English Fun Fact: Odd Planet Out

planets

The only planet in our solar system not named after a god is Earth. All the rest are named after ancient Roman deities.

Mercury was the god of commerce and travel and was Jupiter’s messenger.

Venus was the goddess of love and the mother of Cupid.

Earth comes from the old Germanic word for ground or soil.

Mars was the god of war.

Jupiter was king of the gods.

Saturn was a god of agriculture and Jupiter’s father.

Uranus was a sky god and Jupiter’s grandfather.

Neptune was the god of the ocean.

Pluto – no longer considered a planet – was the god of death and the underworld.

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Enthusiastic Revisited

Here’s a video from Sesame Street featuring last week’s Awesome Adjective:

Enthusiastic means you’re really excited about something, so yes, Elmo and Mindy Kaling are very enthusiastic. Mindy and Elmo are enthusiastic about dancing and chickens, but, chickens, for the record, are not so enthusiastic about dancing. Instead, they like to hop up and down. What are you enthusiastic about?

You can catch Sesame Street in the morning and the afternoon, weekdays on PBS.

For more fun games and videos for your preschooler in a safe, child-friendly environment, visit http://www.sesamestreet.org

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Awesome Adjective: Enthusiastic

Meaning: To be very interested in something and very energetic about it.

Examples:

She’s very enthusiastic about studying English – she practices three hours every day in addition to her classes.

My wife didn’t seem too enthusiastic when I suggested having fast food for dinner.

Most bosses are looking for responsible, enthusiastic employees.

Pop Quiz:

What do enthusiastic people look like?

A.  They look tired.

B.  They look lively and happy.

C.  They look very calm.

To see the correct answer, click on “Continue reading”:

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Awesome Adjective: Fascinating

Meaning: Very, very interesting.

Examples:

This book is fascinating! I can’t put it down!

He’s a fascinating person to talk to. He has so many interesting stories.

She loves to learn about ancient Egypt. She finds it fascinating.

Pop Quiz:

If something is fascinating, it’s not…

A.  dull.

B.  boring.

C.  tedious.

To see the correct answer, click on “Continue reading”:

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Awesome Adjective: Diligent

Meaning: To be responsible and hard-working.

Examples:

Her son has always been an extremely diligent student.

He only pretends to be diligent when his boss is around.

“What one word best describes you?” asked the interviewer. “Diligent,” the job seeker said.

Pop Quiz:

What’s the opposite of diligent?

A.  Dependable

B.  Lazy

C.  Careful

To see the correct answer, click on “Continue reading”:

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