Friday 15 October 2010

Thursday 17 June 2010

Enjoy your Summer Holidays!

Dear students,

The school year is almost finished. It's been a pleasure having had you as my students for nine months. I hope you have learned new things and I wish you keep on learning. In the future you'll see how important it is to speak foreign languages. You know how to contact me for whatever you want or need. I wish you very good luck for the future.

Have a good summer!

Thursday 10 June 2010

The Red Kangaroo

These days we have been talking about animals: you have done some research about one animal and you have presented your findings to your clasmates. Here you are a copy of the worksheet we have worked in class. This way you'll be able to see the full-colour version!

And you can click here for more information on the red kangaroo.










Read this doc on Scribd: An Animal The Red Kangaroo











Monday 31 May 2010

Past Simple

As you know, these days we have been learning the form and use of the past simple tense in English. In this site you'll find an interesting explanation of it, with links to activities. If you think you need to review the past form of verb 'to be', click here or here.

Still difficult? Well, you can always have a look at this website and read the explanation in Spanish!

Sunday 2 May 2010

Put an 'R' in your Life: Web Links

As you know, we are already working on our didactic unit on sustainability. From here you can have access to the websites you will have to visit:




TREASURE HUNT

Group A: Reduce packaging: Site 1, site 2, site 3, quiz

Group B: Reduce waste: Site 1, site 2, site 3, quiz

Group C: Re-use: Site 1, site 2, site 3, quiz

Goup D: Recycle plastic: Site 1, site 2, site 3, quiz

Group E: Recycle glass: Site 1, site 2, site 3, quiz

Group F: Recycle paper: Site 1, site 2, site 3, quiz

Monday 26 April 2010

Didactic Unit on Sustainability

Today we have begun working on a didactic unit that deals with sustainability. Its title is Put an 'R' in your Life! With it we will learn many things. here you can have a look at the version in full colours!

Didactic Unit. Sustainability

Sunday 18 April 2010

Let's Write a Poem!

On April 23 we celebrate Book Day and Copy Right Day. We'll celebrate this important date writing and reading our own poems in English.

Have you ever thought of writing a poem in English? Well, it's time for you to try! Don't panic! It's not difficult at all!

There are six types of poems quite easy for beginners: Bio Poems, 5W Poems, I Am Poems, Name Poems, Cinquain Poems and Diamond Poems. If you click here you will have access to a website with clear instructions for each one.


Choose your favourite poem and go ahead. I'm sure you'll write really good poems!

Sunday 4 April 2010

Easter Egg Hunt


Holy Week vacation finishes with Easter, which is both pagan and religious. Easter is celebrated all around the world in different ways. In the United Kingdom and the United States people go egg hunting. Here you can see how they enjoy hunting eggs!






Thursday 1 April 2010

April Fool's Day


April 1 is April Fool's Day, or All Fools' Day. In many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, people play tricks on others on this day. A favourite joke is to send someone on a fool's errand (a search for something that does not exist), or to get people to believe ridiculous things. The victim is called an April Fool. No one knows where the April Fools' custom began.
The tradition originated in France and Great Britain.

Thursday 18 March 2010

St. Patrick's Day



Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated each year on March 17th. In Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day is both a holy day and a national holiday. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland because he brought Christianity to the Irish. The shamrock his St. Patrick's symbol.

Saint Patrick’s Day is usually celebrated with a parade. The one in Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is very famous. But the one in New York City is one of the biggest. It lasts for hours.

Play a game here and have good luck! You can also read poems and listen to songs for this special day here.

Sunday 7 March 2010

International Women's Day

International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women in the past, present and future. In some countries like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, this day is a national holiday. If you want to learn more about this day, you can click here.

This is the message the Secretary General of the United Nations has sent to the world.


And here goes a short tribute to some of the many important women throughtout history. Do you know them?

Monday 22 February 2010

Welcome to this Victorian House!


Today we have read about a Victorian house, haven't we? Enjoy this video showing the inside of a Victorian house. Is it very different from your home?


Sunday 21 February 2010

Past of Be, There Was and There Were

During the last lessons we have learnt the past of verb to be and also there was and there were. You can click here and here to do more activities on the past simple of verb to be. If you prefer to review there was and there were click here and here.

Tuesday 16 February 2010

II IES El Fontanal Spelling Bee

As you know, next Wednesday February 25th students and teachers at I.E.S. El Fontanal will be celebrating Andalusia Day. We will listen to the Andalusia Anthem, we will eat molletes with chocolate and we will do different activities in the classrooms.

The English Department will organise the II Spelling Bee, a funny and interesting way of proving you are good at spelling. You will be able to take part in the contest for Segundo Ciclo (3º and 4º ESO). You can review the vocabulary lists for your level and you can also have a look at the rules and the recommendations here.

There will be great prizes for the winners!!!

Below you have some pieces of advice for the contest, the rules of the Spelling Bee and the wordlist for your cycle. Have a look at them.

Good luck to everybody!




Algunos Consejos Para El Concurso de Deletreo
Spelling Bee Rules
listado segundo ciclo

Saturday 23 January 2010

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 these subtitled videos of his famous speech I Have a Dream. We will devote some time in class to talk about it, so take your time and think about his words:



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

Tuesday 12 January 2010

Giving Directions and Walking around Town

Here you can find interesting activities to review what we have learned in class:

In this website you'll find a list with useful expressions for giving directions and managing yourself around town.

If you click here you can listen to dialogues asking for directions.

Here you can listen to another dialogue as you read it.

Now you are ready to listen to some sentences (click here) and look at a map and say if these sentences are true or false . . . if you need it, you can read the tapescript!

And in this website you can play hangman.

Have fun . . . and learn many things!

Monday 4 January 2010

Happy New Year!

How did you say goodbye to 2009? How did you receive the new year? Did you eat the twelve grapes? As you know, not everybody has the same customs and traditions.

Would you like to know how people in New York welcomed 2010 in Times Square? Have a look at this video, join the countdown and enjoy the atmosphere.
If you click here you can also see a brief overview of other countries' celebrations and enjoy the firework display in London next to the London Eye.

Thursday 24 December 2009

A Christmas Tour around London

If you want to see the Christmas lights in London, don't miss this opportunity. Get in my car and I'll give you a lift from Piccadilly Circus to Marble Arc. Meanwhile we'll listen to a song we can sing quite well, can't we? By the way, don't panic! Remember people drive on the left here!

My Best Wishes for You All!

Sunday 20 December 2009

Happy Christmas (War is Over)

We would all be very happy is war was in fact over all over the world. However, there are many things we can do everyday to make the lives of the people around us easier, can't we. Now we can listen to this song by John Lennon, sing the karaoke version and think about the lyrics.


Jingle Bell Rock

If you feel like singing today, here goes this Jingle Bell Rock. Pay attention to the lyrics and then sing the karaoke version!



Do They Know it's Christmas?

Band Aid is a British charity that calls artists to record a Christmas single. Do They Know It's Christmas Time at All? is a song written in 1984 to raise money for the relief of famine in Ethiopia in 1984 and 1985. Many famous singers contributed with their voices. Although the song is almost 25 years old, I think the message is still valid. What do you think?



Here are the lyrics for you to think about the content:

All I Want for Christmas . . is You!

Do you want a lot for Christmas? Well, here is a song that perhaps will help you be merry and happy . . .



And here goes the karaoke version for the artists!

Last Christmas

The other day we sang Last Christmas by Wham. Here is the song with the lyrics for you to rehearse before singing the karaoke version below.

Enjoy yourselves!





Christmas is coming!

Everybody knows Christmas is coming very soon. Here you will find lots of materials and activities to learn and review both Christmas content and vocabulary. I hope you also have fun with it.

To begin with, you can read and listen to a story about Christmas Day by clicking here. Is Christmas Day a special day in your life, too? What do you do at home to celebrate it? Is there any other special day in your life? What do you usually do on this day? Don't forget to post a comment answering these questions!

Moreover, you can find out more about Christmas customs and traditions in England with this online game and you can review some vocabulary with this card game where you just have to turn over pairs of cards and match words and pictures.

If you need something more challenging and international, this is an online quiz to play either in pairs or on your own, don't miss it! You'll learn how Christmas is celebrated all over the world.

As you know, one of the main characters of this time of the year in England is Santa Claus. Here is a funny song about him. Do you like it? Well, you can always play this game with . . . or against Santa!

Monday 14 December 2009

Present Continuous

These days we are learning how to form and use the Present Continuous in English. Here is an interesting website with an easy explanation, a video to review and practise and lots of activities for you to check your progress.

Don't miss it!

Friday 27 November 2009

Treasure Hunt: Three Constitutions

On 6 December Spanish people remember the day we ratified our constitution. A constitution is the set of rules that establish the structure and duties of a government. It also guarantees certain rights to the people.

In this activity we will review some important aspects of the Spanish Constitution and we will learn some facts about the Constitution of the United Kingdom and the Constitution of the United States of America. The three of them protect the Human Rights.

Read these questions carefully and think if you can answer them:

1. Which of the three constitutions is the oldest? When was it written?
2. When was the Spanish Constitution adopted?
3. What happened on 6 December 1978 in Spain?
4. What is the main difference between the Constitution of the United Kingdom and the other two constitutions?
5. Name three rights American, British and Spanish citizens have.
6. Complete these sentences with one of these words: Parliamentary monarchy, constitutional monarchy, federal constitutional republic.

a) Spain is a . . . . . . . . . .
b) The United States of America are a . . . . . . . . . .
c) The United Kingdom is a . . . . . . . . . .

These are the websites that you should visit to answer the questions:


Please send a comment with your answers and don't forget to include your name!

Tuesday 24 November 2009

Say NO in Any Language!

The United Nations designated November 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. We should be aware of how important this issue is all over the world. Here is a video for you to refect on violence:



And this is another short one, because NO is NO in any language!

Monday 23 November 2009

Happy Turkey Day!

I came across this funny video. I know you like videos and songs, so here it is for you to listen and see!



And here goes the original song:

The First Thanksgiving Day

You should visit this fantastic website. You will be able to experience what the voyage on the Mayflower was like. You will also learn about a typical day in the life of both Pilgrims and native Americans. Are you hungry? Well, you can always take part of the first Thanksgiving feast! At the end, you can even do a WebQuest and check your knowledge . . . Don't miss it!

A Thanksgiving Day Worksheet

On the fourth Thursday of November people in the USA celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Members of the family meet around a huge dinner where stuffed turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes play an important role. Americans also enjoy American football on TV and there is a famous parade along the streets of New York.

Here is the worksheet we will work in class.


Thanksgiving

Sunday 22 November 2009

Present Simple

These days we are learning the form and use of Present Simple. If you click here you will visit an interesting website with an easy explanation of Present Simple, a video with sentences and exercises to do on-line or on paper.

I wouldn't miss it!

Let's give form to our letters!

Do you think you need help with your letter? If you click here you will see the format of a friendly letter in English. Here you can see a picture of what a neat letter is. If you click on any part of the picture, you'll get a description.

Make sure you write a nice letter. First impressions are important!

Please Mr. Postman!

As you know, we are preparing our first letters for our American pen pals. Soon we'll receive their letters, too. Have a look at this video, listen to Please Mr Postman by The Carpenters and answer these questions:

1. What's the name of the person that delivers letters?
2. Where does he carry the letters?
3. What is the singer waiting for?
4. Who is the addressee of the letter?
5. Who is the addresser of the letter?






Here is a version by The Beatles. What is the main difference with the song above? Which one do you prefer?

6. Who is the addreeser now?





Ready to sing alone? Click here for a karaoke version and enjoy yourself!

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Last week we saw a video of how the guard changed at Buckingham Palace. Here you are another one. I hope one day we can see it live!

Sunday 15 November 2009

Let's Meet our Pen Pals!

Very soon we'll send our first letter to our pen pals. Click here if you want to see the list of the pairs. Would you like to know where they live and study? If you skim this website you'll get a lot of information about them. Make sure you are able to answer these questions and send a comment with the answers:

1. What is the name of the school?
2. What is the name of the town where the school is?
3. In the USA there are 50 states. Which is the state where the school is? (Perhaps you'll have to click here.)
4. Which is the county to which it belongs?
5. Have a look at the location of the state in this map. What is the capital of the state where our penpals live? Which is the ocean their state borders?

I'm waiting for your answers!

European Film Festival and the Treasure of El Carambolo

Last Tuesday (10 November) we went to Seville to see one of the films at the European Film festival with other students from the school. The film, Somers Town, was in original version with subtitles in Spanish.

After that, we went to the Archaeological Museum in Maria Luisa Park and saw the treasure of El Carambolo.

This is the worksheet the students had to complete after seeing the film. And here are some pictures to show what a good time they had.

Thursday 5 November 2009

A Day at Buckingham Palace

The other day we read about Buckingham Palace.

Click here and you will find more information in Spanish.

Would you like to visit it? Meanwhile, you can watch this video and have a look at the atmosphere, some rooms, and the gardens.

Tuesday 3 November 2009

Halloween

Last week we celebrated Halloween in our class by playing a scary bingo, didn't we? Here you are some other activities you can do to review vocabulary and have a good time . . . if you dare!

Click here to match words and pictures.

Try this quiz to check how much you know about Halloween.

Here you can read and listen to a story about a haunted house.


Sunday 18 October 2009

Cambridge and London

These days we'll learn about Cambridge and London. Click here and find Cambridge in the map. Then, find London. Are they near or far?

Have a look at this video about Cambridge. Do you like it?


This is a presentation on London. Would you like to visit it?
Which one do you prefer, Cambridge or London?

Sunday 11 October 2009

Greetings!

Hi, students! I hope you like my blog. I'm sure you will learn many interesting things with it.