Hallowe'en Resources

In previous years I've already posted here, here, here and here several suggestions and links to Hallowe'en activities as well as to its History / Background. Now I'm just updating (y)our list of resources, either for school or for (y)our own kids.
To start with, why not again some reading comprehension on this festival? http://www.5minuteenglish.com/oct29.htm has a vocabulary list, a short text and a True / False exercise to check understanding - it just takes sts about 5 minutes and it can be done online! Alternatively, you can copy/paste it and print to hand out to sts, or even use the link to Textivate and choose from 27 different activities! Check my resources here and here.
Both National Geographic (Quiz your Noodle) and British Council (Spelloween) have great vocab and spelling exercises though a bit difficult for beginners - Have a go and check them yourself - I'm sure you'll find them engaging and even addicting!

As usual, Lanternfish (formerly Boggles World) has a vast array of handouts that can be used with different levels / age groups of language learners.
My favourite though is this Interactive book: very complete and designed for our ESL learners. It starts with Hallowe'en vocabulary (and with audio), moves on to the use of English with prepositions of place, includes some traditions and ends with some poetry. The beauty of this is that we can use it in our own classes (if we have access to computers), in replacement classes or simply send the link to our sts for further practice.

For those who enjoy art and painting, check this interesting Guardian article with the best scary Hallowe'en paintings.
So... hopefully stuff for all tastes and ages!

Happy Hallowe'en, folks!!!

WFD with three simple actions

Four Seasons, G. Arcimboldo

We live in a world of contrasts...
developed nations / under developed or developing nations;
rich countries / poor countries
peaceful countries / countries ravaged by constant wars
high technological schools / school with no technology at all!
fast food nations with overweight people / starving people, struggling to have a single daily meal...

All that involves children disturbs me! It is really heartbreaking to see or even think about skinny, hungry children and that's why once again I'm taking action and invite you to do the same - not to donate money (though we are all welcome to do that), but to give some of (y)our time simply by watching a short video, taking a 3-question quiz and finally sharing it. Easy and not much time consuming, right???

Thanks for joining in.
And many thanks for still being there for me after 300 blogposts!!!

5th October - World Teachers' Day

World Teachers' Day 2012 - Take a Stand for Teachers    

5 October is designated annually by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation as a day to celebrate teachers and the central role they play in guiding children, youths & adults through the life-long learning process.

This year World Teachers’ Day will be devoted to appreciating, assessing, and improving the educators of the world. The real point is to provide a time to look at and address issues pertaining to teachers. Strangely one of the most central, vital professions to society does not receive the respect it deserves in some parts of the world.

Let's all make a stand for teachers everywhere!

Source -  http://www.nationaldrama.org.uk/nd/index.cfm/news-roundup/5th-october-is-world-teacherss-day/

If you wish to thank a teacher - or a colleague! - have a look at the video below and send an ecard!

http://www.facebook.com/LearnEnglish.BritishCouncilMENA?sk=app_424009260992005