English Song

In this English unit we're learning about giving directions and different related vocabulary. There is a special song called "Downtown"--the lyrics are in your book.
Click here to listen (and sing along to) the video!
Click on the links on this webpage to see pictures of the real Book of Kells

Spring Break!

During Spring Break we celebrate Easter. In the United States, we celebrate the holiday in different ways. One famous tradition is the Easter Bunny.

This rabbit comes early on Easter morning and hides colorful eggs around the garden. The eggs are filled with candy or small toys or coins. Then, children must run and look for all the eggs. They collect them in a basket.

After the Easter egg hunt, many families have a big brunch together. One popular food is a honey-baked ham. Does this sound like a fun way to celebrate Easter? What do you and your family do? Leave an answer in the comments!

Click if you want to learn more by watching a video about Easter at the White House (where the American President lives). Easter has a long history. If you want to learn more about that watch this video. There are some questions you can answer afterwards to make sure you understood the video. Wach this video to learn how chocolate Easter eggs are made! There are also some good activities to do before and after watching.

Spring Break is also the perfect time to study English! If you do, you'll come back to school ready to get 10s on all your exams! Practice giving directions with this activity or this one. How did you do?

EXTRA: Watch some of these funny videos. Did they make you laugh?

St. Patrick's Day 2013

Next week (on Thursday March 14th) we will celebrate St. Patrick's Day! There will be dancing, arts and crafts, games, singing, etc. Make sure you wear GREEN.

This is an Irish holiday, but it is also very popular in the United States. In order to celebrate it properly we need to know some basic information about St. Patrick and Ireland. Read this website, so you can learn important facts about Ireland. Did anything surprise you?

Ireland is a beautiful country. It is an island near England. They speak English and Gaelic. If you watch this video and listen to the beautiful, traditional music you'll get a "tour" of the country. Popular Irish sports are Gaelic football and hurling. Would you like to learn how to play one of these games?

Do you like to dance (or to watch dancing)? Irish dancing is very special and unique.This is Irish dancing with modern costumes.

Another teacher's assistant made this video that gives you the most important information about St. Patrick and why he is important. Want to make sure you understood everything? Check out a second video. What new information did you learn?

We are learning the song Molly Mallone. (Above is a statue of her!) Here's a famous Irish band singing the song. And, to practice, watch this version with lyrics. We are also going to make and wear leprechaun hats. Click here to learn more about these magical creatures. And, if you want, here's a game.

 I'll leave you with this traditional Irish blessing:
"May your thoughts be as glad as shamrocks,
May your heart be as light as song,
May each day bring you bright, happy hours,
That stay with you all the year long."

In America, we celebrate St. Patrick's Day with big parades just like they do in Dublin. Here is a video that shows part of the 5-hours-long parade in New York City. What do you think? In Chicago the city dyes the river green.

Why are you excited about St. Patrick's Day? Write about it in the comments!