STUDY GUIDE – HOW MY FAMILY LIVES IN AMERICA
SPELLING WORDS (Skill/Concept: Homophones)
to
too
two
week
weak
our
hour
stair
stare
flour
flower
write
right
new
knew
their
there
they’re
weather
whether
VOCABULARY
admire to look at with wonder, pleasure, and approval * Sally would admire the shirt in the window for a week before she was able to buy it.
custom an old or popular way of doing things * In my family we share the custom of opening presents on Christmas morning.
famous very well known; noted * Miley Cyrus and Koby Bryant are famous for different reasons.
mention to tell or speak about something * Did I mention to you we needed bread and pickles?
overnight during the night * Sometime overnight, a fox tried to get into our chicken shed!
popular liked by most people * Jamie is very popular and I think that is why she was chosen the school’s Valentine Princess.
public of or for everyone; belonging to the people * The park is open to the public everyday of the week.
twist a braid formed by weaving together three or more strands of hair, ribbon, or yarn * Emily wore her hair in a long braid for the ceremony.
OTHER WORDS TO KNOW
accent a different manner of pronunciation heard in different parts of the same country, or in the speech of someone speaking a language not his or her own * When I visit my Grandmother Tilly her friends tease me about my accent.
accept to take what is offered or given to you * I accept the gift and am very thankful.
characters letters, numbers, marks, or signs * The Chinese use many different characters in their written language.
heritage the culture and customs you get from history and family who lived before you * My family’s heritage has been to work the land. We have been farmers for many generations.
patient being able to wait calmly without getting anxious or upset * Sally was very patient while waiting for her party to begin.
traditions things that you and your family do as part of your culture and customs * One of the traditions in my family is to attend the same church as did the family that came before us.
Story by Susan Kuklin * Narrative NonFiction