Theodora's blog

Working with songs - part two

2012-01-08T10:52:00.002+02:00

This is a wonderful classic and you can do so much with it, working on conditionals.
Give the students the song title "if" and let them brainstorm what the song could be about.
Write their ideas in the board.

Play the song ( lyrics are simple and repeating - no unknown vocabulary)

Discuss with your students how it could be a better world in all aspects (health, peace, environment, relationships etc)

Let students complete the sentence "if it weren't for this......"

Make a poster on a carton with all "ifs"

Working with songs - part one

2011-12-31T18:06:00.002+02:00

One of the songs I've been working on these last weeks, is "If that were me"
It is a wonderful song talking about homeless people.

Lesson Plan

Students listen to the song and try to write down all the "Wh- questions"

Compare what the students have noted and then ask them what the song is about, who is the singer talking to and finaly if they have experienced a situation like this.

Next step: Brainstorm vocabulary about "Poverty". You can use "Mind Maps" and colourful markers to make things more interesting.

I have also found some great worksheets on the internet if you have time to continue the discussion. Here and here.

There are so many songs to go on on this subject like

and

What I did with these two particular songs is to find and their stories on Wikipedia and cut them into paragraphs, and let students find which part goes where. They can work alone or in groups.

As homework they could make a poster or an article talking about poverty in the world or in their own country.

Xmas Activities

2011-12-07T10:29:00.003+02:00

I thought I should post some links with Christmas activities we could all use in our classes these days
Goethe Institut Griechenland (Games, Stories, Adventskalender)

Christmas printables (English)

Christmas Worksheets and more

Christmas colouring picture

Christmas cards

You can do so many things these days, songs, arts and crafts, stories, drama, colouring and so much more!! Just be creative and feel the spirit of Christmas!

A little hangman?

2011-11-08T21:55:00.003+02:00

Untitled, a photo by Theodora Pap on Flickr.

What a better way to consolidate vocabulary I wonder?

Halloween 2011 - Feedback

2011-11-05T14:51:00.009+02:00

This year I tried to do lots of activities with my students about Halloween. It actually worked!! They were all so excited with scary stories and zombie pictures and they all accepted doing everything I asked them.

I found this wonderful link collection from BusyTeacher - you can find various activities for most levels - song and movies suggestions, gap fill excersises, crosswords and so much more.

So I am posting some of the best pictures from our picture dictionary, where we practiced prepositions and Halloween words

What was also fun, was the theme from "Nightmare before Christmas" with an out of the ordinary gap fill excersise. Students had the words in phonetic symbols and tried to guess it!

Until next year!!!

Trick or treat??

2011-10-26T09:55:00.005+03:00

Like every year .... Halloween is one of my most favourite American holidays and I really enjoy activities with my students this time of the year. After all we don't only teach the language, but also the culture of the countries this language is spoken!!
So what do you do to celebrate and also teach your students about Halloween?
Do they already know something about it?
You can easily find info on various sites about this holiday , maybe you can describe what it is about, in lower levels even in your own language.

With younger students, you an even teach shapes, colours and "festive" vocabulary. I am sure they will love colouring pages, you can them cut everything out, hang them on the windows or curtains, you can even tell your students to go from one classroom to the other and "trick or treat"!!!

You can even dedicate some time to have a Halloween party, have them dress up in scary or funny costumes. They don't have to actually buy a costume, just put a witch hat or a mask, or wrap them with toilet paper (like mummies!!!!)

Older students can do something more creative than costumes of course!!! You can ask them to describe their favourite scary story, write about it and then change the characters! So for example if you have a vampire story and a zombie story, put the vampire into the zombie story and vice versa and then write a new story!!
Ask them to make their own ghost! Draw it and then write its story! When they are done, they can interview eachother, like a TV show! You can even record them like a real TV show!
Scary (or not too scary movies) is a great idea also, if you have the time. Prepare a questionnaire for the students, which they can fill out during the movie!!
You can als find lots of online activities. I use the British Council site, they always offer fantastic ideas!!

And ... Don't forget!! HAVE FUN!!

89 Blogging ideas....

2011-10-16T21:49:00.005+03:00

Ok... now you got your students blogging....
You could get them do homework on their blogs, but you could ask them to write something more personal.. Here are some ideas I came across .... (some are for kids, some for adults, some more personal than others)

· The best summer you spent when you were a kid

· What is your biggest fear?

· Do you think you have an unusual personality? Why?

· What is your favorite beverage?

· What was your favorite book growing up?

· What part of the supermarket do you go first?

· What was the last song you downloaded?

· Recommend a good book

· If money weren’t an object, what would you do with your life?

· What is your favorite joke?

· Are you an early bird or a night owl?

· What are your favorite sweets?

· What do you think you will be doing 10 years from now?

· What was your last accomplishment in your current hobby?

· Of all deserts, name the one you hat most and why?

· What do you do with your free time?

· Are you always terminally late or always on time?

· What is your favorite thing about yourself?

· Do you prefer indoor or outdoor activities and why?

· What’s the one thing I can’t trust myself to bring home from the supermarket without getting into trouble?

· What’s on the walls of your room and why?

· What annoys you?

· Have you ever broken someone’s heart?

· What’s our favorite summer sport?

· How do you spend Sundays?

· What’s one thing you would change about your personality?

· What adjectives would you use to describe yourself?

· What was the last movie you watched in a theater?

· Recommend a great TV show

· What’s your favorite way to listen to music? In the car? At home? Exercising?

· Did your parents sent you to lessons that you didn’t want to take? Do you still practice that subject now?

· Who is your wackiest relative?

· What is your favorite magazine?

· What is the one item in the kitchen that would best describe your personality ?

· 3 favorite rock songs

· Are you superstitious? Do you have any superstitions?

· What is the best way to end a first date?

· What songs make you cry no matter what you’re doing?

· What’s your motto?

· What’s your favorite day of the week?

· What is your favorite word?

· 3 favorite romantic songs

· What is your favorite animation movie?

· If you could live half the year anywhere in the world where would it be?

· Who was the worst boss you’ve ever had?

· How well does your current job fit your personality?

· What was your first job and how much did you get paid?

· What was your most embarrassing moment?

· The worst vacation you’ve ever had

· Have you ever been camping? What was it like?

· What was the longest plane ride you’ve ever taken? Was it difficult or easy?

· What is your favorite family tradition?

· Who was your first boyfriend/ girlfriend?

· What was your favorite meal as a child?

· What was the naughtiest thing you did as a child, if you were caught, describe the punishment.

· Name some popular hit songs from your youth

· Have you ever had an imaginary friend?

· Have you ever broken someone’s heart?

· Name 3 guilty pleasures

· What is the most challenging thing about being married?

· 5 things in the kitchen I would not do without?

· What is your favorite movie quote?

· Who do you respect the most?

· Do you have a favorite scent?

· Cat or dog?

· Do you collect anything?

· How can you tell you’re in love?

· If you could have 10.000 Euros shopping spree to one store, which store would it be and how long would it take you to spend it?

· Who is the teacher who made the most difference in my life?

· Who is the one friend from elementary school you wish you could talk to and why?

· Describe a place you like to go and be alone?

· What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?

· What are your top three flavors of ice cream?

· What is your favorite candy bar?

· Have you ever broken a bone? How did it happen?

· Favorite piece of jewelry

· What was the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?

· What is your favorite article of clothing?

· What’s your favorite time of the year?

· Have you ever played a musical instrument?

· Have you ever tried to adopt a wild animal?

· What CD would your best friends be surprised that you own?

· What do you most often do when you get bored?

· Things I wish I had more time to do…

· The one album I can’t live without

· Best dinner recipe

· Worst movie ever

· Clowns… Love them or hate them?

"Weather idioms" by Asmaa Ait Assoum

2011-10-09T09:44:00.004+03:00

a face like thunder = to look very angry: "What's up with him today? He has a face like thunder!"

a fair-weather friend = a friend who doesn't support you in bad times: "I'm a bit disappointed in John and David. It turned out they were only fair-weather friends."

a snowball's chance = very little chance (as much chance as a snowball has in hell): "We don't have a snowball's chance of winning that contract!"

a storm in a teacup = a lot of fuss over something small: "Don't worry about those two arguing. it's just a storm in a teacup."

be a breeze = to be easy: "The exam was a breeze."

be snowed under = to be very busy: "We're snowed under at work."

blow hot and cold = to keep changing your attitude: "They're blowing hot and cold over this issue. It's impossible to know what they want!"

brass-monkey weather = very cold weather: "It's brass-monkey weather today. You'd better wrap up warm!"

come rain or shine = whatever happens: "He's always working in his garden – come rain or shine."

the lull before the storm = a quiet time before a busy or difficult time: "It's going to get very busy on Thursday. Today and tomorrow are just the lull before the storm."

save up for a rainy day = put money aside for when you might need it later: "I don't want to spend this extra money. I'll save it up for a rainy day."

see which way the wind blows = to analyse a situation before doing something: "I'm going to see which way the wind blows before asking her about a raise."

steal someone's thunder = do what someone else was going to do and get all the praise: "You'll steal her thunder if you wear that dress tonight!"

take a rain check = postpone something: "I don't really want to go the cinema tonight. Can we take a rain-check on it?"

under the weather = not feel very well: "I'm feeling a bit under the weather at the moment."

Mistakes...

2011-09-29T15:30:00.003+03:00

Using Music in the Classroom

2011-09-07T10:16:00.002+03:00

http://www.happycatstefl.com/happy-cats-updates/using-music-in-the-efl-classroom/

A new guest blogpost for Happy Cats EFL!!

Job hunting...

2011-08-22T09:09:00.002+03:00

The time has come.... And yes I am looking for a job!
I've been teaching German and English as a Foreign language since 1994. Looking for a job in Thessaloniki, Greece.

For a CV and further info send me an e-mail: dora-pap@hotmail.com

New blog in town!!

2011-08-13T11:38:00.003+03:00

I usually do not advertise other blogs but I sould make an exception for my dear friend and colleague, Maria, who is not only a talented singer, but also a fantastic teacher with great ideas!
This year we are going to be working together on a "secret" teaching project, as well!
More info on Maria's blog:
http://mariatheologidou.blogspot.com/

TEFL Teaching – to ‘book’ or not to ‘book’ ?

2011-08-10T20:55:00.002+03:00

TEFL Teaching – to ‘book’ or not to ‘book’ ?

I've been asked by "TEFL Teaching" to blog about teaching and I took the chance. You can see my post on the link above!

Do you really mean what you say?

2011-08-07T09:29:00.006+03:00

Do you play with words? Intonation?
When I was in college I was in a class called "Semantics", where we studied the structures and the meaning of words and phrases.
It is really amazing how we can use a word or a phrase in various situations and with various meanings. We can change our intonation and change completely what it means.

A good example is an experiment I once read about many years ago.

We all use the phrase "how are you?" when we meet somebody, it doesnt' matter if we know them well or not. It's just a phrase without particular meaning. We ask "how are you?" and we are expecting to hear "fine" or something like that, without really giving it further thought. So believe it or not we have changed the meaning of the phrase through the years.

There was a linguist once (whose name I do not remember right now) who tried this "experiment" at a party. When she was asked the "stantard" question - how are you - she answered with the phrase "I just killed my husband with an axe and I feel just fine!!". To her surprise, only few people noticed what she was saying!!!

When teaching vocabulary, it is not possible of course to teach every single meaning of a word.
What I try with my students is "act the phrases out" . Try saying a word with different intonation, showing feelings, like happy, angry, sarcastic etc
Another idea, if you have students with artistic talent, is to draw the expressions. Literally depict the words. Most of them will be really funny, so they cannot be forgotten!!

How do you deal with vocabulary and meanings?

The Reform Symposium - Impressions

2011-08-01T08:00:00.007+03:00

To tell you the truth, I had never been to a webinar before. I know what it was, people have been talking about them quite some time now, but I didn't know how it worked.
I saw this picture in Shelly Terell's page on Facebook and I thought I should give it a try. I had briefly met Shelly in person in Athens, during the TESOL Greece Convention and right from the start I was convinced that she is a person who can do lots of things online and offline. So I wasn't surprized when I saw hat she was one of the organizers!
Unfortunatelly I had been not able to attend many sessions, but I was glad to make it to the ones I did.
I got the chance to meet so many wonderful people with lots of inspiring ideas.
I am giving you the link to the Symposium's schedule. There is info on every one of the speakers, incuding their sites/blogs. You can also find the recordings of the sessions in the Reform Symposium site

RSCON3 Schedule

Wising everybody a great summer....

Reform Symposium

2011-07-30T22:52:00.002+03:00

http://reformsymposium.com/

My first online education symposium...

Little Dora is guest-blogging...

2011-06-16T08:02:00.003+03:00

It was a real honour to be picked out as a guest-blogger for Ken Wilson's blog!! First I was surprised, then I got down to writing...
Black-out in the beginning... What am I supposed to write? Ken gave me a plan of course, but I was never good at writing during school years...
It is not one of my best posts, but what is done, is done...
Re-posting it over here:

http://kenwilsonelt.wordpress.com/2011/06/15/guest-post-11-16-dora-pap-on-teaching-english-and-german-to-greek-students/

Errors - slips - mistakes

2011-05-28T16:08:00.002+03:00

The subject came up in the last workshop I attended and I thought I should look into the matter more carefully... Wouldn't like to make any mistakes now??

Well, it seems that there is a variety of "mistakes" when learning a language...
Here's what I found out:

1. Slip: an accidental and trivial mistake in speaking
2. Error: a systematic deviation made by learners who have not yer mastered the rules of the target language.
3. Mistake: if one says something incorect and then corrects himself, that's a mistake, not an error.
4. Blunder: a mistake made through stupidity, ignorance or carelessness
5. Fault: a mistake made on the basis of bad judgement or ignorance or inattention.

According to Norman (1986): "The division occurs at the level of intention: A Person establishes an intention to act. If the intention is not appropriate, this is a mistake. If the action is not what was intented this is a slip."

Mistakes, errors and slips are something we cannot avoid when learning a language.

they show a student's progress to the teacher
they show how a language is acquired, that strategies a learner uses to the researcher
the learner can learn from these mistakes

The question is should we (teachers) correct every mistake?
According to Carroll (1955): "When a learner has made an error, the most efficient way to teach him the correct form is not by simply giving it to him, but by letting him discover it and test different hypotheses"

There are many different ways you can correct the mistakes without actually giving the answer.

On written texts for example, you can just underline the mistake and write what kind of mistake it is (i.g, grammar, structure, vocabulary) and let the student correct his mistakes as homework.

When it comes to speaking, it gets more difficult... Personally I do not correct everything that comes to my attention. I try to help the student especially with mime and gestures, but in my opinion it is more important to learn how to communicate first and deal with the mistakes at a later stage...

How about you? Who do you deal with mistakes?

Quote

2011-05-28T15:25:00.002+03:00

Practise is not practise of the rule
Practise is the practise of utterances
in which the rule is implemented
whether or not the speaker
has knowledge of the rule

Michael Paradis

Macedonia-Thrace TESOL Convention (March 19th-20th)

2011-03-31T21:04:00.008+03:00

Start of the Convention

Lindsay Clandfield - Keeping the fire going - Teacher Burnout

With dear friend and colleague Maria Theologidou

Beyond the Textbook- teaching young learners - Joanna Chletsi, Georgia Coules, Sofia Gegiou, Erato Kostopoulou, Maria Proestopoulou & Elena Tsigeridou

Digital tools for develping digital literacy - Nick Peachey

(Notes for this lecture: http://tinyurl.com/66swmrj )

More info about TESOL Macedonia - Thrace

TESOL Convention Athens March 2011

2011-03-16T09:10:00.013+02:00

Start of the TESOL Convention

First Plenary of the day with Dr. Angela Fawccett (Swansea University, Swansea, UK)
Dyslexia and Learning: theory into practice
Some very interesting facts about learning difficulties in 2nd language learning and how dyslexic adults experience it.

Teaching 1 to 1's , professionals - cha cha cha Slide with Vicky Megas ( Teacher, Teacher Trainer, Director, The New Centre, Athens)
Really nice presentation with lots of ideas on how to teach adult professionals.
Plus learning how to dance the cha cha!!

My Drama Script - Anna Kozicka (EFL teacher on Poland)
Great ideas about creating a play for children.

Sunday Plenary - Dr Lindsay Peer ( CBE C. Psychol. C.Sci. AFBPsS FRSA FIARLD AMBDA)
The Masked Side of Dyslexia: frustration, anxiety and stress

The day was wonderful so I couldn't resist a stroll at Syntagma Square

With colleague and super blogger Christina Markoulaki
More info about the seminars and TESOL over here

TAKING EVERY SINGLE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN

SEETA

2011-03-06T16:50:00.001+02:00

Just sharing a useful link

http://www.seeta.eu/

With lots of articles, ideas, online courses and info on ELT

City & Guilds 1st Annual Teacher Development Symposium

2011-03-05T23:06:00.003+02:00

This year's seminars have started with City& Guilds Symposium. Very organised with lots of interesting subjects in a crowded (as you see in the picture) hall.
This time I will not describe what everyone has said...
More info

And more seminars to come...

How do we learn best?

2011-01-23T10:16:00.004+02:00

Have you ever thought why is it that you are good at doing some things but you're completely useless in doing other things?

How was it when you were at school? Maybe you were excellent at maths but when it came to writing essays or learning new vocabulary, you just couldn't do it?

Does this mean that you were/are a bad student? Does it mean that you are more talented in certain areas?

I was wandering about that myself until I came across Gardner's theory.

According to Howard Gardner, a very famous American linguist, intelligence is not only being good on one subject like science or language. He suggests that there are eight different types of intelligence that exist in all of us and some types are more dominant than others.

If you know your type, you could find ways to help you study more easily.

1. Linguistic ( word smart)

If you love reading, if you enjoy doing crosswords ,playing word games and you probably have talent in speaking and writing, that's your dominant type.

2. Kinaesthetic (body smart)

Do you like doing sports? You can't stand still? You love doing things with your hands? Then you can learn better by doing things

3. Logical (number smart)

Are you good with numbers? Do you plan your moves? Do you like games like chess? People like you can easily fing solutions to problems.

4. Visual (picture smart

Can you find your way easily? Can you visualize things when you try to remember something? Is geometry your best subject? Do shapes mean something to you? Then you can learn best using pictures and charts.

5. Musical (music smart)

Do you love music? Do you like singing? Maybe you can learn language just by hearing it!!

6. Naturalistic ( nature smart)

If you like observing nature, if you are curious about how things happen, if you love animals, this is your type.

7. Interpersonal (people smart)

Are you good with people? Do you like communicating? Do you love helping friends? Maybe you are a natural leader? If this is your type you can learn more easily in a group of people discussing things...

8. Intrapersonal (myself smart)

This type has to do with getting to know yourself. You like doing things alone and you are often quiet when you are with other people. You are very sensitive.

You can do an online test to find what's your dominant type

From what I understand all types exist in all of us. Some more and some less.

So what do you think? What is your type and how do you learn best??

Procrastination

2011-01-20T20:33:00.006+02:00

Why is it that when we have something important to do, most of us find something else to spend their time with? Time is passing and you still haven't gotten down to what you were supposed to do in the first place.
Like me at the moment... I keep looking at my laptop screen without doing anything...
So I decided to find out what it is called and if I can do something about it...
The term is "procrastination". You put off what is important. You just delay...
What can you do to fight this?

Do annoying tasks first. This way you can stop thinking about it...
Small steps at a time. Break jobs into smaller parts. Then you get the feeling of achievement when you finish the whole task.
Delays are caused mainly because you can't make up your mind. Set a time limit in taking a decision.
Give yourself a small treat when you finish a difficult task.
Make a to-do-list.

Schedule your time

Well.... now I have to stop procrastinating myself and get down to work...

New Year's resolutions...

2011-01-09T10:03:00.003+02:00

Most of us go back to class this Monday, so I though it would be a good idea to start with new year's resolutions.
It's a great way to make students talk and write and it does not take up much preparation.
You can start by asking students how last year was ask them to remember what they think was good or bad. Can it be changed? How?
Ask them if they know the term "New Year's Resolutions" and if they do that when the year comes to an end. Do they keep trying for these decisions during the year?
Sudents can write on board what they have decided or they can do this as homework!
You can even take decisions as a class and make a poster if students want to be creative!
Have fun!!

Haiku

2011-01-06T10:47:00.004+02:00

I was reading about writing ideas to use in the classroom the other day and the word "haiku" (a Japanese art of poetry) sounded really interesting!! It reminded me of the "cinquains" I tried with my students a couple of monthes ago. Creating poetry out of simple words is always a great idea for all levels. Students feel really proud of themselves that they have actually written a poem and you get great ideas for a classroom scratch book or a student's portfolio.

Making a haiku is really simple.
1. Students think of a theme. It can be anything something that they have seen or heard, feelings etc
2. It consists of three lines. First line has five syllables, second line has seven syllables and third line has five syllables.

Without flowing wine
How to enjoy lovely
Cherry blossoms?

Have fun trying Haikus!!

Xmas links ...

2010-12-19T09:09:00.006+02:00

http://bogglesworldesl.com/christmas_worksheets.htm

http://akidsheart.com/holidays/christms/chgames.htm

http://www.eslflow.com/Christmaslessonplans.html

http://iteslj.org/Lessons/Seasonal/Christmas.html

http://www.michellehenry.fr/christmas.htm

http://www.teacherplanet.com/resource/christmas.php

Picture dictation (Body parts)

2010-12-12T18:57:00.003+02:00

The idea is to create a ... monster...
Teacher dictates body parts in L2 and Students try to put the right word in the right place...
It's easy, it's fun and it makes grat posters!!

Adventskalender fuer den Deutschunterricht

2010-12-02T10:30:00.002+02:00

http://www.hueber.de/adventskalender/
http://cornelsen.flash-online-adventskalender.net/

board games...

2010-11-03T09:17:00.005+02:00

Not an original idea and it does take time during the lesson ....
But... on the other hand it is fun, it is interesting, children love it and they do produce language...
What a better way to practice face parts playing "Guess who?"
Giving directions using Monopoly - or just play it by the rules and ask and answer questions, give and take money etc...
Taboo is also great with teenagers- adult students...
You can make your own vocabulary cards according to your lessons...
The choices are unlimited... Just use your imagination...

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Totentanz, Erstveröffentlichung 1815.

2010-10-28T10:26:00.000+03:00

Der Türmer, der schaut zu Mitten der Nacht
Hinab auf die Gräber in Lage;
Der Mond, der hat alles ins Helle gebracht;
Der Kirchhof, er liegt wie am Tage.
Da regt sich ein Grab und ein anderes dann:
Sie kommen hervor, ein Weib da, ein Mann,
In weißen und schleppenden Hemden.

Das reckt nun, es will sich ergetzen sogleich,
Die Knöchel zur Runde, zum Kranze,
So arm und so jung, und so alt und so reich;
Doch hindern die Schleppen am Tanze.
Und weil hier die Scham nun nicht weiter gebeut,
Sie schütteln sich alle, da liegen zerstreut
Die Hemdlein über den Hügeln.

Nun hebt sich der Schenkel, nun wackelt das Bein,
Gebärden da gibt es vertrackte;
Dann klippert's und klappert's mitunter hinein,
Als schlüg' man die Hölzlein zum Takte.
Das kommt nun dem Türmer so lächerlich vor;
Da raunt ihm der Schalk, der Versucher, ins Ohr:
Geh! hole dir einen der Laken.

Getan wie gedacht! und er flüchtet sich schnell
Nun hinter geheiligte Türen.
Der Mond, und noch immer er scheinet so hell
Zum Tanz, den sie schauderlich führen.
Doch endlich verlieret sich dieser und der,
Schleicht eins nach dem andern gekleidet einher,
Und, husch, ist es unter dem Rasen.

Nur einer, der trippelt und stolpert zuletzt
Und tappet und grapst an den Grüften;
Doch hat kein Geselle so schwer ihn verletzt,
Er wittert das Tuch in den Lüften.
Er rüttelt die Turmtür, sie schlägt ihn zurück,
Geziert und gesegnet, dem Türmer zum Glück,
Sie blinkt von metallenen Kreuzen.

Das Hemd muß er haben, da rastet er nicht,
Da gilt auch kein langes Besinnen,
Den gotischen Zierat ergreift nun der Wicht
Und klettert von Zinne zu Zinnen.
Nun ist's um den armen, den Türmer getan!
Es ruckt sich von Schnörkel zu Schnörkel hinan,
Langbeinigen Spinnen vergleichbar.

Der Türmer erbleichet, der Türmer erbebt,
Gern gäb er ihn wieder, den Laken.
Da häkelt – jetzt hat er am längsten gelebt –
Den Zipfel ein eiserner Zacken.
Schon trübet der Mond sich verschwindenden Scheins,
Die Glocke, sie donnert ein mächtiges Eins,
Und unten zerschellt das Gerippe.

Halloween Celebration in... German

2010-10-28T10:03:00.002+03:00

Hallween auf Deutsch? Im Unterricht? Warum nicht??
Hier sind einige Links mit Infos, Spielen, Gedichten, die mit dem Fest zu tun haben!
Viel Spaß
http://german.about.com/library/blhallowvoc_ger.htm?nl=1
http://www.kuerbisfest.at/kuerbisfest/default.asp
http://german.about.com/library/blhalloween1.htm
http://german.about.com/library/blhalloween2.htm

My favourite teacher (by Konstantina)

2010-10-24T10:31:00.007+03:00

The idea was a composition about their favourite teacher. Normally I wouldn't post something like this since it is not an original idea (it appears in almost every textbook) but since it is about me and I was so "moved" ... here it is...

My Teacher

My teacher Ms Dora is my best teacher.
She has normal height and she is thin, but she always thinks that she is fat! She has brown hair now but some time ago she used to be blonde. Her eyes are brown, green, blue... I also like her nails very much...
Ms Dora is different from the other teachers. She's into technology and she loves her PC. She's a dynamic woman, who everybody loves.
My teacher hasn't only taught me English and German. I have taken from her many things. Now I know everything about astrology!!! I am kidding!
I learn from her how to get through!
Except from language teacher she is also a good mum and she loves going to the gym.
She also teaches me yoga, dancing, thai chi, pilates, making videos and how to spend my future husband's money!!! (kidding again!!!!)
I like having lessons with her because we talk about many things. We listen to music and we laugh a lot. We have a good time.
She is funny, but not a good singer.
She is very nice, but when we get on her nerves we must run away!!
She loves me very much....

Oktoberfest (von Stergios G.)

2010-10-24T10:16:00.004+03:00

Das Oktoberfest ist in München. Es findet jedes Jahr seit 1810 auf Theresienwiese statt.
Das 2010 Oktoberfest ist das 200. Oktoberfest und es hat historische Bedeutung.

Die Gäste kommen aus Italien, aus den USA, Japan und Australien.

Man trinkt Bier und isst traditionelle Wurst und Sauerkraut.

Dort gibt es Konzerte mit vielen Bands. Sie spielen Volksmusik.

Viele Deutsche tragen die traditionelle Lederhose.

Das Oktoberfest ist ein Typisches Deutsches Fest

(Stergios' Niveau ist A2 und die Idee war dass er Infos ueber das Fest findet und es beschreibt)

cinquain creation

2010-10-24T10:00:00.005+03:00

Time to put in action what I have picked up in the TESOL seminar last month...
The idea was to let students use their creativity and make poems. From what I saw this can be done in all levels using different subjects, ig we used "feelings" with FCE students and "favourite things" with elementary students.
To explain what we have done:
A cinquain poem is shaped like a diamond.
Students brainstorm words in a subject.
They write the most important word as a title.
Second line with 2 nouns that have to do with the title
Third line with 3 verbs or nouns
Fourth line a sentence
Last line one word which is a synonym or opposite of the title.
It's easy, it produces language and students feel proud of themselves!!

The Raven - Edgar Alan Poe

2010-10-12T20:23:00.002+03:00

[First published in 1845]

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
`'Tis some visitor,' I muttered, `tapping at my chamber door -
Only this, and nothing more.'

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow - sorrow for the lost Lenore -
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore -
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
`'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door -
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door; -
This it is, and nothing more,'

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
`Sir,' said I, `or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you' - here I opened wide the door; -
Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the darkness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, `Lenore!'
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, `Lenore!'
Merely this and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
`Surely,' said I, `surely that is something at my window lattice;
Let me see then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore -
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore; -
'Tis the wind and nothing more!'

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore.
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door -
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door -
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
`Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,' I said, `art sure no craven.
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the nightly shore -
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning - little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door -
Bird or beast above the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as `Nevermore.'

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only,
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered - not a feather then he fluttered -
Till I scarcely more than muttered `Other friends have flown before -
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.'
Then the bird said, `Nevermore.'

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
`Doubtless,' said I, `what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore -
Till the dirges of his hope that melancholy burden bore
Of "Never-nevermore."'

But the raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird and bust and door;
Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore -
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking `Nevermore.'

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.
`Wretch,' I cried, `thy God hath lent thee - by these angels he has sent thee
Respite - respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, and forget this lost Lenore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Whether tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted -
On this home by horror haunted - tell me truly, I implore -
Is there - is there balm in Gilead? - tell me - tell me, I implore!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us - by that God we both adore -
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels named Lenore -
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden, whom the angels named Lenore?'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

`Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend!' I shrieked upstarting -
`Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken! - quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!'
Quoth the raven, `Nevermore.'

And the raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted - nevermore!

Halloween...

2010-10-12T19:52:00.002+03:00

I know every country has its own traditions and holidays, but sometimes I wish I lived in the States, just to get a taste of my favorite celebrations, like Halloween and Thanksgiving...
A couple of years ago I tried a project with some of my classes about Thanksgiving, talked about the holiday, decorated the classroom and in the end made posters wher students wrote why they are thankful. We ended up with some really impressive work. You can see over here.

I thought that talking about Halloween could be more exciting for students - especially pre-teens, who just love scary stories and "creepy" things.

Here's what I've found in Wikipedia bout Halloween:

"Halloween is an annual holiday observed on October 31. It has roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday All Saints' Day, but is today largely a secular celebration.

Common Halloween activities include trick-or-treating, wearing costumes and attending costume parties, carving jack-o'-lanterns, ghost tours, bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, committing pranks, telling ghost stories or other frightening tales, and watching horror films. "

So what could we do to have fun and at the same time get students to learn vocabulary?

First of all get them into the mood. Decorate the classroom with pumpkins, masks, brooms, "scary" dolls.

Start a conversation - gather words on the board. What do the students already know?

I have found a variety of links with worksheets about this special holiday:

http://esl.about.com/library/weekly/aa101600b.htm

http://www.eslflow.com/Halloweenlessons.html

http://www.english-4kids.com/festivals.html

http://www.mes-english.com/

http://www.theholidayzone.com/halloween/discussion.html

http://www.handoutsonline.com/flashcards/halloween.php

And much much more...

Younger kids could draw or color pictures, while older ones could make a poster.

They could even go cheat or treating to the other classrooms!!

Adult learners could also start a discussion about holidays and compare them with those in their country.

So whatever you do have fun!!!

Makes you think...

2010-10-10T12:29:00.003+03:00

English Lesson at primary school in Greece (3rd grade)
Teacher comes into the classroom.
Students write dictation.
Teacher marks dictation while students talk to eachother.
Teacher shouts.
Students stop talking.
Teacher writes new words and letters on the board (with pronunciation written in Greek)
Students copy.
Students get bored and talk to eachother.
Teacher shouts.
Students stop talking.
When finished students do excersises on their workbook.
Students get bored.
Students talk to eachother.
Teacher shouts.
Bell rings...
These People teach YOUR children...
It just makes you think, doesn't t?

Moodle Tutorial

2010-09-29T09:10:00.001+03:00

Many teachers use moodle to communicate and do project with their classes. It takes a lot of time and work both by the teacher and the students but I think it is worth it.

Impressions of the TESOL start of the year Symposium

2010-09-28T09:17:00.010+03:00

I really don't know where to start... I have been planning to go to Athens for this since Easter!
Going to Athens is always a pleasant experience. It was nice to see and meet friends and collegues as always, but it was also interesting to hear about new things about teaching.
This time's subject of the Symposium was "Literature and Drama in the Classroom"

First speaker, Jeanne Perrett, always in a good mood showing us examples of how to use drama techniques in the classroom. We acted, sang and danced. (we practised role-play, mime, movement, voice, ritual, using props, costumes, naration, singing, dancing and performed in the end). It is always fun to try everything before actually using it in the classroom!
After all "Drama takes us into another world"

Second speaker Dr. Vasilios Zorbas, explainining the Transactional Theory of Reading Literature (sorry if I don't write it correctly) - collaborative Conversations in the EFL Classroom.
The idea was to read literature in groups, taking notes directly on the text, exchanging texts and opinions. A really interactive idea...

Next Speaker Prof. Lianna Sakelliou with Creative writing, showed us the importance in Creativity and how to use and create different kinds of poems in the classroom. Some of the poems were really beautiful and I intend to do a project with my students as well!

The next speaker Michael Onushco talked to us about Fostering Creativity in Children gave us great ideas like word pictures, creating riddles, making books and much more.

Last was Lee Robson with "Theatre games and improvisation" - I am sure that it must have been really interesting but... I would have missed my flight if I stayed!!

Until next time...

SMS and chat language

2010-09-24T09:37:00.004+03:00

Just read a really interesting blog about tha language we use when we write an SMS or while chatting.
Abbreviations exist in every language, especially when it comes to young people.
Sometimes I don't even understand what my students want to say, when they are texting me!
So I guess it is sothething that has to be taught!
It can also be a great idea for the lesson
Here is a lesson plan by Express Publishing
Students can also compare how they write messages in their own language.
You can also make your own excersises - games with this. Here are some links:

http://www.abbreviations.com/acronyms/CHAT

http://www.uscash.net/tips/chat.html

http://searchcrm.techtarget.com/definition/Twitter-chat-and-text-messaging-abbreviations

http://www.smsdictionary.co.uk/abbreviations

Tag der offenen Tür und Europäischer Sprachentag

2010-09-23T22:00:00.002+03:00

Just re-posting something that came into my mailbox from Goethe Institut today
A really interesting initiative for teachers, students but parents as well...

Mittwoch, 29.09.2010, 09.30 - 13.30 Uhr
Goethe-Institut Thessaloniki, Vassilissis Olgas 66
+ 30 2310 889610
info@thessaloniki.goethe.org

Wie immer feiern wir Ende September den Europäischen Sprachentag und laden Lehrer mit Ihren Schülern ein, das Goethe-Institut in zwangloser Umgebung kennenzulernen
Vielfältige Aktivitäten sind für den Besuch vorbereitet.

Von 09.30 - 13.30 Uhr: Schulklassenführungen
Nur nach Anmeldung bis 23.09.2010 im Sekretariat Tel.: 2310-889591-2,
täglich von 09.00 - 14.00 Uhr und von 17.00 - 20.00 Uhr.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hμέρα ενημέρωσης και επικοινωνίας και Ευρωπαϊκή Ημέρα των Γλωσσών

Τετάρτη, 29.09.2010, ώρα 09.30 - 13.30
Goethe-Institut Θεσσαλονίκης, Βασιλίσσης Όλγας 66
+ 30 2310 889610
info@thessaloniki.goethe.org

Όπως κάθε χρόνο, έτσι και φέτος γιορτάζουμε τέλη Σεπτεμβρίου την Ευρωπαϊκή Ημέρα των Γλωσσών.
Προσκαλούμε καθηγητές και μαθητές να γνωρίσουν το Goethe-Institut σε χαλαρή ατμόσφαιρα.
Για την επίσκεψη των σχολικών τάξεων προβλέπεται σειρά δραστηριοτήτων.

Από 9.00 – 13.30: Ξενάγηση σχολικών τάξεων
Μόνο μετά από δήλωση συμμετοχής έως τις 23.09.2010 στη Γραμματεία, τηλ.: 2310-889591-2,
που λειτουργεί καθημερινά από τις 9.00 – 14.00 και από τις 17.00 – 20.00.

CRISIS...in education???

2010-09-23T14:40:00.009+03:00

I have been thinking a lot these last days - I know that I've said that this blog will remain for new projects and lesson ideas, but this concerns my job although it doesn't have to do with lesson plans.
I don't want to complain about the situation all the time, but I can't keep it to myself anymore...
We're talking about financial crisis in Greece, salary cuts, new taxes, people getting fired, people trying to get by on less and less money...
This has happened in the education field as well...
Parents have stopped investing in learning a second foreign language. For me (as a German teacher) means unemployment.
As an English teacher... well ...
Private Language school owners prefer people with little or no experience just to pay less...
The strange thing is that tuition fees get higher and higher.
I am asking the parents... Do you really know who teaches your children? Do they know what they are doing? Have they studied teaching different ages? Have they practised it?
Of course there are young people with the talent and the will to find out more about teaching and do their best... But from what I see the majority just wants to get some pocket money not caring about YOUR kids...
It is not enough to be kind and friendly to the kids... You have to know what you are doing...
CHEAP is not always the BEST.

Private lessons? School owners claim that these kind of tutors are not always qualified... Sometimes this is true. But some owners hire 19 year olds without even a teaching licence to teach pre-juniors ( which I find one of the most difficult levels BTW)

From what you people can imagine I am out of work... I have 16 years of experience in teaching, trying to be up-to-date all the time. Going to conventions and buying methodology books with my own expenses. Communicating with collegues around the world to exchange ideas. Beacause I want to and not because I am obliged to.

I didn't want to teach at a public school mailny because I would have to move places and this is a high price to pay especially for my family

So I do "steal" students from language schools ! And I am happy to show my qualifications to anyone who wants to see them. - After all I have to make a living somehow...

I know that what I am saying may not be pleasant to hear... But it IS the truth!

Please be careful who you trust with your children!

A re-post in Greek at CELT ATHENS BLOG

Oktoberfest - Unterrichtsideen

2010-09-19T14:41:00.008+03:00

Ende September - die meisten von uns sind wieder in der Klasse oder fange bald an.
Und wir versuchen neue Ideen zu unseren Schülern zu bringen, vielleicht neue Projekte starten, die nicht unbedingt mit unseren Büchern zu tun haben, aber sind sehr wichtig so dass die Kinder ein Stuck vom Kultur Deutschlands erleben.
Aktuell diese Zeit ist natuerlich das Oktoberfest in München.
Mann könnte das "Kozept" Oktoberfest in allen Niveaus benutzen.

Die Kleinen könnten mit Hilfe des Lehrers typische Fotos finden und ein Poster machen während die älteren suchen nach Informationen über die Geschichte des Oktoberfest, was man alles dort machen könnte, typisches Essen, Trinken, ein Plakat (oder Poster) mit den verschiedenen Biersorten Deutschlands und Kochrezepte mit traditionellem Essen.

Ich habe auch ein Paar Ideen in den Webseiten von Hueber und Klett gefunden und auch ein Paar links mit Infos über das Fest das Essen und Bier.

PS. Und nicht vergessen - für uns in Thessaloniki gibt es unser Oktoberfesttag in der Deutschen Schule am 25. September

Αργίες

2010-09-15T14:45:00.004+03:00

Μια παρόμοια ανάρτηση την είχα κάνει και τη περασμένη χρονιά και σκοπεύω να το κάνω "παράδοση"!!
Και πριν κανείς σκεφτεί ότι θέλω να τεμπελιάσω, πληροφορώ τον κόσμο ότι έχω ήση αρχίσει τα μαθήματα και είμαι έτοιμη για καινούρια projects με παλιούς αλλά και με καινούριους μαθητές!!

Λοιπόν... πίσω στο θέμα μας! Αργίες για φέτος!!

28 Οκτώβρη είναι Πέμπτη - άρα εμείς στη Θεσσαλονίκη και Τρίτη 26. λόγω Αγίου Δημητρίου.
17 Νοέμβρη είναι Τετάρτη.
Οι διακοπές των Χριστουγέννων από Παρασκευή 24.12 μέχρι Κυριακή 9.1 (κλέβουμε μέρες από το Σαββατοκύριακο, άρα τυχερά τα παιδιά φέτος!
Τριών Ιεραρχών Κυριακή (δεν πειράζει παιδιά, μια μέρα είναι μόνο)
Καθαρή Δευτέρα 7.3
25 Μαρτίου είναι Παρασκευή.
Διακοπές του Πάσχα 16 Απριλίου με 1 Μαίου (Χάνουμε την Πρωτομαγιά!!)
13 Ιουνίου Αγίου Πνεύματος...

Αυτά για φέτος...
Καλή ΣΧΟΛΙΚΗ Χρονιά ( για να μη χαλάσω το χατήρι της Κωνσταντίνας)

Using Skype

2010-09-12T22:18:00.004+03:00

I have been wanting to have an online lesson for ages!!
To tell the truth I was a bit afraid to propose the idea to my students, I though they would find it funny? not feasible? Problematic?
You'll say it depends on who you're teaching... What you're teaching...
But today all my fears have vanished.
I had a wonderful time with Eutuxia, who accepted to try this.
We had a "traditional" private lesson with the only difference that we were a few kilometres away from each other!!!
Now that I know that this can be done I am willing to try more complicated projects online with my students...
HAVE a wonderful new school year everybody and there's more to come on this page!

Seminars...

2010-08-22T10:30:00.003+03:00

New school year is starting soon and as always we teachers begin with the regular book exhibitions and seminars.
In Thessaloniki :
International Publishers Exhibition
Hotel Capsis Monastiriou 18
Sunday 29 August 2010 10.00-18.00
http://www.ip-exhibitions.eu

Palso Book Exhibition & Seminars

The Met Hotel 26. Oktovriou 48
Monday 30 - Tuesday 31 August
www.palsothes.gr

How to teach children English without actually learning it?

2010-06-05T13:31:00.002+03:00

I came across these wonderful blogposts by Ms Marisa Constandinides.
Being an experienced teacher and teacher trainer herself, she expresses her concerns about Foreign language teaching and how teachers actually teach.
The most common "mistake" is that parents prefer buying the "book", that their children do lots and lots of grammar excersises but this does not guarantee that their children will actually communicate in the foreign language.
Here are the links (in Greek)
Πως να διδάσκετε αγγλικά χωρίς να μαθαίνουν οι μαθητές σας (parts 1, 2, 3)
http://celt-athens-tefl-courses.blogspot.com/2009/11/blog-post.html
http://celt-athens-tefl-courses.blogspot.com/2008/10/blog-post.html
http://celt-athens-tefl-courses.blogspot.com/2010/06/3.html