ENGLISH DEPARTMENT by Libia GC. B.

POETS WILL ALWAYS EXIST

2009-05-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

REMEMBERING PAST POETS..NINTH GRADERS

2009-05-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

Last Friday it was OUR day...TEACHERS' DAY, they say...
but I wonder if it should be in honor of us or YOU...

If students give us ALL!

Laughs, tears, doubts, sleepy eyes, raising hands and distracted faces...
wonder why I became one...

A teacher to teach or to be taught or just to grow and walk on your side...
Tying hands reaching a GOAL...

Let's learn together and give what you need !
Teachers and students only ONE WORLD ...because knowledge is not ALL!!
By LIVICKHY - May 17th, 2009

Today I had a flashback... maybe it is just nostalgia or I am reflecting over my role as a teacher. But... Is it easy to become a REAL ONE? Have I done a good job... have I gone even beyond? Do my students remember me or my teaching experiences as well as I do? I remember I started having a DREAM years ago... Although I did not know anything about TICs, I knew something missing to appeal you! That's why I get in your feet, and remembered when I was YOU...boring classes, boards fulfilled, TEACHER, PLEASE, let me BE!

Suddenly, here it is! My Poem Book ... you helped me make this dream come true.
Now I realize I must honor my muse, students and colleagues helped a lot. Thus, it is today to thank you for your work.

Special Thanks to...
"My students who made this dream real.
To those teachers who shared their thoughts and dreams with us.
They also wrote their own poems and made beautiful drawings to illustrate my book ... Adolfo Beltran, Damaris Cuestas, Lilia González, Claudia Torres and César Valbuena. Although not all are still in the school, their hands, a God's gift, gave our poems life! Students, Art and English in an integrated TEAMWORK!" (Taken from My poem Book , From my Sentimental WINDOW, 2002)

And then, 2006 - 2007 and another challenging work came. My MUSES are now in Ninth grade... how much time has passed, but I still remember them!! Their dreams, fear and thoughts maybe have changed or just another goal they got!! Below you can find some of their poems, too. I hope you read them. It is worth!

PLANET EARTH SONG SURVEY

2009-05-17T11:55:00.000-07:00

HEY, THERE!! FINALLY WE CAN LISTEN TO THE PLANET EARTH SONGS CREATED BY SIXTH GRADERS. ENJOY THEM AND DO NOT FORGET TO VOTE!! CLICK IN EACH PARTICIPANT. LET'S BEGIN...IT'S TIME FOR VOTING!!!! THANK YOU!

6TH A

6TH B

6TH C

WHERE IS THE LOVE...? A MEANINGFUL DEEP PROJECT...PLANET EARTH SIXTH GRADE

2009-05-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

NOW... WE THANK PLANET EARTH FOR ALL WHAT SHE HAS GIVEN US THROUGH OUR OWN SONGS...!!! DON'T BE AFRAID, JUST SING LOUDLY SO THAT HEAVEN COULD LISTEN TO OUR VOICE... Let's sing our songs... "The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land:

CHOOSE THE BEST SONG...SOON YOU WILL LISTEN TO THEM! YOU SHOULD NOT BEGIN VOTING UNTIL THE SONGS ARE NOT POSTED. Thanks for your patience!!

Get This -
Survey Results - GlowDay.com

Get This - Survey Results - GlowDay.com

IS THIS MOVIE A REFLECT OF OUR OWN FEAR ...APOCALIPSIS?

2009-05-16T22:44:00.000-07:00

Despite its valuable message, The Day The Earth Stood Still HAS BEEN CRITIZED, "because the writing's so clunky you don't know if you should laugh or cry", but I JUST CLOSE MY EYES AND SOME FLASHBACK COMES SOON... A BALL COLLECTING SPECIES , INSECTS COMING LIKE ROUGH WIND... IT SOUNDS FAMILIAR TO YOU?? NOAH'S ARK AND EGYPT PLAGUES WERE ALSO CONSIDERED SILLY... NOTHING IS A COINCIEDENCE..!!! FOR ME THE FILM IS NOT JUST ANOTHER SIMPLE SCI FI MOVIE... IT ALSO updates the Cold War theme of nuclear warfare to the contemporary issue of humankind's environmental damage to the planet.It follows Klaatu, an alien who was sent to try and change human behavior or eradicate them off Earth... Is it not probably another sophisticated Mesiah or even gosspel sent for a special mission? In fact, Klaatu also showed compassion for HUMAN RACE so that again We were saved and another chance given!!! Think over!

By LIBIA GOMEZCÁSSERES B.

Reaching goals is NOT difficult...IF...You never forget this...

2009-05-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

ENGLISH OPENS DOORS...!
By LIBIA GOMEZCASSERES B.

EVENTS BLOWN TO AND FRO ...!

2009-05-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

By LIBIA GOMEZCASSERES B.

WRITING : Let’s save our planet! Life on Mars?

2009-05-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

Name: ………………………………………Date: ……/……/……

Group: ………… Evaluation score: ………….

A) Read the following text carefully:
ARTICLE No 1

Let’s save our planet!
Everyone must play a part in protecting the environment. There are many things you can do your own every day to help save the planet. Here are some suggestions.

REDUCE!
Really, the best thing we can do for the planet is to use less of it. At the Earth of the environmental crisis is our consumer society. Here are some questions you can ask yourself before buying something: Do I, or the other person I am buying this for, really need this? Is there another product which would do the same thing but more sustainable? Will this last a long time? Did I know how this item was made, how it will be used and how it will be disposed of?

REUSE!
Regrettably, because we live in a “disposable society”, we are encouraged to buy a new “improved” item even if the one we have can be repaired. When we buy, we should buy items which are durable, we should maintain and have them repaired when necessary. If we practice this, many things can not only last a life-time, but they can be passed along generation to generation. If something is truly unusable for its original proposes, try to be more creative and think of how else it might be used. When you’re done with it, think of whether someone else might be able to use it.

RECYCLE!

Rather than throwing an item out when neither you nor anyone else can make use of it, have it recycled. And while recycling is not perfect, it is better than sending goods to landfill or having them incinerated.

Find out what types of materials can be recycled in your area. Clean and sort the materials before putting them out on the curb – often collectors will not pick up recycling that is mixed or contains non-recyclables.
In www.greenpeace.org (adapted)

COMPREHENSION
B) Find evidence of these statements in the text:
1. The main reason why our planet is in danger is our uncontrolled willingness to buy goods even they aren't necessary.

2. Consumers should have in mind the necessity of buying products that can last for a long time.

3. Every body has not only the worry about keeping things in working order but also restoring them good condition in order to put the “Reuse” principle in practice.

4. People should search for information on the items that are accepted for recycling in their place of living.

C. Read the following sentences carefully and answer the questions in a complete, coherent and meaningful way.

a) “There are also many things you can do on your own everyday to help save the planet.” What should you do? What must you do?
_______________________________________________________

b) “Will this last a long time?” What would it be referred to?
_______________________________________________________

c) “How would be this item made?”
_______________________________________________________

d) The Greenpeace members advised us to be creative and think of how else might be used. “Be creative and think how else it may be used.”

_______________________________________________________
ARTICLE No 2

LIFE ON MARS?

1. What books and / or films do you know about space travel? Do you think it is possible to people to travel to distant planets?

“Space ships have been seen in the sky above New York. Cities all over the US have been attacked. We believe that the invaders are from Mars.”

When those words were broadcast on the radio in 1938, thousands of Americans ran from their homes. Roads were blocked by cars as people tried to escape from Martians. In fact, it was just a play called The War of the Worlds. The play was based on a story that was written by H.G. wells in 1898. In the story, Earth is attacked by spaceships that come from Mars. We now know that there aren't any aliens from Mars. The Red Planet has been visited by several space probes, and photographs are taken by the Mars Orbital Surveyor every day. All the pictures show a cold, dead planet, and no signs of life have ever been found there. Has it always been a dead planet, however?

American scientists believe that they have found signs of life on Mars. These signs weren’t found on the Red Planet itself; they were found in Antarctica in a small meteorite called ALH84001. The Earth is hit by millions of meteorites every year. This particular meteorite came from Mars. It is billions of years old and contains fossils that look like bacteria.

Not every one agrees that the fossils in the meteorite are bacteria. In the next ten or twenty years, we might find out, however, as there are many plans to send astronauts to Mars. The Earth won't be invaded by Martians, as H.G. Wells thought.

Instead, Mars will be visited by people of Earth. It will be difficult, dangerous and expense journey. We mind only find bacteria, but this will show that life can exist on other planets.

2. Look through the texts. Who or what are these?

· H.G.Wells

· ALH84001

· The Red Planet

· The Mars Orbital Surveyor.

2.1. Why will astronauts be sent to Mars?

3. Read the texts again. Are these statements true or false?

New York was attacked by Martians in 1938.
People thought that the radio play was real.
Space probes have found signs of live in Mars.
ALH84001 was found in Antarctica.
Meteorites don't hit the Earth very often.
All scientists agree that ALH 84001 contains fossils of bacteria.
Astronauts will be sent to mars next year.
We know there is life on other planets.

The Passive voice

a) Complete the gapped sentence below with the verb in the passive voice.

Active

The Mars Orbital Surveyor takes photographs everyday.

Passive

___________________ by the mars Orbital Surveyor every day.

b) Complete the sentences from the text.

1. Spaceships _____________ in the sky above New York.

2. Roads ____________ by cars.

3. The Earth ____________ by millions of meteorites every year.

4. Mars _____________ by people from Earth.

c) Which sentence is each sentence in? Write the numbers of the sentences in b in the boxes.

¨ present simple____

¨ past simple____

¨ future____

¨ present perfect____

d) Put the verbs in brackets into the past simple passive.

How did ALH84001 get to Earth? Mars _______________ (form) about 4.5 billion years ago. About 16 million years ago, the planet _______________ (hit) by a huge comet. Millions of pieces of the planet _______________ (throw) into space. About 13.000 years ago one of these meteorites landed in Antarctica and it _____________(cover) by snow and ice. It _____________ (find) in 1980s and it ______________ (take) to the USA with other meteorites. There, the meteorites ______________ (cut) open, and they ________________ (study) by scientists.

Objects that look like bacteria ____________________ (see) in ALH84001. The news of discovery ________________ (broadcast) around the world on TV, radio and the Internet.

d) If people had ever gone to Mars what would have been the problems faced? What do you think?

___________________________________________________________

English Slang

2009-05-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

All over the world, English is known to be a requirement. Being familiar with the universal language is an important tool especially in professions. This can be attributed to the fact that people will always resort to English if people coming from different countries are different from one another. This way, areas such as business and social interactions can be at a stand-off, meaning that people can communicate freely and understandably.

Most English people do not know the full range and function of the English language - using it is as natural to them as breathing! One all too common complaint made by people attempting to learn English is that there are too many slang words and other types of word that cannot be understood or even found in the dictionary.

Oftentimes, slang comes around in phases so one word might not be used now but in future it may be.This often depends on popular media such as movies and newspapers who have been responsible for the use of mane slang phrases over the years

The first word is the slang word, then the proper English word closest to it, followed by an example of how to use it.

- Airy-fairy - lacking in strength, weak. ‘Don’t give me that airy-fairy excuse! Hand your homework in on time!

- Aggro - Aggressive behaviour, troublemaking. ‘Don’t be so aggro, we can work this out.’

- Airhead - A silly person, someone who doesn’t think well. ‘Why did she get that question wrong? She is such an airhead! ‘

- Alky / alkie - An alcoholic . ‘My uncle is such an old alky - he never stops drinking!’

- Ace! - Brilliant, really good. ‘This food is ace!’

- Action man - someone who does alot of macho things, someone trying to be tough. ‘Peter is a real action man, look at him trying to impress the ladies. ‘

- All-nighter - an event which takes place all night or at least for longer than most events of the same type. . ‘Are you going to the club tonight? I fancy doing an all-nighter ‘

- All to pot - messed up, everything went wrong. ‘The trip was ace until I broke my leg, and then it all went to pot. ‘

- Ankle-biters - young children, babies . ‘What a cute little ankle-biter he is!’

- Botched messed up, made worse. ‘He made a botched job of repairing the door - he completely botched it up’.- Bloke - man. ‘Jon is a great bloke.’

- Bottle - fortitude, courage. ‘Do you have the bottle to tell her you like her?

- Chucking it down - heavy or annoying rain. ‘Oh no! It’s chucking it down outside and I have to walk home!’

- Chuffed - pleased, happy, proud. ‘I feel chuffed to have passed my exam’

- Daft - a little crazy, stupid. ‘Sine is daft, she just ate her pencil’- Dosh - money. ‘Can you lend me some dosh mate?’

- Gobsmacked - very surprised, astounded. ‘When she told me I was fired I was gobsmacked.’

- Gutted - Unhappily surprised, negatively affected. ‘I feel so gutted to have lost the fight - I thought I was going to win.’

More soon..!

By LIBIA GOMESCASSERES B.

IT IS NOT ITS FAULT...RESCUE PEGGY!!!

2009-05-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

Swine flu: How do people get it? What are symptoms?

By Shari Roan, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
April 27, 2009

WHAT IS IT?

Swine flu is a general term for flu viruses adapted to pigs. Swine flu can infect humans, most often from a pig to someone handling pigs. It can pass from human to human via coughing, sneezing or touching infected people or surfaces, then touching the mouth, nose or eyes.

SYMPTOMS Symptoms are similar to regular flu: fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, poor appetite, body aches and chills. Some people also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People infected with the H1N1 strain will initially suffer generalized flu like symptoms, such as:

* Fever
* Muscle and joint pain
* Sore throat
* Malaise
* Cough
* Difficulty breathing

This strain of flu may progress to a serious respiratory illness within about five days.

HOW DANGEROUS IS IT?Experts don't know how deadly swine flu is because they don't know how many people have been infected. The World Health Organization says the overall mortality rate is 1% to 4%.

PREVENTION Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Use tissues and throw them in the trash. Wash your hands with soap and water. Use alcohol- based hand sanitizers. Avoid sick people. If you are sick, stay home. People who have been exposed can get a prescription for the antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza).

Simple actions, like covering your mouth and nose and cleaning your hands often, can stop germs and prevent illnesses and reduce sickdays. Use this Web site as a resource for tips, tools, and facts to stop the spread of germs.

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

. Practice other good health habits.

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Healthy habits can protect everyone from getting germs or spreading germs at home, school, or work.
By LIBIA GOMESCASSERES B.

BEWARE!!!COMPARATIVE or SUPERLATIVE?

2009-05-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

COMPARATIVE?

Words like "prettier" and "richer" (formed from the adjectives "pretty" and "rich") are known as comparatives. A comparative is used to show who (or what) has a quality to the greater or lesser degree. (In the first example below, the quality being compared is height.)

You call that high? Blackpool Tower is higher. ("higher": comparative of "high")
The male fish is more beautiful than the female. ("more beautiful": comparative of "beautiful")

SUPERLATIVE?

Words like "prettiest" and "richest" (formed from the adjectives "pretty" and "rich") are known as superlatives. A superlative is used to show who (or what) has a quality to the greatest or least degree.

It is the most wonderful chocolate fudge I have ever tasted. ("most wonderful": superlative of "wonderful")
Adam is good, but Simon is the best. ("best": superlative of "good")

ONLY DO IT ONCE

When forming a comparative or a superlative, be careful not to use a double comparative or a double superlative. This is a common mistake, particularly in speech.

Ann is more prettier than Carla.(This is a double comparative. The word "prettier" is the comparative of "pretty" by itself. It is a mistake to use the word "more" as well.)
Ann is prettier than Carla.
He was the most best player. (This is a double superlative. The word "best" is the superlative of "good" by itself. It is a mistake to use "most" as well. The word "bestest" is obviously wrong too.)
He was the best player.
Geoff was most quickest in the trials.

MORE SINGLE?
Arguably, there are adjectives which should not have comparative or superlative forms, because their meanings already express the qualities to the highest possible degree. For example:"instantaneous" (< style="">
Other examples are: "single", "unique" and "dead".

This is a bag. It's a red bag.

Big | Small

This is a small bag.

This is a big bag.

Bigger | Smaller - Biggest | Smallest

The blue bag is bigger than the red bag.

The blue bag is smaller than the white bag.

The red bag is smaller than the white bag and the blue bag.

The red bag is the smallest bag.

The white bag is bigger than the red bag and the blue bag.

The white bag is the biggest bag.

Cheaper | More / Less Expensive - Cheapest | Most / Least Expensive

John's house cost £45,000	John's house is less expensive than Jane's house. It's cheaper than Jane's house.	Jane's house cost £55,000	Jane's house is more expensive than John's house, but less expensive than Bill's house.	Bill's house cost £75,000
John's house is the least expensive house. It's the cheapest house.				Bill's house is the most expensive house.

Higher | Lower - Highest | Lowest

Mount Manaslu 8,163 (m)	Mount Kangchenjunga is higher than Mount Manaslu.	Mount Kangchenjunga 8,586 (m)	Mount Kangchenjunga is higher than Mount Manaslu, but lower than Mount Everest.	Mount Everest 8,848 (m)
Mount Manaslu is the lowest mountain.				Mount Everest is the highest mountain.

Longer | Shorter - Longest | Shortest

River Danube 2,850 (km)	The river Amazon is longer than the river Danube.	River Amazon 6,516 (km)	The river Amazon is longer than the river Danube, but shorter than the river Nile.	River Nile 6,695 (km)
The river Danube is the shortest river.				The river Nile is the longest ri

Did you understand all the explanations about comparatives and superlatives? If you think you need further clarification, click here and surf the site.
Now you are ready for a quick quiz, aren't you? Click here and do your best!

Now I invite you to watch the following video carefully to ask some questions using COMPARATIVE-SUPERLATIVE FORMS. SEND THEM TO YOUR FOLLOWERS WHO MUST ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE...BET THEM !!!

HEY FRIENDS...! I also invite you to click below and... practice having fun!!!

Comparative - Superlative Quiz

http://www.saywhatesl.com/quizes/Comparatives_mx.htm

http://carole.mazzonetto.club.fr/hotpot/JMix/superlatifsphrase1.htm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/apps/ifl/worldservice/quiznet/quizengine?ContentType=text/html;quiz=1114_biggest

http://www.factmonster.com/quizzes/geosuperlatives/1.html

http://english.baladre.org/sedaviwebfront/audiofiles/RobJulietList.wma

http://english.baladre.org/sedaviwebfront/RobJulListComp.htm

By LIBIA GOMESCASSERES B.

EASTER

2009-04-19T19:10:00.000-07:00

How much do you know about Easter? Check the following infortmation, and you will find very intetresting facts about it!

WHAT IS EASTER ?
Easter is the celebration Jesus Christ's return to life after his crucification. It is usually celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the first day of Spring. This can be any Sunday between March 22 and April 25. It is the most sacred of all the Christian holidays or celebrations.
His return from death is called the Resurrection. According to the scriptures, Jesus tomb was empty three days after his death. His followers saw him and talked to him after this. Christians therefore believe that they too can receive new life after death. Easter is the celebration of this belief.

HOW EASTER WAS CELEBRATED IN ANCIENT DAYS ?
A long time ago, people used to celebrate when Spring arrived. People used to believe that changes in seasons were guided by spirits or gods. The blooming of plants and flowers and animals coming out of their hibernation and the return of birds brought life back to the land. This new life in spring symbolizes the new life Christians gain because of Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection or back to life again.
In ancient Egypt, Easter was celebrated at the same time Jesus was crucified during the Passover. This was so for many years. However, in A.D. 325, a group of men met in Nicacea, now called Turkey, decided that Easter should be on a different day. They chose the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox. Vernal means "spring" and equinox means "equal night". This special Sunday is the one 24-hour period in spring when both day and night last exactly twelve hours. This is how Easter is celebrated today. However, many Orthodox or Eastern Christians wait until Passover and other traditions to celebrate Easter.

WHAT IS LENT ?
Lent is the forty days special season prior to Easter Sunday. Sundays are not counted because it is the Lord's Day and should be celebrated and therefore no fasting. Lent is a period of fasting or doing without certain foods, praying and repentance. This is to serve as a reminder of the forty days Jesus fasted in the wilderness. Some countries have celebrations like the Mardi Gras, which means "Fat Tuesday" in French, the day before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. It is also called "Carnival" sometimes. In the United States, New Orleans is the place where Mardi Gras is celebrated on a big scale.

WHAT IS THE HOLY WEEK ?
The Holy week is the last week of Lent. It begins with the observance of Palm Sunday. The name, Palm Sunday originated from Jesus's entry in Jerusalem. The crowd laid carpets of palms on the street for him. The Last Supper is commemorated on Holy Thursday of special week and Friday is the anniversary of the crucification of Jesus Christ on the cross. The Lenten season and Holy week end with Easter Sunday (resurrection of Jesus Christ).

NAMES OF EASTER
Easter was called Pesach by early Christians. It is a Hebrew name for Passover. Today, the name for Easter in many cultures in Europe are similar to the word Pesah. For example :
France - Paques Spain - Pascua Italy - Pasqua Albania - Pashke Greece - Pascha Norway - Paaske Holland - Pasen Sweden - Pask

HOW DID EASTER GET ITS NAME ?
The English name "Easter" is much newer. Before Christianity in early England, the people celebrated the vernal equinox with a feast honoring Eastre, the goddess of spring. When the early English Christians wanted others to accept Christianity, they decided to use the name Easter for this holiday so that it would match the name of the old spring celebration. This made it more comfortable for other people to accept Christianity. Some believed that the word Easter came from an early German word "eostarun", meaning dawn and white. Newly baptized Christians wore white clothes as a sign of their new life on Easter.

EASTER EGG
As Christianity spread, more familiar traditions, symbols and celebrations of spring were associated with Easter - Christ coming back to life after death. One of the oldest spring symbols in the world is the egg. The oval shape of the egg was the same shape for a raindrop and a seed. These two were important life-giving elements. The egg itself promises new life as in spring, birds, and many other animals are hatched from eggs. In fact, the Persians, Hindus and Egyptians believed that the world began with a single egg. In ancient China, Rome and Greece, eggs were given as springtime gifts. In Polland and Russia, hours are spent on drawing intricate designs on Easter eggs. In England, members of the royal families gave each other gold-covered eggs as Easter gifts in the middle ages.

EASTER BUNNY
European legend says that the hare never closed its eyes and watch the other animals throughout the night. It became a symbol of the moon. The hare is connected with Easter because the celebration date depends upon the full moon.
In Egypt, people used to believe that the rabbit was responsible for the new life in spring. Later, early Christians saw it as a symbol for the resurrection of Christ.
According to an old German story, a poor woman hid some brightly colored eggs in her garden as Easter treats for children. While the children were searching, a hare hopped past. The children thought that the hare had left the eggs. So every Easter, German children would make nests of leaves and branches in their gardens for the hare. This custom was brought to the United States when the Germans came. The hare became a rabbit because there were more rabbits in the United States. Today, it is called the Easter bunny.
The Easter bunny also has to do with its pre-Christian origin. The hare were very fertile animals and gave birth to many offsprings in spring. Therefore , the bunny served as a symbol of new life during the Spring season.

Taken from: http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Holidays/Easter/

Now that you know why eggs and bunnies are symbols of Easter, can you lead the rabbit to its basket?

TALKING ABOUT GRAMMATICAL DOUBTS...

2009-04-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

Passive voice |by Libia GomesCásseres B.

I’ve decided to write about active and passive voices because this is a topic many of my students have expressed difficulty with. I could go into a very lengthy discussion of the grammatical structure behind voicing. However, I don’t believe either of us wants to sit through a hardcore lesson in grammar, so I’ll try to be concise and add some Web pages to practice with.

Passive Voice

View more presentations from marperez.

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/passiv.htm

http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/passive

http://www.ompersonal.com.ar/omgrammar/vozpasiva.htm

http://www.moosebutter.com/lyrics.php?song=22#

Here you can watch a video with the structure of Passive Form:

Now let's have fun and practice Passive form through some songs...!

Uncle Earl's Hairpiece

MOOSEBUTTER - LYRICS and AUDIO (moosebutter.com)
Lyrics, Notes and Trivia

Uncle Earl's Hairpiece
"Once I was eaten by a man-eating great white shark
Once I was crushed by an anvil when it fell from the sky..."

http://wwwedu.ge.ch/cptic/prospective/projets/anglais/exercises/passive2.htm

Passive 2 (wwwedu.ge.ch/cptic)
"A more advanced exercise using the passive.
You will have to take certain specified words and make them the subject of the sentence."

http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/passiv.htm

http://english-zone.com/verbs/pssvchrt.html

Changing Active to Passive

If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice, consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the verb, and then make that agent the object of a “by the…” phrase.

Make what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a form of be + past participle.

Including an explicit “by the…” phrase is optional.

Suggestions

1. Avoid starting a sentence in active voice and then shifting to passive.

Unnecessary Shift In Voice	Revised
Many customers in the restaurant found the coffee too bitter to drink, but it was still ordered frequently.	Many customers in the restaurant found the coffee too bitter to drink, but they still ordered it frequently.
He tried to act cool when he slipped in the puddle, but he was still laughed at by the other students.	He tried to act cool when he slipped in the puddle, but the other students still laughed at him.

2. Avoid dangling modifiers caused by the use of passive voice. A dangling modifier is a word or phrase that modifies a word not clearly stated in the sentence.

Dangling Modifier With Passive Voice	Revised
To save time, the paper was written on a computer. (Who was saving time? The paper?)	To save time, Kristin wrote the paper on a computer.
Seeking to lay off workers without taking the blame, consultants were hired to break the bad news. Who was seeking to lay off workers? The consultants?)	Seeking to lay off workers without taking the blame, the CEO hired consultants to break the bad news.

EARTH DAY APRIL 22ND

2009-04-19T15:27:00.000-07:00

We'll never succeed in making dirty energy too expensive. Let's make clean energy cheap.

Ted Nordhaus

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day was started in 1970 by a man named John Mc Connell from the United States. It was originally held on the annual celebration of the March Equinox and still is by many people. However, it is generally celebrated on April 22. Earth day is now celebrated worldwide.

Mother nature needs some time to relax, let's take care of it!!!!

IF YOU SEE TRASH ON THE GROUND, TOSS IT IN THE TRASH CAN.

TURN OFF THE LIGHTS , TV, RADIO, COMPUTER.

Keep your vehicle well maintained. This has many benefits, for your vehicle and the environment.

Buy energy efficient appliances. When you need new appliances replace your old ones with the most energy efficient ones that you can afford.

Turn off the water. Water is a precious necessity of life, and shouldn't be wasted. There are many ways to conserve water. You have to get out of the bad habit of leaving the water running while you are brushing your teeth.

What is the History of Earth Day?

Earth Day is a very special day specifically designed for all of us to think about earth issues . It is not only a special day in the town where we live, but a day that the whole world participates in! Often there are celebrations, events or campaigns that concern us with earth matters.

Some towns have Earth Day celebrations, and some people and groups participate in Earth Day projects such as: Planetpals: The World Recycles Project, Funding Factory Recycle exchange program or the Earth Day Groceries Project . (For more)

You can participate in one of the existing projects, or start one of your own. Perhaps a small project with your mom or dad such as planting a tree, or a large project with your classroom or neighborhood friends such as a park clean up. The possibilities are endless. Try to think of something you would like to do-you too, can make a difference!

Don't miss Earth Day Pages (click here) for special fun activities, crafts and games to do in celebration of this Earth Day! It's jam packed!

ENGLISH TEACHERS' NEW PROJECTS CREATED BY LGCB

2009-04-19T15:09:00.000-07:00

SEVENTH GRADE

The “Micro World Project” provided seventh grade students the opportunity to create a MultiMedia SlideShow using they have learned in Computer class. The students designed a power point presentation teaching students a specific topic or instructing them how to do something. The presentation included graphics, animation, explanations, melody, interactive exercises, etc. about this topic. The students recorded their presentation in a CD-ROM which will be donated to the library, so the community - teachers and students- could take advantage of this material to enrich their classes and as a source of information.

Here you can find a presentation designed by Andres Galindo and William Pauwels 7C about “How to Play Guitar”.Claudia Ramirez

Have you heard about KET,PET,FCE,TOEFL?...IT WORTHS!!

2009-02-22T16:54:00.001-08:00

'I took [KET]... because it provided an assessment of practical skills, and encouraged the development of my abilities which can be used in study. After I took the KET exam, I can see my English skills improving. This year, I will take PET exam.' Thanarak Srijaroensuk — KET candidate

'Progressing along the proficiency ladder makes me feel confident in myself. I know where I'm going, what I have to do to achieve the English level I want. It makes me highly motivated. Preparing for the exams helped me discover the beauties of English.'
Nguyen Thi Ky Binh — PET candidate

'I am working in an international environment which requires me to continuously improve my English. To pass the FCE at Grade B is certainly a commitment to that. After the exam I got the motivation to study more English and then decided to enrol in an MBA conducted in English.'

Phan Hoang Hoa — FCE candidate

Taken from http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/general-english/ket.html

IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE... Click here!

http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/general-english/ket.html
http://www.cambridge-efl.org/

http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.fab2360b1645a1de9b3a0779f1751509/?vgnextoid=69c0197a484f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD

LAST FEBRUARY 14h ... LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP DAY

2009-02-21T17:51:00.000-08:00

Why Saint Valentine?

At around the year 260 A.D. Claudius the Cruel was the Emperor of Rome. Rome was going through many bloody campaigns and wars, and the number of soldiers was decreasing. Claudius needed soldiers, and he believed that men were not going to the army because they wanted to stay with their wives and children. So, he decided to cancel all marriages and engagements in Rome. Many people disagreed with this rule, and one of them was the good Saint Valentine.

He was a priest whom believed in love. He and Saint Marius aided the Christian martyrs and secretly married couples, and for this kind deed Saint Valentine was apprehended and dragged before the Prefect of Rome, who condemned him to be beaten to death and to have his head cut off. He was in prison for a while. Many young people went to the jail to visit him. They threw flowers and notes up to his window. They wanted him to know that they, too, believed in love.

One of these young people was the daughter of the prison guard. Her father allowed her to visit him in the cell. She helped me to keep my spirits up. Also, she agreed that he had done the right thing by having ignored the Emperor’s orders.

On the day Valentine was to die, he left his friend a little note thanking her for her friendship and loyalty. He signed: "Love from your Valentine." It is believed that note started the custom of exchanging love messages on Valentine's Day. It was written on the day he died, February 14, 269 A.D. Now, every year on this day, people remember. But most importantly, they think about love and friendship.

Did you know that Valentine's Day started in the time of the Roman Empire?

In ancient Rome, February 14th was a holiday to honor Juno. She was the Queen of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. The Romans also knew her as the Goddess of women and marriage.

On February 15th, began the Feast of Lupercalia. The lives of young boys and girls were strictly separate. However, one of the customs of the young people was name drawing.

On the eve of the festival of Lupercalia the names of Roman girls were written on slips of paper and placed into jars. Each young man would draw a girl's name from the jar and would then be partners for the duration of the festival with the girl whom he chose. Sometimes the pairing of the children lasted an entire year, and often, they would fall in love and would later marry.

9 COOL QUOTES ABOUT LOVE

1. "Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile."
Franklin P. Jones.

2. "Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."
Robert Frost.

3. "At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet."
Plato

4. "If you have it, you don't need to have anything else, and if you don't have it, it doesn't matter much what else you have."
Sir James M. Barrie.

5. "Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence."
Henry Louis Mencken

6."Love is a friendship set to music."
E. Joseph Cossman

7. "Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination."
Voltaire

8. "Like the measles, love is most dangerous when it comes late in life."
Lord Byron

9. "To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with."
Mark Twain

>LIBIA

Competencies exams are coming soon…!!!

2009-02-21T17:28:00.000-08:00

Hello all, here you will find seven tips for test taking. I Hope they are useful!

1. Arrive early for tests: Tests start on time, so avoid stress by arriving early.

2. Be comfortable but alert: Choose a good spot in the room and make sure you have enough space to work, maintain comfortable posture in your seat.

3. Stay relaxed and confident: Keep a good attitude. If you find yourself anxious, take several slow, deep breaths to relax.

Hey!!! Something very important, don't talk about the test to other students just before entering the room: their anxiety can be contagious!!!!

4. Read the directions carefully: This may be obvious, but it will help you avoid careless errors.

5. If there is time, quickly look through the test for an overview: Note key terms, and double check those questions that were difficult to answers (a try to answer those questions you skipped).

6. Change answers to questions if you made a mistake, or misread the question:

If you find information elsewhere in the test that indicates that your first choice is incorrect, make the appropriate changes.

7. Ask your teacher for clarification if you don't understand what they are asking for on the test: Be sure that you understand what to do.

LIBIA

IT WAS A WONDERFUL ACTIVE CHALLENGING AND CULTURAL WEEK...

2009-02-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

Last Cultural week we could live our School Humanistic and Pluricultural Policies and Mission in a real way... All of us were involved in activities in which students, teachers and nature-itself- interacted and had the chance to learn and rebuild new and previous ideas not only about formal sciences but also ludic and social-cultural ones...

LIBIA

LINCOLNIAN WEEK

This year, the cultural week had a lot of activities in which all teachers and students could enjoy and learn about different subjects. Spanish department, for example, organized a play for us to attend. Greatly, the performance and the characters responded to the high expectations we all had. Social studies department planned some alternative movies in which students had the chance to talk about values and history. It was very entertaining and probably the beginning of getting accustomed to different types of movies. Other activities that were successful during that week were the pedagogical trips, near Bogotá, in which we spent some time with our friends and got to see and know more about places around Cundinamarca.

Without a doubt, the principal guest for that week was Abraham Lincoln. Thursday was the day in which we celebrated and honored his name, because it happens to be ours too. During the flag raising, some students, whose abilities in English are outstanding were given the reading plan book of fourth term as an award. Another important part of the flag raising was the flower offering, the fare well message by 11^th graders and the profound reflection given by the cutest students, 5^th grade, through their Abe’s play.

In the afternoon, we had a fun time with our supermatch contest that was planned and implemented by each of our English teachers. We wanted to thank some of our Lincolnian students for their cooperation and leadership spirit in each of the stops of our contest. Hence, we noticed that the variety of activities and the students’ response was positively meaningful; we are sure 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th students had a terrific and interesting time participating in activities such as the living museum, the Abraham Lincoln’s contest, the scavenger hunt, the computer contest, and all the games and physical activities programmed for that day.

Here are some of the pictures that can account for all these wonderful activities during that unforgettable February 12^th of this 2009.

Written by : Claudia Mojica

(Head of the English Department)

8th grade

On February 10th, students of 8th grade visited Guatavita lagoon. It was a great experience that everybody enjoyed. The sight of the lagoon was beautiful and we learnt many things about the ancient Chibcha culture and their customs. We had a long walk to the lagoon and watched the beautiful sights while listening to the stories that the guide told during the walk. We also learnt the importance of not interfering with the nature or the natural habitat of the animals that live there.

English teacher: Diana Guzman

THE 16TH PRESINDENT OF USA WAS "LINCOLNIAN"...!

2009-02-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

“I view [education] as the most important subject which we as people can be engaged in.”
-- Abraham Lincoln

President Abraham Lincoln left several huge legacies which have been passed down to the latest generation of Americans. Too often, however, we simply remember him as the one who issued the Emancipation Proclamation. That action finally led to the freeing of all the slaves when the 13^thLincoln. Amendment was passed at the insistence of

But his administration gave several other important gifts, which are still enjoyed today by the American people. The Morrill Act gave federal lands to the states so that they might create land grant colleges or universities – one in each state. The National Bank Act improved our banking. The Pacific Highway Act brought about a transcontinental railroad. The Homestead Act opened up the great West for settlement to those without large financial means. The Secret Service was established to combat counterfeiting, later expanded to cover other duties, such as guarding the President. And under Lincoln, the words “In God We Trust” were placed on our coinage. As president, Abraham Lincoln, both publicly and privately – called upon God to save his nation wracked by a terrible civil war.

The influences of Abraham Lincoln’s family are evident throughout his life. His parents, Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln, and later his stepmother, Sarah Bush Johnston Lincoln, instilled in young Abraham his work ethic and his desire to learn. Even more importantly, though, their opposition to slavery is probably their greatest legacy passed on to the future president.

Much has been written about Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln’s marriage, but all agree he was a devoted and patient husband, and an indulgent father. However, Lincoln’s critics at the time complained about the seeming lack of discipline imposed on their four sons – Robert, Edward Baker (“Eddie”), William (“Willie”), and Thomas (“Tad”). Mary Lincoln, though, described the president’s parenting style approvingly, saying:

"Mr. Lincoln was the kindest man and most loving husband and father in the world. He was very - exceedingly indulgent to his children. Chided or praised them for what they did - their acts, etc. He always said It is my pleasure that my children are free, happy and unrestrained by parental tyranny. Love is the chain whereby to bind a child to its parents.'"

The basic facts about Abraham Lincoln are familiar.

He was born in Kentucky in a log cabin so small it is hard to imagine how his entire family slept in it.
The family moved to Indiana where he was raised.
Off to Illinois, the lanky Lincoln became a frontier lawyer, served as a state legislator and won election to the Presidency at a time when the nation’s very survival was at risk.
Inaugurated in 1861, he served throughout the Civil War, working to break the grip of slavery and to put the country back together until an assassin brought him down.

Did You Know?

Interesting Facts on Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln was born on February 12, 1809.
Lincoln had a dog named Fido.
Lincoln was 6’4”, the tallest president.
Lincoln was born in Kentucky.
Lincoln was the first President born outside of the thirteen colonies.
Lincoln worked as a rail splitter, store clerk, and lawyer.
Lincoln kept letters, bills, and notes in his stovepipe hat.
Lincoln was a member of a group in the Illinois Legislature called the Long Nine—a moniker that related to their height.
Lincoln was born in a one room cabin.
Lincoln helped found the Republican party.
Lincoln had four sons.
Lincoln’s son Robert Todd Lincoln was present for the dedication of the Lincoln memorial.
Lincoln had two siblings Sarah and Thomas.
Lincoln’s grandfather was named Abraham Lincoln.
A girl by the name of Grace Bedell suggested to Lincoln he grow his beard.
Lincoln was married to Mary Todd Lincoln.
Lincoln is only president ever to receive a patent for a device that lifts boats above shoals.
Lincoln piloted flatboats.
Lincoln’s favorite sport was wrestling.
Lincoln’s favorite poem was Mortality by William Knox.
Lincoln’s favorite dessert was White Almond Cake.
Lincoln, Nebraska was named after Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln’s mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died of milk poisoning.
Lincoln was attending the play Our American Cousin when he was assassinated.
Lincoln was a captain in the Black Hawk War.
Lincoln loved the works of Edgar Allan Poe.

Did Abraham Lincoln have a middle name?

No. He was named for his paternal grandfather who was born in Virginia.

How tall was Lincoln and what did he look like?

You can read a description in Lincoln's own words in his autobiography of 1859.

Who was in Lincoln's immediate family?

There are birth and death dates in the Lincoln Family Timeline. You also can see a list of books about the family on the Lincoln Bookshelf. For a description of family members, visit the Lincoln Home (National Park Service) Website.

Was Lincoln the son of Thomas Lincoln or someone else?

Take a look at comments by Ed Steers, Jr., who refutes the stories that Lincoln was the son of Abraham Enloe of North Carolina.

How do I get a description of Lincoln's life?

There's a website which offers a short online biography. You also can see a list of books on the Lincoln Bookshelf. Plus, take a look at the Brief Profile of Lincoln's life which covers many issues in summary.

Where do I find out about the failures Lincoln had in life?

You will see a list in the Education Links section, plus a much larger, contrasting list of successes.

How can I see the letter Lincoln wrote to a widow who lost four sons in the Civil War?

This the so-called "Bixby Letter," and you can read the text on this website.

There's a story or quote I think Lincoln said. How do I find out about it?

This can be difficult to determine. If the quote was from conversation, you have to weigh the reliability of the source, and even historians don't agree on sources. The safest ground is Lincoln's own speeches and writings, found in the The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy Basler and published by the Abraham Lincoln Association (a multi-volume set of books), or short one-volume versions also by Basler. A small selection of speeches and writings are on this website; use our internal search engine to check them. We've added a quotes page and Quote of the Week page to help you out.

Did Lincoln own slaves?

Regardless of what you have heard, there is no truth to this assertion. Lincoln is sometimes confused with other presidents who did own slaves, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

Is is true that Lincoln supported colonization and compensated emancipation?

Yes. To read more about these policies, see this presentation by Edward Steers, Jr.

Did Lincoln write the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope?

No. Lincoln prepared his speeches with great care. There are several original copies of the speech, none of which appear on envelopes. To read the Gettysburg Address and see helpful links, click here.

How do I find out about Lincoln's assassination?

For the most complete list of Websites, see your favorite search engine. A short list is available on our Assassination links section. Check our book page for book titles. And by the way, the play he was attending when he was shot was entitled Our American Cousin.

How can I see or obtain a photograph of Lincoln?

We are unable to provide you with either print or digital photos of Lincoln. Some belong to private collectors or institutions which don't permit their use on the Internet. For sources and ownership of individual photos, consult Lincoln in Photographs: An Album of Every Known Pose by Charles Hamilton and Lloyd Ostendorf (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1963), Lincoln: An Illustrated Biography by Philip B. Kunhardt, Jr., Philip B. Kunhardt III, and Peter W. Kunhardt (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1992), Abraham Lincoln in Print and Photograph: A Picture History from the Lilly Library, edited by Cecil K. Byrd and Ward W. Moore (New York: Dover Publications, 1997), or Lincoln: A Picture Story of His Life by Stefan Lorant (New York: W.W. Norton, 1969). You can view photos at the Library of Congress Website.

Where can I find out about a Lincoln valuable or collectible?

If you have Lincoln document, book, picture or other item you want appraised or sold, contact a dealer in rare/used books or Lincolniana. You can visit an online buy-and-sell service at The Railsplitter. Also see the dealers listed under Lincoln Bookstores. Or, you can email Kent Tucker of Illinois, an appraiser of Lincolniana. To look up all sorts of Lincoln collectibles, consult Collecting Lincoln With Values by Stuart Schneider (Atglen, PA: Schiffer Publishing Co., Ltd, 1997). This book is available in public libraries and through Inter-Library Loan. For some guidance about the value of a Lincoln book, see Dan Pearson's remarks. We also have a page on evaluating assassination-era newspapers. If you are wondering how to care for an old document, book, or collectible, click here for detailed information from the National Park Service.

Is it true that Lincoln had a patent on an invention?

Yes. He was the only American president to hold a patent, and you can click here to read about it.

What kind of will did Lincoln have?

Strangely enough for a lawyer, Lincoln died without drawing up a will. When he was killed, his son Robert called upon family friend and Supreme Court Justice David Davis to take charge of the estate.

What was Lincoln's favorite poem?

It was a piece by William Knox called Mortality, which you may read here.

Where can I see the text of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates online?

You can read the complete speeches in the The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. There are also debate titles on our book page.

Was there a death mask made of Lincoln?

No, but there were two life masks made, one in 1860 and one in 1865.

Did Lincoln have Marfan Syndrome?

This is a matter of dispute, but we don't think it's ever been proven. The subject resurfaced in July 2000 through a news story from the Chicago Sun-Times called "Scientists Ready to Test Lincoln DNA". You can read discussion about the topic in previous months of the Friends of Lincoln Mailbag, which is searchable. Knox College has a brief description of Lincoln and this disease.

Can you help me with my school assignment about Lincoln?

We are unable to offer personalized homework assistance on Abraham Lincoln Online. This website is a hobby, not a business, and we do not have time to handle the hundreds of requests we receive for help. However, you can contact the Abraham Lincoln Research Site for help like this.

Did Lincoln leave a diary?

There is no evidence that Lincoln kept a diary. He did, however, keep correspondence and scraps of speeches in the lining of his hat.

http://www.lookingforlincoln.com/doc/2008_LFL_VG_Web.pdf

by LIBIA

THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING ANOTHER LANGUAGE

2008-12-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

Even animals can argue and be misunderstood when they do not share the same language...

HOW DID LINCOLNIANS CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING?

2008-12-14T18:11:00.001-08:00

Last Thursday of November was Thanksgiving day and the school celebrated it with a special meal; all students participated this day, some of them with posters and drawings. Fifth graders did a turkey contest where all the school could vote for the best one: Cleaning ladies, teachers, coordinators and students selected the winner.Rose

CHRISTMAS IS ALL AROUND...

2008-12-14T14:37:00.000-08:00

What Shall I give for Christmas?

A listening ear to the friend with a heartache.
A thank you to the tired person who serves you.
Laughter to brighten a less-fortunate's life.
A kiss and a hug for a handicapped child.
Time to read to the sightless.
An act of kindness to the shut-in.
A cheery greeting to one who is ill.
A smile to the elderly person who is struggling to walk.
A written message to a lonely one.
How simple our Christmas shopping can be this year -
And every year - when we give gifts of the heart.

LIBIA

DO YOU WANT TO SING WITH ME?? HERE WE GO...
Lyrics: Last Christmas, Billie Piper
Last Christmas I gave you my heart
But the very next day
you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day
you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance
But you still catch my eye
Tell me baby
Do you recognize me?
Well
It's been a year
It doesn't surprise me
(Happy Christmas)
I wrapped it up and sent it
With a note saying "I love you"
I meant it
Now I know what a fool I've been
But if you kissed me now
I know you'd fool me again
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day
[ Find more Lyrics at www.mp3lyrics.org/mI ]
you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
A crowded room
Friends with tired eyes
I'm hiding from you
And your soul of ice
My god I thought you were
Someone to rely on
Me?
I guess I was a shoulder to cry on
A face on a lover with a
fire in her heart
A girl under cover but
you tore me apart
Now I've found a real
love you'll never fool
me again
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day
you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day
you gave it away
This year
To save me from tears
I'll give it to someone special
A face on a lover with a
fire in her heart
A girl under cover buy
you tore him apart
Maybe next year I'll
give it to someone
I'll give it to someone special

ENGLISH TEACHERS' PROJECTS CREATED BY LGCB

2008-12-14T12:00:00.000-08:00

FIFTH GRADERS

Throughout the first and second term Fifth graders were working on some projects with the aim to improve their English level. One of those was a “Short Story” where students created a text with characters, plot and a funny end. All the work was done in the classroom, with the help of the teacher. This activity was very interesting because they helped each other and the most important they enjoyed a lot.

SIXTH GRADERS

FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD

In English classes we first encouraged sts to talk about traditions, festivals and holidays in their country; the teacher also emphasized on specific celebrations such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. So, after reading an article extracted from Activate! B1 Festival fever and analyzing it, the students extrapolated the topics developed – festivals, traditions, culture- and began a complete research.

Here is a fun and engaging way to teach about other cultures and traditions. The students will have a wonderful time exploring and learning about other people's cultures and traditions. This is a great way to get students using the web, working in cooperative groups, and learning about other cultures.

Trying New Ideas

When English language learners see their home cultures and languages being studied in the classroom, they feel their culture has been validated. This helps to develop positive self-esteem in culturally and linguistically diverse children. This Blog project features the different festivals, holidays are celebrated around the world. It shows stories as how those traditions began, descriptions of traditional dishes, clothes and music and samples. I also invite you to visit the following BLOGS among others:

http://mejiafronano.blogspot.com/

http://myfirstblogproject6a.blogspot.com/

http://nm6project.blogspot.com/

http://linisb6thproject.blogspot.com/t.com

Seventh graders

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!
During the second term 7th graders had the opportunity to develop, write and publish “Big Books” about holidays and celebrations in the USA. Last Tuesday (December 9th) students shared their projects to the fifth graders in the library, some students read their Christmas stories and then the fifth graders selected some titles and gave their feedback about the books they liked the most. The books will be donated to the library, so you are invited to check them out!!.

Eighth graders

Ninth graders

THE ENEMY

We are living in a ‘reading’ world where it is difficult to manage without understanding a written statement accurately and efficiently but sometimes this process could be boring because it is a receptive activity.
In this project ninth graders will not be passive recipients of knowledge. Sts will change the procedure from passive memorizing and lecture method to developing reading skills through different kind of tasks, where learners will have fun and will learn at the same time.
The comprehensible input (reading) and the task-based learning (comics , sketches, plays) will teach the learner to do something in the target language. Sts will use of language above the sentence level, they will use their previous knowledge and then will mix it with the new information to create a product.. Sts will read the enemy and they will draw comic strips then they will perform sketches and finally they will scan and skim the text in order to be ready for the preparation of the play.
The main objective is to take reading as an interactive process, involving knowledge of the world and various types of the language knowledge, any of which may interact with any other to contribute to text comprehension.

TONGUE TWISTERS

How high would a butterfly fly if a butterfly could fly high.

How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Web sites for learning and having fun.
http://www.primarygames.com/
http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Games/

Tenth graders

Eleven graders

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Nowadays all of us are affected and concerned about the destruction of our planet. 11th graders made a project during the technology hour in which they tried to send a message of reflection for kids from 5th, 6th, and 7th grade in order to have an active role in saving Earth. During this process they made a report and also some cartoons related to the different environmental problems we have. In this edition we are glad to present some of the best reports they made as the beginning of a campaign to settle Abraham Lincoln School as a leader on this topic in Bogotá.

Claudia Blanco / Diana Beltrán. 11ºB
English Report
“STOPPING EARTH ILLNESS”
This report is intended to show how Global Warming is affecting our society because of human beings bad care of the earth. The global warming is the increase in the average measured temperature of the Earth’s near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century, and its projected continuation.
Global warming is a big problem that contributes not only for difficulties in our future, but in our present too. It has ready contributed to more than 150,000 deaths and 5 million illnesses annually, according to a team of health and climate scientists at the World Health Organization; those numbers can double by 2030.
Global warming is a problem that affects everybody without taking into account social classes or related things; maybe poor countries can be the most affected because o their living conditions, but everybody is suffering the consequences of this big environmental problem, caused by humanity.
The global climate is likely to rise between 3.5 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit if the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere reaches twice the level of 1750. By 2100, sea levels are likely to rise between 7 to 23 inches, and the changes now underway will continue for centuries to come. Human beings are the principal responsible of this problem, because they had caused a lot of contamination; humans are guilty in Earth’s illness.
This problem can’t be totally solved, but if everybody contributes a little, Earth can be saved from this terrible issue. Making better personal choices, it means that thinking better in what we do every day, we can help to save others life, for example taking care of all the resources that this wonderful planet has offered us, but that unfortunately we haven’t take in advantage.
What can humans beings do to save the planet? There are many things that we can do, if we start now we’re going to reduce this problem and we will give our future generations a better world. Here we have a list of things we can do:
*Buy products with minimal packaging, this helps to reduce waste. Recycle paper, plastic, glass and aluminum. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
*Use less heat and air conditioning, Setting the thermostat just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
*Use less your car, this means fewer emissions. Save electricity, turn off your TV, computer or stereo when you are not using it.
*Plant a tree, they absorb carbon dioxide and give oxygen. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.
It is recommended to teach kids how they can help with this problem. They are the most important part of this “work”, the only ones that can make this world a better place to live. If we show them how to save the world, they can do something to reduce the problem that we had caused: global warming. How can kids help? Mainly they can help in their homes, turning off the things that they are not using, the water, the TV, etc, they can help their parents to plant a tree and they can recycle, if they have this habit since they are little, when they grow up they would teach it to their children and so on.
We have to show kids what is going to happen with our planet if we don’t do something to stop global warming, if they know the consequences of this problem, surely they are going to help us to protect and save our world, their world.

Natalia Briceño, María Alejandra Torres, Claudia Jaramillo
11°A

Water a vital resource for living

This report is intended to show and teach the community (especially young students) about the importance and use of water in daily life. Its know by everyone that water is one of the most important issues in nowadays society, mainly because climatic changes due to global warming and human responsibility in decreasement of water resources and wrong management and distribution of this essential resource for all living things, for survivor and maintenance. According to the recent statistics and facts 97.5% of Earth´s water resources correspond to saltwater. In addition to that, water pollution is a major problem in the global context. It has been suggested that it is the leading worldwide cause of deaths and diseases, and that it accounts for the deaths of more than 14,000 people daily.
It seems that everyone is aware of this problem, but nobody is whiling to do something to solve it. Most of the people think that water is going to last for ever, that’s why societies remain so unconscious on the environmental consequences if the Earth run out of water. In a local perspective Colombia doesn’t count with a well constitutional system for regulation, control and protection of water resources (which abound in the country). In the year 2004 the population with clean water access was estimated to be 93% of the total urban population, in rural areas the percentage is 71% of the total rural population. Talking about the school must of the kids are unconscious even though the institution has been promoting environmental campaigns in order to change this attitude. These campaigns seek as a goal create a completely new attitude and conscious for future generations, that way the destiny of this planet may be in more responsible hands than the last 50 years where the desire of getting more and generating an industrialized society doesn’t affect their future and possibility to survive.
This year it was decided to apply what is call the “water referendum” in Bogota, which consists in the creation of a governmental association which is intended to regulate the distribution of clean water and also promoting the conservation of environment with the purpose of having abundant water and clean water, its also important to establish an organization that watch the population methods for using natural resources.
In conclusion it is necessary for us to understand that our contribution now will affect not only our future, but also will determine the entire life of our kids and next generations of humanity. If we start to change in short laps of time, it’s possible that we can reduce the consequences that our last acts have carried until now. Even if they are reduce just in a small quantity, the value o turning that environmental conscience into acts will determine the destiny of humanity, otherwise the existence of our specie in this planet won’t last forever as many people seem to think. Water is a vital resource for humanity, but also for every single living organism that lives in this planet, so the modification of this habits that humans have acquire until now will be determine for the destiny of what we now as the planet Earth and the species that inhabit on it.

Natalia García, Victoria Vargas.
11°C
Global Warming: How can these harmless animals like cows, be one of the species which most contributes to methane emissions?
"The only people who would be hurt by abandoning the Kyoto Protocol would be several thousand people who make a living attending conferences on global warming." - Professor Kirill Kondratyev, Russian Academy of Sciences
Our name is Maria Victoria Vargas and Natalia Garcia, our topic is Global Warming. This report is directed to kids from fifth to seventh. This report is intended to make consciousness of a very important warning such as the global warming; a common impact on people when hearing this word “global warming” is the fact that they don’t believe it, at least they think this situation would never have effects on them or in their place. But what people may take into account is that global warming is not only a change in the temperature, but it also involves greenhouse, solar variation, and the destruction of the ozone. This report would provide the relationship between emissions of farm animals and global warming, and its diseases.
It seems that everyone throughout history had not realized that farm animals were the ones that produced the quarter amount of all the methane created in the planet; methane is one of the principal causes that provoke a global freeze. As an example of it we have the Greenland Ice Sheet that is melting as a result of the rice of temperature. Methane is over 20 times more effective at heating up the Earth's atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Cows and other ruminant livestock contribute just under 20% of total methane emissions caused by human activities.
A campaign was launched to reduce the emissions of the methane since the middle XX century. Many things have been done to eradicate the methane emissions and an example of it: the studies of the scientists from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgard are working to develop a pill that, in combination with a special anti-flatulence diet, can reduce the amount of methane produced as part of the natural grass fermentation process in the cow's stomach. But as well other scientist from the Oxford University have found that this diet produces a break in the food chain.
It is recommended that every person in this world put a little part of itself in order to contribute to heal this problem, there are a lot of ways of helping the world such as: Changing the farm animals diet, creating some plant-based pill, that would help converting methane into glucose, another way but one of the most difficult one is that major quantity of people in the planet become vegan, but we have to take into account that this is not a viable solution. Finally as a recommendation, is not in off to follow the advice but it is necessary to feel the problem as a personal one, and start making something from our place, and to keep in mind that this would be the cause of the end of our world.

Why Let Our Students Blog?

2008-11-13T17:33:00.000-08:00

Nowdays, students from the 21st century are living a different and faster life in which the use of technology has become_more than a fashion_ part of their educational, social and personal development. Students will need 21^st century competencies to survive and thrive in the future. They will have to know how to think critically, apply knowledge to new situations, analyze information, understand new ideas, communicate effectively, collaborate, solve problems, and make decisions. And what about us,teachers? Are we ready for? Maybe some have the willing; however, most of us born during the 20th century so that we did not have this need...the Web

It is interesting that, despite this confidence with the younger pupils, the same teacher has some anxiety about his/her own ability to use ICT as freely because our knowledge is limited how to set up these programs.

We react in different ways.. It is the interest or motivational element which teachers value in computer-based resources. For one teacher, the computer can provide a stimulating learning environment. Another describes her success in using the computer in specific topics like in techno class or IS in which students enjoy going in to the lab...it is probably more interesting than looking at books, you could explore different Web sites.

Sometimes we can listen to comments like "Obviously it is the way forward and I'm of the old school, because I still believe that I would rather spend the time teaching how to use a dictionary and encyclopaedia and reading skills. If they master those then they can always reach higher." It is difficult to avoid using the computer as a reward, given the difficulties they experience in trying to manage mixed ability classes with a limited range of hardware.

In fact the integration of ICT within the curriculum is a GOAL and I would say... a MUST, there is still a tendency to focus on 'teaching ICT' rather than 'teaching with ICT'. This is understandable given that teachers are conscious that they have a role in developing ICT skills across the curriculum. We are aware that they have a role to develop ICT literacy in pupils through other subjects but there is clearly some worries with teaching ICT rather than teaching with ICT. This may be a symptom of the fact that most are still in the early stages of using ICT where the technology itself is the natural focus of attention for teachers and pupils alike. However, there is also some focus on 'teaching ICT' amongst non-computingteachers.

We have heard a lot about 21st Century Learners. But what about 21st Century Teachers? What are the characteristics we would expect to see in 21st Century Educators?

Collaborative
Adaptive
Information, media and technology savvy
Communicators
Immediate and instant
Require instant gratification
Creators and adaptor

We know teachers are student-centric, holistic, they are teaching about how to learn as much as teaching about the subject area. We know too, that they must be 21st Century learners as well. But teachers are more than this:

The Adaptor
The 21st Century teacher is an adaptor. Harnessed as we are to an assessment focused education model the 21st Century Educator must be able to adapt the curriculum and the requirements to teach to the curriculum in imaginative ways. They must also be able to adapt software and hardware designed for a business model into tools utilisable by a variety of age groups and abilities. They must also be able to adapt to a dynamic teaching experience. When it all goes wrong in the middle of a class, when the technologies fail, the show must go on.

The Visionary

Imagination, a key component of adaptability, is a crucial component of the educator of today and tommorow. They must see the potential in the emerging tools and web technologies, grasp these and manipulate them to serve their needs. If we look at the technologies we currently see emerging, how many are developed for education?

The visionary also looks across the disciplines and through the curricula. They can make links that reinforce and value learning in other areas, and leverage other fields to reinforce their own teaching and the learning of their students.

The Collaborator

Ning, Blogger, Wikispaces, Bebo, MSN, MySpace, Second life - as an educator we must be able to leverage these collaborative tools to enhance and captivate our learners. We too, must be collaborators; sharing, contributing, adapting and inventing.

The Risk taker

How can you as an educator know all these things? How can you teach them how to use them? There are so many, so much to learn. You must take risks and some times surrender yourself to the students knowledge. Have a vision of what you want and what the technology can achieve, identify the goals and facilitate the learning. Use the strengths of the digital natives to understand and navigate new products, have the students teach each other. The learning pyramid shows that the highest retention of knowledge comes from teaching others. Trust your students.

The Learner

We expect our students to be life long learners. How many schools have the phrase "life long learners" in there mission statements and objectives. We too must continue to absorb experiences and knowledge. We must endeavour to stay current. I wonder how many people are still using their lesson and unit plans from 5 years ago.To be a teacher here you must change and learn as the horizons and landscape changes. The 21st Century teacher or educator must learn and adapt.

The Communicator

"Anywhere, anytime" learning is a catchphrase we hear often. Usually its paired with "life learner". To have anywhere anytime learning, the teacher to must be anywhere and anytime. It does not have to be the same teacher, but the 21st Century teacher is a communicator. They are fluent in tools and technologies that enable communication and collaboration. They go beyond learning just how to do it, they also know how to facilitate it, stimulate and control it, moderate and manage it.

The Model

We must model the behaviors that we expect from our students. Today and tomorrow more so, there is an expectation that teachers will teach values.We, are often the most consistent part of our student life. Teachers will see the students more often, for longer and more reliably than their parents. This is not a criticism of the parents rather a reflection.

The 21st Century educator also models reflective practice, whether its the quiet, personal inspection of their teaching and learning, or through reflective practice via blogs, twitter and other medium, these educators look both inwards and outwards.

These teachers also model a number of other characteristics. These are not necessarily associated with ICT or the curriculum, but are of equal importance. They model:

tolerance
acceptance
a wider view than just their curricula areas
global awareness
reflection

The Leader

Whether they are a champion of the process of ICT integration or the quiet technology coach, the ICT Trainer and a teacher leading by example; A maverick or early adopter , the 21st Century Educator is a leader. Leadership, like clear goals and objectives crucial to the success or failure of any project.

Thus, ICT can encourage independence with pupils working at their own pace, but can equally encourage groupwork.Words such as "fun", "motivating" and "stimulating" are common amongst secondary students.

It is important to remember that most 21^st Century children already exist in an on-line world. As teachers we need to start seeing this as just another social space regardless if it is on-line or off line. How many practicing teachers have tried to understand this on-line world? If your reading this do you have a bebo account, myspace page, could I find you on facebook or meet you in second life?

BUT REMEMBER: Good ICT does not make a good teacher.

Successful teaching is basically about common sense, liking children and having a vision of the future. What will your classroom be like in 2012? So....why not to begin fitting in this Tech-virtual community as well as our parents thought over the use of "calculators"...it should be now?!

TUTORIAL: HOW TO CREATE A BLOG

Introduction to Page Elements

The Header Page Element

The Post Page Element

The Picture Page Element

Uploading a Video with Blogger type

Uploading A Photo From Your Computer

Adding a Google Gadget to your blog

Creating a Blog List with Blogger

IT WAS NOT DIFFICULT, WASN'T IT?? I HOPE YOU'VE UNDERSTOOD AND PROFITED THIS EXPLANATIONS TO BEGIN . THIS IS AN INVITATION TO VISIT AND EXPLORE OUR BLOG www.englishdepartcal.blogspot.com

BE PROUD OF OUR ANTHEMN

2008-11-13T11:29:00.001-08:00

http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=09184b10d2&view=audio&msgs=11d71c8a8107c2c6&attid=0.1&zw

TO OUR TECH TEACHERS: what does a network teacher mean?

2008-11-11T22:21:00.000-08:00

http://voicethread.com/share/67978/

LINCOLNIAN FAMILY...MORE THAN A HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

2008-11-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

THESE EVENTS MAKE A FAMILY BE CLOSER AND EXPRESS THEMSELVES FREELY BUT WITH RESPONSIBLITY...BUILDING UP VALUES AS FRIENDSHIP, LEADERSHIP, CREATIVITY, AUTONOMY...PIRATES, SAILORS,PUNKS, ANGELS, EINSTEINS,GROWN UP STUDENTS,TANGOS, ZEBRAS,TIGERS,COWBOYS, KNIGHTS,AND A VARIETY OF FICTIOUS-NONFICTIOUS CHARACTERS LIVING ONE SINGLE WORLD...DIVERSITY IS WORTH!

SOCIALIZING OUR ENGLISH DEPARTMENT BLOG

2008-11-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, November 14th/08, Miss Libia GomezCásseres B. socialized a PROJECT , she has been working on since several months. This project is the result of an academic intensive and profitable exercise due to the necessity to lose the fear towards the Internet and everything what the technology offers us at the present time. My colleagues were really interested in and excited; they asked some questions and gave their meaningful feedback; I could see on their faces the willing of being part of.... So the English Department is going to expand their projects, ideas, general events in our school, articles (from ALL the areas)
Soon you will hear about us!!!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT...LET'S MAKE OUR WORK EXPAND FURTHER!

2008-11-06T02:26:00.000-08:00

HUNZA – LINCOLN: INICIAMOS UN CAMINO DE BILINGÜISMO COMUNITARIO PARA PREPARARNOS A LAS NUEVAS EXIGENCIAS DE ESTE MUNDO CADA VEZ MÁS INTERDEPENDIENTE

Hoy es evidente que el manejo de una sola lengua no es suficiente en un mundo interconectado. La capacidad de ser bilingüe o multilingüe es cada vez más necesaria para el estudio, el trabajo y la convivencia.
El Colegio Abraham Lincoln ha brindado una educación integral a sus estudiantes y sus esfuerzos han estado dirigidos a la formación ética, humanística y científica de éstos; como también al conocimiento e identificación de la realidad social del país. Es así como nuestra Institución consciente de que la educación -enmarcada dentro del nuevo contexto global- exige el dominio de las lenguas extranjeras, hace una invitación al Departamento de Inglés a participar activamente en los cursos de capacitación en inglés para docentes de la Institución Educativa Distrital Hunzá como ejercicio de Escuela docente en el año 2004.

Los profesores de la sede de bachillerato nos encargamos de estas capacitaciones. Al inicio, diseñamos y aplicamos un examen Diagnóstico para aquellos que consideraban poseer cierto conocimiento en inglés y poder ubicar a los docentes-estudiantes en el nivel correspondiente (cada año se sigue el mismo proceso). Una vez obtenidos los resultados del examen, pasamos a la siguiente fase: la de consolidar tres (3) niveles Introductorio, Básico e Intermedio; recuerdo muy bien que el mayor número clasificó en Introductorio. Desafortunadamente, este número de cursos ha disminuido debido a que algunos estudiantes tienen que asistir a diferentes actividades y otros por compromisos laborales que incluían los horarios del curso de capacitación. Los recursos fueron diseñados también por nosotros. A su vez, el estudiante tuvo la oportunidad de acceder al software “English Discoveries”, en sesiones controladas, donde realizó diferentes actividades para reforzar las cuatro habilidades del lenguaje y tener acceso a nuevos recursos didácticos ya que estos son muy importantes para lograr un impacto en los programas de bilingüismo.

Sin embargo, a pesar del poco tiempo y diversas tareas que debían cumplir- a parte de problemas de convivencia, disciplina y aun familiares que les espera cada día… mostraron compromiso y motivación; esto es algo que siempre debemos aprovechar… “La única motivación para que los estudiantes aprendan tiene que ser una razón real: la primera es: ‘Yo necesito el inglés para preparar un examen’ La segunda: ‘Yo necesito y quiero aprender porque deseo hacer parte de la comunidad internacional’. Por otro lado, no se puede privar a las personas menos favorecidas de una posibilidad. Hay que apostar a la posibilidad de ofrecer la posibilidad” (Ricardo Romero, consultor en políticas para la enseñanza del inglés).

El aprendizaje de una lengua extranjera demanda dinamismo y variedad y debe ser constante, por lo tanto, es importante mantener estos proyectos de capacitación con el fin no sólo de fortalecer y mejorar las habilidades adquiridas por los participantes sino también para aprovechar la motivación y entusiasmo generados en ellos. Se deben buscar las estrategias para que el tiempo de finalización e iniciación de una etapa a la otra, les permita a los estudiantes mantener el ritmo de aprendizaje, aún más cuando el contacto con el idioma es escaso.

Finalmente, considero que esta experiencia me enriqueció mucho pues fue una oportunidad para compartir mis conocimientos como bilingüe con colegas docentes y por ende contribuir con el mejoramiento de su calidad de vida respondiendo así al proyecto de nuestro Colegio de potenciar las fortalezas de una escuela docente compartida – PROYECTO ENLACE – y al reto planteado por la Secretaría de Educación del Distrito: “Bogotá Bilingüe en 10 años”.

LIBIA GOMESCÁSSERES BURGOS
ENGLISH TEACHER

UPDATING OUR PROFESSIONAL PROFILE...SHARING MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCESTHROUGH THE USE OF ICT's

2008-11-05T17:55:00.000-08:00

Increasing the resources for both institutions and students shape the minimal conditions in which a knowledge based society can develop. As an approach cooperation should be the basis for development of institutions and students. To create the necessary breathing ground for innovation it is important to promote an interdisciplinary approach in education as well as research. Although this interdisciplinary approach can be achieved within schools, the cooperation between institutions in the form of networks for teaching and research can give this approach an extra impulse.
This should be reflected in a more inter - and multidisciplinary approach to education, and an opportunity for students to obtain skills, competences and knowledge in the fields that fit their own educational rhythm...It is possible through the use of Tic's (ICT, information and communication technologies) in the Classroom of ESL. From my experience in the Central University, where I have worked as an English teacher for seven years and been responsible of the Laboratory of Multimedia and member of a research group -RUAL (University Network for the learning of Languages); I had the opportunity to begin researching and understanding the necessity to lose the fear to the Internet and everything what the technology offers us at the present time. It seems a social necessity to integrate them in the ESL classes (foreign languages or second languages), taking advantage of its didactic potential to approach the “real world” the student, who is, in fact, which defends the new didactic approaches. To integrate them totally in the learning process demands, nevertheless, a formation adapted on the part of the teacher who, in case of not having it, will be able to face fear and, even, aversion and failures. Nevertheless, it agrees to adopt an optimistic position and to understand the Tics like a resource more than makes of the Didactics one more a more complete discipline. My first exercise was to make an investigation and to design a BASIC PROGRAM OF GRADUATE IN DIDACTICS OF the ENGLISH FOR PRIMARY. I accepted more of this like a challenge and the opportunityof updating in pedagogical innovations. Thanks to that experience I discovered the importance of relating the content of the Tic's in “the traditional” classroom to the multimedia or the I.S. classes; I also observed that this new surroundings allowed to satisfy better the necessities and interests of the students thanks to the HIPERTEXTUAL character of the network so that we reflect on our social responsibility in front of a Society of Technology and Information, so we take a tactically important position and activates so that all the children receive an education of quality, that allows a total development of the resources and the capacities of our students and teachers.

THERE IS MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR...

2008-11-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

OUR ENGLISH PROJECTS

2008-11-05T16:26:00.000-08:00

IT IS NOT THE TECHNOLOGY BY ITSELF THE ONE THAT GENERATES THE CHANGES IN THE ORGANIZATION, IT IS THE PEOPLE WHO THROUGH THEIR KNOWLEDGE, CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION MAKE THE ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT SUCCESSFUL.

STUDENTS' PRODUCTIONS

2008-10-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

“The power of a teacher can change the world and have impact on the eternity” (Mary Finocchiaro, first president of TESOL)

IDIOMS AND PROVERBS

2008-10-26T11:56:00.002-07:00

A PROVERB: A short pithy saying in frequent and widespread use that expresses a basic truth or practical precept. You can learn more proverbs here:

http://a4esl.org/q/j/ck/ma-proverbs.html
Proverbs and sayings. (A wonderful site)
Trilingual Index of Expressions with Equivalent Meanings French / English / Spanish

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

The early bird catches the worm.

A stitch in time saves nine.

Where there’s a will there’s a way.

ACTIVITIES FOR EACH SKILL

2008-10-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Links

Listening Skills

Speaking Skills

Reading Skills

Writing Skills

Songs

Videos, Magazines & TV

IDIOMS AND PROVERBS

2008-10-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.instantdisplay.co.uk/st_proverbs.jpg

Do you know what Halloween celebrates? Do you want to know more?

2008-10-26T05:43:00.001-07:00

Everyone loves riddles and the season of Halloween has its share. Feel up to trying your knowledge? No, you're not going to be graded--and I'll give you a hint--the answers are right below each question.

1. What do you call a ghost with a broken leg? Answer Hoblin Goblin

2. What is Dracula's position in baseball? Answer: Batboy 3. Why did the headless horseman go into business? Answer: He wanted to get ahead in life.

4. Who did the ghost go with to the Halloween party? Answer: With No-body.

5. What do you call a witch's garage? Answer: A broom closet

6. Where do baby ghosts go during the day? Answer: Dayscare centers
7. What does Dracula say when introduced to someone? Answer: "Hello, pleased to eat you!"

8. What kind of cereal do monsters eat? Answer: Ghost-Toasties

9. Why was the mummy so tense? Answer: He was all wound up!

10. What did one ghost say to another? Answer: Do you believe in people?
DID YOU LIKE THEM?

If you want to know more about the origins of this festival, the traditions connected to it, play games with skeletons and ghoulies, learn some typical Halloween recipes and much more, you can go to:
http://www.benjerry.com/halloween/history/index.cfm http://images.google.com.co/imgres?
http://iteslj.org/cw/2/dt-halloween.html
www.vocabulary.com/HWCW2001.html http://www.teachchildrenesl.com/filez8932/worksheets/halloween_cut_and_paste_2.pdf http://www.ac-nancy-metz.fr/enseign/anglais/Henry/hallo2.htm http://bogglesworldesl.com/halloween_worksheets.htm http://www.ac-nancy-metz.fr/enseign/anglais/Henry/hall4.htm http://www.ac-nancy-metz.fr/enseign/anglais/Henry/directhall6.htm http://www.britishcouncil.org/kids-songs-skeleton-popup.htm
http://www.quia.com/rr/179972.html
http://www.britishcouncil.org/kids-songs-skeleton-popup.htm http://rv.humbert.chez-alice.fr/segpa/halsegpa1.htm http://www.theholidayspot.com/halloween/history.htm halloween/history.htm

Don't eat too much candy.

GREAT LYRICS...SING WITH US!

2008-10-26T04:21:00.000-07:00

Mamma Mia Lyrics

Mamma Mia! is a film adaptation of the West End stage musical, based on the songs of successful pop group ABBA, with additional music also composed by ABBA member Benny Andersson. Mamma Mia! was released on July 13, 2008, here in Spain. Enjoy the trailer. This is the Official Site for the movie (UK).

Listen to the soundtrack, it's fantastic.
Here you have one of the songs, you can read the lyrics while you are listening to it:

http://www.metrolyrics.com/mamma-mia-lyrics-abba.html

ABE, A GREAT LINCOLNIAN

2008-10-26T02:20:00.000-07:00

If there is anything that a man can do well, I say let him do it. Give him a chance. Abraham Lincoln

Is bullying a problem at your school?

2008-10-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

Bullying is a general problem in schools nowadays. Many students from secondary schools have been bullied in the playground. Others were bothered by bullies in the classrooms, corridors or toilets, and many others were attacked outside school. But, why do children want to hurt other children? Why do they feel stronger or more powerful than the rest of students? How can teachers and parents stop them? How can you stop someone who is bothering you?

There is also another way of bullying through the web:CYBER-BULLYING. It consists of using the web and the new technologies to create a space (blog, forum, etc...) where people can hurt somebody and ridiculize him. They can say bad things about a person and the victim can´t defend himself from this attack. If you want to know more about cyber-bullying, click here.

YOUR TASK:
First watch this video to practise English and answer the questions you´ll find below the video. Second, WRITE A COMPOSITION ON BULLYING. To write about it answer these questions: - Have you ever been bothered by bullies? - Have you found a way to stop them in their tracks? - Do you know a case of cyber-bullying? - Can you find any solutions to this problem?

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT by Libia GC. B.

POETS WILL ALWAYS EXIST

REMEMBERING PAST POETS..NINTH GRADERS

PLANET EARTH SONG SURVEY

WHERE IS THE LOVE...? A MEANINGFUL DEEP PROJECT...PLANET EARTH SIXTH GRADE

IS THIS MOVIE A REFLECT OF OUR OWN FEAR ...APOCALIPSIS?

Reaching goals is NOT difficult...IF...You never forget this...

EVENTS BLOWN TO AND FRO ...!

WRITING : Let’s save our planet! Life on Mars?

English Slang

IT IS NOT ITS FAULT...RESCUE PEGGY!!!

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

. Stay home when you are sick.

. Cover your mouth and nose.

. Clean your hands.

. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

. Practice other good health habits.

BEWARE!!!COMPARATIVE or SUPERLATIVE?

Big | Small

Bigger | Smaller - Biggest | Smallest

Cheaper | More / Less Expensive - Cheapest | Most / Least Expensive

Higher | Lower - Highest | Lowest

Longer | Shorter - Longest | Shortest

EASTER

TALKING ABOUT GRAMMATICAL DOUBTS...

Here you can watch a video with the structure of Passive Form:

Now let's have fun and practice Passive form through some songs...!

Uncle Earl's Hairpiece

EARTH DAY APRIL 22ND

ENGLISH TEACHERS' NEW PROJECTS CREATED BY LGCB

Have you heard about KET,PET,FCE,TOEFL?...IT WORTHS!!

LAST FEBRUARY 14h ... LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP DAY

Competencies exams are coming soon…!!!

IT WAS A WONDERFUL ACTIVE CHALLENGING AND CULTURAL WEEK...

THE 16TH PRESINDENT OF USA WAS "LINCOLNIAN"...!

“I view [education] as the most important subject which we as people can be engaged in.”-- Abraham Lincoln

Did You Know?

Interesting Facts on Abraham Lincoln

Did Abraham Lincoln have a middle name?

How tall was Lincoln and what did he look like?

Who was in Lincoln's immediate family?

Was Lincoln the son of Thomas Lincoln or someone else?

How do I get a description of Lincoln's life?

Where do I find out about the failures Lincoln had in life?

How can I see the letter Lincoln wrote to a widow who lost four sons in the Civil War?

There's a story or quote I think Lincoln said. How do I find out about it?

Did Lincoln own slaves?

Is is true that Lincoln supported colonization and compensated emancipation?

Did Lincoln write the Gettysburg Address on the back of an envelope?

How do I find out about Lincoln's assassination?

How can I see or obtain a photograph of Lincoln?

Where can I find out about a Lincoln valuable or collectible?

Is it true that Lincoln had a patent on an invention?

What kind of will did Lincoln have?

What was Lincoln's favorite poem?

Where can I see the text of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates online?

Was there a death mask made of Lincoln?

Did Lincoln have Marfan Syndrome?

Can you help me with my school assignment about Lincoln?

Did Lincoln leave a diary?

THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING ANOTHER LANGUAGE

HOW DID LINCOLNIANS CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING?

CHRISTMAS IS ALL AROUND...

ENGLISH TEACHERS' PROJECTS CREATED BY LGCB

Why Let Our Students Blog?

Introduction to Page Elements

The Header Page Element

The Post Page Element

The Picture Page Element

Uploading A Photo From Your Computer

Adding a Google Gadget to your blog

Creating a Blog List with Blogger

BE PROUD OF OUR ANTHEMN

TO OUR TECH TEACHERS: what does a network teacher mean?

LINCOLNIAN FAMILY...MORE THAN A HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

SOCIALIZING OUR ENGLISH DEPARTMENT BLOG

UPDATING OUR PROFESSIONAL PROFILE...SHARING MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCESTHROUGH THE USE OF ICT's

THERE IS MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR...

OUR ENGLISH PROJECTS

“I view [education] as the most important subject which we as people can be engaged in.”
-- Abraham Lincoln