Ice Hiking

One of my favorite things to do in the winter is ice hiking, but it can be very dangerous. When one goes ice hiking it is very cold outside, the mountains are covered in snow and ice. The ice is very slippery. One could fall off a cliff or into a stream. Another thing that could happen is that one's foot could break through the ice. Because of these dangers there are certain things one should wear to stay safe. 

If you want to ice hike, you need to dress in layers. Make sure you also wear winter essentials like hats, scarfs, and gloves. For shoes, you should wear either snow boots or waterproof hiking boots. You are going to also want ice-clamps to attach to the bottom of your shoes, so that the spikes can keep you grounded. I also like to bring a walking stick, because it helps you keep your balance on the slippery ice. 

Ice hiking can be really fun. You get to see nature in a new way. When everything is all frozen I feel like I am walking in a winter wonderland. You boys and girls should try it sometime! Just make sure if you do, that you have a parent with you, and you wear the proper clothes. Also, NEVER ice hike at night. 

Vocabulary 
Ice Hiking- hiking up iced over hills, mountains, or trails.
Slippery- when the floor is wet, makes you slide, and you can fall.
Cliff- the side of a hill or mountain with a straight drop down.
Stream- like a small river of flowing water.
Layers- wearing clothes on top of clothes to stay warm.
Snow boots- boots that are made for the snow.
Waterproof- does not let water get inside.
Ice-clamps- spikes that you clip onto your shoes that dig into the ice so you don't fall.
Grounded- secure on the ground and safe from falling.
Walking stick- a stick with a grip for your hands, and a point at the bottom to dig into dirt or ice. It helps one walk while hiking.
Proper- the right kind.

Vocabulary Practice
Directions- Label each picture with the right word from above.

Grammar Point: Adjectives

Adjectives are words that help to describe a noun. 

For example: Brown, sweet, cinnamon, hot, flavorful, tasty. 

Grammar Practice

Directions- Write as many adjectives you can to describe the snowman. 

Desires of the Heart

I don't know about you guys, but when the new year roles around I start reflecting on the desires of my heart. You may be asking what this means. Well, what does your heart want the most? Sometimes these things are tangible but other times these things help develop our character instead. Most of the time we want a little of both. One of the things that is the most important to me is teaching all of you. Therefore, one of the desires of my heart is to be a more focused teacher. Sometimes things that happen out of school can overwhelm me, just like they do to all of you. This sometimes keeps me from being my best as a teacher, so I want to be more focused so that I can pay all of my attention on creating fun, challenging, and rewarding lessons for all of you. I also want to be focused so I can be aware of how my students are doing: their strengths, weaknesses, hobbies, interests, and the desires of their hearts. However, a tangible thing that I would like is more money to go on more adventures. See, Miss. Galante loves to do thrilling things, see new places, and experience new things. One of the things I have been wanting to try most recently is riding in a hot air balloon. These are two examples of my desires, what are some of yours? I'd love to hear about them. 

Vocabulary

reflecting- Thinking deeply and applying it to yourself. 

desires- Something that you want for yourself very badly. 

tangible- Something that can be seen and touched. 

character- Who you are as a person, how people think of you. 

focused- Being able to pay close attention. 

overwhelm- Feeling great emotion. 

adventures- Things you do that are exciting, thrilling, and out of the norm. 

thrilling- A sudden excitement that makes you feel both scared and happy.  

hot air balloon- A giant balloon that floats using hot air, and carries people in a basket. 

Vocabulary Practice

Directions- Fill in the sentence with the correct vocabulary word. 

1. When I looked into the sky, I saw a __________________ flying over me! 

2. Some of my many _______________ has been surfing at the beach, swimming at the base of a waterfall, and horse back riding through the woods. 

3. My brother thought I lied about baking cookies, but when he saw them sitting on the table he knew they were _____________. 

4. Going down the drop of the roller-coaster was a _____________ experience. 

5. Before telling my mother about breaking her favorite vase I was _____________ on how much trouble I would be in. 

6. I have wanted a puppy my whole life, it is one of my greatest ______________. 

7. Something about Miss. Galante's _____________ is that she is very patient. 

8. I must stay ____________ when taking a test. 

9. Please do not _______________ me with too much homework over winter break.

Grammar Point: Proper Nouns
Proper nouns are nouns that have names. Some examples of these would be:

• Names of people or pets: Sophia, Michael, Fluffy, or Sir. Meow.
• Names of specific places: Mohonk Mountain, Six Flags Great Adventure, The Unites States of America, H & M, Regal Cinemas, or Shop Rite. 
• Brand Names: Nike, Marc Jacobs, Apple Iphone, Papermate, or Big Red Apples. 
• Names of dates: January, Saturday, or Easter. 

Grammar Practice

Directions- Circle the proper nouns in the sentences. 

1. My brother Nick's favorite sneaker is Nike SB, but they don't sell them in stores like Payless. 

2. On Saturday Nicole and I are going to Minnewaska State Park, it's going to be cold so I will wear my North Face jacket. 

3. My favorite holiday is Easter. Every year my mom buys me a Godiva chocolate rabbit and we go to the Harbor church.