Does Spelling Drive You Crazy?

English spelling is hard!
American children study spelling for five years. It is not easy!
American adults use Spellcheck and other programs to help them with spelling.

If you want help with English spelling and reading, check out:
www.starfall.com

By the way, what does drive you crazy mean?
It is an idiom that means something makes you feel terrible, confused... crazy!

Don't let English spelling drive you crazy. Check out starfall.

USA Learns

Do you want more English practice?

Check out www.usalearns.org

U.S.A. Learns is a free Web site funded by the U.S. Department of Education to support immigrants who want to learn or improve their English skills as they become part of American society.

First English Course: a 20-unit, video-based beginner-level course
Second English Course: a 17-unit, video-based intermediate-level course
Practice English and Reading: 42 intermediate-level stories and activities

The introduction is available in English or Spanish.

Your Friend: The Public Library

Do you need a place to relax? To learn about the world? To take your children so that they can have happy and successful lives?

For free?

If you answered "yes," then I have good news. We have a place like that. It's called your local public library.

At the library, you can borrow books for you and your children, magazines, books in other languages, movies, music, and more. You can use a computer. You can bring your child to storytime. You can listen to speakers and watch special movies and programs. You can meet with friends and use a study room or study area to practice English or study for your Driver's exam or other tests. And at the San Mateo Public Library, you can even go to the cafe and drink coffee and eat pastries!

Public Libraries also have Distance Learning programs that you can borrow, including Crossroads Cafe.

You can learn more about the Peninsula Library System here: http://www.plsinfo.org/

The library has many branches. Check the website for the locations and hours.


San Mateo Public Library http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/dept/library/
650 – 522 – 7800 -- 55 West 3rd Avenue, San Mateo, CA, 94402
Mon & Tues: 12 to 9 pm *** Wed & Thurs: 10 am – 6 p *** Fri: 10 am to 5 pm *** Sat: 10 am – 5 pm *** Sun: 1 – 5 pm

San Bruno Public Library
701 Angus Ave W, San Bruno, CA 94066 (650) 616-7078
Mon-Thurs – 10 am – 9 pm *** Fri: 10 – 6 pm *** Sat: 10 – 5 pm *** Sun: closed

Foster City Library (650) 574-4842
Monday – Thursday 10 am – 9 pm, Friday 10 am – 6 pm, Sat 10 – 5 pm, Sun 1 – 5 pm
1000 E Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City

Burlingame Public Library 650 – 558 - 7400
480 Primrose Road, Burlingame, 94010 (near Burlingame Ave, not far from Caltrain)
Mon – Thurs 10 am – 9 pm, Friday 10 am – 7 pm
Saturday 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm

May 25 - Memorial Day - School Holiday

Monday, May 25th, is Memorial Day, and a school holiday.

The school will be closed on this day.

On Memorial Day, we honor and remember the people who died in the service of their country.

In the service of their country means when they were in the Armed Services - the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, etc.

You can click here to read and learn more about Memorial Day.

How Can You Learn English Faster?

Many students who come to Distance Learning are very busy. They have jobs, families, and many responsibilities.

Are you busy? Is it difficult for you to learn English?

How can you learn English faster?

When we give time to something it gets bigger.

I know! You don't have time!

So how can you use your time in a good way to learn faster?


Here are some ideas that can help:

1. Use a notebook or binder

2. When you watch the DVD at home, write down new words or idioms that you learn. If you are confused about something, write down a question for your teacher.

3. When you meet with your teacher, write down what you learn. Corrections, new words, grammar information - write it down!

Why should you write everything down?

When we use our bodies we remember things better. We use our arms and hands to write. Using our arms and hands helps us remember.

4. Once a week, look at your notebook. Review the material.

Why should you review the material?

When we look at or use something again and again, we remember it better.

Do you remember tv commercials that you see over and over and over? Yes! You must study English like it is a tv commercial. Watch it over and over.

5. Think about how you learn. Do you learn by listening? By watching? By speaking? By reading? Everyone is different. Everyone has a best way. Talk to your teacher about how you learn. Ask your teacher for advice about learning English the best way for you.

Be smart. Use your time in a strong and good way to learn English faster.