was having a serious conversation on the phone.B. She had her back to Katie.C. She looked like she had been crying.D. all of the above

4. How did Katie feel about the news that her parents shared withher?

A. angryB. sadC. both A and BD. neither A nor B


5. How did Katie's parents make her feel safe?

6. What reasons did Katie's parents give her for them getting adivorce?

7. What did Katie's mom give her to help her with her parents'divorce?

A. chocolate chip cookiesB. a teddy bearC. a new dressD. books and a journal

8. What discovery did Katie make while writing her first journalentry?

9. Why did Katie feel better knowing that her teacher knew abouther parents' divorce?

10. Katie immediately felt comfortable in her dad's new house andabout her parents' divorce.

A. falseB. true

happiness is a fortune cookie questions - pbworks

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