Monday, September 30, 2019

Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Rosh Hashanah


L'shana tova tikatevu! 
Citizenship Quiz in Honor of Rosh Hashanah http://goo.gl/orhlZR

Also see:

HIAS (founded as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) is an American nonprofit organization that provides humanitarian aid and assistance to refugees.

HIAS was founded in response to the late 19th- and early 20th-century exodus of Jewish emigrants from Imperial Russia. Currently, HIAS works with people whose lives and freedom are believed to be at risk due to war, persecution, or violence. HIAS has offices in the United States and across Latin America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Since its inception, HIAS has helped resettle more than 4.5 million people. (Source: Wikipedia)


Sunday, September 29, 2019

Tampa Bay welcomes new citizens on Constitution Day



Tampa Bay Times: Tampa Bay welcomes new citizens on Constitution Day

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) welcomed 98 new citizens from 39 countries during a special naturalization ceremony at the Clearwater campus of St. Petersburg College on Friday, Sept. 20. U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony Porcelli administered the Oath of Allegiance. This ceremony is one of over 316 ceremonies that will welcome more than 34,300 new citizens on Constitution Day and Citizenship Day ceremonies across the nation between Sept. 13 and 23. The 98 citizenship candidates originate from 39 countries, ranging from Argentina to Vietnam.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Tech Up Your Citizenship Class



ProLiteracy 2019
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina
9/28/2019
Jennifer Gagliardi
Milpitas Adult School

Tech Up Your Citizenship Class
http://bit.ly/uscit-tech


CCAE19: EdTech for EL Civics and Citizenship
bit.ly/ccae19-edtech 
Participants will identify the critical resources in the form of mobile apps, podcasts, etc with Civics and language enrichment activities to implement learning  strategies appropriate for mixed-status ESL, Citizenship, or Distance Learning environments.

More Resources



Thursday, September 26, 2019

U.S. Citizenship Class 03, Fall 2019, Milpitas Adult School


N-400
  • USCIS: Addresses
  • Voices of Freedom: Are you still living at 86 Central Ave? pg 20
Civics
  • Are you ready for some Civics Questions? pg 34, 36-37
  • Why does the Flag have fifty stars? pg 43-45
  • Branches of Government pg 47-51

Computer Lab ESL 1.1:

Computer Lab: Citizenship Students

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Big American Dream for a Big Ukrainian Family



VOANews: Big American Dream for a Big Ukrainian Family

Five brothers came to the US from Ukraine almost two decades ago in search of the American Dream — that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed in the United States. During those 20 years, they’ve had all kinds of jobs, from washing floors, to delivering mail to working at construction sites. But they had even bigger dreams and started their own business.

USCIS 100:11. What is the economic system in the United States?*

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

U.S. Citizenship Class 02, Fall 2019, Milpitas Adult School



uscitizenpod: Two Citizenship Questions for United Nations Day

The United Nations (UN) is an international organization that works for peace and sustainable development. The United Nations promotes goals that are similar to the rights in the US Declaration of Independence. United Nations Day celebrates the founding of the UN on October 24, 1945. Independence Day celebrates the founding of the United States.

N-400
Civics
  • Voices of Freedom: Chapter 1 Geography (review) pg 25-38
  • si.edu: Preparing for the Oath: Symbols
  • Voices of Freedom: Chapter 2 Symbols pg 39-46
Integration
  • Voices of Freedom Workbook Chapter 2 Symbols Quiz

Monday, September 23, 2019

Washington Monument Reopens After Repairs, Upgrades



VOANews: Washington Monument Reopens After Repairs, Upgrades

The Washington Monument reopened to the public on Thursday after being closed for years to replace its aging elevator and security system. First lady Melania Trump attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Here's more from White House Correspondent Patsy Widakuswara.

POP QUIZ:

USCIS 100:69. Who is the “Father of Our Country”?

USCIS 100:70. Who was the first President?*

USCIS 100:94. What is the capital of the United States?*

USCIS 100:73. Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.

USCIS 100:74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Constitution and Citizenship Day 2019: Judges, Baseball Fans Welcome Newest Americans



USCourts: Constitution and Citizenship Day 2019: Judges, Baseball Fans Welcome Newest Americans

“Congratulations, you are all United States citizens.” With these simple words, a federal judge welcomed new citizens as part of a series of naturalization ceremonies held in recent weeks at professional baseball stadiums across the country. This video captures the momentous occasions with interviews of new citizens about what it means to be an American.

“This is my home, and it feels good to say I belong here, that I am a citizen,” said one woman who had just taken the Oath of Allegiance.

Since 2015, the federal Judiciary has celebrated the weeks surrounding Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by hosting naturalizations in distinctive settings. This year, federal judges are naturalizing more than 700 citizens at 11 major and minor league ballparks.

On Sunday, at the Philadelphia Phillies stadium—just a short distance from where the Constitutional Convention drafted the nation’s founding document—Chief Judge Juan R. Sánchez swore in 15 new citizens at a game attended by more than 39,000 people.

Among the candidates was Saurav Upadhyay, 32, a Nepalese immigrant. He lived on just $20 a week when he came to America to go to college. “It was a lot of rice and, sometimes, some soy sauce,” he said. He now does international work for the Society of Friends in Pennsylvania.

The video highlights ceremonies at the home fields of the Auburn (New York) Doubledays, Hartford (Connecticut) Yard Goats, Dayton (Ohio) Dragons, and Oklahoma City Dodgers.

The immense joy of the newly minted citizens was shared by baseball fans and presiding judges alike. Magistrate Judge Michael Newman, who administered the Oath of Allegiance in Dayton, said a standing ovation from fans was “a recognition of what an important event this is.” Newman added, “It’s exciting to me because, what’s more American than baseball?”
Constitution Day and Citizenship Day are officially observed on Sept. 17, the date in 1787 that delegates signed the U.S. Constitution.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Pennsylvania Latinos Changing the Political Rhythm in Key Swing States



uscitizenpod: Pennsylvania Latinos Changing the Political Rhythm in Key Swing States

More than a half century ago, a group of Puerto Ricans moved to Reading, Pennsylvania, to work the nearby mushroom fields. Since then the Latino and Hispanic population of the city itself has mushroomed — to 65% of the total. That majority-minority population is being closely watched politically because it is a key constituency in a swing state considered a must-win for both parties in next year's presidential election. VOA's White House bureau chief, Steve Herman reports from Reading.

POP QUIZ:

USCIS 100:64. There were 13 original states. Name three.

USCIS 100:91. Name one U.S. territory.

USCIS 100:48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

USCIS 100:49. What is one responsibility that is only for United States citizens?*

USCIS 100:50. Name one right only for United States citizens.

USCIS 100:54. How old do citizens have to be to vote for President?*

USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

USCIS 100:45. What are the two major political parties in the United States?*

USCIS 100:27. In what month do we vote for President?*

USCIS 100:28. What is the name of the President of the United States now?*


Friday, September 20, 2019

2020 Census: What is the Census? (and more)



US Census Bureau on YouTube (many videos)

2020 Census: What is the Census?
The Census has been a cornerstone of our democracy since the first national count in 1790.

2020 Census: The Census in 23 Artifacts
A variety of artifacts from each of the nation's 23 previous decennial censuses.

U.S. Census Bureau Commemorates Constitution Day (event webcast)
As part of a day-long event in Philadelphia, the U.S. Census Bureau will commemorate its Constitutional role to count every person living in the U.S.

Shape Your Future: The 2020 Census (w/Asian Language tags)

Can one girl in a small town, an architect in a major city, and a suburban high school coach shape the future of the United States?

Yes, they can. Because every ten years, the census gives us that power.

You can shape your future by responding to the 2020 Census. Where do we need new roads to make our lives easier? Where will new school programs help our children thrive? Where could a new health clinic benefit neighborhoods?

The 2020 Census will inform these decisions and shape how billions of dollars will be distributed to communities like yours each year. And in 2020, you can respond to the census online, by phone, or by mail. It’s easy, safe and important.

Make sure you and everyone you know is counted. Now is the time for you to get involved – your community needs you. Together, we can educate and excite, inspire and make sure every voice is heard. Together…. we can shape our future.


Thursday, September 19, 2019

U.S. Citizenship Class 01, Fall 2019, Milpitas Adult School



N-400
Preparing for Naturalization (updated 04/18/2016)
Citizenship Passing the Test with New N-400 FORM  by Lynne Weintraub 

Beginning Inteview (1 pg, 10qs) (updated 04/18/2016)

Civics

si.edu: Preparing for the Oath: Geography

Civics and Literacy (Citizenship Passing the Test) Student Edition
by Lynne Weintraub 

U.S. Geography lesson plan and handouts for literacy students and low beginners covering civics test items 44, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Citizenship Resources for Constitution and Citizenship Day (September 17)



uscitizenpod: The U.S. Constitution

A basic introduction to the Constitution for ESL/Citizenship students. This video is based upon a ppt that I made in 2005 and modified in 2008. 

  • US Constitution and Citizenship Day Resources from US Citizenship Podcast
    • Summary of the US Constitution MP3  (2016)
    • Summary of the US Constitution PDF  (2015)
  • A Quick Review of the Bill of Rights and the N-400 Part 12 plus Civics Questions (2017)  pdf and mp3
  • Constitution Slide Show google slides
  • Lan Thi Nguyen (Vietnam): Constitution and Citizenship Week Interview Quiz 2015 pdf
  • Hao Thi Vu (Vietnam): A Quick Interview for US Constitution and Citizenship Day 2014 based on the new N-400r (2014) pdf 
  • Fu-Chiu Chen (Taiwan): Quick N-400 Interview plus 10Qs about the Constitution (2011) pdf
  • Maria Teresa Garcia (Mexico): Twenty-seven N-400 and twenty-seven USCIS 100Qs (2011) pdf
  • Preamble Puzzle pdf 
  • The U.S. Constitution  video
  • US Constitution Quick Quiz (picture vocabulary) pdf
  • What is US Constitution and Citizenship Day? pptx
  • What is US Constitution and Citizenship Day? pdf
  • Bill of Rights Day
    • Bill of Rights pptx via Google Slides
    • Bill of Rights Vocabulary Quiz 01  pdf
    • Bill of Rights Vocabulary Quiz 02  pdf
    • Bill of Rights Vocabulary Quiz 03  pdf
    • Bill of Rights Vocabulary Quiz 04  pdf
    • Bill of Rights Vocabulary Quiz 05  pdf
    • Bill of Rights Citizenship Quiz  pdf
    • Bill of Rights Dictation pdf

ListenAndReadAlong is an AWESOME resource that produces videos that highlights words as they are heard from VOA news reports and features.
National Constitution Center: Constitution Day - Lesson Plans and Activities

si.edu: Preparing for The Oath
  • Writing the Constitution: Videos  (Updated!  No FLASH!  Great on mobile devices)
  • Writing the Constitution: Transcript (page 5)
St. Mary's University: Constitution Day: Forming the United States video

USCIS: 

USScourts: 
  • 2014 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day video
  • 2015 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day video
  • 2016 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (7 min) video
  • 2016 Constitution Day & Citizenship Day Live Coverage (99 min) video
  • 2016 Constitution Day & Citizenship Day: Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor Remarks video
  • 2018 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day Read Along with the Constitution’s Preamble video
  • 2017 What the Constitution Means in My Life video
  • 2019 Constitution Day and Citizenship Day: Judges, Baseball Fans Welcome Newest Americans video 
Vanderbilt University: 'We The People...' - #Constitution Day at Vanderbilt video

VOA Learning English: What's So Important about Sept. 17? 


VOA Learning English: The U.S. Constitution
An outstanding collection of articles, videos, and audio files, including the standard and simplified version of the constitution and the amendments.  


Thanks for studying the U.S. Constitution--I know that you will be a great American citizen!

Check back for updates! (updated 09/09/2020)

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Citizenship Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month 2019

New for 2018: Mix-and-Citizenship Interviews en Español!


NEW: Mezclar y Combinar Entrevistas y Exámencitos de Ciudadanía (2018)
Los maestros pueden crear una variedad de entrevistas de práctica para sus estudiantes al combinar una entrevista con un examen y luego hacer copias a doble cara. Cada nivel tiene 5 versiones de la entrevista. Cuarenta pruebas basadas en las preguntas de educación cívica del Examen de Naturalización de USCIS también se incluyen. Envíe sus comentarios a uscitizenpod@gmail.com. También vea los siguientes pdfs:

Citizenship Resources for Hispanic Heritage Month from US Citizenship Podcast


More Resources
Also watch:

USCIS and US Courts: 

Check back for more resources!

Monday, September 9, 2019

California Admissions Day



uscitizenpod: Love and Citizenship from the Heart of California: An US Citizenship Interview with Rene Smith ESL/Citizenship Instructor Madera Adult School

Teacher Jennifer does a practice US Citizenship interview with Teacher Rene (Madera Adult School), then Rene about her own experience about becoming a US citizen and preparing students to become US Citizens.


Today is California Admissions Day!

I have created and uploaded a simple .docx about the State of California. I included info about our local government officials for the students of Milpitas Adult School.  Edit the docx for your own officials.

  • USCIS 100:20. Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?*
  • USCIS 100:23. Name your U.S. Representative.
  • USCIS 100:43. Who is the Governor of your state now?
  • USCIS 100:44. What is the capital of your state?*

Monday, September 2, 2019

Citizenship Resources for Labor Day



LISTEN to the FULL Podcast:  Citizenship? WE CAN DO IT! and take the quiz



Citizenship Resources for Labor Day (updated 9/03/2020) 
Check back for updates!