A better English speaker

I’ve been looking for some general tips about improving English speaking skill and how to communicate more easily and effectively. Check what I’ve got for you!

• Practise where you can, when you can. Any practice is good – whether you speak to someone who is a native English speaker or not.
• It's important to build your confidence. If possible, use simple English sentence structure that you know is correct, so that you can concentrate on getting your message across.
• Try to experiment with the English you know. Use words and phrases you know in new situations. Native English speakers are more likely to correct you if you use the wrong word than if you use the wrong grammar. Experimenting with vocabulary is a really good way of getting feedback.
• Try to respond to what people say to you. You can often get clues to what people think by looking at their body language. Respond to them in a natural way.
• Try NOT to translate into and from your own language. This takes too much time and will make you more hesitant.
• If you forget a word, do what native English speakers do all the time, and say things that 'fill' the conversation. This is better than keeping completely silent. Try using um, or er, if you forget the word.
• Don't speak too fast! It's important to use a natural rhythm when speaking English, but if you speak too fast it will be difficult for people to understand you.
• Try to relax when you speak – you'll find your mouth does most of the pronunciation work for you. When you speak English at normal speed, you'll discover that many of the pronunciation skills, such as linking between words, will happen automatically.
• Get over any fear you might have of making mistakes. You will make mistakes.
• Be patient with yourself. Learning any language can be frustrating, but frustration won't help you, so let it go.
• Grasp every opportunity you have to speak with people in English. Talk to friends who are also learning English. Go out together for coffee and only speak English to each other!
• Read short stories out loud and try to see, say and hear the words to reinforce your memory. 
• Record yourself and play it back later, how does it sound? 

Remember, when speaking English…

Try to become less hesitant and more confident.

Don't be shy to speak – the more you do it, the more confident you'll become.

Remember to be polite – use "please" and "thank you" if you ask someone to do something for you.

Movies Teachers Should Watch

I am a cinema lover. Recently, I’ve reflected a lot about the movies that have somehow influenced me as a teacher and that make me reflect about what it is like to be a good educator.  There are some movies that I consider the bases of teaching. In other words, as we are (or should be) always looking forward to being a better educator, there are several movies I believe all teachers should watch, regardless of their areas. Moreover, I believe that these movies have to be watched not only once, but as many times as necessary not to forget that, as educators, we play a very important role in our students’ lives, and thus, we must trust and believe them.

Below is a list of 23 movies from the oldest to the newest. You can click the names to watch the trailes after reading what the movie is about OR click here to see all of the trailers together.

Stand and Deliver (1988)

The story of Jaime Escalante, a high school teacher who successfully inspired his dropout prone students to learn calculus.

Lean on Me (1989)

The dedicated but tyrannical Joe Clark is appointed the principal of a decaying inner-city school that he is determined to improve.

Dead Poet's Society (1989)

English professor John Keating inspires his students to a love of poetry and to seize the day.

Kindergarten Cop (1990)

A tough cop is given his most difficult assignment: masquerade as a a kindergarten teacher in order to find a drug dealer.

Corrina, Corrina (1994)

When Manny Singer's wife dies, his young daughter Molly becomes mute and withdrawn. To help cope with looking after Molly, he hires sassy housekeeper Corrina Washington, who coaxes Molly out of her shell and shows father and daughter a whole new way of life. Manny and Corrina's friendship delights Molly and enrages the other townspeople.

Dangerous Minds (1995) 

An ex-marine teacher struggles to connect with her students in an inner city schools.

Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

A frustrated composer finds fulfillment as a high school music teacher.

Le plus beau métier du monde (1996)

Gerard Depardieu is a new teacher in a lower class school. He has a hard time with a special eighth grade class, and in his building.

Patch Adams (1998)

A medical student in the 70's that treated patients, illegally, using humor.

Music of the Heart (1999)

Story of a schoolteacher's struggle to teach violin to inner-city Harlem kids. 

Finding Forrester (2000)

An afro-american teen writing prodigy finds a mentor in a reclusive author.

Pay it Forward (2000)

A young boy attempts to make the world a better place after his teacher gives him that chance.

Remember the Titans (2000)

The true story of a newly appointed African-American coach and his high school team on their first season as a racially integrated unit.

School of Rock (2003)

A wannabe rock star in need of cash poses as a substitute teacher at a prep school, and tries to turn his class into a rock band.

Uptown Girls (2003)

A grown-up woman, who kept her childish instincts and behavior, start working as a nanny of a 8-year-old girl, who actually acts like an adult. But in the end everything turns to its right places.

Radio (2003)

The story of a high school coach and the developmentally challenged man whom he took under his wing.

Speak (2004)

After a blurred trauma over the summer, Melinda enters high school a selective mute. Struggling with school, friends, and family, she tells the dark tale of her experiences, and why she has chosen not to speak.

Raise Your Voice (2004)

A girl from a small town heads to the big city of Los Angeles to spend the summer at a performing arts high school.

School of Life (2005)

A new teacher squares off against his crusty competitor for a teacher of the year award.

Take the Lead (2006)

The real story of a dance teacher who believed in the talent of a group of problem kids.

Freedom Writers (2007)

A young teacher inspires her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves, and pursue education beyond high school.

Front of the Class (2008)

It is the true story of Brad Cohen, who struggles with Tourette’s Syndrome, which causes him to make involuntary strange noises. Brad eventually becomes a well-respected teacher. The movie captivates the viewer, produces tears and laughter, and teaches important moral values.

Glee (2009)

A high-school Spanish teacher becomes the director of the school's Glee club, hoping to restore it to its former glory.

It’s interesting how all these movies have to do with teachers’ daily struggles to make this a better world. And while it may be true, students always have something to offer. It’s our role to find and recognize what they sometimes hide, explore it, and more important, make them aware that they are able to offer something good to the universe. Being a teacher is hard. However, it brings benefits that will last forever. Getting to know students' real needs, is all you need!

Source: The Internet Movie Database

The Good (ESL/EFL) Teacher

Speaks the target language to the students at all times, even outside the classroom. Builds up a friendly relationship in English with each student. If a native speaker, never practices Portuguese with students; makes other friends for that. (Occasionally might allow himself/herself to be in the role of learner trying to perform some Portuguese difficulties, only with the purpose of raising the student's self-esteem.)

Pretends not to understand very well the students' native language. Whenever the student derails into Portuguese, the teacher rephrases the ideas in English to bring them back on track.

Maintains good student participation and makes sure each student gets an equal share of participation and attention.

Teaches a good deal of culture along with the language.

Hardly ever translates: explains in simple English and illustrates with examples. Is creative in using synonymous forms or different language.

Is not self-centered, but learner-centered.

Does not introduce grammar topics. Creates the necessary grammar explanation to elucidate specific difficulties at the moment they occur.

Downplays the importance of the grammar knowledge offered, not demonstrating superiority.

When explaining grammar, leads the student to discover a rule by providing plenty of practical examples.

Does not leave the student without an answer.

Gears the lesson to the ability, level and interests of the student.

Is goal oriented, especially with beginners.

Uses imagination - creates original examples and varies questions to avoid monotony.

Gives the student time to answer before interrupting or prompting.

Uses imagination to understand what the student means.

When the student speaks, concentrates on both the meaning and on the linguistic forms at the same time.

Regards mistakes as insignificant accidents never overreacting but still correcting them. Makes positive corrections: Gives the right form and immediately forgets what the mistake was. Never imitates a student's mistake; reinforces the correct form. Seldom says, "No." Never laughs or makes a face at a mistake.

Is very patient, may correct the same mistake from the same student over 50 times, but always as if it were the first time. Demonstrates great empathy and maintains a positive attitude.

Whenever possible, replaces the concept of right/wrong in language by usual/unusual and acceptable/unacceptable.

Speaks at a normal rate. Does not over-enunciate.

Begins and ends each session with a quick review (5 - 10 minutes).

Makes sure that the student has the necessary materials (tapes, books, etc.) and knows how to use them.

Encourages (but never pushes) the student to do homework assignments regularly.

Begins and ends lessons punctually.

Shows interest in and concern for the student.

Motivates and challenges the student.

Welcomes the student enthusiastically and is friendly at all times.

Is very diplomatic, intelligent and acts as mediator when discussing politics, morality, religion, or any controversial subjects. Demonstrates empathy but avoids radical opinions; respects all kinds of views and never gets himself too involved or excited. No stereotypes.

Is versatile: talks about economics and politics acting as a businessman when teaching businessmen; talks about music, sex and drugs becoming a teenager when teaching teenagers; plays and laughs like a child when teaching children.

Would ideally be a psychologist interested in languages, with a friendly personality and native speaker of the students' target language.

Schütz, Ricardo. "The Good ESL Teacher." English Made in Brazil <http://www.sk.com.br/sk-gdins.html>. Online. 12 February 2004.

Christmas Around the World

AUSTRALIA

Christmas time is Austrialia is often very hot. The traditional meal might consist of a turkey dinner with ham and pork. Mince pies and a flaming Christmas plum pudding are frequently part of the dessert. During the gold rush, the pudding would sometimes contain a gold nugget. Today, a small favor is baked inside. Whoever finds this trinket is believed to be blessed with good luck. Some Australians (and tourists) have their Christmas dinner on the beach. Bondi Beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs in particular attracts thousands of people on Christmas Day. "Carols by Candelight" is an Australian trdition which began in 1937. It takes place every year on Christmas Eve, when tens of thousands of people gather in the City of Melbourne to sing their favorite songs while holding candles. A favorite Christmas decoration is the Christmas Bush, a native plant which sports tiny red-flowered leaves.

 CHINA

For the small percentage of Chinese people who are Christians and who celebrate Christmas, the observed customs are similar to those practiced in the United States. Most erect artificial trees decorated with spangles, paper chains, flowers and lanterns. Chinese Christmas trees are known as "Trees of Light" and their Santa Claus goes by the name of Dun Che Lao Ren, which means "Christmas Old Man."

FRANCE

Children put shoes on the doorstep or by the fireplace on Christmas Eve, in order that Petit Noel (the "Christ Child") or Pere Noel ("Father Christmas") might fill them with gifts. The houses are decorated with misteltoe, considered to be a symbol of good luck, and the French gift-giver has been known to leave sweets, fruit, nuts and small toys hanging on the Christmas tree. In cathedral squares, the story of Christ's birth is reenacted by both living players and puppets. In Provence, an area of southeastern France, the entire family helps bring in the Yule Log, which must be large enough to burn from Christmas Eve until New Year's Day. Many years ago, part of this log was used to make the wedge for the plough as good luck for the coming harvest. French families often set up a small Nativity scenes in their homes and, for their Christmas meal, will frequently serve Strasbourg (liver) pie and black pudding.

THE USA

Santa Claus was born in US in the 1860's he was named this as he had a white beard and a belly, so he was named Santa Claus as this was the Dutch word for St Nicholas, Sintaklaas. In 1863 He was given the name Santa Claus and bore the red suit, pipe, and his reindeer and sleigh. In America the traditional Christmas dinner is roast turkey with vegetables and sauces. For dessert it is rich, fruity Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. Mince pies, pastry cases filled with a mixture of chopped dried fruit. The majority of Americans celebrate Christmas with the exchange of gifts and greetings and with family visits. For many, the day begins on Christmas Eve with the Midnight Mass. At Christmas it snows in many states, so dinner is usually eaten indoors. Dinner usually is roast turkey, goose, duck or ham served with cranberry sauce, then plum pudding or pumpkin pie followed by nuts and fruit. American homes are decorated with holly, mistletoe and branches of trees, most have a Christmas tree hung with electric lights, tinsel, baubles, and strings of popcorn and candy canes.

BRAZIL

One Brazilian tradition is to create a nativity scene or Presépio, which originates from the Hebrew word "presepium" which means the bed of straw upon which Jesus first slept in Bethlehem. Papai Noel, who lives in Greenland, is the gift-bringer. A huge Christmas dinner includes turkey, ham, colored rice, and wonderful vegetables and fruit dishes. Devout Catholics often attend Missa do Galo. Its name is because the rooster announces the coming day and the Missa do Galo finishes at 1 AM on Christmas morning! On December 25th, Catholics go to church, but the masses are mostly late afternoon, because people enjoy sleeping late after the dinner called Ceia de Natal or going to the beach. Fireworks go off in the skies over the cities and huge Christmas "trees" of electric lights. The festivities go on until January 6th, which the Brazilians refer to as Three Kings Day. January 6th is supposed to be the day when three wise men visited Jesus to bring him gifts.

Eager to know about other countries?! 

Check Christmas Around The World

The Influence of Media

My MYP1 students were asked to make a presentation in which the topic was "The influence of media in our lives". Thus, they were divided in pairs and received different kinds of media so that they developed their presentations. The medias were TV, Internet, Radio, Newspaper, and Billboards. I transformed some of their presentation into a video and asked them to write the summary of what they presented.

Give a look:

NEWSPAPERS                               

The newspaper was the first and the main way of communication for a long time. Even with the development of new technologies, the newspaper still has a large importance in daily life of people.

The newspapers have to adapt to readers along the history and share space with others kinds of media like radio, magazines, internet and television. The newspaper informs the people about news in Brazil and in the world.

The main characteristic of this type of media is it influence on public opinion of the people. 

However, many times the newspaper can take different approaches in news.

By Marina Furlan & Juliana Furlan

TV                                                  

Most people I know watch TV every day. We watch the news from the whole world; we have our favorite serial movies, talk-shows and other programs. TV enables us to get to know about people from every part of the world. We are informed, how different people live, how they dress and what are their habits. Television plays and important role in creating new trends. It makes us want to follow the examples of other people. Moreover, the advertisements make people want to buy certain products. Even if we avoid watching them, we are constantly influenced by them.

Numerous people consider television a good escape from all difficulties of everyday life. On TV you can learn, that everyone can become rich, beautiful and popular. In the movies we watch pretty actresses and actors, who easily solve all difficult problems, making careers, having much money. Very popular nowadays are fantasy and science-fiction films. They show us the imaginations about the future of the world. It tells the untrue stories, which take place in the future or in other worlds and spaces.

By Athilio Marangoni & José Renato Guedes

BILLBOARDS                                

The billboard, also called hoarding in other places in the world, is a big panel that is very used for making comercial of many things like new cars new schools and these stuff affect our lives a lot because when you see a hot woman driving a car you will think "Wow! With this car I can be like her". Then you go there and buy the car. On the other hand, the visual pollution is very big. Imagine a city with a lot of billboards everywhere it Will be a visual polluted city.But the big interprises use it a lot to make a good image for her brand. And it is important to say that the billboards are used to help enterprises earn more money. And that's why billboards are important not only for us but for the enterprises too.

By Heitor Inácio & Adauto Gramático

RADIO                                           

The arrival of the radio was an important change in our lives. Without it the globalization process would take more time to happen. We would be living without instant communication, and we would never be able to have a lot of signal that help us, like wireless, GPS, 3G, and others; It’s all based in radio waves. Radio also changed the advertising business, allowing it to not just see, but listen to advertisement. Political ads would never be the same without radio, because everybody would hear the ads on it, in simple pamphlets or outdoors people had a choice to see it or not, but listen to it is more difficult to prevent. 

By Henrique Gonçalves & Giovana Telles