Stereotypes are generalizations about groups of people, they can be positive or negative, they can be based on some truth  or completely invented. Clichés about national stereotypes can be great fun, but they mustn’t become prejudice! In this post I will try to talk about some stereotypes in a funny way. By laughing about the most common national stereotypes, you can understand the futility of some prejudices and the great value of diversity! I think that discussing about some national stereotypes could be very useful  to understand not only other cultures, but even our own! In fact, looking at us through the eyes of someone else might make us think!At any rate, to really understand a culture you have to experinece it first hand!"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about foreign countries."Aldous HuxleySOME ACTIVITIES1First of all, let's have a look at some of the most common national stereotypes:http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NationalStereotypesSome printables:http://www.eslprintables.com/Vocabulary_worksheets/Culture_and_traditions/Stereotypes/What is your opinion, after having surfed the above sites? Do you know any other stereotypes about your country or about a foreign nation? Do you think that travelling could help better understand another culture? Why?2Now, let's listen to this song. "Englishman in New York" by StingCan you recognize any stereotypes in the song? Which adjectives or nouns are used to describe a British man? Are there any adjectives that refer to American people? Can you understand any differences between English and Americans? 3Now watch the following video from the BBC and listen to what the British think about their own country's stereotypes. How would you describe British people? What do you know about the British? Have you ever been to the United Kingdom?4Take a look at the following presentation. I have tried to compare British culture to my own culture summarizing the most popular stereotypes about these two countries. I have surfed the Net to take the pulse of the situation (I considered both the Italian and the British point of view) and I found some interesting and funny opinions (and videos)! Sometimes it's good to laugh at some particular aspect, characteristic or attitude but, remember: we should never disrespect anyone! Now  prepare a presentation about some other cultures, using videos, links, songs, people's opinions or whatever you like! Remember to use irony always respecting others!

45 years ago man landed on the Moon. Let's celebrate this event talking about our magical satellite. It has always inspired artists from all over the world. How can we talk about the moon in our EFL classes? Here you can find some activities that involve the use of digital tools.First of all, some information about that great day.The first Moon landingFirst Moon Landing-July 20 1969 Surf the following sites to get more information.Nasa: http://www.nasa.gov/about/highlights/what_does_nasa_do.html#.U58bD5R_utI Apollo 11: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/apollo/apollo11_40th.html#.U58XTpR_utI A day in the life aboard the International Space Station (some videos from the space!): http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/teachingfromspace/dayinthelife/index.html#.U58Y4JR_utJ A brief history of rockets: http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/TRC/Rockets/history_of_rockets.html A clickable spacesuit experience: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/spacesuits/home/clickable_suit.html#.U58cF5R_utI The Moon Facts about the Moon: http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=Moon The Moon:http://nineplanets.org/luna.html A tour of the Moon by NasaSTUDENTS' TASKNow imagine that you are a journalist. Write an article on Joomag and tell your readers about the first Moon landing. If you prefer, you can also imagine that you are an astronaut: describe your rocket, your spacesuit and your daily routine in the space.The Moon in Arts Poetry Have a look at my presentation about some famous Moon poems. At the end of the slide show there are two videos about poems (and  haiku) writing . What about trying to write to the Moon?(For more information on how to write a poem see this post of mine:http://thetravellingteachers.blogspot.it/2014/06/poetry-in-our-efl-classroom.html)STUDENTS' TASKPoems about the Moon often use a figurative language. You could try PicLits to write a poem starting from a picture. Once you choose your image, you can use the "drag and drop" option: you have some nouns, adjectives, adverbs and verbs  related to that picture. Moreover, if you click on "Learn It" you'll have some information about the basics of creative writing. Painting Some famous moon paintings:http://framingpainting.com/famous-paintings/famous_moon_paintings.html STUDENTS' TASKNow, use Drawing to make your moon painting! If you are not so good at drawing, don't worry. This tool gives you lessons and examples! Have fun!MusicOLD AND NEW MOON SONGS  http://www.moonlightsys.com/themoon/lyrics.html http://www.indierockcafe.com/2009/09/songs-about-moon-from-magnetic-fields.htmlFly me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra Blue Moon - The Mavericks Man on the Moon - R.E.M. The Moon Song - Karen OSTUDENTS' TASKCan you play any instruments? Can you compose music? Try Noteflight to compose your song to the Moon! Write your song's lyrics, as well. Listen to the songs above and reflect on the imagery that they suggest.

Your travelling teachers went in the UK with their students this July!We think that study tours are very important for esl students and we would like to share our experience with you.! Why are Study Tours so important?International study tours are a great opportunity for learners to combine an overseas travel and cultural experience with studies focusing on the language. Study tours emphasise experiential learning and allow students to explore new territories, cultures and people. They combine theory with real-life experience and cultural perspective.By studying abroad students will:Meet new friends from around the world.Gain new perspectives on things they normally wouldn't have.Improve a foreign language and learn a few things they didn't already know.Learn to be more independent.Immerse themselves in a completely different culture. Before leaving some of our students were a little anxious! Here there are their most common questions.Our students’ questions (and our answers)Will I find it too difficult?You can always ask for help, teachers and college staff will be always there for you.When you learn English in an English-speaking country, you will have to use English in everyday life and this is  a very quick way to learn. You will learn in a real environment. This is a authentic education!Will a different culture be a problem for me?Being in a different country and having to learn different ways of behaving could be a little difficult at the beginning, but remember:  studying  and travelling abroad broadens your horizons and gives you the opportunity to know different cultures. In today’s increasingly global society, it’s very important to possess the skills to communicate across cultures.Will it be useful for my future?It will be very important for  your CV.Employers look for applicants who can speak English and had some experience abroad. The fact  that you went in an English speaking country and used the language in a real context will make a really good impression. Moreover, you will get a certificate that will be very important for your CV.Will it change my life?You will never forget the new experiences and the international friends you will make. Moreover, you will become more independent and responsible, in fact travelling without your family is a chance for you to learn to fend for yourself and to manage your own finances.Our experience in Bristol at the University of West EnglandWatch some pictures!Click on the image below to open, then hover on each photo to zoom.Or watch the video clicking on this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By_QOh1kvifvbDVlT2ExRHFjYzg/edit?usp=sharing.simplebooklet.comSTUDENTS' TASKAnswer the following questions:Have you ever had an experience like that?Did you enjoy it?Why? Or why not?What did you like most?If you have never studied abroad, yould you like to? Why? Or why not?

"Establishing lasting peace is the work of education" Maria MontessoriIn this hard time for peace I suggest some activities to talk about love and tolerance.ListeningListen to the following songs about peace:"Playing for change" songs bring together musicians from around the world to talk about peace and to fight war.Gimme Shelter - Playing For Change Love Is All - Playing For ChangeImagine - Playing for Change War/No More Trouble - Playing for ChangeA Better Place | Playing For ChangeIn the above video there are not subtitles. Can you understand what they are saying? Write down all the words or sentences you can catch.Some other classicsOne love - Bob MarleyJohn Lennon - Give peace a chanceU2 - Peace on EarthWritingAnswer the following questions:What do you think about war?How do you think conflicts should be solved?Do you know anyone who has fought in a war?What war has your country fought in the recent past? What do you know about that?Do you think that war always solves problems?Which is the best way of achieving peace in your opinion?Conflicts are around us everyday (in our family, school, etc.). How do you respond to conflicts?Do you know any important people who promoted peace and non-violence?Now have a look at the following diagram I made for you. Are there any other words that you would use to define "war" and "peace"? Use them to compose some sentences.https://cacoo.com/lang/en/SpeakingForm two groups of students: one group is in favour of force and war to resolve conflicts, the other is in favour of peace and diplomacy. You are on a TV talk show, make a debate!ReadingRead about some famous people who promoted world peace in their life, then write your impressions:http://www.biographyonline.net/people/world-peace.htmlhttp://listverse.com/2011/06/05/top-10-peaceful-men/http://worldpeace.org.au/messages.asphttp://www.biography.com/people/groups/nobel-peace-prize-winnershttp://www.britannica.com/nobelprize/article-9487436  "If we don’t end war, war will end us."HG Wells

Friendship day was originally founded by Hallmark in 1919. In April 2011 the United Nations officially recognised 30th July as International Friendship Day but many countries celebrate it on the first Sunday of August."On this International Day of Friendship, let us cultivate warm ties that strengthen our common humanity and promote the well-being of the human family. "UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon"The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.To mark the International Day of Friendship the UN encourages governments, international organizations and civil society groups to hold events, activities and initiatives that contribute to the efforts of the international community towards promoting a dialogue among civilizations, solidarity, mutual understanding and reconciliation".Surf the following sites for more information:http://www.un.org/en/events/friendshipday/http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/un/friendship-daySOME CLASS ACTIVITIESABOUT FRIENDSHIPREADING AND WRITINGHow could you define friendship? Have a look at the following website: http://friends.com/definition-of-friendship. Then write your own definition of  "friendship".Read this article at http://friends.com/rules-of-friendship about the rules of friendship and add your own rules to the list.LISTENINGSome songs on friendship"Count on me" - Bruno Mars"I'll be your friend" - Amy Grant"Friends are friends forever" - Michael W. Smith"Any time you need a friend" - Mariah Carey"I'll be there" - Mariah Carey"I turn to you" - Christina Aguilera"That's what friends are for" - Dionne Warwick"You've got a friend" - James Taylor"You're my best friend" - Queen"You've got a friend in me" - Randy Newman SPEAKING Talking about friendsA conversation about friendshipFriendship Soup RecipeAfter having watched the above videos, prepare an oral presentation about your best friend. Tell:how long you have known him/her,what you have in common,which are the things you like about him/her,what is you personal "friendship soup" recipe.

August is time to take a vacation for many people and the two most common places people choose for their holidays are the beach and the mountains. Which do you prefer?THE BEACHSOME RESOURCESGreat resources about the sea and the oceans:http://www.henry4school.fr/Vocabulary/sea/sea.htmhttp://www.teachingideas.co.uk/themes/summerattheseaside/BEACH VOCABULARYVIDEOMaybe you already know some of the most common marine animals.... but what happens in the deep sea?Deep sea creaturesSOME SONGS ON THE SEA"Beyond the Sea," Bobby Darin"Under the Sea," from Disney's "The Little Mermaid" "Octopus's Garden", The Beatles"(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay," Otis Redding THE MOUNTAINSSOME RESOURCESSome resources about the mountains:http://www.eslprintables.com/vocabulary_worksheets/places/the_mountain/http://santiamalpineclub.org/mountain/climbing/terms/MOUNTAINS VOCABULARYVIDEOWhat is a mountain?SOME SONGS ON THE MOUNTAINS"Rocky Top", Osborne Brothers"Rocky Mountain High", John Denver"Mountain Music", Alabama" Sugar Mountain", Neil YoungSTUDENTS' TASKWrite an essay about these two different types of holidays. Which do you prefer? What are the main differences between the beach and the mountains? Can you find any similarities? Consider the types of activities you can do in each place, the climate and the location. 

Nowadays more and more people read the news on the Net, so the way we read and even write a newspaper article is definitely changing.Have a look at these American surveys on how the Internet is affecting traditional journalism and how it'schanging the way viewers and readers get news.There are plenty of digital tools you can use to read or even write newspaper articles. I am going to show you just some of them.READINGHere you can read the breaking news from the world:http://www.breakingnews.com/Here you can filter the news by language, country or newspapers:http://newspapermap.com/WRITINGA simple way for journalists, designers and creators to weave interactive stories:http://cartodb.github.io/odyssey.js/You may also try Storymap. It is a free tool to help you tell stories on the web that highlight the locations of a series of events. You can use it to tell a story with photographs, historic maps, or other image files. http://storymap.knightlab.com/Ok, we have just seen some digital tools we could use to read or to write newspapers articles. But now let's see something more general.Do you really know how to read a newspaper? Could you really write a good news article?HOW TO READ A NEWSPAPERSome tips for you in this mindmap of mine:How to read the News On-line vs in PrintHOW TO WRITE  NEWS ARTICLESHow to write articles the quick and easy wayHow to write the perfect newspaper articleNow have a look at the following mindmaps I made for you:Some links from my blog you can find usefulMore information about creating digital magazines:http://thetravellingteachers.blogspot.it/2014/06/its-time-to-travel-lets-consult-some.htmlhttp://thetravellingteachers.blogspot.it/2014/06/football-world-cup.html

Colours, music, stalls, floats and costumes. The  biggest European  street festival  is held in London in August.London's Afro-Caribbean communities have celebrated their traditions since 1964 but learn more about this festival clicking on the following Blendspace lesson I prepared for you:Notting Hill CarnivalSOME ESL RESOURCESNotting Hill Worksheets and Printableshttp://www.eslprintables.com/cinema_and_television/movies/drama_movies/notting_hill/http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/pdf/index.pl?read=1937Carnival vocabularyPractice some Carnival vocabulary, and then take the test at:http://www.tolearnenglish.com/exercises/exercise-english-2/exercise-english-90943.phpESL Resources on Carnivals around the WorldThe most famous carnivals:http://www.michellehenry.fr/carnivals.htmA Video Quiz: Carnivals from around the world:http://www.eslvideo.com/esl_video_quiz_low_intermediate.php?id=15668The most famous Italian CarnivalsHave a look at the following information I've put on Thinglink about  three famous Italian Carnival cities. Moreover I've added on Thinglink some videos I've mixed up with Metta. Enjoy!YOUR TASKWhat's your favourite Carnival? Do you celebrate Carnival in your country or city? Write an essay about some particular traditions or masks that characterize your country or city's Carnival.

This month my blog is one year old! I started it last September after a training course in Cambridge. I've used it in my classrooms and it has been a great experience! I suggest every teacher to start blogging.An educational blog can change our students' way of expressing themselves. Learners are asked to leave their comments. In fact, being published is an incentive and motivation for many students. Even the most shy students might feel empowered by being able to express themselves better in a written discussion than in front of a class. Blogs support writing, reading, listening and speaking skills . Students can enter reflections on posted questions, publish essays or questions and share opinions. You can also reach some important goals concerning technology. Students can understand the ethical, cultural, and societal issues related to technology; they can use technology tools to increase productivity and creativity; they can improve their knowledge of other disciplines through the foreign language; they can use the language both within and beyond the school and, in the end, they can start becoming life-long learners by using the foreign language for personal enjoyment and enrichment. In the following Blendspace lesson I've put together some useful resources about blogs in education:An experienceBlogging with students: how and whyNow take a look at my Popplet presentation.Click below to open the mindmap, then zoom and scroll around.

ConstitutionDay commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787 Here you can find some resources to easily understand the American form of government and its Constitution.What is the Constitution of the USA?Click on the two images below to get informationThe PreambleNow let's try to understand the USA form of government. Move your cursor over the image by Kids.gov below. I have edited it with Thinglink so now it's interactive!And now take a look at my Blendspace lesson. You can find more information, games, quizzes and videos. Some more materials for teachers Worksheets, printables, games, quizzes and activities: http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/constitution-day/printables/ http://www.abcteach.com/directory/holidays-months-and-seasons-holidays-constitution-day--4304-2-1 http://themes.atozteacherstuff.com/182/constitution-day-constitution-week-activities/ http://www.softschools.com/themes/constitution_day/http://government.mrdonn.org/constitution.htmlSTUDENTS' TASKNow you have got a lot of information! You need to rearrange ideas, so try Popplet to create your own mindmap. You can add images, links and videos! Have fun!Happy...