Friday, 27 February 2009

Computers and the History of the English Language


There is a computer programme that can be used to know which the oldest English words are and which ones will probably disappear in the future. If you click here you can read the whole article (in Spanish).


Thanks for the information, Tomás!

Wednesday, 25 February 2009

Jumpers for Penguins

Do you remember what we read in class about the penguins in Tasmania that had to wear jerseys knitted by volunteers? Well, here you can see a real website with information about it, and you can also have a look at the pattern for the jumpers. If you knitted one, which colours would you use?

Friday, 20 February 2009

International Mother Language Day (21 February)


Did you know that there are between 6,000 and 7,000 languages in the world? Actually, there used to be more, but unfortunately, they have disappeared. We celebrate their day on February 21. The aim of this day is to promote linguistic diversity and multicultural education. In fact, many of the languages that are spoken today are in danger of extinction.


Here you can read about UNESCO's concern in either English, French, or Spanish. Pay attention to the last part, where you can see how the following sentence is said in the languages of the world:

IN THE GALAXY OF LANGUAGES, EVERY WORD IS A STAR

What can you do to take care of this galaxy? How many stars are there in your own sky?



Thursday, 19 February 2009

Reasons why People Choose Andalusia

These days you are preparing your tourist brochures for your pen pals. Have you ever thought about the reasons why so many tourists come to Andalusia? There are also many foreigners that choose the south of Spain as their ideal residence. Have a look at this video and pay attention. Which are the reasons why foreigners enjoy Andalusia?

Friday, 13 February 2009

Flightless Bird

Do you know what a flightless bird is? Well, among other things, it is also the title of a beautiful song by Iron and Wine Pilar has requested. Here is the song and the lyrics. You can enjoy it and tell me which animals are mentioned in it.

Wednesday, 11 February 2009

Day of Andalusia

As you know, we should be ready to begin preparing our tourist brochures on Andalusia for our pen pals. I know they are eager to come to Spain and they really need some information! Here are the instructions so that you find it easier to design yours!
Andalusia: a Tourist Brochure

St. Valentine's Day

As you all know, we celebrate St. Valentine's Day on February 14. In the UK and USA it is a very popular day. People exchange gifts, cards (called valentines and chocolate with the loved ones). It is not only a day for couples! People also celebrate friendship.

In class we read about the history and origins of this day and we did some activities on a love song. Here you will find lots of interesting things about this day (games, texts, printables, crafts, etc.)

Here is a video of the song we listened to in class.

Have a happy Valentine's Day!





Sunday, 8 February 2009

The British Isles

Last Tuesday you attended a presentation on UK culture. I think it was quite interesting and you had a good time . . . and you behaved really well. Here you can see a presentation I did last year. I hope you like it!

Wednesday, 4 February 2009

The First Cell Phone Ad

These days we have been reading about the mobile revolution and we have talked about how mobile phones have changed since they were invented in 1973. Do you know when the first mobile phone was advertised on TV? It was in 1989 (you were not even born!). Would you like to see the advertisement? Here it is!

Sunday, 1 February 2009

Past Continuous

Here you can go to another explanation of the form and use of Past Continuous. In that site there are also activities to put into practice what you have learned.

You can also do this activity on Past Continuous. Do you think you need something more challenging? Click here for an activity to choose between Past Simple and Past Continuous.

Good luck!