This is a very interesting tool to study biographies in a different way.With Fakebook you can invent a profile of any historical or fictional character. Your result will be a Facebook-like page!You can add images, links, videos, "friends", comments and "likes"! I think it could be very useful to study history or literature. Below you can see some Fakebook pages:Nelson Mandelahttp://www.classtools.net/fb/28/S63EfP3Bill Gateshttp://www.classtools.net/fb/18/NRd7eiBI personally created the following brief example with my students. Some time ago we watched the movie "The king's speech" about king George VI(http://thetravellingteachers.blogspot.it/2014/01/holocaust-memorial-day-january-27th.html) so the Fakebook page is about the period between king George V death and the outbreack of world war II.There are some quotes, original pictures and links to original videos, as well. Have fun! Albert Windsor fakebook pagehttp://www.classtools.net/FB/1049-4XFSKpNow choose a historical character or a celebrity and enjoy creating your own fakebook page!

Here are some interesting writing tools to make writing activities more attractive.You can play with words to create your text and you can link your words to images.Then you can share your material.Watch my simple examples.PicLitYou choose an image from the Piclit gallery and you add some text. You can "drag and drop" choosing from different suggested nouns, adjectives and verbs or you can write "freestyle".My example:http://www.piclits.com/viewpoem.aspx?PoemId=237190CapzlesWith Capzles you work most of all with images. You can choose an image as your background and then you can add your own pics or videos to create a sort of presentation. By clicking on each picture it is possible to add a brief description. I think it could be very useful to describe a trip or a school activity.My example:http://www.capzles.com/3d3a9ba0-7533-45ca-bb0b-f6a97e03ac8cMapskipThis is a very original tool. The world is a canvas for your own stories and photos. You start from a map, you click on the place you like, you add your mark and write your story about that place. You can tell your adventures adding your pictures.My example:http://www.mapskip.com/stories.php?story=6681StorybirdWith Storybird you choose some images and write a story drawing inspiration from those pictures. Very useful to write a story and improve creativity and imagination.My example:http://storybird.com/books/the-teacher-and-the-little-girl/?token=gtq94fygeuMagneticpoetryYou can write your own poems choosing among different suggested words. Very funny!My example:http://play.magneticpoetry.com/poem/Original/kit/15415/?h=8444d213e9cd688d306fa98d2aa7ca79

International Workers' Day is celebrated on  May 1st in many countries and is a national holiday in more than 80 nations. But, while in some countries this day is officially Labor Day,  in others it marks the traditional Spring festival known as May Day. Other countries, as the United States, celebrate Labour Day on another date.Below you can briefly see what happens on this day in Italy and in Uk but I would like to take the opportunity to talk about jobs. You can work on this topic whatever your English level is. You can just learn the different jobs in English or you can practice writing a CV and talking about yourself for a job interview.May, 1st in ItalyIn Italy the first May Day celebration took place in 1890. It  celebrated workers' achievements in their struggle for their rights and for better economic and social conditions.Nowadays  the 1st May's Concert, organized by Italian Labour Unions in Rome in Piazza San Giovanni, is very popular. It is attended by more than 500,000 people every year and involves participation of many famous singers and bands. To learn more about May, 1st traditions in Italyhttp://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/italy/labor-dayMay, 1st in the United KingdomOn this day people celebrate the coming of summer. Many May Day activities have now been moved to the new May Day holiday on the first Monday of the month,  a bank holiday. To learn more about May Day traditions in the UK:http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/mayday.htmMay, 1st is the occasion to talk about jobs.Surf the following sites.Here it is a list of different professions and an explanation of what each person does in that profession:http://www.vocabulary.cl/Basic/Professions.htmHere you can find useful vocabulary, expressions related to jobs, typical interview questions and answers:http://www.learnenglish.de/vocabulary/jobs.htmlHow to write a successful CV:http://www.bbc.com/news/business-15573447CVs and covering letters:https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/cvs/Pages/default.aspxAnd now watch the following videos:What's the difference between work, job and business?How to find your dream job if you are not sure what you want to doTell us about yourself. Interview questions and answersNOW IT'S UP TO YOU!ROLE PLAYNow, you can choose to be an employer or an employee. In the first case, write a simple vacancy announcement, a profile of your ideal candidate and some questions you would like to ask during the interviews.In the second case decide which kind of  job you want to apply for, write a brief CV and prepare a presentation of yourself, of your qualities and abilities.In a second moment, we can simulate some job interviews in our classroom!

If we want to talk about foreign literature in our EFL class, watching some movies could be very useful. I choose six films based on some British and American novels for children. Three of them (Alice in Wonderland, A Christmas Carol and Peter Pan) allow us to talk about the 19th century literature. The others (The Polar Express, The Golden Compass and Harry Potter) can be used to talk about modern or contemporary literature.In the following Blendspace lesson that I prepared students can learn some information about some authors of books for kids. You can see the trailers of the six movies. Then you can read a list of some movies taken from children novels if you want to go on watching other films and reading other books. Finally there is a presentation of mine with some information about the novels' authors and the major themes of their books. You can also do some quiz.Click on the link below and have fun!An English Cineforum: some movies based on novels for children.Below teachers can find some interesting links about using movies, videos and  novels in their classroom.Movies and novels in EFL classes: some links for teachers.I made the above poster with PiktochartClick on the following image if you want to view my presentation outside the context of the Blendspace lesson. Enjoy your

WORLD LAUGHTER DAYWorld Laughter Day was born in India on January 11 1998. It was organised by the founder of the Worldwide Laughter Yoga Movement.He said that laughters stimulate positive emotions and can help us feel better. Not only they can improve our mood, but they are also good for our body. In fact laughing brings more oxygen to our body and brain.When we are in our classroom we sometimes get bored...Let's try to have some fun... and learn at the same time! Jokes can helpmotivate to speak, listen, read and writepromote a relaxed atmospherestudy the language in a real-life contextunderstand informal and colloquial expressionscompare different culturesLet's see some jokes!Surf the following sites to read jokes, riddles and punsJokes between students and teachers:http://freejoke4u.blogspot.it/2010/09/short-jokes-between-teacher-and.htmlJokes:http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/jokes.php#.U2IlB4F_tMQJokes:http://academictips.org/blogs/jokes/Funny short stories:http://academictips.org/blogs/funny-short-stories/Jokes, riddles, puns, misuse of english: http://iteslj.org/c/jokes.htmlSome jokes listed by difficulty and grammar goals:http://www.esljokes.net/contents.htmlSome students' tasks 1Read the jokes above, choose one and learn it. Then you will tell it to your classmates. If there are many characters, choose some friends and act the joke toghether.2Surf the above links, choose one joke or funny short story and then write something similar using it as a model.3Now invent your own joke!4Choose a joke, a pun or a short story and translate it. Do you think you could translate  all the jokes literally? If not, why? Think about something very funny about your country and about Britain and tell or invent a joke about that. 5Read some jokes about the misuse of English. Choose one and tell what makes the joke. Did similar funny situations ever  happen in you classroom? HAVE FUN!

May, 11th is Mother's Day. Another occasion to improve our students' writing skills and stimulate their creativity. This time we tried Storyjumper. It is a great simple tool to create e-books. The following is a brief example of a Storyjumper book, just to give the idea of what you can do. I asked my youngest students to make a little book for their mothers.They had to:Surf the Net to find imagesUpload their own images or photosChoose their scenes as backgroundWrite a sentence for each imageWrite a brief text Draw some characters using the "Props" Click on the image belowIt is a very funny activity because students can draw their own characters (choosing their dresses, faces, hair, etc), they can choose different props (animals, food, objects, etc.), they can use their own pictures to write a story.  Have fun and be creative!

Teacher appreciation week: May, 5-9Teacher appreciation day: May, 6To celebrate this Teacher Appreciation week I chose a digital tool. Padlet is a digital notice-board. Double-clicking anywhere on the board you can leave a message, a link, a picture, a poem... (If you drag-and-drop your text-box you can move it wherever you want).I'm going to ask my students to write something (positive or negative) for/about me. They can use their real name or remain anonymous.This will be very useful toget a quick feedbackbecome aware (or have further confirmation) of my strenghtsbecome aware of any problemsmake the students feel important by telling them I really need and consider their opinionI've just created my students' board, click on the image below...If you clik on this other image, instead, you will open a blank Teachers' Board I've just created for all the teachers who want to tell their opinion about teaching! Leave your comments (you don't need to log in)!!

 Tour Builder is a free fantastic tool! You have the whole world to put your stories on! It allows you to create or explore stories directly in the various countries of the world where they are set.You will need to install the Google Earth Plugin (it only takes a couple of minutes), if you haven't already.You can take a 3D trip inside stories!It could be very useful to study history, geography, literature and even storytelling.If you want to create your story-trip  you have to choose your destination on the Google mapadd your photos, videos, linksdescribe the places, pictures, photos or videos you put in (you can give a general description in the "tell the story" box and you can also describe picture by picture)insert some links if you want people to get more informationTour Builder takes track of all your movements on the map and this is the final result. Watch my brief example about my Cambridge experience! Choose "enter Street View" on the map to watch 3D the places I saw!Some students' tasks:1Describe your last school (or family) trip. Mark all the places you visited on the mapAdd some pictures or videosDescribe the places you visited2Is there an esotic place in the world you would like to visit?Choose a destinationFind some photos about that place on the Net and add themInvent a travel route Add some links to give information about the places you would like to visitWrite the reasons why you would like to go thereLet's go travelling!

"Families Matter for the Achievement Goals" is the 2014 International Day of Families' motto.To learn more:http://www.family2014.org/home.phpUnited Nations site:http://undesadspd.org/Family/InternationalObservances/TwentiethAnniversaryofIYF2014.aspxInternational Day of Families was founded by the United Nations Programme on the Family. Family is the core of a society so it is essential to have good and healthy relationships with our relatives. But every family is different, there are many different cultures and many ways to conceive a family.Let's see some definitions:"The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State" (United Nations, 1948)."Society’s definition of ‘family’ is rapidly expanding and has come to include single parents, biracial couples, blended families, unrelated individuals living cooperatively, and homosexual couples, among others. Unfortunately, family policy has been slow to catch up to changing trends in modern lifestyles" (J.M Crawford)."A family consists of two or more people, one of whom is the householder, related by birth, marriage, or adoption and residing in the same housing unit. A household consists of all people who occupy a housing unit regardless of relationship. A household may consist of a person living alone or multiple unrelated individuals or families living together" (U.S. Census Bureau, 2005)."We define family as any group of people related either biologically, emotionally, or legally. That is, the group of people that [a person] defines as significant for his or her well-being" (S.H. McDaniel)SOME STUDENTS' TASKS                   1 (for younger learners)What is your famiy like?Is it a traditional or a modern family? Describe your family' s members and make a family tree.2Listen to the songs below. Which one do you like the most? Why?Tell what the author wants to say in your opinion.What does "family" mean to you?"We are family" by Sister Sledge invites the whole family to unite and get up and sing."My father's eyes" by Eric Clapton"In it I tried to describe the parallel between looking in the eyes of my son and the eyes of the father I never met, through the chain of our blood", said the author.When we are teens we often have problems with our parents. Later we realize how precious they are. This is the theme of the next two songs."Mama" by Spice Girls"You're gonna miss this" by Trace Adkins"In my daughter eyes" by Martina McBrideYes, parents are there to support their children but sometimes, when audults feel down they find the strenght to go on in their children' s eyes.Some other songs about familyList of songs about family:http://www.buzzle.com/articles/songs-about-family.htmlSongs about family with music and lyrics:http://www.songsforteaching.com/familysongs.htm3Below you can see a very famous family!What do you know about the Royal Family?Did you witness some recent events that particularly struck you?Choose one member of the Royal Family and tell his/her story.To learn more about the Royal Family:https://www.royal.gov.uk/thecurrentroyalfamily/overview.aspx

MUSEUM COLLECTIONS MAKE CONNECTIONSMay, 18 is the International Museum Day. The theme for 2014 Museum Day proposed by ICOM (International Council of Museums) Advisory Committee is "Museum collections make connection" suggesting that museums help create bonds between visitors and different cultures and generations. For more information:http://icom.museum/events/international-museum-day/"After all, isn't the purpose of the novel, or of a museum, for that matter, to relate our memories with such sincerity as to transform individual happiness into a happiness all can share?" Orhan Pamuk, The Museum of InnocenceSome students activitiesThe following activities about museums could be  useful  in our EFL classes for many reasons:to enrich vocabularyto talk about foreign culture (and culture or art in general)to enhance listening skills (through videos), reading skills (through the websites' contents) writing skills (through essays and compositions), speaking skills (through oral reports)to talk about giving or asking for directions (through maps activities)1) Let's start with a video about some useful museum vocabulary by Linguaspectrum Interesting English2) Then, let's go to London to visit some of its most famous museums!Click on the link below to have some information about the major London museums:http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/tourist-attraction/museum/major-museums3)  Now let's have a 3D tour and let's see where the most famous London museums are on the map thanks to Googleearthweb.4) Let's watch the following video to get some more information about the top five museums to visit in London by Howcast.5) Now, click on the Thinglink image I prepared and have some virtual or online tour! Once you open the image, you have to click on each icon you see on the map. The stars bring you to each museum site and the circles allow you to have a virtual tour! 6) Now, try to answer the following questions:You have just seen some of the most interesting London museums, could you tell which one you like the most and why?Have you ever been to London? Did you already visit some of these museums? If you didn't, talk about a museum you visited and about the things you saw.Do you think art and cuture can connect different people and countries? Why?"Museums are living institutions that help create bonds between visitors, generations and cultures around the world. The museum is an institution that preserves and communicates the past, yet it is grounded in the present. In its very essence, it is a link between the generations, as it allows present and future generations to better comprehend their origins and history."ICOMIn a museum you can travel through time and space... and you can live fantastic adventures... VISIT A MUSEUM!"When I was growing up, my mother would take me to plays and museums, and we'd talk about life. Those times helped shape who I became."Jill Scott

May, 21 is World Day for Cultural Diversity. Let' s see some activities we can do to celebrate this day.First of all, you can surf the following sites to get more information about this celebration.UN website:http://www.un.org/en/events/culturaldiversityday/index.shtmlUNESCO site:http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international-days/world-day-for-cultural-diversity-for-dialogue-and-development/Do one thing for Diversity and Inclusion:http://www.unaoc.org/what-we-do/campaigns/do-one-thing-for-diversity-and-inclusion/A video from Unesco 1) Let's start talking about multicultural BritainWhile studying English language, we study British culture, as well. We know that Britain is a multicultural society. Let's see why.Have a look at this interesting short immigration timeline by BBC:http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/in_depth/uk/2002/race/short_history_of_immigration.stm#1800sMulticultural Britain by LoescherMulticultural London by Jonsie ReidAfter watching the above videos, answer the questions:What's the famous market near the London Bridge station? Why is it one of the most popular London markets? What can you find there?Where is Brick Lane? What is it locally known as? Why?Is there a "Chinatown" in London as in New York?At the end of the first video some Londoners are interviewed. What do they say about living in a multicultural city?Take a look at the above immigration timeline by BBC. The text ends with these words"Fifty years after the start of mass immigration to the UK, questions are still being asked about whether or not the UK can become a multi-ethnic society at ease with itself - or whether there is still a long road to be travelled."         What does it mean? Which are the pros and cons of a multicultural society in your opinion?2) And now let's talk about a great man who fought for the rights of black people M. L. King's speech "I have a dream" For the whole speech (with audio, hyperlinks and notes):http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htmWatch the video and read the above speech text, then answer the following questions:When and where was this famous speech held?Who is the "great American" who signed the Emancipation Proclamation? What do you know about  him?What is the Declaration of Independence?What does M. L. King mean when he says: "Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred."?What does M. L. King dream?M. L. King biography:http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/people/martin_luther_king.shtmlRead the above biography and answer the questions:What is Rosa Parks famous for?After her death King became a leading figure in organizing an event. What did he do?What did M. L. King establish in 1957?How many people attended the Lincoln Memorial during the famous "I have a dream" speech?Which prize was King awarded in 1964?3) Let's try to define stereotypes... with some humour!Answer these questions, first:What are stereotypes? Do you think you stereotype people?Have you ever been victim of  prejudice?Which are some typical stereotypes about your country?Do these stereotypes annoy you or do you laugh at them?Now click on this post (from The Travelling Teachers) about some typical British and Italian stereotypes ... and have fun!http://thetravellingteachers.blogspot.it/2013/09/stereotypes-and-prejudice-travelteaches.html4) And now some videos and songs for young learnersA song for young learners to encourage friendship and inclusionWhat does it mean to be global?Intercultural Communication AdventureAn interesting website about multicultural music. A lot of songs (music and lyrics) about diversity and differences:http://www.songsforteaching.com/diversitymulticulturalism.htm

170 years ago the first Morse code message was sent on an experimental telegraph line from Washington to Baltimore.The following is a Morse Code  message: .... . .-.. .-.. --- / . ...- . .-. -.-- -... --- -.. -.--(Guess what I wrote!)The history of Telegraphy:http://inventors.about.com/od/tstartinventions/a/telegraph.htmThe first Morse code message:http://www.historyofinformation.com/expanded.php?id=551Samuel Morse:http://www.samuelmorse.net/The history of Morse CodeTry to write your own Morse code message with the Morse code translator!http://morsecode.scphillips.com/jtranslator.html"This mode of instantaneous communication must inevitably become an instrument of immense power" Morse,  1838"Of all the marvelous achievements of modern science the electric telegraph is transcendentally the greatest and most serviceable to mankind … The whole earth will be belted with the electric current, palpitating with human thoughts and emotions … How potent a power, then, is the telegraphic destined to become in the civilization of the world! This binds together by a vital cord all the nations of the earth. It is impossible that old prejudices and hostilities should longer exist, while such an instrument has been created for an exchange of thought between all the nations of the earth."Charles F. Briggs and Augustus Maverick, "The Story of the Telegraph", 1858How communication has changed in timeLet's see how communication changed through the ages. Have a look at the following infographics.Click on the images or on the  links below each image to enlarge:http://dailyinfographic.com/the-evolution-of-communication-infographic/communicationhttp://blog.voxox.com/blog/bid/302283/Infographic-The-Evolution-of-Communicationhttp://techow.net/2012/04/02/how-communication-has-evolved-over-the-ages-infographic/Also technology in school has changed over time!http://elearninginfographics.com/timeline-of-educational-technology-in-schools-infographic/http://elearninginfographics.com/classroom-technology-evolution-infographic/Watch the following two videos about how technology is changing in education.Students' taskAfter reading all the information and watching the videos about the communication evolution, write a report about your impressions. Has the way children study changed for the better?Do you use technology in your school?Do you think studying with computers, iPads or mobiles can be more productive?Do you enjoy using new digital tools? Why?What are the pros and cons about using technology in the classroom?Of course you can't use paper and pen for your report...Choose one of these tools and have fun!https://www.blendspace.com/ (to collect your web resources)https://www.thinglink.com/ (if you want to add any links to an image)http://popplet.com/ (for your mindmaps)http://piktochart.com/ (to make your own infographic)http://www.storyjumper.com/ (to create your e-book)

School is almost over... We've been working hard and we are going to enjoy some well-deserved rest!Let's  think about the school year just spent together.What have I learned?Did I enjoy my lessons and my teachers?Did I have fun with my school mates?Which are the most memorable moments?What would I like to say to my teachers and friends now?What am I doing next summer?How will the next school year be?This year we have been learning a lot of grammar.... but we've been trying to use new technology, as well. Let's try to put the things together! You can choose one of the following activities which allow you to prepare your report or tell your story using images, photos and videos!Students' activitiesLet's divide our activities into three parts: past, present and future. PASTMake a presentation or en e-book about the topics or the events you liked the most using one of the following tools: (for infographics and posters)PiktochartThinglinkGlogster(for presentations using images)PicLitCapzles(for e-books)StoryjumperRevise and use the Past Simple and the Present Perfect.PRESENTImagine you are the teacher for one day. Choose one topic and prepare your lesson selecting your web sources on:Blendspaceor prepare a presentation using:Haiku DeckPowtoonRevise and use the Present Simple and the Present Continuous.FUTUREThis school year is over and the summer holidays are about to begin! Where are you going on holidays? What would you like to do? Which places would you like to see? Which class or new school are you attending next year? How do you imagine it? Use the foolowing tools to tell us about your future plans or expectations:(for your presentation)Prezi(to tell about your journey)Tour BuilderRevise and use the Future Forms (Will; Present Continuous; To be going to). Enjoy your holidays and always...

Aesop was an ancient Greek fabulist. He is presumed to have been born in 620 B.C. Unfortunately not much is certain about his life but some agree that June, 4th was his birthday. It's an opportunity for us to talk about fables. Aesop's fables's characters are animals, often with a humorous twist, and his tales always have a moral and a lesson to teach.If you want to read, watch or listen to Aesop's fables click on the following links: Aesop's fables summaries:http://englishmicrodot.blogspot.it/p/aesops-fables-adapted-for-esl.html#AF1Youtube cartoons about Aesop's fables with subtitles:https://www.youtube.com/show/aesopsfablesanimatedstoriesinenglishAesops's fables audio files with a printable transcript:http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/aesops_fablesSOME TASKS FOR YOU1) WEBQUESTNow click on the image below to open my Blendspace lesson  and, after reading all the information, write a report about Aesop, his most famous fables and morals.2) MY OWN FABLEThe following is a Padlet board I made for you. There are 5 simple steps to create your own fable. Click on the image below to open the board, then click on each step to open a link.Then, make a presentation with Projeqt (you can pin your presentation's URL on my Padlet board!). Click on the link below to open my short example.

We can believe that aliens exist or not, it is a very fascinating and intriguing topic anyway!June and July are UFO months! First of all, the famous Roswell UFO incident took place in the U.S. in June or July 1947. Moreover, July 2nd is the official World UFO Day (in the past also June 24th was celebrated as the UFO Day, until the World UFO Day Organization  declared July 2nd to be the official UFO Day).As usual, this is just an opportunity for us to have a different kind of lesson... and this time the topic will be full of mystery!LET'S LEARN A LITTLE MORE ABOUT UFOSUFO means Unidentified Flying Object, that is any unexplained moving object flying in the sky.Ufo sightings have been reported since ancient times...The first Ufo sightings:http://www.theastralworld.com/aliens-ufos/first-ufo-sightings.phpList of reported Ufo sightings from antiquity to the 21st century. you can even select a list by location:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reported_UFO_sightingsCave painting, Sego Canyon, Utah - estimated up to 5.5000 B.C.Medieval painting  Egyptian hieroglyphicsACTIVITIES AND GAMES FOR KIDSLet's have some fun with our young learners!Esl printables:http://www.eslprintables.com/reading_worksheets/reading_comprehension/ufos/Alien printables, mazes, puzzles and coloring pages for younger learners:http://www.printactivities.com/Theme-Printables/Alien-Printables.htmlFunny aliens games for young kids:http://www.wartgames.com/themes/science/UFOs.htmlSpace crafts for kids:http://www.craftjr.com/space-crafts-for-kids/THE SOLAR SYSTEMTalking about Ufos could also be an opportunity to discuss about the universe or the environmental problems (see my previous post about an aliens' message from the space).Space and the solar system:http://simpleesl.com/english-worksheets-activities-games-outer-space/Games about the solar system:http://www.eslgamesplus.com/space-solar-system/MOVIESThere are plenty of movies about Ufos and aliens. Students woul be so happy to watch some of them!List of films featuring extraterrestrials:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_featuring_extraterrestrialsSpace alien movies for kids:http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/genres-movies/family-friendly/space-alien-movies-for-kids/Aliens movies for teens:https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/alien-movies-for-tweens-and-teensMY OWN ALIENS STORYOk, we have just learned something about Ufos. Now it's time to write a story!Click on my Thinglink image below and then click again on each link. You will get some more information about aliens. Choose your type of flying saucer and your alien's specie, read about abductions and crop circles... and invent your story!

Talking about food and recipes can help ESL learners improve their: food related vocabularyoral skills (brainstorming, discussion, giving instructions)written skills (describing and giving instructions)knowledge of different cultures (learning foreign recipes, food and traditions)healthy habitsRECIPES VOCABULARY AND ACTIVITIESHere's a great site with exercises and activities about cooking and kitchens:http://www2.issbc.org/janis-esl/subtopicrecipes.htmlSome printables:http://www.eslprintables.com/vocabulary_worksheets/food/recipes/Cooking worksheets:http://busyteacher.org/classroom_activities-vocabulary/food_and_drinks/cooking-worksheets/Vocabulary about cooking:http://englishwilleasy.com/english-through-pictures/food/food-preparation-recipes/http://www.vocabulary.cl/Lists/Cooking-Instructions.htmStudents' taskPrepare a mindmap about cooking vocabulary using a mindmapping tool.BRITISH RECIPESSome British recipes:http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/britishhttp://www.britainexpress.com/articles/Food/index.htmRecipes and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner):http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/cuisines/britishBritish and Irish festive cooking:http://britishfood.about.com/od/festivecooking/Cuisines by country:http://www.foodbycountry.com/http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/blogs/80dishesStudents' taskChoose one recipe and prepare it at home. The next day show your classmates how you prepared it (or make a video!).HEALTHY RECIPESRecipe calculator to calculate the nutritional information of a recipe:http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-calculator.aspHealthy recipes:http://uktv.co.uk/food/homepage/sid/6037Healthy food to prevent heart disease (British Heart Foundation):http://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/prevention/healthy-eating.aspxStudents' taskWhat do you do to keep yourself fit? Describe your diet and your habits using a presentation tool.You have a lot of information about food and cooking, now. You are ready to create...your digital magazine! With Glossi you can publish your own magazine with text, images, links or videos. It's very simple, have a look at my short example:Click on the image to openStudents' taskCreate your own web magazine with Glossi! Write your articles, add images and videos and have fun!

SOME RESOURCESFIFA official site:http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/vocabulary/football.shtmlFuleco, Brazil 2014 mascot:http://en.mascot.fifa.com/The World Cup Stadiums 2014:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10383648/World-Cup-stadiums-a-venue-guide-for-Brazil-2014.html HISTORY A brief history of the World Cup:http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1989102,00.html?xid=rss-photoessays&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+time/photoessays+TIME:+Top+PhotoessaysSOME FOOTBALL VOCABULARY Football vocabulary:http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/vocabulary/football.shtml  FOOTBALL RULESThe rules of football:http://rulesoffootball.co.uk/ACTIVITIES AND PRINTABLESQuizzes and printable worksheets:http://www.esolcourses.com/topics/the-world-cup.htmlhttp://www.esolcourses.com/topics/football.htmlWorld Cup worksheets:http://www.eslprintables.com/Vocabulary_worksheets/Sports/World_Cup/INFORMATION ABOUT BRAZILBrazil:http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/countries/brazil.htmlhttp://www.infoplease.com/country/brazil.htmlhttp://www.mapsofworld.com/brazil/information/fact.htmlYOUR TASKAnd now it's up to you! Let's make a digital sport magazine about the World Cup events. Last time I used Glossi (in my previous post about food and recipes), now I've tried Joomag.Here you can find a short example of our sport web magazine. You can write articles, add images, links or videos and keep us informed about the World Cup news! Click below to open my exampleBecome a digital journalist! Some advice for you:How to write a digital storyHow to wrtite a sports article

Summer is usually holiday time and some of us are planning a journey. We often consult a map to decide which places we want to visit and to define our route. Using digital maps before, during and even after our journey, can be great fun! These are some free map tools that can make our trip more enjoyable and can also be very useful as summer tasks for our students!(If we are not planning a trip, just imagining where we would like to go in the future could be very amusing and stimulating.)BEFORE LEAVINGBefore leaving let's have a look at the time zones. With the Time Zone Converter map you can easily convert a time in one location to the time in another location just with one click. If you want to know how long your journey will take, you can use the Trip Calculator Map. Simply enter your average speed and start clicking. You can know how long your journey is and how long it will take to complete.Now, a very useful tool to compare different cultures.If you don't know exactly where to go, if you are wondering which country is right for you, try Ifitweremyhome.If we were not born in our country, what would our life be like? This tool is a gateway to understand life outside our country. You can compare living conditions in your own country to those of another. Some examples:http://www.ifitweremyhome.com/compare/GB/IThttp://www.ifitweremyhome.com/compare/IT/GBDURING YOUR JOURNEYMapskip is a very original tool. The world is a canvas for your own stories and photos. You start from a map, you click on the place you like, you add your mark and write your story about that place. You can tell your adventures adding your pictures, links or videos. It could be great to update your journey in real time!My example about the town where my school is located:http://www.mapskip.com/stories.php?story=6681AFTER YOUR JOURNEYTourbuilder is a fantastic tool! You have the whole world to put your stories on! It allows you to write your stories directly in the various countries of the world where they are set.You will need to install the Google Earth Plugin (it only takes a couple of minutes), if you haven't already.You can add your photos, videos or links to describe the places you visited.Tour Builder takes track of all your movements on the map and this is the final result. Watch my brief example about my Cambridge experience! Choose "enter Street View" on the map to watch 3D the places I saw!My example.https://tourbuilder.withgoogle.com/builder#play/ahJzfmd3ZWItdG91cmJ1aWxkZXJyEQsSBFRvdXIYgICA8KrmkggMThe following is a very good site suggesting some other mapping tools for schools:http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/Mapping+ToolsSTUDENTS' TASKDescribe your real or imaginary journey using the above map tools. Write some information about the country you are going to visit, the time zones, the distances between a place and another and describe some cultural differences between this country and your own.Then, with Mapskip or Tour Builder add some pictures, videos or links to all your destinations.HAVE A NICE TRIP!

Next July I am going  to London with some of my students. I would like to give them some information before leaving. Here there are some activities, videos, tips and a final webquest!Top 10 Attractions of London A brief history of London:http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/a-brief-history-of-london If you want to investigate the British history further:http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/A virtual tourNow let's take a virtual tour of London! Click on the image above. You are on the London Eye and you have the whole city at your feet! Choose a place and click on it. You can take a virtual tour of each landmark and have all the information (clicking on "More Information") about its history. After visiting a place, click on "Back to London Eye" to go back in your capsule and choose another destination. Sometimes, while visiting a place, you will see the following button:It redirects you to the website of that specific sight. Click on it to have more information.The TubeWhile visiting London, you can't help taking the Tube! It's the easiest way to get around the town. Visit the following site to learn more about the London underground, there are some useful tips for the travellers:http://www.visitlondon.com/traveller-information/getting-around-london/london-tubeHow to use the London TubeThe London tube is the oldest underground in the world. It was opened in 1890. Let's practise to use the tube map! Click on the following image and look for your destinations: WEBQUESTNow you are ready to complete this simple questionnaire I prepared for you about  London! Surf the sites I suggested above, watch the video you will find at the beginning of the webquest and answer the questions. Write your name and click on "send" at the end of the quiz. If your answers are right you are ready to leave!See some other posts of mine about London.London landmarks:http://thetravellingteachers.blogspot.it/2013/09/london-august-2013.htmlLondon museums:http://thetravellingteachers.blogspot.it/2014/05/international-museum-day-may-18.html

Today I would like to talk about poetry. Could it be useful in an EFL class?  As usual, I try to imagine some activities that involve the use of different digital tools.What's poetry? At the following link you can find some great definitions (I made the above word cloud from some of these definitions using Tagul):http://poetinthecity.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/what-is-poetry-50-definitions-and-counting/Why study poetry in an ESL classroom? Poetry can help you reach many goals. Take a look at the following map I created with Cacoo:Click to enlarge my diagramSome links about the different kinds of poetryDifferent types of poetry:https://www.youngwriters.co.uk/glossary-poetry-typeshttp://www.poetryfoundation.org/learning/glossary-terms?category=forms-and-typesExamples of different types of poetry:http://examples.yourdictionary.com/types-of-poetry-examples.htmlForms of poetry:http://www.poeticterminology.net/index.htmWhat about writing a poem?Watch the videoWhere to begin? Have a look at this diagram I made with Cacoo.Click to enlarge my mapSome more tipsSome useful figures of speech:http://esl.about.com/cs/reading/a/blpoetry.htmTo find rhymes:http://www.rhymezone.com/Let's practise!Magnetic Poetry is a funny tool to write poems. You have to choose some words to create your masterpiece! Try it! Watch my example at the following link:http://play.magneticpoetry.com/poem/Original/kit/15415/?h=8444d213e9cd688d306fa98d2aa7ca79You could also make a poetry magazine where you could collect all your poems! Joomag is a great web tool.Have a look at my example by clicking on the picture below:"Poetry is when an emotion has found its thought and the thought has found words."Robert Frost

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