Dear all,
Here's to wish you the happiest Christmas, and a fantastic 2011, full of joy and peace!! Hope you also have a great vacation month!!
Best wishes,
Mary
Ideas, activities, tips for lessons, videos, songs...Let's share!
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Friday, 3 December 2010
Birds are as intelligent as dogs. Do you agree?
Hi guys,
this is to let you know about a funny video I've found. I've recently used this video to illustrate /reinforce de concept of AS...AS.../Not As...As... while working with my Basic 4 group.
The sentence used for concept work was Birds are as intelligent as dogs. Do you agree? The sts had already been exposed to this concept, but it was used right after correction of lesson D6 (activity book), since there had been some questions about "as...as". It was also a smooth and nice way of moving from homework correction to Getting Ready for PC3.
I believe it could also be of good use in a number of other classroom situations...
Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc23EPZ6k_E&feature=related
xoxo
Marie
this is to let you know about a funny video I've found. I've recently used this video to illustrate /reinforce de concept of AS...AS.../Not As...As... while working with my Basic 4 group.
The sentence used for concept work was Birds are as intelligent as dogs. Do you agree? The sts had already been exposed to this concept, but it was used right after correction of lesson D6 (activity book), since there had been some questions about "as...as". It was also a smooth and nice way of moving from homework correction to Getting Ready for PC3.
I believe it could also be of good use in a number of other classroom situations...
Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc23EPZ6k_E&feature=related
xoxo
Marie
Thursday, 18 November 2010
Monday, 1 November 2010
Our Blog : Learning Real English with a clown
Maria do Carmo Xavier has sent you a link to a blog:
Guys, this is related to the video where American journalists talk about Tiririca's running for office. Check the link. Stephan Hughes, teacher from Cultura Inglesa Adult Centre, has prepared this nice activity!
xoxo
Mary
Blog: Our Blog
Post: Learning Real English with a clown
Link: http://dablog-dablog.blogspot.com/2010/10/learning-real-english-with-clown.html
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Guys, this is related to the video where American journalists talk about Tiririca's running for office. Check the link. Stephan Hughes, teacher from Cultura Inglesa Adult Centre, has prepared this nice activity!
xoxo
Mary
Blog: Our Blog
Post: Learning Real English with a clown
Link: http://dablog-dablog.blogspot.com/2010/10/learning-real-english-with-clown.html
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Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Telling the time
Just found these two interesting websites to help you teach, revise or practice telling the time:
http://www.teachingtime.co.uk/
http://www.timemonsters.com/
Any other ideas to share?
Mayara.
http://www.teachingtime.co.uk/
http://www.timemonsters.com/
Any other ideas to share?
Mayara.
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Swap Shop
Dear all,
How's Peer Observation going? With the end of the semester coming, we need to have our swapshop asap. I think 3rd and 4th November, right after the holiday, would be great. We can meet at 13:00 on Wed (3rd) and 14:00 on Thur (4th). This way everybody will have a chance to share their stolen goods.
Cheers,
Marcia
How's Peer Observation going? With the end of the semester coming, we need to have our swapshop asap. I think 3rd and 4th November, right after the holiday, would be great. We can meet at 13:00 on Wed (3rd) and 14:00 on Thur (4th). This way everybody will have a chance to share their stolen goods.
Cheers,
Marcia
Friday, 15 October 2010
Friday, 27 August 2010
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Song Activities
Hello dear all!
I am here after a long time to share with you something I have learned from a friend of mine via e-mail. She discovered a web site with song activities. All the songs are divided by grammar topics and level as well. Take a look at the following link and have a nice class!
http://www.musicalenglishlessons.org/index-ex.htm#verbs
Xo, xo
Maíra
I am here after a long time to share with you something I have learned from a friend of mine via e-mail. She discovered a web site with song activities. All the songs are divided by grammar topics and level as well. Take a look at the following link and have a nice class!
http://www.musicalenglishlessons.org/index-ex.htm#verbs
Xo, xo
Maíra
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Programa de capacitação para professores da rede pública nos Estados Unidos
What's up, guys?!
Gotta take a look at this: http://www.fulbright.org.br/2010/content/view/128/169/
Mayara
PS: If I'm not wrong you don't need a MA to try this one.
Gotta take a look at this: http://www.fulbright.org.br/2010/content/view/128/169/
Mayara
PS: If I'm not wrong you don't need a MA to try this one.
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Hi guys,
I've just googled "film present perfect" and came across the following blogs:
http://moviesegmentstoassessgrammargoals.blogspot.com/
"Movie Segments to Assess Grammar Goals contains a series of movie segments and activities to assess or practice grammar points through fun, challenging exercises. There you will find the movie segments, the lesson plans, printable worksheets with answer key for each activity, and the tips to develop your own grammar activities with the DVDs you have at home. New activities are posted regularly. Teaching grammar with movie segments is inspiring and highly motivating."
and...
http://warmupsfollowups.blogspot.com/
"This blog contains a series of movie segments to be used to brainstorm, warm up, follow up, and activate schemata, preparing the students for the topic that will be discussed in class. There you will find the segments, the lesson plans, and varied topics to foster conversation. You may use the activities for a full two-hour class or they can be used separately to brainstorm or wrap up the topic, focusing on conversation, vocabulary and listening comprehension."
See ya,
Renata :)
I've just googled "film present perfect" and came across the following blogs:
http://moviesegmentstoassessgrammargoals.blogspot.com/
"Movie Segments to Assess Grammar Goals contains a series of movie segments and activities to assess or practice grammar points through fun, challenging exercises. There you will find the movie segments, the lesson plans, printable worksheets with answer key for each activity, and the tips to develop your own grammar activities with the DVDs you have at home. New activities are posted regularly. Teaching grammar with movie segments is inspiring and highly motivating."
and...
http://warmupsfollowups.blogspot.com/
"This blog contains a series of movie segments to be used to brainstorm, warm up, follow up, and activate schemata, preparing the students for the topic that will be discussed in class. There you will find the segments, the lesson plans, and varied topics to foster conversation. You may use the activities for a full two-hour class or they can be used separately to brainstorm or wrap up the topic, focusing on conversation, vocabulary and listening comprehension."
See ya,
Renata :)
Sunday, 20 June 2010
While teenagers learn...
Recently I've been through this very interesting experience in class... I was teaching lesson C5 (Young Express 5), which is a lesson about talking about necessary changes in life. So, students learn how to use "wish", "If only" and some other structures. Well, one of my students has recently been grounded by her parents. I've spoken to her mother and I don't need to say that she's been very sad: I guess anyone here can imagine what it is like to be a 16-year-old with no TV, no phone, no internet, no parties... Although she's usually very talkative and funny, she's been very quiet these days, for obvious reasons.
While I was drilling with students, and getting some examples from them, she was looking down, writing on a piece of paper. She didn't seem to be paying attention to the class at all, so I went near her to see what was going on. I asked her to see what was written on the piece of paper and those happened to be the lyrics to this song.
The whole song brings lots of "I wish" examples. Since, at a first moment, I didn't know those were lyrics I asked her: "Is this a poem?" She said, "No, teacher, those are lyrics to "The Nicest Thing". "Is it cool?", I asked. "Not really, it's depressing, but it's beautiful!"
I went on with the lesson and still had 10 minutes. I had planned to use some of the activities in the Activity Book, but decided to make use of the "hint" that student had just given me. So I looked up for the video on You Tube and found this animation. We watched the video together and, after that, we discussed the meaning of the sentences in the lyrics and if they had ever been through such an obsessive relationship. They told me very interesting stories.
What really caught my eye was that, as a matter of fact, although she was not looking at me and repeating the sentences with the students, she was paying attention to the lesson. But her mind was processing "I wish" in a different way. She remembered the song that, actually, had a lot to do with the way she was feeling. Needless to say she paid a lot of attention to the class when I showed the video and started the discussion. Her participation changed completely, and the students got very excited about each other's stories.
While I was drilling with students, and getting some examples from them, she was looking down, writing on a piece of paper. She didn't seem to be paying attention to the class at all, so I went near her to see what was going on. I asked her to see what was written on the piece of paper and those happened to be the lyrics to this song.
The whole song brings lots of "I wish" examples. Since, at a first moment, I didn't know those were lyrics I asked her: "Is this a poem?" She said, "No, teacher, those are lyrics to "The Nicest Thing". "Is it cool?", I asked. "Not really, it's depressing, but it's beautiful!"
I went on with the lesson and still had 10 minutes. I had planned to use some of the activities in the Activity Book, but decided to make use of the "hint" that student had just given me. So I looked up for the video on You Tube and found this animation. We watched the video together and, after that, we discussed the meaning of the sentences in the lyrics and if they had ever been through such an obsessive relationship. They told me very interesting stories.
What really caught my eye was that, as a matter of fact, although she was not looking at me and repeating the sentences with the students, she was paying attention to the lesson. But her mind was processing "I wish" in a different way. She remembered the song that, actually, had a lot to do with the way she was feeling. Needless to say she paid a lot of attention to the class when I showed the video and started the discussion. Her participation changed completely, and the students got very excited about each other's stories.
Saturday, 12 June 2010
More from Monique
Dear friends,
Here are four GREAT links sent by Monique, with excellent activities that I'm sure everyone will love! They are all related to the Fifa World Cup. However, I strongly recommend you to use them as source of inspiration only, and ADAPT the activities a little bit, in case you want to use them in class, for copyright reasons - principally if you are planning to use them under Cultura Inglesa's logo.
Last, but not least, I think those might be great on the e-Board, don't you agree?
Here are the four links. You shall copy and paste them onto your browser's navigation bar.
http://www.oxfordonlineshop.com/email2010/wordcup_07_06_10/1.pdf
http://www.oxfordonlineshop.com/email2010/wordcup_07_06_10/2.pdf
http://www.oxfordonlineshop.com/email2010/wordcup_07_06_10/3.pdf
http://www.oxfordonlineshop.com/email2010/wordcup_07_06_10/4.pdf
Thank you Monique!!! xoxoxo
Here are four GREAT links sent by Monique, with excellent activities that I'm sure everyone will love! They are all related to the Fifa World Cup. However, I strongly recommend you to use them as source of inspiration only, and ADAPT the activities a little bit, in case you want to use them in class, for copyright reasons - principally if you are planning to use them under Cultura Inglesa's logo.
Last, but not least, I think those might be great on the e-Board, don't you agree?
Here are the four links. You shall copy and paste them onto your browser's navigation bar.
http://www.oxfordonlineshop.com/email2010/wordcup_07_06_10/1.pdf
http://www.oxfordonlineshop.com/email2010/wordcup_07_06_10/2.pdf
http://www.oxfordonlineshop.com/email2010/wordcup_07_06_10/3.pdf
http://www.oxfordonlineshop.com/email2010/wordcup_07_06_10/4.pdf
Thank you Monique!!! xoxoxo
Friday, 4 June 2010
Ken Robinson's new TED talk
Also check this out http://edition.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/05/31/robinson.education.fast.food/index.html?iref=allsearch
Monday, 24 May 2010
Super Simple Songs
For those who are interested in teaching their pupils or children some Super Simple Songs, here's the link. =)
http://www.supersimplesongs.com/
http://www.supersimplesongs.com/
Saturday, 22 May 2010
Working with mood and the atmosphere in class
Hi, guys! Here are some great tips that Monique has given to us. The first one is a cool website, that can be used throughout the lessons. If you are one of those teachers who like to teach with background music, CHECK THIS OUT! It´s a lovely site in which you can select the songs you´re going to listen to according to the mood! The name is Musicovery. It´s not necessary to register to use it!
Also, if you are into fun and games for your students, BBC website has lots of interesting activities and zillions of quizzes. You can even give the students the link, in case they are into puzzles in English.
Thanks Monique for the nice tips! (Now you own me a Coke... =D just kidding...hehehe)
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
The danger of a single story
When Mary posted the TED video, I immediately remebered this one. Not that it has something to do with the topic itself, but that she talks about the risks of limiting our views on the world. Suits different situations. Hope you guys like it.
Btw, Suely from SE suggested this one in her session about discipline.
;-)
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html
Btw, Suely from SE suggested this one in her session about discipline.
;-)
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html
Concept Work
Dear all,
This is a great link Ana Paula Cypriano sent me. Take a look, there are examples of questions and the rational behind them. Let's try to implement some of the ideas in our next lesson.
;-)
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/think/articles/checking-understanding
This is a great link Ana Paula Cypriano sent me. Take a look, there are examples of questions and the rational behind them. Let's try to implement some of the ideas in our next lesson.
;-)
http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/think/articles/checking-understanding
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Word Addicted
Are you a 'new words addicted'? So I have a hint for you. Take a look at these cool links here. They can provide you and your students fun and knowledge.
From Dictionary.com: Daily Crosswords
Word Games
From Floe-Joe: Word Bank
From Splendid Speaking: English Collocations - This one is good to be used in the class because there are some questions with the collocations taught to be debated.
I hope you enjoy it.
xoxo
From Dictionary.com: Daily Crosswords
Word Games
From Floe-Joe: Word Bank
From Splendid Speaking: English Collocations - This one is good to be used in the class because there are some questions with the collocations taught to be debated.
I hope you enjoy it.
xoxo
Friday, 14 May 2010
Need a Pic?
Need a beautiful picture for a flipchart or powerpoint? Here is a great copyright free website! Go get it!
'Justin Fever' - Baby ft. Ludacris
Have you got a teenagers or children group? If so, of course you've heard about Justin Bieber.
If you like this idea you could do the same. =)
I've been working with past simple with my Basic 2 students and I promissed I'd show them Justin's video if they behaved appropriately. It's a very simple song to work with and Ludacris' part can be used to work with past simple.
My students were so happy and interested, singing along and dancing...
Hi guys! This is to thank Maíra and Rach for the amazing insights!! Very useful indeed!!
Also, I'd like to show you this two beautiful things I've found, and that could make great digital immersion projects:
One Moment in Time:
On May 2nd the New York Times website launched the web-based event called "A Moment in Time". Wherever people were, provided that they had a camera — or a camera phone — in hand, they would be taking a picture to send to Lens that would capture this singular instant in whatever way. The photos would, then, be added to a marvelous global mosaic; a Web-built image of one moment in time across the world. And here is the result!!
http://www.nytimes.com/ interactive/2010/05/03/blogs/ a-moment-in-time.html#/ 4bde48110bca253c38000019
This material comes in handy when we think about "describing the pictures". Also, a follow-up discussion would be "If you could only photograph a single moment in time, what would it be?" Students could also set up one day and time to do the same and bring their photos to class, what do you think?
#140conf
Another interesting event is the #140conf http://140conf.com/, organized by the technology anthropologist Jeff Pulver (his blog http://jeffpulver.com/) This event is the largest worldwide gathering of people interested in the effects of the real-time Internet on both business and “we” the people. Speakers have from 5 to 15 minutes most to speak their mind. Here is the blog of a doctor named Krupali who registered for a 5-minute speech in the event( http://krupali.blogspot.com/ 2010/05/incredible-twitter- incredible-people.html) and wrote about her experience. She spoke about how Twitter helps her change the life of terminal patients with cancer.
Here's a nice opportunity to work with Public Speaking, and maybe discuss: "If you had only 5 minutes to speak your mind to a great audience, what would you talk about?" And, maybe, students could have their real 5-minute speeches in front of the class.
That's it for today!
xoxo
Also, I'd like to show you this two beautiful things I've found, and that could make great digital immersion projects:
One Moment in Time:
On May 2nd the New York Times website launched the web-based event called "A Moment in Time". Wherever people were, provided that they had a camera — or a camera phone — in hand, they would be taking a picture to send to Lens that would capture this singular instant in whatever way. The photos would, then, be added to a marvelous global mosaic; a Web-built image of one moment in time across the world. And here is the result!!
http://www.nytimes.com/
This material comes in handy when we think about "describing the pictures". Also, a follow-up discussion would be "If you could only photograph a single moment in time, what would it be?" Students could also set up one day and time to do the same and bring their photos to class, what do you think?
#140conf
Another interesting event is the #140conf http://140conf.com/, organized by the technology anthropologist Jeff Pulver (his blog http://jeffpulver.com/) This event is the largest worldwide gathering of people interested in the effects of the real-time Internet on both business and “we” the people. Speakers have from 5 to 15 minutes most to speak their mind. Here is the blog of a doctor named Krupali who registered for a 5-minute speech in the event( http://krupali.blogspot.com/
Here's a nice opportunity to work with Public Speaking, and maybe discuss: "If you had only 5 minutes to speak your mind to a great audience, what would you talk about?" And, maybe, students could have their real 5-minute speeches in front of the class.
That's it for today!
xoxo
How do you finish your lessons?
I've been reading this very interesting blog called ELT Notebook and I saw this post where the teacher writes about ways to finish lessons.
It called my attention because usually we may not give this specific time of the class the importance it requires. It's was written in 2007 but we can use it today perfectly.
Here's what they say:
"Many teachers simply ask: "Does anyone have any questions?" Even more teachers use the time to assign homework, collect assignments, and chat with students while everyone cleans up. But correction, review, and feedback offer a better use of the final five minutes.Correction: In the perfect class, students don't make any mistakes after applying the language. But, of course, a perfect lesson simply doesn't exist. Correction offers a practical way to remind the class as a whole of the language. This is in preference to interrupting a group's flow in a role play, interview, or presentation with on-the-spot correction, which then won't even benefit other groups.But correction isn't merely limited to today's target language. I can cover any previously studied words or grammar points, for example. I can also draw the class's attention to words which they know, but perhaps used or pronounced incorrectly. I can even teach a more natural phrase or expression than one which popped up in the final activity.
Review: Review focuses specifically on the material studied that day. I may reuse flashcards to choral drill vocabulary, particularly words that were troublesome for students early on. I may reread some questions from an earlier worksheet, in order to call for answers. I may reread answers from a worksheet, and call for appropriate questions. I may even ask for a response from part of the dialogue we studied. In other words, I can go pretty much anywhere as long as it reviews today's material. Whereas correction focuses on mistakes both with the target language and other points, review lets everyone take a final look at today's material. From a teacher's point of view, it's my final chance to make sure as many students as possible leave the class able to understand if not use the language correctly.
Equally important, though, review serves to boost confidence. If students entered my class completely unable to use the new structure, the review session demonstrates that they have studied, learned, and can now apply it. Because there's usually only one correct response, it's oftentimes easier for students to measure learning via review, than it is through an open-ended speaking activity. Feedback: Whereas correction and review have a place in any lesson, feedback is a little more particular. Class size must be considered, because a group of twelve or more students makes individual feedback impossible. We must also think about how students will handle advice in front of their peers.
In large classes, a general comment on performance can effectively close the lesson. For example, from my "going to" lesson: "Everyone used today's grammar and vocabulary well--we can use 'going to' for any planned event. Remember to ask follow-up questions, because this makes conversation more interesting! Kenji said, 'I'm going to visit some friends in Kyoto.' Can you think of a good follow-up question?" I only commented on today's lesson, but I could just as easily have added: "Don't forget our long term goal. We want to have a conversation with a partner for five minutes without stopping."
By closing a lesson with correction, review, and feedback, I'm giving the students a means to measure their progress. They measure today's learning with a quick review of the key lesson points. They also gauge their retention with previously studied material when we go over correction. Lastly, in order to fine tune individual needs, feedback allows the teacher to give some positive and negative comments, as well as tips or remedies for each student."
To read the full text, please go to: http://eltnotebook.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2007-06-17T11:20:00%2B02:00&max-results=5
A day in the life of... (Digital Immersion Project)
Do you remember the famous speaking activity "A Day in the Life of...", in which students learn how to use the Simple Present by describing a day in the life of a secretary, a doctor, a teacher...? well, I have found this video shot by my newest favourite singer (John Mayer). He himself shot a day in his life, while he was on a tour in Australia. The movie shows very cool images. I was wondering if this could make a cool project, in which students would buy John's idea and video record a day in their own life. Then, they would describe it in class.
Eg. Every morning I get up at...and have breakfast. Then, I go to work...
Here is the link for John Mayer's "A life in the day"
Hope you like it!
bjs
Eg. Every morning I get up at...and have breakfast. Then, I go to work...
Here is the link for John Mayer's "A life in the day"
Hope you like it!
bjs
Fresh Writer
Hi Folks!
Attending to requests I'm going to start sharing with you my experiences as a student of the CAE Preparation Course. The idea is to post about interesting websites and activities for candidates that can be done in class or at home.
So, the website of this first post must be known by some of you but as the purpose is just share and comment I belive that it would be welcome.
BBC is not exactly a website directed to Cambridge Exams, however it comes up with many useful sources. Take a look at this vocabulary page. There is a task in the end of the page where you can see other people's answers.
That's all for this post. I'm comming back with more news soon.
See you
Attending to requests I'm going to start sharing with you my experiences as a student of the CAE Preparation Course. The idea is to post about interesting websites and activities for candidates that can be done in class or at home.
So, the website of this first post must be known by some of you but as the purpose is just share and comment I belive that it would be welcome.
BBC is not exactly a website directed to Cambridge Exams, however it comes up with many useful sources. Take a look at this vocabulary page. There is a task in the end of the page where you can see other people's answers.
That's all for this post. I'm comming back with more news soon.
See you
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Resource Books
Hi guys.
I've been sorting out our books and and register sheet and found out that some of them are kind of 'on the lose', y'know, no record and not on the shelf. Have you borrowed Jeremy Harmer's The Practice of Language Teaching, or Scrivener's Learning Teaching? If you happen to have any news, pls let us know. We miss them badly. :(
I've been sorting out our books and and register sheet and found out that some of them are kind of 'on the lose', y'know, no record and not on the shelf. Have you borrowed Jeremy Harmer's The Practice of Language Teaching, or Scrivener's Learning Teaching? If you happen to have any news, pls let us know. We miss them badly. :(
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Support Lessons for PC2
Dear teachers,
Please, click on the link below and let us know when you'll be giving support to your students. It's advisable to talk to students first, before setting up a date. Invitations can be made to a whole group or to specific individuals only.
Junior, Basic, Plus and Young Express: 2 sessions of 30min. each
Adults: 3 sessions of 30 min. each
Zip's, Play and Kids are not included in this project.
Regular classes with the monitor will be carried out normally.
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AdVG3Nfcm12sZHZobnN4cl8xMDJnczg5ZGZndw&hl=en
Thanks,
Mary
Please, click on the link below and let us know when you'll be giving support to your students. It's advisable to talk to students first, before setting up a date. Invitations can be made to a whole group or to specific individuals only.
Junior, Basic, Plus and Young Express: 2 sessions of 30min. each
Adults: 3 sessions of 30 min. each
Zip's, Play and Kids are not included in this project.
Regular classes with the monitor will be carried out normally.
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AdVG3Nfcm12sZHZobnN4cl8xMDJnczg5ZGZndw&hl=en
Thanks,
Mary
Monday, 10 May 2010
28 ways to use audio in EFL classes
Using audio in class! Nice suggestions here!
Sunday, 9 May 2010
FANTASTIC website!!!
Want to know more about the use of the word "competitive"? Check this out!
Mother's Day
This is to wish a Great Mother's Day to all the girls in our branch!! Hope you have the best Sunday with your beloved ones!!
I'm not a mother (yet), but pretty content as a daughter. I think my mother (who's also called Márcia :)) has provided me with the best I can be. So, I dedicate this song to her and to all the mothers and daughters in our group!
And the lyrics...
Daughters by John Mayer
I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
But she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls are continually changed
And I've done all I can
To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it's got nothing to do with me
Fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too
Oh, you see that skin?
It's the same she's been standing in
Since the day she saw him walking away
Now I'm left
Cleaning up the mess he made
So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too
Boys, you can break
You'll find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong
And boys soldier on
But boys would be gone without the warmth from
A womans good, good heart
On behalf of every man
Looking out for every girl
You are the guide and the weight of her world
So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too [x3]
I'm not a mother (yet), but pretty content as a daughter. I think my mother (who's also called Márcia :)) has provided me with the best I can be. So, I dedicate this song to her and to all the mothers and daughters in our group!
And the lyrics...
Daughters by John Mayer
I know a girl
She puts the color inside of my world
But she's just like a maze
Where all of the walls are continually changed
And I've done all I can
To stand on her steps with my heart in my hands
Now I'm starting to see
Maybe it's got nothing to do with me
Fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too
Oh, you see that skin?
It's the same she's been standing in
Since the day she saw him walking away
Now I'm left
Cleaning up the mess he made
So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too
Boys, you can break
You'll find out how much they can take
Boys will be strong
And boys soldier on
But boys would be gone without the warmth from
A womans good, good heart
On behalf of every man
Looking out for every girl
You are the guide and the weight of her world
So fathers, be good to your daughters
Daughters will love like you do
Girls become lovers who turn into mothers
So mothers, be good to your daughters too [x3]
Happy Mother's Day!!!!!
In the short-story "Happiness", the Irish writer Mary Lavin says: "Mother had a lot to say. This does not mean that she was always talking, but that we girls knew the wells she drew upon us were deep, deep, deep".
As typical women (and teachers), we always have a lot to say. May the wells we draw upon our children, as well as our students, go deep, deep, deep.
Wish you all a wonderful Mother's Day.
:)
As typical women (and teachers), we always have a lot to say. May the wells we draw upon our children, as well as our students, go deep, deep, deep.
Wish you all a wonderful Mother's Day.
:)
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Digital Immersion
Hi!
I'd like to start a project with teens using Formspring (have a look at the PP suggestions poster, pls). Instead of making questions to their peers, I'd like to have different groups, or even branches (remember? my daughter studies at Meier 1) taking part in it. I have a Plus 3, but YExp groups are more than welcome.
Volunteers?
:)
I'd like to start a project with teens using Formspring (have a look at the PP suggestions poster, pls). Instead of making questions to their peers, I'd like to have different groups, or even branches (remember? my daughter studies at Meier 1) taking part in it. I have a Plus 3, but YExp groups are more than welcome.
Volunteers?
:)
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Using FormSpring in the Classroom (second day)
So, as I said, I continued using FormSpring. And today I could see another of its possible uses in the classroom. Last class I had assigned some homework, in which students would have to ask me some questions by using one of the 4 accounts I had created for them. And so they did. When I started my lesson today, I used their questions as a warmer. Since they had been asked to me, I answered them myself (orally). I didn't correct the mistakes initially because I decided to do it during concept work, right after presenting the grammar focus. Therefore, after answering the questions, I let the website opened on the e-Board for them to see and have some quick conversation in pairs. It was great: I had an instant warmer, created by the students, and an amazing opportunity for recycling. Secondly, the questions this time were better.
This 2nd lesson was specifically about the difference between Present Perfect and Past Simple. Since they had created (via FS) some Present Perfect and Past Simple questions, right after the focus I asked them to check whether the verb tenses had been used correctly (BTW, this is lesson C2, Action 5). Loved it! In a nutshell I'd say that, although it was not very effective during the practice stage (see previous post on the use of FormSpring), it was excelent as homework and worked pretty well as a warmer. I'll think about other possibilities...and you? How about having a go?
This 2nd lesson was specifically about the difference between Present Perfect and Past Simple. Since they had created (via FS) some Present Perfect and Past Simple questions, right after the focus I asked them to check whether the verb tenses had been used correctly (BTW, this is lesson C2, Action 5). Loved it! In a nutshell I'd say that, although it was not very effective during the practice stage (see previous post on the use of FormSpring), it was excelent as homework and worked pretty well as a warmer. I'll think about other possibilities...and you? How about having a go?
Monday, 3 May 2010
Friday, 30 April 2010
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Using FormSpring in the Classroom for the first time
I used FormSpring today in one of my lessons, for the first time. The lesson was in Action 5, C1 (Yes/No questions) and I used it to replace one of the activities in the book (Act. 6, practice). The exercise suggested that students used prompts to form questions from a pile of slips (Resources Pack). As a matter of fact, this is a recycling lesson, and it also contributed to my choosing this lesson to have a go with FS. Since the "fun" of the thing was in the unpredictability of the questions, i.e., the element of surprise, and FormSpring is all about surprising someone by asking something, I decided to try.
I started at home, by creating 4 different profiles in FormSpring (St01, St02, St03 and St04) for my students to use in groups (there are only 4 computers in the MMC, that's why I created 4 profiles). We went to the MMC and each group had to "poke" their peers by asking them questions online. They got very enthusiastic about the site, and were emotionaly very involved with the task. Also, they seemed to be very comfortable with the computer, and it was clearly noticeable that their behaviour changed - they got jumpy, excited I'd say, as they got involved with the possibility of using the web and actually having control over the activity: they could ask ANYTHING they wanted.
Most of the questions they came up with were in the Simple Present Tense, and the vocabulary was rather poor. They were experimenting with FormSpring for the first time. Some of the questions were meant to provoke their mates: "Have you ever eaten bananas?" was one of them. The other was "did you like the class today?" They were, actually, having their first trial.
This whole experience made me wonder:
We carried out some on the spot and delayed correction later on, though I had to cope with some embarrassment for letting everybody see the questions on the e-B, after they went back to the classroom. They were all somehow tantalizing and/or heady.
I have assigned some FormSpring for homework as well, and I'll let you know if anything in my perspective changes. I'm eager to use it again and see how it goes...
I started at home, by creating 4 different profiles in FormSpring (St01, St02, St03 and St04) for my students to use in groups (there are only 4 computers in the MMC, that's why I created 4 profiles). We went to the MMC and each group had to "poke" their peers by asking them questions online. They got very enthusiastic about the site, and were emotionaly very involved with the task. Also, they seemed to be very comfortable with the computer, and it was clearly noticeable that their behaviour changed - they got jumpy, excited I'd say, as they got involved with the possibility of using the web and actually having control over the activity: they could ask ANYTHING they wanted.
Most of the questions they came up with were in the Simple Present Tense, and the vocabulary was rather poor. They were experimenting with FormSpring for the first time. Some of the questions were meant to provoke their mates: "Have you ever eaten bananas?" was one of them. The other was "did you like the class today?" They were, actually, having their first trial.
This whole experience made me wonder:
- How different will it be if I ever decide to use it with the same group again (and I will...)?
- Will they behave differently since they already know the tool?
- Does it mean that it wouldn't be ok to use a new tool when students are being presented to language for the first time (BTW, this was a recycling lesson, and even though nothing was new, they resorted to very elementary vocab)?
- How to make them come up with relevant language for their level?
- Is it possible to use edtech tools when working on guided practice? Or they would be more suitable for freer practice/recycling?
- Does excitement somehow affect production (in a negative way)?
- And how can that help the teacher assess their students?
- Can their production on an online tool such as FormSpring reflect what has actually been consolidated so far? Was their potential for using more sophisticated language hindered by the novelty in FormSpring?
- What should we, as teachers, cater for when preparing lessons that bring technology about?
We carried out some on the spot and delayed correction later on, though I had to cope with some embarrassment for letting everybody see the questions on the e-B, after they went back to the classroom. They were all somehow tantalizing and/or heady.
I have assigned some FormSpring for homework as well, and I'll let you know if anything in my perspective changes. I'm eager to use it again and see how it goes...
Great Warm-ups!
I've kept this list of nice warmers for a couple of years, and have already used most of them. They do work well in class! So, why not sharing? Just click on this link to download the list, and have fun!
ESL Games world
Hey guys! I just found a website full of games to be used in classroom. There are printables exercises and online games as well. You can use it with all levels and have some fun with your students.
Here's the link: http://www.eslgamesworld.com/
Enjoy it. =)
Rach
Here's the link: http://www.eslgamesworld.com/
Enjoy it. =)
Rach
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
just feeling bushed...

For those of you who might be feeling beat today...believe me, you're not alone...
Have a good night! zzz...
Friday, 23 April 2010
On the video "The Story of Stuff"
"20 pairs of shoes!! Who needs that?", says a teacher, in the Teacher's Room. As we moved deeper in a nice thought-provoking conversation, I wondered how many pairs of shoes I actually had...17, 18... So...nothing like a holiday to help us get back on track and, why not, count pairs of shoes! The lesson behind those numbers has to do with consumerism, and its tremendous effects on our lives, and on the planet.

Personally, I have been in a couple of binds towards what I really want to spend my money on. Last year I decided to sell my car. At first, I was just thinking about getting rid of a piece of junk that had been bringing me more lows than highs and thought: I'll buy another one in a couple of months. It had been almost 4 years since I had stopped using any kind of public transport, seduced by the comfort of one of America's most desired products - the automobile. But it wasn't until I took buses to Valqueire that I realized that, as a matter of fact, I don't really need a car. I live 1 block away from the subway station and 2 blocks away from the bus stop. I can always hail a cab in case I go out too late... I live 3 blocks away from the supermarket and it costs me next to nothing to bring my shopping bags back home in case I need a ride. Also, if I want to travel, I can take a bus or rent a car, which costs much less than owning a car. In fact, if I took a taxi to go AND come back from work every day I would spend less than keeping my own car!! (It's true!) So why do I need a car?!
The same happens with so many other products that we insist on purchasing just for the sake of possessing things. How many times do we actually reflect upon the real necessity for some goods? A new bikini every time we go on a beach trip, new clothes every time we are invited to a fancy party (and then, end up filled with stuff that we'll hardly ever use again!), hundreds of knick knacks, gadgets and even food that we don't need to (or shouldn't) hog ourselves with!

The point is, all that must go somewhere: all that stuff ends in trash! Dischargeable or not, everything, well... EVERYTHING will eventually be turned into garbage, not to mention the terrible consequences of not using our money properly: endless installments and debts that take us nowhere! Think about the sleep deprived nights we all would avoid provided that we could (decently) afford our own existence! Then, add the inumerous trips we could have taken, and loads of wonderful moments we could have spent near our most beloved ones by just working less!
Maybe it's high time we simply added one more letter to Jack Johnson's 3 R's - D, as in Declutter! Invest your money on what really makes a difference! Thank God it's Friday, and it's a holiday! Hope everybody can make good use of it! ;)
XOXO
Mary
p.s. Here is a nice video (The Story of Stuff) that got me thinking even more about it! Although it's rather long, some of it could be used in class!
Personally, I have been in a couple of binds towards what I really want to spend my money on. Last year I decided to sell my car. At first, I was just thinking about getting rid of a piece of junk that had been bringing me more lows than highs and thought: I'll buy another one in a couple of months. It had been almost 4 years since I had stopped using any kind of public transport, seduced by the comfort of one of America's most desired products - the automobile. But it wasn't until I took buses to Valqueire that I realized that, as a matter of fact, I don't really need a car. I live 1 block away from the subway station and 2 blocks away from the bus stop. I can always hail a cab in case I go out too late... I live 3 blocks away from the supermarket and it costs me next to nothing to bring my shopping bags back home in case I need a ride. Also, if I want to travel, I can take a bus or rent a car, which costs much less than owning a car. In fact, if I took a taxi to go AND come back from work every day I would spend less than keeping my own car!! (It's true!) So why do I need a car?!
The same happens with so many other products that we insist on purchasing just for the sake of possessing things. How many times do we actually reflect upon the real necessity for some goods? A new bikini every time we go on a beach trip, new clothes every time we are invited to a fancy party (and then, end up filled with stuff that we'll hardly ever use again!), hundreds of knick knacks, gadgets and even food that we don't need to (or shouldn't) hog ourselves with!
The point is, all that must go somewhere: all that stuff ends in trash! Dischargeable or not, everything, well... EVERYTHING will eventually be turned into garbage, not to mention the terrible consequences of not using our money properly: endless installments and debts that take us nowhere! Think about the sleep deprived nights we all would avoid provided that we could (decently) afford our own existence! Then, add the inumerous trips we could have taken, and loads of wonderful moments we could have spent near our most beloved ones by just working less!
Maybe it's high time we simply added one more letter to Jack Johnson's 3 R's - D, as in Declutter! Invest your money on what really makes a difference! Thank God it's Friday, and it's a holiday! Hope everybody can make good use of it! ;)
XOXO
Mary
p.s. Here is a nice video (The Story of Stuff) that got me thinking even more about it! Although it's rather long, some of it could be used in class!
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Mary Xmas!!!

First of all, Happy Birthday!! I wish you all the best!
And remember... NO PORTUGUESE!!! Let's create an English speaking environment here! hehehehe (kiddin', but not kidding!)
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Som na caixa!!

Amei a idéia de reativar este blog! Valeu Patty! Então, vou aproveitar para colocar aqui uma pequena relação de video clips que separei para uso, ainda no início deste semestre: são clips voltados para o público infanto-juvenil, que eu selecionei por, basicamente, dois motivos: 1. eles são bem recentes e estão na ponta da língua da moçadinha de 9 a 13 anos e, 2. eles não "agridem o meio ambiente" - são politicamente corretos, sem imagens ou letras polêmicas.
Lá vai:
Miley Cyrus - Party in the USA
Temas possíveis:
EUA x Brazil
Parties
The Cheetah Girls - One World ( o clip é meio velhinho...)
Temas: (perfeito para lição B4 do Basic 5, ou como follow-up discussion - ainda dá tempo de usar)
India x Brazil
Parties
Wedding
Demi Lovato - La la land
Temas:
The life of a celebrity/being famous
TV programmes
Selena Gomez - Something I don't know (é mais para Junior...)
Temas:
House chores
Parts of the house
Miley Cyrus - Butterfly
Tema:
relacionamento pais x filhos
Nick Jonas - Who I am (muito bom para iniciantes)
Temas:
describing myself/presentations
jobs
personality
Miranda Cosgrove - Raining Sunshine
tema:
the weather
Justin Bieber - One time
Temas:
clubbing
parties
dating
friendship
being a teenager
free time activities
Avril Lavigne - Alice (underground)
Temas:
literature
the life of a teenager
what makes you freak out?
Paramore - the only exception (mais para Basic e Plus)
Temas:
family
love
parts of the house
De todos o único que ainda não usei foi o Raining Sunshine, pq a lição ainda não aconteceu. O restante é "satisfação garantida"!
É isso! Valeu! *poof!
We're back, baby!

It's been too long! So it's time to go back in time and start this project all over again. There are so many things that we can do using this blog and I'm pretty sure everybody will learn and have fun at the same time.
So, here we are! New things to explore!
Kisses,
Patty
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
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