Christmas Flashmob at Lisbon Airport!

Have a look at this video just sent by teacher Ana Clara Almeida! It did happen in Lisbon (not abroad) on 23rd December...

"TAP Portugal and ANA wished their passengers a Merry Christmas at Lisbon Airport in an unique way! - Official Video."

Enjoy, folks!

Santa Claus is coming to... ESMA!!!

Christmas is a time of gathering, of family reunions and, mainly for children, a time for Santa Claus to pay a visit. Last week on 23rd December adult students were invited to bring their own children to school, to spend a different day with them, interacting and playing. What I witnessed was ... wonderful! Wonderful bonds between mums and children and / or teenagers - YES! There is nothing to be ashamed of; a mother is always a mother no matter how old we are!
We started the day going to the movies and around 1pm we were already heading to school for a shared meal - all very tasty homemade food prepared by ANSC 2 mums!!! (Congratulations, ladies, you are wonderful cooks!). Afterwards there were several activities - from reading and performing a story, game playing,... to drawing. The kids were fantastic - really! They behaved so well - no tantrums, no sobs, nothing! All mums were helpful and all looked after everybody's children, even Catarina's eldest son who was always attentive and looking after his twin sisters. It was a great day, in a great atmosphere.
The most exciting moment was yet to come - Santa Claus with gifts for all. You cannot imagine (???) how excited kids were: they cried and jumped for joy when they heard Santa's HOHOHO...
Before showing you the pictures I took, I would like to thank teacher CLAUDIA SOARES - she has really been unique with her professionalism and dedication; teacher JOSÉ MIGUEL MENDONÇA, a perfect Santa Claus, and teacher NATÁLIA COSTA from the schoolboard, who dealt with logistics making this Christmas celebration possible. I cannot forget the mums / ANSC ladies nor the presence of other teachers (teachers Clara Luís, Conceição Aires, Sandrina Tralhão and Sónia Antunes). A huge THANK YOU!!!
Now, be my guests!

Talking Turkeys

On Christmas Eve, when all are cooking and / or baking, I thought about a poem by one of my favourite English authors, reggae poet Benjamin Zephaniah, but this time I'm also including a brilliant translation by Joana Styliano Costa sent by Fitch O'Connell (British Council, Porto) some time ago.

Talking Turkeys
from "Talking Turkeys"

Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas
Cos' turkeys just wanna hav fun
Turkeys are cool, turkeys are wicked
An every turkey has a Mum.
Be nice to yu turkeys dis christmas,
Don't eat it, keep it alive,
It could be yu mate, an not on your plate
Say, Yo! Turkey I'm on your side.
I got lots of friends who are turkeys
An all of dem fear christmas time,

Dey wanna enjoy it, dey say humans

destroyed it

An humans are out of dere mind,

Yeah, I got lots of friends who are turkeys

Dey all hav a right to a life,

Not to be caged up an genetically made up

By any farmer an his wife.

Now the rap-Portuguese version:

Bora ser simpático c'os perus este Natal
Porque a cena dos perus é só desbundar
Os perus são fixes, os perus são demais
E todos eles têm uma Mãe com quem 'tar.
Bora ser simpático c'os perus este Natal
Não os comas, deix'ó peru vivo,
Podias ser tu, pá, em vez de ser pr'a ti
E digam Yo! Peru tou contigo.
Tenho montes d'amigos perus
E todos temem no Natal,
Querem curti-lo mas dizem qu'os humanos
não deixam
E os humanos 'tão passados da cabeça,
É isso mesmo, tenho montes d'amigos perus
E todos têm direito a viver,
Não enjaulados ou geneticamente alterados
Por um qualquer lavrador e a sua mulher.

Do you like this kind of writing? Then have a look at, for example...
http://www.benjaminzephaniah.com/
www.benjaminzephaniah.com/content/biography.php
www.contemporarywriters.com/authors/?alpha=Z
http://www.nme.com/artists/benjamin-zephaniah

Again, a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS

COP15

I just can't resist posting!!! I told you so... this time to express my disappointment towards the failure of Copenhagen climate deal.
What a frustrating summit without a legally binding treaty! So much expectation, so many speeches and truths (remember Venezualan president Hugo Chavez speaking at the UN climate talks "If the climate was a bank, (the United States) would already have saved it") but no progresses at all. According to many, not because of the USA but because of China...
Here is a clip by Quercus I find quite appropriate:



Ya, just think about it - not later, not in 2010 but RIGHT NOW!

Season's greetings

Dear all,
Christmas is coming and so is the New Year.
After so many months of hard work, time has come for a family break (let's see if I can do it...). I'll be around and in touch with all of you and to the dearest ones ,I'll still send a Christmas card.
Before I leave you today, let me just congratulate my class AE 3 (again, yes)! The "Fabulous Five" (Ana, Conceição, Fátima. Isabel e Olinda) presented their stories in our Christmas celebration last Wednesday, 16th December. What great performances, ladies!!!!
Now, time to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2010!
With all my heart,
(Teacher) Alexandra

Christmas lunch with AE1

Once again, class AE 1 invited me for a Christmas lunch! Well, not only me of course! They invited not only their current teachers but also the ones from the previous school year and that way they gathered a large group of teachers. As for the students, we celebrated Gina's birthday and Magda was absent but do you know why? While we were having lunch, she was giving birth to her third child. Brave girl!!!By the way: congratulations and all the best for your newborn baby, Magda.
To keep you in mind, as usual, some photos were taken - this time by myself and Sandra :) Do have a look, ok?



Thank you again, ladies, not only for your kind invitation but also for the joy of being with all of you as well as with teachers Anabela and Clara.

3D "A Christmas Carol"

Last night off we went to the cinema this time for “A Christmas Carol” which is quite appropriate for this time of the year. This time we had a group of 35 including teachers, students as well as some children and teens. It really became a family movie! Just have a look:

For those who don’t /didn’t know, this immortal tale was written by Charles Dickens and published in 1843. The main character, Ebenezer Scrooge (JIM CARREY) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk, Bob Cratchit, and at his good-hearted nephew, Fred. On that same Christmas Eve, Scrooge goes back home where he is visited by the ghost of his dead business partner, Joseph Marley, who’s paying the price in the afterlife for his own meanness. Marley thus hopes to help Scrooge avoid a similar fate and tells him that he will be visited by three spirits: the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet-to-Come. They all take Scrooge swooping the streets of Victorian London (as freely as Superman or even like in another timeless story as Peter Pan)on an eye-opening journey revealing truths he’s reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late – and it’s never too late to change attitudes, don’t you think? Indeed, Scrooges’s changes surprise all as he sends a huge turkey (not a goose!) to the Cratchits’ home, spends Christmas day at his nephew's, raises his employee’s salary and vows to assist his family, including Bob’s crippled son, Tiny Tim. For someone who started this movie saying “Christmas is humbug…when you find yourself a year older and not a penny richer” and finishes with the famous “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all year” it means Scrooge has really learned a lesson he will never forget. Who would?

According to David Perdue (http://charlesdickenspage.com/) Charles Dickens has had much more influence on the way we celebrate Christmas than we can imagine. In a time when misery spread around industrial England, Dickens’ Christmas stories, particularly the masterpiece “A Christmas Carol”, enhanced the joy of Christmas as a family feast. As Henry David Thoreau put it “The way you spend Christmas is far more important than how much.”

Quoting Perdue now “Dickens' name had become so synonymous with Christmas that on hearing of his death in 1870 a little costermonger's girl in London asked, "Mr. Dickens dead? Then will Father Christmas die too?"

No, certainly not! The spirit of Christmas has prevailed as it was his wish; himself was the most popular English novelist of the Victorian era, and one of the most popular of all time; as for “A Christmas Carol”, it remains popular, has never been out of print and has often been adapted (this three-dimensional version is only the latest example once even by Disney there is another one, a 24-minute long film from 1983 with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck - as Scrooge, obviously - that you and your kids can’t miss).

Other curious facts (?) about Dickens and his role in the English Literature and storytelling are, for example, the opening of a new Literature themed amusement park in London in the spring of 2007 or, more recently, the world famous Christmas lights on Oxford Street, London, being sponsored by Disney and lit by Jim Carrey on Tuesday, 3 November 2009 on the same night of the world premiere of “A Christmas Carol”. Guess the theme of this year's Christmas lights??? Right: Dickens! If you wish to see London Christmas Lights, please visit

http://golondon.about.com/od/londonpictures/ig/Christmas-Lights-2009/ or
http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/oxford-street-christmas-lights-feature-403.html

So, Dickens' book is a parable for all ages motivated by his real social concern; the social inequalities he portrays in many of his most famous books, including “A Christmas Carol”, were based on his bitter experience and dealing with such topics made readers aware that it is never too late to convert greedy, insensitive people into charitable people, real philanthropists (that Victorian England so desperately needed).

As for this Robert Zemeckis production, well, there’s not anything new really – the difference is clearly the technology, not storytelling. The flick remains true to the book but it’s retold now in a good 3D cartoon. Yet, do go to the movies and check it for yourself because I’ve known the story (by heart) for a long time as it is my all time fav Christmas book(and I haven't missed any film version either)! Ya, and there’s something else: should you take the kiddies to this movie??? Well, I´m not so sure... when planning to go, don’t forget it is rated PG which means Parental Guidance for scary sequences and images.
I wouldn't like to finish though without leaving you some (web)suggestions:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_dickens (already suggested on Oct 29 when I posted "What the Dickens?" for info on the author as well as on Victorian England)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_carol (info on the tale)
http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/achristmascarol/ (for games, videos, pictures, info,...)
http://www.freechristmasclipart.org/dickenscarol.htm (besides the Ebook and other stuff, you can find here the reason why Dickens called it a carol)
http://www.dickensworld.co.uk/ (Dickens World Amusement Park in England inspired by the author's work)
http://www.cedmagic.com/featured/christmas-carol/christmas-carol.html (the different versions of the tale, including the one with Mickey Mouse)
http://www.history.com/content/christmas/the-real-story-of-christmas/a-christmas-carol (history channel has loads of videos and data on Christmas, including on "A Christmas Carol")
...
Other suggestions (for teenagers or adults) include songs such as
"All I want for Christmas" or "Santa Claus is coming to town" by Mariah Carey
"Happy Christmas", John Lennon
"Christmas Time", Brian Adams
"Last Christmas",  George Michael
"White Christmas", Bing Crosby
"Do they know it's Christmas", Band Aid
"Santa's depression", Gomo
...
For more advanced learners, why not, for example, ask them to read "The spirit of Christmas" by Vivian Edwards to find similarities between the two stories, ...
Nice reading (or viewing):)))and ADM students: do not forget to bring your 3D glasses into class for better understanding English - Eheheheh!!!

"A Christmas Carol"

Hello, everybody!

This blog has been slow on comments... what's the matter? My guess is that you're probably as busy as I am and there are other priorities, correct? Teaching, family, health problems (as it is now the case around here), all get in the way of my blogging (and perhaps of your comments, too).

Nevertheless, we have to keep going and yes, another activity!!!

Christmas is coming and I suggested going to the movies again this time for Disney's "A Christmas Carol", a 2009 film adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1843 story of the same name. This 3D film is written and directed by Robert Zemeckis, and stars Jim Carrey in a multitude of roles, including Ebenezer Scrooge as a young, middle-aged, and old man, and three of the ghosts who haunt Scrooge.

Now, who the hell is Ebenezer Scrooge???? I'm not going to tell you the story, no way! Just to "sharpen your appetite" either to read this timeless tale or to go to the movies, Scrooge is a Victorian-era miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, due to several mysterious Christmas apparitions.

For now, let's just enjoy the trailer!


 
Though I know the story, I'm quite thrilled to see the film. What about you?
As you already know, there are some tasks prior to the film as well as for the next classes. Take advantage of the weekend to solve the worksheet on business english (cinema as a company) and beforehand you can also do some research work on Charles Dickens's life and legacy...
So, folks, see you next week, ok?

The Strongest Link Against AIDS

As part of the activities developed by ESPAÇO J to promote healthy behaviours, on December 2nd our school, Escola 3 / Secundária Fernando Namora (Condeixa) and Escola Secundária de Pombal took part in a competition called "The Strongest Link Against AIDS". The three teams (schools) participated with four students each plus their supporting cheerleaders and all had to do their very best to deserve winning... in the end, Escola 3 / Secundária de Pombal won but ALL proved to be well-aware of what dangerous / risky behaviours were and how to avoid them to become the "strongest link" against HIV / AIDS.

Just like in the previous edition, CLUBE ART'E VICIOS joined in and amazed all with their different performances - music, drama,...

My congrats especially to teacher Maria João Machado for her successful campaigns and activities, for her commitment and effort! It has been worthwhile so, please, carry on! Oh, and by the way, thank you for your tips :)

1st December - World AIDS Day 2009

World AIDS Day, observed on December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is common to hold memorials to honor people who have died from HIV/AIDS on this day. Government and health officials also observe the event, often with speeches or forums on the AIDS topics.

There are now 33.4 million people living with HIV, according to 2008 figures released by WHO (1). An estimated 2.7 million were newly infected with the virus and 2 million died of AIDS the same year. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most heavily affected by HIV. In 2008, sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 67% of HIV infections worldwide, 68% of new HIV infections among adults and 91% of new HIV infections among children. The region also accounted for 72% of the world’s AIDS-related deaths in 2008.

Started on 1st December 1988, World AIDS Day – besides raising awareness – is also about raising money, fighting prejudice and improving education. This year's theme is 'Universal Access and Human Rights'.

Watch AVERT´s (2) new video explaining why universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care is the key to ending the global AIDS epidemic:

Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV and AIDS treatment, prevention and care, recognising these as fundamental human rights. Valuable progress has been made in increasing access to HIV and AIDS services, yet greater commitment is needed around the world if the goal of universal access is to be achieved. Millions of people continue to be infected with HIV every year. In low- and middle-income countries, less than half of those in need of antiretroviral therapy are receiving it, and too many do not have access to adequate care services.

The protection of human rights is fundamental to combating the global HIV and AIDS epidemic. Violations against human rights fuel the spread of HIV, putting marginalised groups, such as injecting drug users and sex workers, at a higher risk of HIV infection. By promoting individual human rights, new infections can be prevented and people who have HIV can live free from discrimination.

World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us - individuals, communities and political leaders - to take action and ensure that human rights are protected and global targets for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care are met.

(1) WHO - World Health Organization

(2) AVERT - according to the 7th edition of Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary "to avert" means to prevent something bad or dangerous from happening and here it is an international AIDS charity.

PICTURE of red ribbon: The Red Ribbon is the global symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS.
HIV- the virus that can cause AIDS
AIDS - the abbreviation for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

PICTURE of David Kirby, dying of AIDS, in his room in the Ohio State University Hospital in May 1990, with his family at his bedside.

PICTURE of an enormous pink condom, 22 meters high and 3.5 meters wide, for the sixth World AIDS Day, on December 1st 1993, placed on the obelisk in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

For a much more comprehensive approach, please click on the following links:

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/annual/world_aids_day/en/index.html (info on World AIDS Campaign, HIV / AIDS, ...)

http://www.worldaidscampaign.org/en/Key-events/World-AIDS-Day (World AIDS Day Materials, events, ...)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Aids_Day (info on World AIDS Day Themes from 1988 to now,...)

http://unaids.org/en/ (updated infos on AIDS - statistics, ...)
http://www.avert.org/world-aids-day.htm  (Besides updated info, the avert.org website is packed with resources for learning about HIV and AIDS, HIV transmission, statistics, AIDS around the world,...; Do try their GAMES and QUIZZES!)

Long Live Michael Jackson!

One last tribute to Michael Jackson full of hope he is really still alive ;)



Just kidding,  eheheheheh :)
Have a (very) nice weekend, folks!

11th November 09 - ANSC 1

Another "good night" at Martinho Árias - Soure!
This time class ANSC 1 planned a different "S. Martinho": they organised a performance (shadow theatre), invited a folklore group, sang, danced (and challenged the audience to join them) and there was also a meal shared by all.
Congratulations on all of you, ladies: teachers Sonia, Margarida,... and students! Ups...yes, there are also two men: a teacher (Ricardo Gabriel) and a student (Paulo - a hero and a survivor among his female classmates :))You ALL did a great job last night!
Now enjoy the pictures I've just taken and please forgive me for their quality but it was too dark - so dark that not even the people on stage could read the lyrics they had taken...

10th November - First Anniversary

Well, here I am to celebrate this blog's birthday... it is very time consuming but ALL of you have made it worthwhile.
THANK YOU for your support and participation.
BLESS YOU ALL!!!

Michael Jackson's "This is it"

YES! You definitely want to see this. The two-hour concert film is unmissable, believe me!
"THIS IS IT" is a tribute to Michael Jackson's extraordinary life and career, featuring rare behind-the-scenes footage of his last rehearsals as he prepared for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place in Summer in London's O2 Arena. It captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker,.. all his creative genius at work; but "This is it" also gives us a glimpse of a more human Michael Jackson than the King of Pop ever presented in his lifetime.
I've already said before that MJ wasn't really one of my favourite singers but I can't hide that my opinion has changed and now he has one more fan: myself.
What about you, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls who went to see "This is it"? Ya, tell me: on Tuesday afternoon a group of sixteen ladies (ANSC 2) and three teachers went to Forum; on Wednesday evening a group of 50 (yeessss, 50!) met in CC Dolce Vita, had dinner and coffee, celebrated Fátima's birthday and then, finally, went inside for the film.
Have a look at some pictures, please!



Worldwide there have been several tributes to Michael Jackson.
Have you ever heard about "Flashmobs"? Do you know what a flashmob is?
According to Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary (7th edition), a flashmob is a large group of people who arrange to gather together in a public place at exactly the same time, spend a short time doing something there and then quickly all leave at the same time.
To have an idea, click on the following link to see a tribute organised by a Swedish group called "Bounce" that challenged other countries to do the same:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVJVRywgmYM
Now with children in Canada:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYVi_6KZyTs
or Lisbon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PS50ATSrquw
among many others (Hong Kong, New York, London, Paris,...)
If you are curious about this, browse a little bit but in wikipedia (try
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashmob ) you'll surely find what you need to know about this social performance art.

Coming back to the film, in "THIS IS IT" you see Michael Jackson totally in command of his body and voice though very thin and sometimes wearing strange clothes. Indeed, the editing gives us MJ performing the same number on different days in different clothes which undoubtedly leads us to the question: was he really fit? We know he was rehearsing, the footage was edited, but... would MJ manage a whole concert? What about 50????
After some googling I found http://this-is-not-it.com/ in which a group of fans demands to know the truth, assures that the film hides a terrible reality and calls our attention to some facts. Visit it! It's quite interesting!!
Anyway, from what some of you have already told me, it was worth going to the cinema and seeing this concert film. And as for Michael Jackson, all this only enhances my admiration for him and for what he had dreamed for his fans. "THIS IS IT" would definitely be the greatest of all concerts!

For further info on Michael Jackson click on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_jackson
http://www.michaeljackson.com/pt/home
http://www.michaeljackson.com/ru/node/326415

Michael Jackson's "This is it"

This week - some months after Michael Jackson's untimely death on 25th June - we are going to see "This is it", a documentary film about the late King of Pop's preparations for a series of comeback concerts.
Although I haven't seen the film yet, from what I've read, his concerts could have indeed restored his reputation as the world’s greatest entertainer. According to some news, "This Is It" shows
. Michael Jackson in excellent form; voice and moves tops;
. Jackson's charisma is ever-present, and staffers light up when he rehearses;
. the musician's craftsmanship, the value of taking time to get it right.
. It also provides a glimpse of Jackson's humanity.

These are strong reasons for us to go to the cinema, aren't they? Whether you liked him or not, one has to admit he was a great entertainer / performer / musician...
I do not intend to bother you today with too much info on Michael Jackson as I'll be posting again after the film. Right now, let's just see the trailer.

"WHAT THE DICKENS?" by Interacting

Another year, another theatre play by INTERACTING and another stunning success!
Laugh while you learn is their motto and couldn't really be more appropriate. Indeed, it's already the fourth time / year they have come to Soure to delight us - teachers and students of Martinho Árias - with a funny and educational theatre play and let me tell you that, this time, there were ONLY 210 students and seven teachers. What about that, hem?
This year's play - as the title suggests - had to do with Charles Dickens (1812-1870), the most popular English novelist of the Victorian era and one of the most popular of all time. Charles Dickens published over a dozen major novels, a large number of short stories (including a number of Christmas-themed stories), a handful of plays, and several non-fiction books. Some of his most popular novels are "The Adventures of Oliver Twist", "A Christmas Carol", "David Copperfield", "Hard Times", "A Tale of Two Cities", "Great Expectations" to name just the most famous ones. And what did the two actors on stage do? They used many of the characters to play different roles and to ask for your participation ;)
Also important when talking about Charles Dickens is, of course, Dickens London - the time of the industrial revolution - when it was both a city of change and of stark contrasts.
But what about the title (of the play) itself??? Charles Dickens had, as a contemporary critic put it, a "queer name" and the name Dickens was used in interjective exclamations like "What the Dickens!" as a substitute for "devil"...

If you are curious about Charles Dickens and Dickens London, click on
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_dickens
and if you would also like to get some more info on Interacting, please click on
http://www.interacting.info/index.html
where you will find not only lots of information about their projects but also news. However, if you wish to get in touch with this Educational Theatre Company, you can write to them on
hello@interacting.info
and even plan a drama course in Ireland. Have you ever thought about that????

On behalf of Patrick Deas (the person in charge of Interacting), you are to be congratulated on your good behaviour and excellent contribution for the success of another play.

Now ENJOY and then take a minute or two to write down your comment / your opinion on this particular activity.

World Food Day

Today is the day - The World Food Day!

My suggestion for today / your task (if you wish) is to

1. describe the picture below and / or

2. write down a caption.

Now have a look!

16th October - World Food Day

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations celebrates World Food Day each year on 16 October, the day on which the Organization was founded in 1945.

The objectives of World Food Day are to:
· encourage attention to agricultural food production and to stimulate national, bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental efforts to this end;
· encourage economic and technical cooperation among developing countries;
· encourage the participation of rural people, particularly women and the least privileged categories, in decisions and activities influencing their living conditions;
· heighten public awareness of the problem of hunger in the world;
· promote the transfer of technologies to the developing world; and
· strengthen international and national solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty and draw attention to achievements in food and agricultural development.

History
World Food Day was established by FAO's Member Countries at the Organization's Twentieth General Conference in November 1979. The date chosen - 16 October - is the anniversary of FAO.
World Food Day was proclaimed in 1979 by the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It marks the date of the founding of FAO in 1945. The aim of the Day is to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. In 1980, the General Assembly endorsed observance of the Day in consideration of the fact that "food is a requisite for human survival and well-being and a fundamental human necessity" (resolution 35/70 of 5 December 1980).

SOURCES:
http://www.fao.org/getinvolved/worldfoodday/en/
http://www.un.org/en/aboutun/index.shtml

We all know we live in a world of contrasts.
Watch the following award-winning film: it is about the hunger and poverty brought about by Globalization. There are 10,000 people dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition. This short film shows a forgotten portion of the society.
Just think how fortunate we (all) are...




Your challenge(s) now is / are to think about the following...
1. What feelings does this short film arise?
2. Having it in mind and as a starting point, think about as many pairs of opposites as you can. I'll start: rich / poor

Please go on!!!!

Canterbury - Part II

Well, another post on my Canterbury Summer Course...I feel I also have to include other Portuguese teachers of English I got to know there besides the multinational group of teachers...

Eating pizza "at home": Linda, myself and Leonor

Going downtown in a doubledecker: myself, Ana and Sónia

Over the weekend in London: Gisela, Helena, Linda, Myself, Sandra and Sónia

In a pub back in Canterbury:

Leonor, myself and the amazing

Débora

Thank you ladies; it has been a pleasure meeting you all!

Canterbury Summer Course

At last, you might say...

Ya, I guess it will be worthwhile... at least I hope so.

To remember the course and the teachers of English I got to know last July in Canterbury, Kent / UK, I'm posting two pictures of the group with our fantastic teacher trainer, Judit Feher. In the first one we are in a pub (Thomas Becket) and in the second, we are in the classroom (only Christoph cannot be seen because he was the one who took the picture). Now, remember Zeze singing "fado"??? Please, watch the video I'm publishing: it is sung by a male choir in a monastery that had long been closed for restoration work. The Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha is located in Coimbra, my hometown, and after 700 years music can again be heard there...

Enjoy!

Thank YOU!

Just a short note to all those readers who sent me a card on Saturday, 26th September, The EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES: a big hug and THANK YOU!!!
Please keep on :)))

26th September: European Day of Languages

What is the European Day of Languages?

The European Year of Languages 2001, jointly organised by the Council of Europe and the European Union, was successful in involving millions of people across 45 participating countries. Its activities celebrated linguistic diversity in Europe and promoted language learning.

The general objectives of the European Day of Languages are:

1.Alerting the public to the importance of language learning and diversifying the range of languages learnt in order to increase plurilingualism and intercultural understanding;

2.Promoting the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Europe, which must be preserved and fostered;

3.Encouraging lifelong language learning in and out of school, whether for study purposes, for professional needs, for purposes of mobility or for pleasure and exchanges.

Who is the European Day of Languages for?
The Council of Europe is hoping that this Day will be celebrated by both authorities in its member states and potential partners at the following levels:

■among policy-makers (specific measures or discussions on language policy issues, for instance)
■among the general public (awareness-raising on the overall objectives of the Day, including the importance of lifelong language learning, starting at any age, in educational establishments, at work, etc);
■in the voluntary sector (specific actions by and/or for NGOs, associations, companies, etc).

SOURCE:
http://edl.ecml.at/Abouttheday/Whatisit/tabid/1760/language/en-GB/Default.aspx

After some info on this particular day, I have some suggestions for students and teachers/colleagues alike...

To celebrate the upcoming European Day of Languages I would invite you all to click on the link below
http://edl.ecml.at/LanguageFun/MemoryGame/Flagsmemorygame/tabid/1870/language/en-GB/Default.aspx
It will take you to two examples of pelmanism. TRY at least the easy one!!!!
Anyway, there are also other activities I find quite interesting. If you click on "Language Fun", you will find topics such as "Language Treasures", "Language Facts" or "Language Quiz" but I would challenge you to send me (or somebody else) a CARD ("Send a Card") :)))

Another suggestion (especially for teachers of English) is to click on
http://www.britishcouncil.org/portugal-ensinar-ingles-materiais.htm
where you will find resources you may wish to use.

I'll be waiting for your feedback and cards!!!

Swine Flu Plan

In a prior posting dating back to August 10th, I have already introduced some information, posters and a video on swine flu. Now that the school year is about to start, Martinho Árias - just like all schools in Portugal - has a plan, the so-called "Plano de Contingência", mainly developed by Biology teacher Maria João Machado.
Teachers Natália Costa (coordinator) and Maria João have been addressing the different audiences communicating preventive measures and other pertinent information for flu, both seasonal and H1N1 related.

It is important that we all (parents / students / staff) take this information - and plan - seriously to avoid spreading the virus.

Keeping this in mind, watch another video.

8 th September - International Literacy Day (UNESCO)

Today one in five adults is still not literate and two-thirds of them are women while 75 million children are out of school.

Since its foundation in 1946, UNESCO has been at the forefront of global literacy efforts and is dedicated to keeping literacy high on national, regional and international agendas. However, with some 776 million adults lacking minimum literacy skills, literacy for all remains an elusive target.

UNESCO’s literacy programmes aim to create a literate world and promote literacy for all.

Why is literacy important?
Literacy is a human right, a tool of personal empowerment and a means for social and human development. Educational opportunities depend on literacy.

Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy. There are good reasons why literacy is at the core of Education for All (EFA).

A good quality basic education equips pupils with literacy skills for life and further learning; literate parents are more likely to send their children to school; literate people are better able to access continuing educational opportunities; and literate societies are better geared to meet pressing development .

Now, just compare how these students go to school in Japan and in India and imagine their learning environments, schools, school material,...
How easy it is for some, and how hard it can be for many, many others! Some have it all and others lack everything... still such deep contrasts / gaps between the haves and the have nots in the 21st century.

What about yourself? How do you go to school? Is it comparable to any of these means? How important is it to attend school (kids + youngsters + adults) ???

BACK TO SCHOOL

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever."

Mohandas Gandhi

Sardinhada (AE 1+2)

On 15th July, classes AE 1+2 organised a typical Portuguese "Sardinhada" and invited all teachers, including me. It took place in Soure with fantastic weather and an amazing atmosphere. Not a single detail was forgotten by these ladies who even picked as many flowers as they could from their own gardens to offer each teacher a bunch of flowers. As promised, I offered Magda and Rosa English books from OXFORD BOOKWORMS LIBRARY.

It will surely be a memorable day, ladies! THANK YOU ALL!
Now enjoy.

(Night Shift) Teachers' lunch

Another film, ladies and gentlemen, this time only with teachers! That's right!
On the 14th July, Fátima Madeira - a teacher who so well knows the area - led us through Soure and its surroundings.
Feel free to have a look (and comment):D

AE 3 - drama and dinner

On the 9th July,2009,class AE 3 (Acção Educativa 3 - nocturno) prepared a representation of a short play including several historical characters. It involved a lot of hard work not only with the text but also with their clothes and even make-up.
This is a class of 5 strong-willed women who work hard during the day and still find the strength to give their very best in the "night shift", from 7pm to midnight. Brave women, these Fabulous Five (Ana Cristina, Conceição. Fátima, Isabel e Olinda) ! An example to follow - and I have to say this loud and clear: I am very proud to be your "mediadora". Congratulations, ladies!!!!

Well, after a school year with loads of work to validate your abilities / competences, it was time to celebrate, right?
There was a very pleasant dinner with the Fab Five, Isabel's daughter, and the team of teachers (yes, the only class that managed to join us all). It all ended as it started: determined to keep going and happy to succeed.

Some final words to the team of teachers who worked as hard to have such good results and such a nice working / studying / learning (...) environment: a huge THANK YOU!

Swine Flu

The 2009 flu pandemic is a global outbreak of a new strain of influenza virus, officially named the "new H1N1", first identified in April 2009, and commonly called "Swine flu." It is thought to be a mutation of four known strains of the influenza A virus, subtype H1N1: one endemic in (normally infecting) humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs (swine).


Experts assume the virus "most likely" emerged from pigs in Asia, and was carried to North America by infected persons. There is also evidence that the new strain had been circulating among pigs on other continents for years before infecting humans. But transmission is human to human, with cooked pork products safe to eat as the virus cannot be transmitted by eating foods.
The outbreak began in Mexico, with evidence that Mexico was already in the midst of an epidemic for months before the outbreak was recognized. Soon after, their government closed down most of Mexico City's public and private offices and facilities to help contain the spread. In early June, as the virus spread globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a pandemic, but also noted that most illnesses were of "moderate severity."

The virus has since spread to the Southern Hemisphere which entered its winter flu season, and to many less developed countries with limited healthcare systems. Because the virus was spreading with "unprecedented speed", and many clinics were overwhelmed testing and treating patients, WHO stopped requiring countries to report all cases, but is still monitoring unusually large outbreaks.


The virus typically spreads from coughs and sneezes or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. Symptoms, which can last up to a week, are similar to those of seasonal flu, and may include fever, sneezes, sore throat, coughs, headache, and muscle or joint pains.

Just like in Portugal, in England there is information everywhere - in tubes / tube stations, in schools and universities, in many public places - and there is also a swine flu hotline available. Its National Health Service (NHS) is also broadcasting the ad that follows:

So, be careful not to catch the swine flu - it is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and experts are now warning against giving Tamiflu to children. According to researchers, this anitiviral drug should not be given to children under 12 because its side effects outweigh any benefits once it might lead to dehydration and complications.

Now, are you worried about this swine flu? What are you doing to prevent the disease (if anything)?

Poll

Greetings to all of you!
After some crazy weeks in July to finish the school year and a super teacher training course in the UK, I am back!
I am sorry to have kept you waiting for news for so long but these have been really hard times. The good news is that I now have some new stuff to post here :D
Before that, tough, I would like to thank those who voted in the poll, and invite the ones who chose for the introduction of some changes to suggest some.
Feel free to point out some topics - I would really appreciate not only your comments but also your suggestions!

25th June: The death of two icons

Yesterday was devastating for both the film and music industry.
The deaths of FARRAH FAWCETT and MICHAEL JACKSON shocked fans worldwide. Though there have been several tributes since their passings were announced, the most significant ones will be broadcast tonight.

Farrah Fawcett, an American actress and multiple Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee, died in Los Angeles at 62, after a long battle with cancer.

A great artist, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, also passed away yesterday and in Los Angeles but after suffering a cardiac arrest in his home. After a life in the limelight from the age of five to fifty, "Wacko Jacko", truly lived the life of an enigmatic legend often involved in controversies, surrounded by guards and hidden behind masks / umbrellas. He will surely be remembered not only by his musical legacy but also as the singer / man who was born "black" and became "whiter and whiter" due to his many operations.
If you would like to find some more information about Michael Jackson and his music, click, for example, on
http://www.michaeljackson.com/
http://www.youtube.com/michaeljackson

Why don't you leave here your opinion on Michael Jackson and his music? What's your favourite song?

Art'e Vicios show

Another stunning success by Art'e Vicios - the show on the 19th June was fantastic, ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys.
Teachers and pupils gathered together to rehearse and prepare for this performance but it was worthwhile I can assure you! Such commitment and dedication are harder and harder to find at schools - especially now in these troubled times...

Below there is a selection of pictures taken during the event starting with the opening speech delivered by our "Principal", Eng Ramos Pereira. Then, there are several pictures of a folklore group from Alfarelos and still others from pupils/teachers playing, singing, dancing and acting on stage. The final ones include all those involved.

I hope you like them!

SMS

The correct message, ladies, was:

Hi, ladies!
I have to admit I am really sad to leave you after these 50 hours of English but, if you need me, you know where and how to find me, don't you?
It was a pleasure to work with you! I wish you all the best. Farewell...
Your teacher, Alexandra

As promised there will be prizes - one for Rosa and another for Magda!
Congratulations.

School Visit to Oporto

On the 19th June off we went to Oporto for another school visit with adults from classes Animação SócioCultural (diurno) and Acção Educativa 1. The atmosphere was great and the school visit monitored by the pair Anabela Guiné and Rita Rocha was very interesting. In the morning we headed straight to CASA DA MÚSICA and in the afternoon we visited IGREJA DE S.FRANCISCO and PALÁCIO DA BOLSA.
As always, it was a bit tiring (also due to the heat) but really worthwhile for those involved. In the end, all were asking for more in spite of the ambitious tasks they still have to focus on - just for you to have an idea, these adults have to present reports on the facilities (or not) for disabled people, on the different architectural features of the buildings, on the importance of the English Language...

Now enjoy pictures of all participants as well as of the most relevant moments!

Farewell, ladies!

sms

Now that our classes are coming to an end, it's time for other challenges, like this sms which you are asked to convert into plain English...

Hi, ladies!
I hav 2 admit I M rly :-( 2 Leav U aftR dEz 50 hrz of eng bt, f U nEd me, U knO whr & how 2 find me, dun u?
It wz a plSUR 2 wrk w U! I wsh U aL d best. Farewell...
yor Tcha, Alexandra

I am waiting for your texts, ladies, and there will be (a) prize(s) for the first correct answer(s)!
I am counting already on Rosa's text - the countdown has already started and the deadline will be next Sunday, 21st June.

Good luck!

5th June - WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

World Environment Day (WED) was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.

Commemorated yearly on 5 June, WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The day's agenda is to:
- Give a human face to environmental issues;
- Empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development;
- Promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues;
- Advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.

The theme for WED 2009 is 'Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change'. It reflects the urgency for nations to agree on a new deal at the crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen some 180 days later in the year, and the links with overcoming poverty and improved management of forests.

This year’s host is Mexico which reflects the growing role of the Latin American country in the fight against climate change, including its growing participation in the carbon markets.
Mexico is also a leading partner in UNEP's Billion Tree Campaign. The country, with the support of its President and people, has spearheaded the pledging and planting of some 25 per cent of the trees under the campaign. Accounting for around 1.5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the country is demonstrating its commitment to climate change on several fronts.
Mexican President Felipe Calderon states that the WED celebration will “further underline Mexico's determination to manage natural resources and deal with the most demanding challenge of the 21st century – climate change."

To highlight this date, you can watch HOME premiere online. Just click on
http://www.youtube.com/homeproject

There are obviously many other links you can click on (some have already been suggested to you in previous postings connected with the environment) such as
http://www.unep.org/wed/2009/english/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Environment_Day
http://www.sofiaecho.com/2009/06/05/730531_world-environment-day-eu-plea-for-urgency

For all those who love MUSIC as much as I do and are concerned with the ENVIRONMENT, visit, for example,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w63gN8adA0E
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW7ZuM9UNaI&feature=related

In our school a team of teachers and pupils belonging to Clube Art'e Vícios organised an end of the school year party joining "artists" of all ages in an Art Gallery and on stage. And guess what the theme was??????? The Environment, of course! Have a look at the first pictures taken just a couple of hours ago...

International Children's Day 1st June

I couldn't skip this date, really!

Let's appreciate the gift of life, of having children around us!

Happy Children's Day, children (and parents) !!!!!!

More photos, ladies!

Well, ladies, more photos! These were all taken by teacher Carlos Ferreira who kindly sent them to me.

We are now expecting your comments. EhEhEhEh!!!

School Visit to Conímbriga

On the 28th May, class Animação SocioCultural Diurno headed to Conímbriga for their first school visit. It was a great day and even the weather contributed (perhaps too much, really) for the success of this outing. After lunch we gathered at school and went by bus to The Famous Roman Ruins + Museum and came back around seven p.m. not before sharing a nice meal.

As for the place itself, Conímbriga is one of the largest Roman settlements in Portugal, and is classified as a National Monument. Conímbriga lies 16 km from Coimbra and less than 2 km from Condeixa-a-Nova. The site also has a museum that displays objects found by archaeologists during their excavations, including coins and surgical tools. A restaurant/café is in the museum, which also has a gift shop.
Although Conímbriga was not the largest Roman city in Portugal, it is the best preserved. The city walls are largely intact, and the mosaic floors and foundations of many houses and public buildings remain. In the baths, you can view the network of stone heating ducts beneath the now-missing floors. Archaeologists estimate that only 10 percent of the city has been excavated until the early 2000s.
Like many archaeological sites, Conímbriga was built in layers. Some of the earliest layers date back to the first Iron Age in the 9th Century B.C. The Romans arrived in 139 BC, Decimus Junius Brutus Callaicus was the general who lead the Roman legions in the conquest of western Iberia after the death of Viriathus, conquering the Celtic inhabitants and establishing a city that grew, flourished, and then fell victim to barbarian invasions until Conimbriga's residents fled to nearby Aeminium (now the city of Coimbra) in 468.

Now have a look at some of the pictures taken then and enjoy!!!

Further Practice - Part 2

As I had promised some days ago, I have already included a couple of links to English websites so that you can start practising your English online - you and your children, of course!

There are many more I could have added but if any of YOU know about other links, feel free to suggest them and I'll include them (just as I have done with the links forwarded by another teacher of English in Italy, Sonia Miserendino). We can all learn by exchanging information, right?

Thanks a lot, friends, students, colleagues,...and nice browsing.
Teacher Alex ;))))

World No Tobacco Day

Do you smoke?
Do you agree with smoke free areas? Why (not)?

Have you ever heard of World No Tobacco Day?

Since 1987, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been celebrating No Tobacco Day on May 31st, in an effort to highlight the risks of tobacco use and to advocate for effective polices to reduce consumption. Tobacco kills one in ten world wide and is the second leading cause of death globally.
"Tobacco Health Warnings" is the theme for 2009. Pictures on cigarettes packages have been an effective method of graphically showing the dangers of tobacco and are proven to motivate users to quit. Pictures work even when the smoker is unable to read.

I've chosen some ads for you to have a look at... think about them and judge for yourselves!!!!!!

Further Practice

;)
Well, ladies (+ half a dozen gentlemen) we have just a few weeks left and after summer I'm sure you won't remember much...
So...I'm planning to leave here some exercises for you for further practice!
In due time exercises / links to exercises (on grammar, vocab,...) will be posted for you to review what you have been learning, yes?
:)Teacher Alex:)

Dinner

Hi, there!
At last: the pictures taken by Hermínio in our farewell dinner in March. For several reasons, it took longer than we all expected but... anyway, here they are (waiting for your comments on all the fun we all had).

I do hope to see you all again and soon! My best wishes for ALL of you.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Here we go again, ladies, this time to the cinema!
Consumerism / shops / shopping is our new topic so, what are we waiting for? Although you are beginners, I'm sure you will understand most of the film because... there's some work to do on it afterwards (as usual!).
But... don't worry (be happy): entertainment comes first!

Let's start by watching the trailer.