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!

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?

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?

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?

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.

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

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Brochures & Catalogs day of andalusia Instructions

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!

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!

The British Isles

View more presentations from elegongue. (tags: british isles)

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!

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!

We Are the World

Last Friday we celebrated Peace Day at school. We listened to some songs related to peace and better days in the future. Here is another interesting one, Fran's request. Enjoy the song and the video!

What a Wonderful World!

This week we have worked with What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. Here is a nice video with beautiful images of nature (landscapes, mountains, the sea . . . ). Which is your favourite picture? Send a comment and tell everybody!



This is the karaoke version. Don't be shy and sing along!

Someday from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Have you ever listened to Someday, a song from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame? Watch the video and listen to it. It has a beautiful message.



Now you can read the lyrics here. Think about them . . . and of course, think about the things you can do to improve the world!

Imagine by John Lennon

On 30 January we celebrate the School Day of Peace and Non-Violence. One of the most representative songs is Imagine by John Lennon. Enjoy the video here as you listen to the song and think about the lyrics. Then, you can sing using the karaoke version.

Obama's Oath of Office

Everybody knows that last Tuesday, 20 January 2009, Barack Obama became the President of the United States of America. Did you see him take the Presidential Oath of Office? Here you can see the video and read the original oath (as it is written in the Constitution).



Well, everybody gets messed up when speaking in front of an audience . . . but that's not a reason to keep silent when you have important things to say! Bear it in mind!

I Have a Dream

Last 19 January American people celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Do you know who he is? He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. You can learn more things about his life and work here. You can also enjoy this subtitled video of his famous speech I Have a Dream.



I'm sure you also have a dream about how people's lives could improve. Send a comment telling us!

The Reason by Hoobastank

Here goes Pilar's request. It is one of my favourite songs, too. Listen and think about the lyrics!



And here is the karaoke version for you to sing alone. Have fun!

. . . and the Famous People Are . . .

Last month four of you wrote some descriptions of famous people and some of you sent comments with the possible answers. Here are the solutions:

1. Ismael's famous is Celine Dion.

2. Pilar's famous is Angelina Jolie.

3. Beatriz's famous is Kate Ryan.

4. María's famous is Jesús Navas.

What's the Weather like Today?

Have a look at this presentation and see what the weather is like in different cities where English is spoken. Then you can send a comment saying what the weather is like in these places.

Units of Measurement in the USA

Last week you received the first letters from your American pen pals. They described themselves but in some cases there was some confussion regarding their height and weight. Here is a table with the equivalence between the Imperial Units and those in the USA. I'm sure it will help a lot!