William's Class Blog

Paraphrasing

2011-03-08T13:54:00.005+13:00

Hello all

It was good to meet you in class this morning. I hope that by now all your emails are now active. Prove it to me by replying 'Hi'.

I was interested to see you learning about paraphrasing. Did you know that NZ Polytechnic students also need to learn about that too? At the Learning Centre we have a free leaflet about that subject. You can come by to F121 and get a copy of it if you like.

I took a look on You Tube and found this 1-minute video about it.

That's all for today.

Thank you.

By the way, these emails are not active yet: Kangsl1, Leemr1, Chosy1 and Taufaal1

Pariya's 2011 level 4 ESOL class

2011-02-28T13:43:00.004+13:00

Hello everybody. Thank you for reading my email, and for following the link to this blog.

My name is William Lucas. I used to work with Pariya, and I taught English for many years. But for the last few years, I've been working at the Learning Centre. One of you, Suraiya, has already been to my room to see me. Let me introduce myself, and the Learning Centre, to the rest of you.

The Learning Centre helps students from the whole Polytechnic with their studies. We show people how to study, how to do their assignments, even how to handle numbers. We don't usually help ESOL students study English, because that is what your teachers do!

However, I would like to contribute to your class. The best way that I can do that is through my blog, which is a kind of diary. It is a tool that you can use to communicate with me, and to search through for the online English resources that I've located.

In April I will move to Uto near Kumamoto in Kyushu, Japan with my wife and baby. I shall continue to work for Otago Polytechnic from there. Some of you come from that country. In fact, there is someone in your class who has the same surname as my wife! In Japan I shall work part time online. One of the things I could do is to help your class, but I will only do that if you need me.

Let me know if you receive this email by sending a quick reply. I would be happy to start an ongoing conversation with you. Good luck to you this year from me.

To be continued . . .

2010-12-16T13:44:00.003+13:00

Hi Taka and Shogo!

Thank y0u for coming to see me at the Learning Centre. We had a good time, didn't we? You both want to improve your speaking in English, especially giving presentations. I hope that some of the ideas that I mentioned will be useful to you.

Your visit made me think more about this blog. I started it 4 years ago in 2006. I haven't written a post for a while, but I think that I will resume doing so. It doesn't take me much time, but it could be useful to students like you.

Remember: free information, open questions, listening to people talk about themselves, telling a simple joke, holding something in your hand or moving your body a little.

Please write a comment in reply to this post to let me know that you have read it. Enjoy your holidays, and have a good time ten-pin bowling, enjoying a barbecue, and visiting Alexandra.

A request for reading

2009-11-02T16:04:00.003+13:00

It has been a long time since I wrote a post to this blog. At present I don't have a class of my own, but work at the Learning Centre. I see and help students from all over Otago Polytechnic.

A day or so ago I was visited by a student studying English. Although at the Learning Centre we do help students with their English (among other things) we generally don't help with their course content directly. That is why we generally leave the teaching of English to the English teachers!

But I have taught English for many years, so I wasn't about to turn a student away. This post is to help him, maybe his classmates . . . and I'll forward it to his teachers just to let them know what I suggest.

What I suggest is for him to explore this blog for material about 'Reading'. A starting point could be this link that takes you to the British Council IELTS speed reading site.

Click on the link to hear my voice

2009-06-04T15:54:00.002+12:00

http://williamottelucas.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-06-03T20_48_50-07_00

Let's go exploring

2009-05-17T09:14:00.001+12:00

Welcome to another week. Thank you for your hyperlinks a few weeks ago. I'm still waiting on Leo, Luna and 'Grumpy' for your contributions.

I would like to to do some exploring. Click on the hyperlink 'William's English Links'. You will arrive at my Delicious account (Hadashi05) with all the sites I have tagged with 'English' displayed. There are currently 78 of these.

You won't have time to look at the all. But I would like all of them looked at. Here's what we will do.

Everyone gets a random number between 1 and 8 (Pariya, would you allocate these?)
Go to the foot of my Delicious links, and you will see that there are 8 pages
Click on the page number you were given, and look at the 10 sites that you arrive at
Spend the rest of your time exploring the best one (in your opinion) of those 10 sites
During the hour, get up and have a look at everyone else's selected page

Oh, and congratulations to Pariya for starting her own blog.

Delicious

2009-05-13T12:46:00.004+12:00

If you have gmail you can send messages to me now

What do you think is delicious? Food and drink, of course. But it is also a delicious feeling to find something that you thought you had lost. I think that this is the reason that the social bookmarking site Delicious has that name.

You have used it before. Or rather, you have used my delicious links. It is good to make use of what other people have discovered, but is also good to make discoveries on your own.

Why do I use the word 'discoveries'? That is the name that I give to useful web addresses that I stumble across. They are the sites that you find when you surf. You want to be able to find the good ones again, and not by manually writing down their addresses. That is too time-consuming. And it is far to easy to make mistakes.

You work today:

On my blog, click on William's English Links

Scroll down to TED Talks, and come back in 10 minutes

To be continued . . .

Let's hyperlink today

2009-04-29T09:06:00.019+12:00

Hi everyone

Are you all settled in yet for term 2? As Pariya told us, this term will be like the end of the year for us. Our course finishes at the end of the semester, so this is our last opportunity to really become independent learners. As Christine said, "We are going to hold your hands."

This course of study is better than just holding hands. Look, you now have the benefit of three teachers' ideas! What could be better?

As well as ideas from three teachers, you also have each other--your classmates--to learn from and be inspired by. That brings me to the topic of this week's post: hyperlinking.

You already use hyperlinks all the time. Whenever you use the Internet and click on a word to take you to another page, that is a hyperlink.

Today I am including all of our (first) names: three teachers and nine students (and maybe one or two guests). All of those names are going to be hyperlinks. When you click on a person's name, you will be directed to a 'Very Useful Page' that that person recommends. It may be the last useful page (about learning or using English) that you remember, a favorite site, or an address that you enjoyed visiting. All you need to do is tell me that address--verbally, on a bit of paper, or in an email [williamottelucas@gmail.com]. I shall do the rest.

Please enjoy hyper-travelling to these addresses and seeing what is there.

IELTS Sampler

2009-04-02T12:25:00.003+13:00

A few days ago, I was asked by the Home Tutors Association if I would prepare a short IELTS test that their New Zealand tutors could try to see what the IELTS test is like. I completed it this morning, and gave it to them. I am also giving it to you.

At the front of the classroom there are two sheets. They are for you to keep. You have tried the listening already, and you have looked at one of the writing tasks (yesterday). But you could try the reading--together maybe. And you could also plan the writing task about the pie graphs.

That is what I would like you to busy yourselves with this afternoon between 1 and 3.

Breaking News English

2009-04-01T08:36:00.003+13:00

Today I'd like to introduce you to a new site. That is, it is probably new to you. But I have used it in previous years. The work we did about Slum Dog Millionaire came from there.

The site is called Breaking News English. You may go there by following the link at the foot of this post, but only after you have read this post first!

The site has been operating for several years. You can search its archives by month and year. It makes English lessons based on current news stories (breaking news). You can practise many skills here. You can choose stories that you are actually interested in.

Very well, now that you have read what I have to say, do go on to . . .

BreakingNewsEnglish.com

Millionaire

2009-03-31T08:32:00.004+13:00

After talking about the movie, Slum Dog Millionaire, several times in class , I remembered a documentary I once video-taped. It shows a true-life case of cheating on the program, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

Below is an embedded link to the first part of that documentary on Youtube.

I don't know what language the subtitles are though!

Housitting answers

2009-03-26T12:49:00.003+13:00

Hi class

The answers to questions 11 to 20 are:

11 - 1989
12 - Internet
13 - one month
14 - pets/cats and gardens
15 - pay any bills/expenses
16 - home owners
17 - privacy
18 - $375
19 - the agency/company or Contented Homes
20 - insurance

After that, can I leave it up to you to keep yourselves busy doing self-directed study? You may work outside the classroom. If you choose to remain in the classroom, please be considerate and don't disturb or distract each other. Thank you.

Top ESOL sites from Delicious

2009-03-25T08:37:00.003+13:00

I know, I know--I recommended that you stay with one site only, so that you don't feel overwhelmed. But in case you have the urge to check out other sites, below I've listed the top ESOL sites that pop up when I search for the term in Delicious.

By the way, you can search for ESL as well as ESOL. Some extra sites show up:

Japanese Tourists in Australia

2009-03-19T12:30:00.002+13:00

Hi All (five of you today)

This afternoon, I'd like you to work on an IELTS writing exercise. I would like each of you to try it. Just before 3, I will come by and collect your work--so please don't head off early!

Raj has already attempted this assignment on his own. However, I feel that he may not have understood the main points in the information, so . . .

Copy the task onto the whiteboard
Discuss what is the main information that the data shows
Decide how you will begin writing
Individually complete the task

After that, you are welcome to work on whatever you wish.

Continuing . . .

2009-03-18T13:05:00.009+13:00

Hi All

By now you should have decided which site you prefer for learning English (for now). Please work on that for the first 30 minutes or so. But then check this post (by refreshing the web page). Today I want to introduce you to about 5 sites that you may also enjoy.

Online dictation is a good technique. Here is a good place to begin.
Here is Radio New Zealand. It has podcasts to listen to.
Speaking of podcasts, you may listen about Iceland's economic collapse here. This comes from The State We're In, a Dutch radio site that produces weekly broadcasts.
In the past few days, I mentioned 'minimal pairs'. You can practice those here.
Finally, you can practice word order at this site.
World English might be good for you to look at also.

My Top ESOL Site Selection

2009-03-10T15:38:00.005+13:00

Afife has just reminded me that AM3 class are interested in online ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). She told that they would like to join us in the computer access suite this Wednesday from 1 to 3.

"What would they like to do?" I asked her.

"Anything and everything," she replied.

So today I am spending an hour looking through my archives to find some good sites. I recommend that you try the following:

Thursday afternoon - week 3

2009-03-05T12:06:00.004+13:00

As usual, I shall be working at the Learning Centre this afternoon, but I shall try and come by to see you.

Here is a list of work for you

Have you given me your report about rubbish recycling?
Prepare a timetable for what you plan to do during the next 10 hours of self-directed learning
Browse through the June 1996 Reader's Digest magazine (Ahmed N.B. Chess!)
Finally, if you have time, you might like to read the Sleep Advice article in the plastic green folder.

Topic sentences

2009-03-05T08:18:00.002+13:00

Hunting on the Internet, I discovered this resource. It gives you practice in finding topic sentences. Why don't you have a go? Good luck!

(p.s. The exercise comes from a very comprehensive page for French students to learn academic reading and writing skills.)

2009-03-04T08:30:00.002+13:00

Try to correct these sentences. In each there's an easy mistake.

Imagine planet orbiting a star.
They eventually managed persuade Robert to seek hospital help.
I was found a nest with an egg in it.
A profession pilot was planning to take a radio-show host aloft.
The russian did pay my fare and my Hotel to go to vienna.
Do you spend too much time at work on tasks you hates?
Three-fours of the white population of the South was of Celtic descent.
We were surprising at how bright the light was on the snow.
Every day for seven month the Polish farm girl came to feed him.
A tiny piece of a victims bone can send a killer to jail.
He visited his doctor first thing at Monday morning.
Olympic flag consists of five interlinked rings.
“Mum’s got a boyfriend, the elder sister whispered.”
Gum passes through the digestive tract vitually unchanged.
Could a single donor liver saving them both?
For three days the two didnt speak.
They flew across frigid seas with out radar.
Chess it good training because it makes you sit and think.
A smiling doesn’t cost anything.
She lived to a ripe old aged.

Self-directed Study Options

2009-03-02T07:28:00.006+13:00

Study Options

1. Get a notebook.
2. Commit to attainable goals
3. Keep a record of the hours that you spend on various activities

For your Individual Development Plan (IDP), you and I will decide what you need to do e.g. by the end of the term read 3 books, complete 5 chapters of Murphy's Grammar, dictate for 2 hours.

Sorry, no 'instant' results

READING
Speed reading: 10 articles in the green folder from the book More Reading Power
IELTS online: Try this site
Goal reading: Record how many pages/hours you read, and write reviews
RD generic question sheet: Complete this sheet for Reader's Digest articles
Reading log: Make a list of all books you’ve read/rejected with thoughts about them

Student accounts: You need 3 things: Backbone, Wishbone and Funnybone. Read these accounts and write one yourself.

WRITING
Goal writing: Set a goal for number of pages you will write within a time period
Journal: Keep a journal or daily diary
IELTS writing: Try exercises from IELTS material in the class
Create a blog: Go to http://www.blogger.com/home and begin
Write to my blog: Respond, ask questions, explore links and archives of my blog.

PRONUNCIATION
Pair dictation: Dictate sentences to a partner
Record yourself: Record and listen to your voice on tape
Minimal pairs: Practice hearing and producing the correct pronunciation here.
Imitation: Listen to and then imitate a recording of someone whose voice you admire

GRAMMAR
Diagnostic test: Complete a diagnostic test to decide which grammar points to revise from a text book such as Murphy
Online drill: Use an online site to practise. Here are some.
The ‘X’ files: Keep a file of errors you’ve made (both the errors and the corrections)

SPELLING/VOCABULARY
Academic word list: Familiarize yourself with the 571 words on this list
Basic spelling: test yourself by levels, the first 1000 or the second thousand words
Online spelling: Use online spell testing. Here are some links.
Notebook: Keep a notebook of words you have spelled incorrectly
Context collection: Highlight 5 new words per RD page

IELTS
Insight into IELTS: Work your way in the class (and at home) through this text
Strategies for Study: This is another excellent book to use as a resource.
Online IELTS: This is only one site but there are several

LISTENING
Headphones: Obtain a pair to help you listen in peace on any computer
Tape cassettes: Listen to tapes (we need this gear in the classroom)
Talking books: Borrow these from the library
Online listening: There is a wealth of material on the Internet. Start here.
Lectures: Listen to recorded lectures. Sit in on actual lectures. Also work with the textbook Study Listening

CONVERSATION
Assistants: You could take part in Conversation Hour with AM3
Jabberwacky: Improve your response speed here.

Apologies for this morning

2009-02-25T23:18:00.002+13:00

Hi everyone

Thanks for commenting on my blog yesterday. Could you please do the same today?

I must apologize for not being here in the morning. I have an appointment in town that I need to attend. I shall arrive in class before lunchtime.

In your self-directed study time, therefore, please do the following:

Spend no more than 45 minutes doing a Diagnostic Grammar Test. (Look for the 9 sheets in a plastic pocket, pages 301 to 309.) Please do not write on the sheets (please check no one else does either). Work on separate sheets in any order, and exchange with other people when you are done.

Spend up to 45 minutes working through Reading Unit 1 in 'Insight into IELTS'. I shall check this when I come to class.

Don't encourage Ahmed to distract himself playing chess on the computer, unless it is to show you the IELTS speed reading site that he discovered on the computer yesterday (Leo is familiar with it too).

I should be back by 11 a.m. but if not . . . There is a library tour arranged for our class and for AM3 today at that time. After morning tea please join with Pariya's class. You are well prepared to learn more and to ask questions from the library staff!

Otzi the iceman

2009-02-25T08:54:00.004+13:00

In class last week we listened to an IELTS task about an iceman. His name is Otzi. You may read about him at this website. Here is a podcast that is worth listening to. And here is a longer one.

Thursday's assignment

2009-02-19T12:11:00.007+13:00

photo by Leigh Blackall

Welcome to the afternoon. I am sending you these instructions from F121. Find me there when you come to Step 4.

Step 1: Sketch a simple map of the interior of the Bill Robertson Library. Don't forget: there are two stories--floor one and floor two. This should not take you more than half an hour.

Step 2: Divide the floor area up into exactly 20 sections. It is up to you to decide how to do this, but every space should contain resources. For example, the children's section, the audio-visual section, the periodicals section etc. Label each area.

Step 3: Now I want you to rank these 20 sections into order from the most interesting (1) to the least interesting (20). There are no wrong or right answers. It is only your opinion. (And your ranking is not likely to be the same as anyone else in the class.

Step 4: Visit me individually in room F121. I will then give you the last instruction. You must allow half an hour for the last task, so see me before 2.30 pm.

Later: I will give you a random number from 6 to 15. Look at your ranked list. What is that section in the library (it may be journal about nursing, it may be NZ fiction . . .). THEN, I would like to to take out a book (or whatever) from that section. You will need an ID card. If you don't have the idea card, then just make a note of the title and the author. Next Monday we see if you were successful.

Okay, good luck. Help one another like a true team. I am with you in spirit.

Have patience!

2009-02-19T08:37:00.003+13:00

photo by Vecchia Betty

Remember (or learn) the expression: Rome wasn't built in a day.

Some of you--make that a lot of you--are eager to improve your English. Great! I'm glad you've started this year with good intentions.

But do relax. Do take your time. Do give me a chance to think about how each of you, and how each of you may best improve. If we rush thing now then we may not end up spending our time most efficiently.

Thank you for the first needs/preferences evaluations on Wednesday. Excellent! That gives me a base on which to build (your English houses). I'm working on it--them.

Why don't you follow the link to the photographer of today's picture? If you join Flickr then you can write a comment about her and other people's pictures.

Rio found this page

2009-02-18T14:22:00.007+13:00

Nobody likes this animal, because they bite.

Rio found this page. Thanks for that, Rio. It is for advanced English students. Why don't you try it? Lipika, it has a reading room. Gulchella and Ahmed, it has a listening lounge.

Welcome to 2009

2009-02-09T11:02:00.010+13:00

Welcome to all students! My name is William, and I welcome you to my class (AM4), to Otago Polytechnic, and maybe even to Dunedin. It's going to be a good year.

I'm going to use this blog to communicate with you throughout 2009, and perhaps even after. You will be able to access this even after you complete your course. So keep in touch. Drop me a line--maybe as a comment--from time to time.

I'm going to use this post to clarify for you (and for me) what we'll be doing this first semester. All we English teachers will be following a new Programme Document; we won't be teaching you exactly how we've taught in the past. As for me, I'm returning to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) after a year of working at the Learning Centre. I did not have my own English class last year, though I did help Pariya's class with online learning.

This is the first year that level 4 ESOL is being offered by me, or by us. It will be a step up for all of us. I did once run a course called English for Further Study when I began working for Otago Polytechnic, back in 1997, up at Tennyson Street up from the Octagon. So I am not a complete beginner, and I'm sure you're not either. (Otherwise we wouldn't have put you in this class!)

Let me now say a few things about the new teaching philosophy, scheduling, course content, assessment and so on. But keep tuned. Watch this spot. Don't turn that dial!

Philosophy of teaching:

The main change that former students may notice is that from time to time you'll be working on your own--or in pairs or groups--without constant direction from any teacher. This is a deliberate push to train you to become more independent learners. The aim is for us to train you ideally to become your own teacher. That way you will have the skills to be able to continue to improve after your semester (or year) ends. Think: 'Lifelong Learning'!

Something else we are going to do more of is to tailor our teaching to your needs. All students are not the same, and they are not at the same point. It is important to work out where each student is before being able to decide where to proceed. To facilitate that, we need to work out what your needs are, and what your preferences are concerning your learning style. Evaluation will periodically be carried out . For each of you we will draw up an IDP (Individual Development Plan) used to determine what work you could include in your portfolio and how best you could work on self-directed study.

Scheduling:

Our room for most of the week will be H112. However, on Wednesday afternoons another class will be using that room, so from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. we will move to D201 in Semester 1 (H208A in Semester 2).

On paper we will be working through these 'courses':

FN401001 Read extended information texts (Term 1)
FN308001 English exam preparation (Term 1)FN402001
Write a discussion (Term 2)
FN403001 Identify the ideas expressed in extended speech (Term 2)

I have yet to decide how to divide up the courses between morning and afternoon class. On one or two days a week--perhaps Mondays and Wednesdays--IELTS preparation classes will run from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. Attendance then is optional for full-time students. IELTS content will be provided earlier also so that no one misses out.

Traditionally, classes have conversation assistants come in for an hour per week. I will check with you, but I thought it would be better and more relevant to have graduates from previous years come in to talk with you (not to you) about what they are doing now perhaps at university or in the work force.

Course content:

Our entire programme will certainly be integrated. You shall be practicing all skills concurrently, not confined to one part of the programme or day. That includes Speaking, even though it isn't included as a separate 'course'.

There is no one textbook for our semester of work. I shall select material from a range of many textbooks. We will be using a wide range of authentic materials including magazines, newspaper articles, books, blogs, podcasts, tapes, documentaries et cetera. You will be asked to help select these. The worksheets that you will be asked to do may be generic, and be able to be applied to various texts.

Assessment:

Early on I shall provide you with a short list of dates when assessment will take place, approximately twice a term. In addition, all students will need to keep a portfolio of work. I shall tell you more about that in due course. To achieve a pass, students will need to meet performance criteria for both the assessments and and the portfolio.

Dump the drone

2009-01-11T08:50:00.000+13:00

Dump the Drone: Livelier Elearning

View more presentations from Cathy Moore. (tags: design instructional)

Accent fun

2009-01-10T08:22:00.000+13:00

I'm not sure if you are here today

2008-11-17T09:26:00.003+13:00

I'm not sure who will be here today in the computer lab. But even if some of you (or even all) are away, you can always access this blog from home, from overseas, and whenever you wish.

Today I shall set you a number of tasks. I am going to give you a list of the skills that we have practiced throughout the year. Are you able to do all of the following? If you can, then that shows you are able to use the resources that the Internet provides to make your English study fun, efficient, interesting and with variety.

Can you navigate to (find) my blog by yourself?
Can you search through my blog (try searching for the word 'grammar')?
Can you click on a hyperlink? (click to see where I found today's image)
Can you switch on or off the 'mute' button (look at the bottom right on the toolbar)?
Are you able to use Youtube (and pause to allow the clip to download)?
Do you know how to right-click and open a second window?
Do you use 'bookmarks' or 'favorites'?
Do you have another English site that you regularly visit?
Do you have a set of headphones for listening?
Do you know what 'archives' are?
Are you able to send me an email (try now)?
Are you able to see another random blog (hint: click on the hyperlink 'Next Blog' at the top of this page.

Let's visit Dave in his cafe

2008-11-10T09:28:00.004+13:00

One good site for learning English is Dave's ESL Cafe. (I heard that it is the most popular one in the world.) Today we shall dip into the stuff he has for students. Together we'll look at:

the Help Center (in NZ we spell it 'Centre')
Grammar Lessons (do you really want to?)
Idioms
Phrasal Verbs
Pronunciation Power (as much as we can without paying)
Quizzes
Slang
Student Forums

I would just like to thank all of you for your support this year. Thank you for your farewell gift. One more link I would like to direct you to is an interview with Dave Sperling. Click on it and scroll down to the listening bar at the foot of the page.

Australian English

2008-11-03T09:28:00.003+13:00

Today in the computer suite, we are going to look at an Australian site for learning English. After this class you will be able to use it to:

support your English learning through another language
read local (Pacific region) news stories
listen to the news on the radio
listen to podcasts

And finall, so that you don't leave NZ, here is the Radio New Zealand link.

Where The Hell Is Matt?

2008-10-16T14:32:00.004+13:00

At the bottom of this post there is a link. It leads you to the blog that belongs to the dancing man we met last week. His name is Matt.

I would like you to click on that link and then click on "Where is Matt Now?". Zoom in to see in which country Matt is. Then zoom in as far as you can go. Use the map to find two other places in the world that you know.

where the hell is matt?

Dancing man

2008-10-13T09:21:00.003+13:00

After you watch the video, answer 10 of the 15 following questions:

How would you describe his dancing?
What is his name?
Did he visit your country?
Would you be able to do what he does?
Why do you think he is dancing?
Do you recognize the music in the background?
Which animals do you remember?
Would you like to go to some of the places he visited?
Who do you think he made the video for?
At the end of the clip, how many other clips does YouTube list?
How old do you think he is?
Where do you think he comes from?
What question would you like to ask him?
Would he make a good friend?
Do you think he has had any problems doing what he does?

In the next few weeks we shall learn more about this man, and that will help us with our English.

Follow the leader

2008-09-22T10:19:00.002+12:00

How are you at following instructions?

How are you at asking for clarification?

Today I'm going to get you to do both.

Please tell me when you are ready to start.

Best English Learning Sites

2008-09-15T10:22:00.003+12:00

As I did last week, I'll provide you with more English learning sites. I typed the words "Interesting English Learning Site" into Google and was directed to this page.

Open up that site in another window (remember to right-click) and try to answer the following eight questions:

Who put together the page, and when?
What is the first hyperlink on the page?
What is the last hyperlink on the page?
Listening, Vocabulary, Grammar . . . how many categories of sites are there?
How many Easy Level sites are there on the whole page?
In which section, and at what level, is the Remarkable Translation Page?
Go to Edit, go to Find, search for 'slang'.
Go to 'Write a Funny Story', select 'Super Salad' and try the activity.

I hope you enjoyed yourselves today.

Treasure trove

2008-09-08T09:20:00.003+12:00

Hi Everyone

I really enjoyed my weekend. Wasn't the weather gorgeous?

Recently, I've been clearing out the papers in and on my desk. I re-discovered something that I had forgotten I had. It is a 12-sheet booklet of useful websites for learning English. It is 4 years old, but many of the websites should still be active. So what I will do is spend an hour taking a look at some of them, and listing the best of them.

Please browse all of the following within the hour, and let me know what you like best.

English zone (looks very useful)
English page (looks similar to the above)
Virtual language centre (this looks great. Try the web concordancer)
Learning resources (it concentrates on reading)
Study zone (start with a number . . .)
English baby (I'm not sure what you will find here :-) Make friends on line?
English learner movie guides (for people who like movies)

Explore your favourite music

2008-09-01T09:58:00.004+12:00

Hi everyone

I'm sorry that I wasn't with you last week. Two weeks ago I promised that I would introduce you to a music site on the Internet. Today we will go there.

The site is called Last FM. I use it a lot. I think that you could get a lot of fun out of it too. Open up two windows so that you can view it and this blog on the same screen. Remember to right-click and "open in a new window or tab".

Try to do the following:

sign up (see the top right corner)
log in
type in the name 'Beatles' and press "play"

We'll also try other things such as setting up your profile.

Negotiating

2008-08-18T09:23:00.002+12:00

Hi Everyone

Is it cold enough for you?

Today, I'll give you something to read and talk about. Later, you will be doing an assessment about negotiation, so I searched for something on that topic on the Internet.

Below is a link to an English lesson on About.com . If you scroll down the topics list on the right, you will find English as 2nd Language.

Here is a lesson that I found there. Read what it is about, and then later (another day) Pariya may have you work in groups and practise the negotiating phrases that are listed. One thing I would suggest is NOT to use the phrase "I disagree" too much. In normal conversation it is too strong. If you must, use the phrase: "I'm afraid I don't agree." It is softer.

After you have read and thought about the 3 schools, why don't you explore the rest of the home page? Just remember, some of it is written for teachers.

Visiting China

2008-08-11T09:56:00.002+12:00

Hi Everyone

We're going to visit a listening website, and through that website we will visit China.

Ten steps to great conversations

2008-08-04T09:22:00.004+12:00

Welcome back to class after the weekend.

Today's topic is conversation. I am going to pass on some advice from other people. You may need to open two or more windows. It's a useful skill when using the computer. Let's start with that.

What you do is to right-click on a hyperlink. That will allow you to open the webpage in a new window. Then, you can minimize, change the size and drag the two until they are size-by-size.

The hyperlink that I'll get you to open is a post on a blog by a man called D . . . P . . . He wrote the post about communication in 2006, on . . . The title of his blog is H . . . T . . . S . . . T . . . W . . .
He lives in C . . . and he does a lot of writing on topics that I am interested in. However, I don't expect you to read his writing. Instead, I shall go over some of his points with you.

Afterwards, we'll have a real conversation with someone ago. Search this blog for 'robot' and then click on the link you will find there. You will know thatI've introduced you to a few months you are on the right page if you see this picture:

Show and tell

2008-07-28T09:14:00.003+12:00

Hello everyone. How do you like your new computer lab? It is useful for your English to do as many things in English as possible. That includes exploring Internet English learning and using possibilities. I am happy for you to choose your own activity in the computer lab. You know best what you enjoy. But every week I shall try and make a suggestion.

Last week we ended up in the Mac Lab. We didn't get very far :-( But this week there ought to be less problems. Did some of you come today with photographs or a camera. If so, let's try and create morphs of you, your family and friends. You can see some more morphs below and also here. When you are ready, click on the link to the My Heritage site.

Your English task for today is talk with other people as much as you can about this activity. You could write about it too. For example, you could send me a comment.

Do you know what a morph is?

2008-07-21T09:52:00.006+12:00

"Welcome back for semester 2" if you are returning. "Welcome" if you are new.

I'd like to give you something interesting to talk (and read) about. It is all about faces. Some people resemble other people, and today's topic will explain how you can do that.

A website that you can you can use is this one.
(at http://www.myheritage.com/celebrity-face-recognition) .

If there are pictures of faces on your computer, you can upload them to see which celebrities they look like. Let's see how it works.

First, you upload one photo that has a large front-facing face (or faces). Do that by clicking on the 'Browse' button and searching on your computer. Second, click the 'Run face recognition' button. Here is the picture that I chose.

And this is the celebrity I look like.

And you can also create a moving morph. Ask me if you wish to try that. This is what I mean below:

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities

Fun with images

2008-06-16T09:29:00.006+12:00

Hi everyone

Let's have some fun today. I'm going to show you how to create a slide show. After you learn, you'll be able to choose some of your own photographs.

First, select some pictures. Select some by using Google. Go to to Google Images and enter an animal's name e.g. cat, frog, elephant . . .

Next, click on a picture that you like so that you see it full size. Save this picture onto you computer by right clicking it. Save it onto the desktop. I would like to select at least 5 different pictures. Finally, go to this slideshare site and follow the directions. Good luck!

I tried this

Blogging

2008-06-09T09:53:00.003+12:00

Hi everyone

Today I'll try and call by and see what H611, our new room, is like.

I'd like you to look at some blogs today. What is a blog? Well, it comes from the words 'Web Log'. You take the last letter of the first word and combine it with the next word.

B + Log = Blog

But what is it exactly?

You know what a diary is like, don't you? A diary, journal, log, travelogue etc is simply something that you write on a daily or regular basis. When you put in online it is called a blog.

What you are reading now is a blog. It's my class blog. I write regularly for ESOL students. Let me show you another blog. It's mine too, but it is about another topic. It tells about my trip through Japan three years ago. Take a look at it, but don't read too much. Please come back here in no more than 5 minutes.

(Now go to http://www.williamandmami.blogspot.com/ for 5 minutes.)

Are you back? Good! Soon I'm going to send you away again. I will ask you to look at some blogs by other people. You will look at some at random. Mostly they will be boring, so don't waste time looking at them. I would like you to glance at at least 20. Then, when you find an interesting looking blog, I want you to do two things:

Bookmark that blog's address so that you can find it again
Email me (or write a comment) and send me the address of the blog

To visit random blogs, return to either my class blog or my Japan trip blog. Look at the top of the page. On the blue bar, you simply click on the words 'Next Blog'. That's all!

Good luck.

Ship or sheep

2008-05-26T09:35:00.003+12:00

Hi All

Today I shall certainly pay you a visit in the computer lab. I'm well. I'm not on holiday. I am double-booked, so I can't spent the full hour with you, but I shall call by.

Today I have a site that Jean Monk told me about, called Ship or Sheep. Using this site will help you with your pronunciation of vowels. Maybe it will get quite noisy in the lab today!

I have bookmarked that website to my delicious account. This is a very convenient way for me to remember useful websites. Perhaps there is a student in the class who uses 'Delicious' too. If you want to join up it is free. I can help you if you like.

Essay writing

2008-05-20T13:19:00.003+12:00

This week I was absent again - this time because of gall stones. But I shall continue to work! Some students are starting work on how to write an essay. I did a quick search and discovered three sites that look good.

This site looks clear, short and simple.
This is a basic guide that also looks good.
Finally, this is a ten-step guide that also looks useful.

Take a quick look at all of them, but choose only one to study closely.

Sharing Slides

2008-05-07T13:36:00.002+12:00

A couple of posts ago I first mentioned SlideShare. Here I've had a couple of goes at making a slide show myself. If you like, I could show you how to do this too.

| View | Upload your own

A good grammar site from Germany

2008-05-06T13:35:00.002+12:00

Try this site if you like. Kwi-Ok, Hannah, Afsona enjoyed it.

Slide Show about Global Food

2008-05-05T16:51:00.001+12:00

| View | Upload your own

World's biggest photograph

2008-05-05T10:22:00.003+12:00

Welcome back after your holidays. I was on holiday too. In fact, I will still be on holiday from this class, although I will come in and see you for a few minutes.

Today I have some reading for you to do. If you click here you will arrive at an interesting site with many interesting new stories. The story I would like you to read is about the world's largest photograph. It is larger than the picture above, which is the previous world's largest photograph.

When you are finished, please choose another story to read. There are 10 other stories listed underneath the words: Related Links. After you have read that story too, see what stories the other students in the class chose. Were they all different? (If there are more than 10 students in the class then they can't have been ;-)

ESOL Tutorial Group

2008-04-15T13:33:00.004+12:00

Today three students studied with me: Hannh, Afsona and Kwi-Ok. We looked at the following sites. Their work in class this week was looking at using resources, dictionaries, Internet and the library. One of their exercises was to look at the history of certain words like ANZAC, balaclava, Trafalgar, holocaust etc.

I searched online for "Etymology" and discovered an online Etymology Dictionary.

After trying a few words I browsed this site of interesting news stories for listening comprehension. The story we chose was about the world's smallest girl.

Finally, I played this item about Fuel Economy for understanding and vocabulary.

Dictation and Comprehension

2008-04-08T12:37:00.003+12:00

Some of my old students have asked me for a place where they can listen to dictations. Here is one good site of free exercises to try.

They also asked for a site with interesting stories to read to test their comprehension. This site has interesting Asian stories.

Oxford Headway

2008-04-07T08:52:00.003+12:00

Hello everyone.

Today I shall spend my time in the computer suite with you. Thank you for your comments last week. Keep practising writing emails and messages such as comments.

Today's site will help you to improve your grammar. If you to http://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/headway/ you can choose what level to work at. After you click beginner or intermediate or advanced, then click the grammar option. Choose any unit and start to work. If you have time, you might explore other features of this site.

You are on your own!

2008-03-31T08:45:00.010+13:00

Hi AM3

Today you are on your own - Pariya included!

I am busy all day on some other work, but I shall help you online.

Here are your tasks for today:

Send me an email (to williamottelucas@gmail.com) unless your name is Upali, George, Chiho, Nola, Rasmey and Carol. Thank you to those 6 people for sending me messages previously. Sorry to anyone who I have forgotten.
Everyone please (including Pariya) write a comment on this picture - what do you think the person in the picture is thinking? Four or five lines below, you will find the word COMMENTS. Click on that, and the rest is easy.
Every week I shall recommend one new website for learning English. Last week you spoke with a robot. This week I have a good listening site for you to try. Click here.

2008-03-17T10:22:00.005+13:00

Hi all,

Last week you did an assessment of writing an email. Are you finished? No!

First, I would like you ALL to send me an email. Send it to this address: williamottelucas@gmail.com

Second, would the people who HAVEN'T YET written their names on the previous post (Carol, George(?)) kindly come up to the front and do so. If you would like your name in colour, let me know.

Third, go to this address and start talking to the man in the picture.

Our second day

2008-02-25T11:25:00.002+13:00

Hello there everyone. Did you climb the stairs after the fire alarm drill? If you are able to log in, please do so.
(If you can't, please put up your hand.)
Also, could you write your names on the sheet that is going around?

Then, come here one by one and write your name here:

Upali, Nola, John, Rasmey, Tony, Sanghee, Chiho, Don, Digna, Toshiki, Woocheol, Sunyoung, Christina, Helen.

Welcome Back

2008-02-11T16:37:00.000+13:00

I would like to welcome you back, and to say hello if you are not. Remember, you can access this blog whether or not you are a current student.

This year there will be changes at the Language Centre. You may not see one or two old faces . . . including mine. I shall be working at the Learning Centre on the ground floor of F Block. I am taking a break from teaching ESOL in 2008. However, you may still see me for help. Also, I would like to help you access ESOL online.

I shall try to take a class every Monday between 11 and 12 for you.

If you are interested in keeping up to date with what I am doing, please visit this site.

If you are interested in seeing what else I am interested in, please visit this other site.

Hey Jude

2007-12-04T10:16:00.000+13:00

Let's try to sing this song, and remember it. It's going to remind us of Otago Polytechnic Languages Centre 2007

Day 23 - Fashion

2007-12-04T09:44:00.000+13:00

Is it because yesterday was 'Women's Day', or is it just a coincidence? Whatever, the topic for today is Fashion.

Let me start you off with some sentence construction. I have written up a story in a series of short sentences. Each sentence has had its words mixed up, so it is your job to rearrange them into meaningful statements.

We'll follow that up with some 'Board Grammar'.

And, because we have a special Conversation Hour planned, we may only have a little time left over to do a collaborative writing exercise.

Now, we may not have a chance to do much more ESOL, but if we do the next topic will be Odd book titles.

This ESOL online site is also good for your children. It is New Zealand based!

Day 22 - A broken water pipe

2007-12-03T09:42:00.000+13:00

We've looked at that story of the burst water pipe, so I'll choose another story from the same site to use for board grammar.

After that, we'll look at the body language video that we didn't have time to.

Let's talk further also about optimizing our time in the Computer Suite in the future.

After today's interesting topic, how about something more fashionable on Tuesday?

Here is a list of ESOL web sites.

The clock is ticking . . .

2007-11-29T08:19:00.000+13:00

Good morning to everyone!

On the right is an image. If you click on it, you will be directed to a very interesting world clock.

Our class today will be divided into three periods, just as you asked for yesterday, Kwi-Ok. We'll start with George and Hannah's favourite (or is that 'favorite'?). Whatever. First, therefore will be 'whiteboard grammar', next will be the full 30-minute screening of the Body Language video. And then finally you will be doing some research and talking amongst yourselves.

How does that sound?

Right, let's get cracking!

All bets are now off

2007-11-28T08:54:00.000+13:00

It is proving quite difficult to follow my plan near the end of the year. Today I have a plan, but we may not follow it exactly. Let's play it by ear according to how many of us arrive.

Here is a clip that tests Americans' general knowledge. Can you do any better?

p.s. a knowledge of English is not always enough!

Day 21 - Hopes fade for the Indian Tiger

2007-11-26T09:40:00.000+13:00

Following on from yesterday's surprise barbecue . . .

Don't you think that the tiger is an impressive-looking creature? What a pity that one day there will be none of them left, according to the story from Breaking News.

I'm going to give you two paragraphs. The first has grammar errors for you to find and correct. Last week you so enjoyed doing that, so I am repeating the exercise. In fact, all this week I shall provide more for you of what you most enjoyed during the year.

The second paragraph that completes the story has words missing. In some of your writing certain people miss out articles, verbs and even subjects. I think you know who you are! Anyway, this is for you.

For both exercises you can correct your work first by listening to the Breaking News story, and then you can check both your corrections and listening by reading the story online. I shall remind you to do that!

Another exercise that proved enjoyable for you on Thursday was continuing writing onto someone else's work. We'll have a chance to do that too. And then finally, before we have our last conversation hour of the year(!) I shall ask you how we can improve that hour in 2008

Tomorrow we'll learn about a water pipe breaking - has it ever happened to you?

Don't forget Voice of America - Special English.

Nothing but feedback

2007-11-22T08:13:00.000+13:00

Today in the shower I changed my plan for today's class. I have been meaning to give you all individual feedback, but haven't had the opportunity to do so. Since feedback is so important for you, especially if you are not returning to study English next year, I am going to devote this morning to it.

We shall look at all the important areas of English. I may set you tasks to do. The I shall tell you all how you are going, how much you have improved, and what you need to do if you wish to improve further.

That is it, really. There is nothing more that I plan to do. This will probably be the most important day of the year for you! I believe that correct feedback is more important than any of the assessments you have attempted.

Day 20 - Listening to native speakers

2007-11-21T09:38:00.000+13:00

Let's do a lot of listening today. First I have a video (that you may remember). Next we have Assertiveness. Will listen to each other in pairs to complete a matching exercise. Again, in pairs you will write pairs of sentences. Finally, you will hear some advice from students at another school of English.

The next topic will be the Indian Tiger.

Don't forget to tune into the BBC World Service.

Day 19 - Cell phone safety

2007-11-20T09:37:00.000+13:00

The first part of today will be taken up with evaluation, and the last part with conversation. That leaves a spell in between to listen to the first part of the second assertiveness tape, and something about cell phone safety.

For cell phone safety, I'm going to get you to match up these tips with their headings (this advice is Canadian, so I've had to exchange left for right):

Be a Wireless Samaritan.

Don't Take Notes While Driving.

Drive Defensively.

Keep the Phone in its Holder.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road.

Keep Your Hands on the Wheel.

Know When to Stop Talking.

Never Dial While Driving.

Practise Off-Road.

Stay in Your Lane.

Take a Message.

Use a Hands-Free Model.

Use Speed Dialing.

Buckle your seat-belt and place all ten fingers on the steering wheel. Wrap them firmly around it, positioned at "10 and 2 o'clock" and keep them there while you drive.

Learn how to operate your phone without looking at it. Memorize the location of all the controls, so you can press the buttons you need without ever taking your eyes off the road.

If your phone is new, practise using it and the voice mail while your car is stopped. Practice will make you feel more comfortable - and safe - using it when you are on the road.

A hands-free unit lets you keep both hands on the wheel while you talk on the phone. Attach the microphone to the visor just above your line of vision, so you can keep your eyes on the road. You can then talk on the phone as if you were talking to a passenger.

Don't get so wrapped up in a conversation that you drift into the other lane. Pull into the left-hand lane while talking, so you only have to worry about traffic to the right

Program frequently called numbers and your local emergency number into the speed dial feature of your phone for easy, one-touch dialing. When available, use auto answer or voice-activated dialing.

If you must dial manually, do so only when stopped. Pull off the road, or better yet have a passenger dial for you.

Let your voice mail pick up your calls in tricky driving situations. It's easy to retrieve your messages later on.

Keep conversations brief so you can concentrate on your driving. If a long discussion is required, if the topic is stressful or emotional, or if driving becomes hazardous, end your call and continue when you're not in traffic.

Make sure your phone is securely in its holder when you are not using it. That way it won't pop out and distract you when you are driving.

If you need to take something down, use a tape recorder or pull off the road. If you have an electronic scratch pad on your phone, use it to record numbers while you are talking.

Wireless enables you to report crimes, life-threatening emergencies, collisions or drunk drivers.

Being in the right will not save you from a crash. You must be prepared for the unsafe actions of other motorists or for poor driving conditions.

The next topic will be on listening to native speakers.

Try this site today: Randall's Listening Lab (which we have looked at before).

Day 18 - A tunnel between Russia and the USA

2007-11-19T09:35:00.000+13:00

On this fine Monday morning, I shall give you an interesting article to read. After you have read it, and after I have dictated the missing parts (whole phrases) I would like you to discuss the issue in small groups.

Afterwards I shall get you to write something on that same topic.

We cannot neglect the tunnel that the last post mentioned. I have selected some of the activities from the Breaking News site for us to try.

Tomorrow we will study cellphone safety.

There are good things to listen to at English Listening. Go to the free section.

Day 17 - Overwork

2007-11-15T09:33:00.000+13:00

Isn't the picture on the left an interesting one?

I enjoyed yesterday morning when you asked me if we could spend time preparing for your group discussion in the afternoon. A teacher is very happy when students take initiative with their learning. I could see that you all made a lot of progress.

So today . . .

First we'll do some listening and/or dictation from our tapes on Assertion. I know that they are a favourite with you, Wea Ju.

I'll prepare a sheet with some of your own writing errors to correct - that covers grammar. Here they are:

Try and improve these sentences:

May be more women are more open mind than men.

It spent a expensive fee for a one month to learn driving.

I’m enjoying driving and listening good music on the way.

Water treatment have a few step the process to come clean.

Finally , the water continued with disinfection tank , where using chlorine.

Sometimes they drive to hit another car because they lost their concentration.

How long can we become a good salsa dancer, it depends on ones personality and the feeling of music.

When I droved my car to visite my friends house at Roslyn then an old driver hited the middle my car when I’m driving.

Some of women is afraid of driving because the traffic is too busy and many taxi men and motorcyclists are always not obey traffic rules and drive over speed.

I’m interested about driving follow limite speed if some one who has driven the car to look all limited speed it make them to reduce more accidents in New Zealand.

The next day, Monday, we'll study about a tunnel between Russia and the USA.

And if you want more work see the site: English Language Centre Study Zone.

Day 16 - Children from Russia in California

2007-11-14T09:32:00.000+13:00

Oh how nice to be able to work normally again! Let's resume our listening to Shayne and Patricia.

Yesterday I asked you to see and tell me which exercises concerning the Beijing item you would like to try. While I get that organized, please write a paragraph for me. The topic sentence is:

Beijing is busily preparing for the next Olympics, and the city is concerned about its image.

For today's topic I have sheet for you to read and decide which form each verb should be in.

The next day we will look at overwork, but we shan't actually be overworking!

At ABC Education Resources you can find many Australian things to listen to and read.

Day 15 - Beijing citizens learn Olympic manners

2007-11-13T09:30:00.000+13:00

Good morning all. Please bear with me today - we have what I hope are our final assessment resits, after which we can breathe a sigh of relief. Normal English from now on, in other words.

Your mission should you accept it (from 9 until 10.30) is to gain access to a computer. Look around for an unoccupied computer suite; you may enter and use it. Send me a comment about anything recent on my class blog.

In particular, look at yesterday's lesson about Beijing. Look over the activities that they provide, and tell me which ones you think are most useful for us to do.

Tomorrow we'll look at Children from Russia in California.

Try the site: English Pronunciation. It has some good stuff.

Day 14 - Cultural differences

2007-11-12T09:28:00.000+13:00

The sign of a good weekend is that you completely forget what you did (or what plans you made) the week before.

As a result, I don't know quite what we should do today. Pariya told me that there were three weeks to go to the end of the year, but there are four! Nevertheless, we need to think about completing the resits of this term's module's assessments. Results need to be provided in time for graduation. By the way, let me know if you would like to attend the graduation ceremony. We would need to arrange gowns for you.

After we hear about the 7-year-old-swimmer (last post's topic) I shall help prepare you more for your afternoon assessment: Group Discussion. I think I can help you a little with that. All sorts of topics spring to mind about safety for the young, competition, swimming as a skill, training, etc. There is another related article which wrings animals into the picture.

Tomorrow's topic, which relates today's, is Beijing citizens learn Olympic manners.

We'll search out the sites you found last Thursday, and then look at the site, Sounds of English, for pronunciation. The pronunciation is American.

Day 13 - Seven-year-old sets record

2007-11-08T09:27:00.000+13:00

Good luck everyone, for your listening assessment at 10 a.m.

I'll try to lighten the mood in the hour beforehand. An article in today's newspaper caught my eye, and I'm sure it will amuse you too.

Between 11 and 12 I think the best thing for us to do is something different. I'll ask you to form pairs. Each pair will then draw a task at random.

Next week we'll start with cultural differences.

Finally, I like the appearance of the Virtual Language Centre, don't you?

Day 12 Ten commandments for motorists

2007-11-07T09:23:00.000+13:00

Today we'll take a break from listening about assertiveness, but not from listening!

Using yesterday's link to a radio programme about food and cooking I have prepared 25 questions you ought to be able to answer without too much trouble. My aim is to give you some last-minute practice for tomorrow's assessment, and to increase your confidence.

What is the program about?

What is William offered to eat?

Are humans at the top or at the bottom of the food chain?

Complete the expression: Food for ___________

How was the interviewer able to interview Anita?

What are cooking buses?

You can fit how many people into the class – 6, 16, 32 or 60?

Many children don’t know what fact about vegetables?

Which verb often goes with the word ‘recipe’?

Which preposition often goes with the word ‘recipe’?

How can you take part in the competition?

Which letter in the word ‘ingredient’ becomes silent when you form the plural?

Complete these words: Essen____, Vit___, and Import_____

What question did the interviewer ask Anita first?

What ‘makes’ a good cook? (Say this in 10 words or less)

What is Anita’s opinion about spending money on food?

What prompted William to start cooking?

Describe William’s meals with two of the adjectives he uses.

Does William ‘make it up as he goes along’? What does this mean?

How can you learn how to make the perfect omelette?

Does the person on the phone come from Peru, Manchester, or does she come from Spain?

What meat in is Wendy’s favourite dish?

Complete:________ anything together and see ____________________

Another word for a small job is ______________.

What sound signals the end of the programme?

After the break you'll do some self-directed learning, starting with a piece of writing on driving.

Tomorrow let's listen about a seven-year-old who set a world record in swimming.

Site for you today: Dave's ESLCafe. A Student and Teacher resource. Quizzes, slang, ‘idea cookbook’, discussion forums, etc. Check out the great links-with heaps of links to ESL sites.

Civilization

2007-11-06T11:25:00.000+13:00

Here's a short and easy-to-listen-to video clip about the 'benefits' of civilization.

Day 11 Food and cooking

2007-11-06T09:19:00.000+13:00

We may not get around to working on this topic today. We seem to be doing more listening in preparation for the test than other skills.

Didn't we have a useful session in the computer suite yesterday? I have an idea to make our conversation hour more useful than usual today too.

After we hear more tips from Shayne and Patricia we'll roleplay and pronounce another interview from our favourite site of 800. You can always find it on this blog, but I strongly recommend that you make use of delicious.

Tomorrow the topic will be Ten commandments for motorists.

Try this site for size - to learn English - it allows you to try placement tests

Day 10 - Neighbours fighting

2007-11-05T09:20:00.000+13:00

Because of Internet problems I haven't been able to write this for a couple of days. Never mind, we'll continue from where we left off.

Dictation - Assertiveness tape continued. I shall encourage you to listen in 'chunks', not separate words.

Listening practice - One: I have some questions for you from the next part of the same tape.

Listening practice - Two: I shall prepare some questions on this listening exercise on the Internet. Please listen, then return to your desk to answer the questions so that others are not kept waiting too long. While you are waiting, do the writing exercise.

In the computer suite today you can prepare for tomorrow's topic: Food and cooking.

You should also see what you think about OZ ESL, an Australian site. Try the quizzes link.

Day 9 - Cows and sheep burping

2007-10-30T09:17:00.000+13:00

Happy Tuesday!

Yesterday many of you had a look at today's topic about cows and sheep. I'll give you a grammar task about it.

Also, you shall receive some very useful listening practice. I will play the first two minutes from side two of the assertiveness tape. I have eight questions for you to answer after you have listened to it twice.

I have a bonus site for you to explore today. It provides more than 800 short interviews especially for ESOL students. The only thing is that it doesn't ask you questions - but I can do that!

Tomorrow, the topic will look at an incident where neighbours fought! I hope that this will not happen to you in real life.

Site for today: Karin's ESL Partyland looks like fun. On the students site, click on quizzes for interactive grammar quizzes sorted by level. Click on Learning pages for theme related interactive lessons.

Day 8 Tourism quiz

2007-10-29T09:15:00.000+13:00

The good news this morning is that most of you have passed your assessment last week. The not-so-good news is that the next assessment will take place on the 8th November :-(

But, because we have been starting off everyday with listening dictation, you have been preparing for this assessment all along. With our tape - Being More Assertive - I shall demonstrate what will be expected of you.

We have a tourism quiz to take part in today, and that will involve more listening. Next, I really must get our reading programme off the ground.

In the computer suite (it's been two weeks since we were there) I would like you catch up with the websites I'm giving you. Work backwards and take a brief look at all of the links I've provided for you this term.

Tomorrow's topic will be about cows and sheep burping.

The site for the day is English Page.com.

Day 7 Couple admit guilt

2007-10-25T09:13:00.000+13:00

For today's assessment, it could be that you finish before the 40 minutes are up. In that case, I suggest that you read something. I have an article that you might find interesting.

Since we'll start the test at about 9.45, we'll have the opportunity to go over the asnwers to yesterday's two practice tasks.

FInally, after the break, we'll work on the news story that I gave you yesterday (though this blog). I'd like you to do some writing too, sometime during the hour, so maybe I'l get you to tell this story in your own words.

Tomorrow's topic is a tourism quiz.

Today's site is an old favourite for some of you: Manythings.org.

Day 6 Dubai's tallest building

2007-10-24T09:11:00.000+13:00

Following on from the dictation - examples of under-assertive behaviour - I shall give you two advertisements to read. It is the last chance to practise this skill before the test tomorrow.

After the break we shall practise skills on the topic of the photo to the left: Dubai's Tallest building

Tomorrow's topic is called: Couple admit guilt.

Site for the day: ESOL Funland. It looks a little chilish, but it may be worth closer inspection. Click on ACTIVITIES (top left) for a list of useful activities/sites.

Day 5 English for artists

2007-10-23T09:09:00.000+13:00

After a long weekend, we enjoy a short week. Make the most of it!

Here's the list for today:

Dictation
Read an advertisement
Listening
Writing 15 min (task: sustainability through sharing)
General reading
Conversation

Tomorrow let's visit Dubai's tallest building.

Site for the day: English Zone. In the For Students section click on whatever skills you would like to practice. Most of the activities are level specific, well set out and provide answers and detailed explanations.

Day 4 Farmers plant new crops

2007-10-18T09:07:00.000+13:00

Today the Internet was down until just half an hour before class, so the order of some of our activities will be changed.

We'll persist with Dictation after which we'll dive straight into some assessment preparation. After that comes writing - the more you write, the faster you improve.

I see that I didn't include the hyperlink to today's topic, so I've corrected that omission.

Tomorrow we will look at English for artists.

Site for the day: Online English Grammar. Go to TABLE OF CONTENTS to see list of grammar points explained OR
Go to THE TEST CENTRE for some excellent quizzes!
NOTE: You need to get a MEMBER LOGIN first (It’s free and very quick)

Day 3 Fashion models

2007-10-17T09:04:00.000+13:00

Good morning. I hope that more of you other than just Magda had a chance to prepare for today's topic: Fashion Models.

I know that we have looked at this topic before, but it is worth repeating. The site that I have used, www.breakingnewsenglish.com has excellent materials to improve students' English.

I have selected some and prepared a worksheet. There are activities for speaking, listening, vocabulary, grammar etc.

Between 11 and 12 you will start some self-study. This is the time to select what you want to spend more time on. I shall work with a small IELTS group today. If you cannot find anything, spend some time on grammar or read (and make a note of what you have read in a log or journal).

Tomorrow the topic will be Farmers Plant New Crops.

Today's site: English Club. It look rather 'busy', but they have been online 10 years.

Day 2 - Hopes and Dreams

2007-10-16T08:55:00.000+13:00

Yesterday was a fine start, even if everyone didn't turn up. Let's see who arrives today.

After our dictation (yesterday's results prove that all of you can benefit from this kind of listening) we'll do an activity or two about hopes and dreams before you work more on your writing. I shall give everyone feedback and ideas about how to develop the writing that they started yesterday.

After the break you will be having conversation for which Pariya will organize you.

The site for the day: Cutting Edge (it's similar to the Headway site)

Tomorrow's topic is about fashion models.

Day 1 - The final term

2007-10-15T08:09:00.000+13:00

Hello to everyone, including two new students, both of who are interested in preparing for IELTS. Gylchella and maybe one or two others are also interested in that, so when I get the class to do individual work I may get you people to work in a group.

As for our class programme this term, I shall keep it quite simple, but interesting and useful. Everyday we'll be using a different topic. I shall tell you the topic the day before, and I shall also give you a link so that you are able to prepare (homework!) if you wish to.

Each day I shall also tell you about a different website for you to take a look at. Now, it can get rather overwhelming to see so many, so I suggest that you bookmark your favourite site and use it exclusively until such time that you feel like a change.

I shall use three sites: http://breakingnewsenglish.com/ , http://www.cdlponline.org/and http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/webcast/ We will need to check that the listening software to support these is on our class computers.

Mondays we will visit the computer suite for an hour (11-12). Tuesdays (11-12) we will have conversation for those who need to practise that skill. We'll start every day with 'dictation in context' using 'Being More Assertive'. If you arrive late, you'll miss out! We shall practise weekly for our assessment. This term you will read a complex advertisement (assessment 25 October) and listen to a media interview (assessment 8 November). You will have 8 weekly writing assignments, about 15 min per day. If there is time, I'll drag out previous activities that I have used in previous years' classes.

In short, we will be busy, but nicely busy. There will lots of stimulating material, and there will be plenty of opportunity to study English in ways that help you progress towards your goals. It is fitting, therefore that tomorrow we shall consider your hopes and dreams. Please visit the site beforehand.

And finally, today's featured website is called About.com: English as 2nd language. Although it doesn't look very interesting, there is a lot to do. Look at the sidebar on the left to find IELTS amongst the topics.

Remember to use Flickr!

Interaction

2007-09-20T08:30:00.000+12:00

As requested, on our last day we won't do much writing or grammar (because we've done enough of that!).

Let's return to the story about the world's tallest man. First, we'll do that second paragraph. I'll give you the first ten to fifteen minutes to compare your answers with other people's. After that I shall use some of the activities from the 'breaking news' website.

After the break we shall return to the latest developments in the 'Pumpkin' story.

Prah Pongsak's story - A Ghost

2007-09-19T09:05:00.000+12:00

Last year, I was in Wat Buddha Gothenberg, Sweden, for three months teaching meditation to Thai people and whoever else was interested. It was my first time long journey overseas, so it excited me very much. I had many exciting, fantastic and impressive experiences and one of them was very special. It was the day that I will never forget.

It was a nice day in the middle of autumn. The sky was clear and the weather was warm. I had finished meditation about 2 P.M.. Suddenly, I saw someone came into my room. It was unbelievable, but I could see through his body to a cupboard behind!.

He looked like a tall man but his body was transparent. A twinkling fluorescent light spread out from his whole body. He was waring a tight orange shirt with sleeves that were long enough to cover a little below his elbows, and his trousers were tight and just covered a little below his knees. Like a boat floating on the water, he moved softly and slowly in the air about one foot above the floor. He did not come straight ; he just walked in front of me for a short distance and then disappeared!.

Even through it was my first time for me to see what some people may call “a ghost” , I was not scared at all. It might be that he was nice and not awful. When he left, I remembered my merits, the good things I have done, offered them to him and wished him to be happy on his way.

I realized that, according to Buddhist knowledge, he was not a ghost or devil, but a kind of after-death being that can be found around the world.

Following up 'Pumpkin'

2007-09-19T08:13:00.000+12:00

Today, on our second last day of term (what shall we do tomorrow???) the first part of the morning will be taken up by assessment resits. The lucky few that don't need to will receive a newspaper article that follows the story we read yesterday about a missing three-year-old girl.

There are many links in the news: one, two, three, four, five, six . . .

After the break we will take a look at the 'Grammar Hammer' sheet I've been meaning to share with you for several days. We will choose sentences to make incorrect models of.

Here is another story for you to correct. It has many errors. The original version is here.

Tallest Man in the World Gets Married

The worlds tallest man has marrying a woman who is just two-thirds his height and half his aged in a traditional ceremony in Mongolia. The wedding took place on July 12th in the tomb of the most famous never Mongolian Kublai Khan. The record-breaking 2.4 metre high groom Bao Xishun, 56, is farmer from Mongolia he met his bride Xia Shujian, 28, earlier these year after searching for a suited woman by sending advertisements around the world. Xia be a petite 1.7 metres tall. And comes up to her husbands’ elbow when standing side to side. In the end, he didn’t have to looking so far as his bride are a saleswoman from his own hometown more then 2,000 people attended the happy day, including relatives locals and a large crowd of journalists.

Bao wore a special designed, traditional pale blue wedding robe under neath a decorative gold vest. He ride to his bride's relatives in front of a tomb in a wedding cart pulled by two camel. In keeping with Mongolian tradition, the bride's family tried to "stop" Bao reaching his bride, symbolizing the familie’s last efforts to protect her. Wherever, they soon changed their minds after he pleaded to see and Marry his intended the bride’s family were accepted him and offered tea. Which means he had been accepted in to her family. Bao entered the Guinness Book of World Records las year as the word's tallest person. He were average height until the age of 16. When he suddenly shot up to his current height. Within seven years.

My first flight test mission

2007-09-18T10:10:00.000+12:00

In 1991 I got my qualification as a project engineer. This job was a very big challenge. I had been training for six years to do it. My first mission was to conduct a flight test to solve the early buffet problem of a jet trainer.

There were ten out of sixty jet trainers which encountered early buffet problems. These ten jet trainers were prototypes. For some unknown reason, they tended to buffet earlier than other normal jet trainers when landing. Buffet is caused by air stream separation. Pilots would feel shaking on the stick when the jet trainer flies in a low speed approaching the runway. No pilot likes this!

The mission was an exciting event for me. It was my first time to handle such a complex problem - to coordinate so many experts, and to conduct a flight test. I felt excited, but at the same time nervous because a test pilot had been killed in a flight test just a month before. I didn’t want such a tragedy happening again in my flight test.

Before the flight test, we had designed a small delta wing to install on the leading edge of the wing root of the jet trainer. Many ground tests had been conducted on this new design to verify its safety. There were still risks in real flight. I hecked every detail before the jet trainer took off.

When the jet trainer was in the air and began the flight test, everything seemed to go as expected. We all felt excited. We had done it successfully. Finally the jet trainer landed on the runway safely.

After the first flight test mission, I conducted many flight test missions during the next six years without losing a pilot or a jet. I am very happy about that.

Fine day for a barbecue

2007-09-18T07:58:00.000+12:00

I won't distract you from our main objective which is to celebrate the coming of spring with our own Language Centre Barbecue.

But to keep up honest, this is the work that will occupy us in the morning:

A few sentences dictated from this morning's newspaper
The same story from the paper for you to read and then rewrite in less than 100 words
Check the narrative that I published on your behalf yesterday for errors and give them to me on a piece of paper
Punctuate the 23 random sentences on the other worksheet, and check your answers by visiting this punctuation site. (There are many other sites for punctuation practice. I like this one the best, and also this one)
Finally, I shall give you the information sheet that I forgot to give you yesterday. We shall look at it more closely tomorrow (after the resits).

Samantha's story - My first doll

2007-09-17T11:31:00.000+12:00

A long time ago, I was born in a village. I lived in a small wooden house with my parents and my four brothers. We were poor. I still remember that we didn’t have enough money to buy food and clothes or even a toy.

Usually we played games by ourselves including throwing stones. The game was to see who could throw a stone furthest into the forest. We also made kites. Sometimes, we climbed up mountains and swam in the sea. We didn’t have money to buy things, and our parents always taught us we couldn’t steal things from stores. They said we must always pay before leaving. I kept this advice in my mind.

One day, when I was walking past the dump, I saw a beautiful doll inside a heap of rubbish. Even though the doll was covered with leftover food and was smelly, she was lovely.

I put the doll inside my rubbish bag and hid it under my bed. I was scared because I had taken it from the dump without paying. I had stolen the doll from the dump.

A week later, when I came back home after school, I discovered that my doll had disappeared. I saw my mother holding my doll and standing in front of me. I was so scared. I started to cry. I couldn’t stop until my mother used her hand to cover my mouth, and she asked me about the doll. I told her the truth and then my mother told me that the doll was rubbish from someone who threw it away. We didn’t have to pay for it.

It wasn’t a piece of rubbish - it was the first doll in my life. My mother didn’t blame me. In fact, she cleaned up my doll and allowed me to sleep with it.

After I got the doll from the dump, I discovered that it wasn’t only a dump for rubbish. It was a paradise for me. No matter if it was sunny or rainy, my mother would always be able to find me there.

George's story - Valentine's Day event

2007-09-17T11:30:00.000+12:00

Many years ago, just after our wedding anniversary, my wife and I suddenly decided to go away somewhere for Valentine’s Day. We did not want to stay with crowds of people, so we were really delighted when we saw an advertisement in the Freedom magazine for a holiday flat. It was located in the suburbs of Taichung in the middle of Taiwan.

We booked it at once and on Valentine’s Day in the afternoon, we set off in the car. Although it was raining heavily and was cold and windy, we were still happy and excited.

This trip took us about three hours, and finally we saw the flat in the distance. It stood in a huge wood between the town and the mountains. The forest reached as far as the mountain tops. We drove into the huge front yard, down a long wide cement road. We went to the door and knocked on it lightly. The door opened slowly. The owner, a small old woman, was wearing dirty working clothes, carrying a broom and dustpan.

However, we couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw our room. The bed and the furniture were made of bamboo. They were so old and weak that they made sounds when we used them. Also there was only one power point and the walls were a grey cement colour. It was too dark for us. This flat was really an abandoned farm house, so we decided not to stay there.

We ran to the car, and drove to the town to look for a hotel to stay in. We were worried that it would be hard to find. Eventually we found a small hotel beside a church just as midnight was striking. “Happy Valentine’s Day” the manager said and then he gave us a bunch of flowers and a box of chocolates. We were so happy and excited that we hugged and laughed.

I think “Seeing is Believing” is a good proverb. An advertisement picture is good, but we should not believe it completely. Sometimes it is not true.

Magda's story - Car accident

2007-09-17T11:27:00.000+12:00

A few years ago, on a sunny and a beautiful day, I got up early. At 7:30 am, I left home with my children to take them to the university. I dropped them off and after that I went shopping at the supermarket. I spent about one hour,and then I went back home.

While I was driving on Larnach road, I suddenly heard a bang and felt frightened and devastated. Something terrible had happened. I realised that I had been hit by a car!

I stopped the engine, got out and looked at the left side of the car. I found the door was damaged due to the carelessness of the young female driver. I asked her to ring the police, but she woudn't. She told me that she given me all the information about her car and her insurance company. I was worried, so I stopped a driver and asked him what I should do about this accident and then he told me that her information was enough.

When my son came back home, I explained to him what had happened and then he phoned her and got more details from the young woman. The next day, I made a claim to my insurance company. After two days, the company rang me to tell me to send my car to the panelbeating shop to be repaired. I did that and the shop arranged a temporary car for me.

Finally, I received my car as good as new. It took about three weeks until it was sorted out. I was very happy because I am used to driving my own car. When young drivers are careless, it can cause problems.

Jack' s story - My best holiday

2007-09-17T11:25:00.000+12:00

Many years ago, I went to a holiday park in the south of Taiwan with some of my best friends. The park was beautiful, green and calm. There was a lot of grassland, a large forest, a vast clear lake and some holiday houses. We stayed there for many days and just enjoyed the nature and the magnificent scenery.

On the third day of our holiday, we went on a boating trip on a long and winding river. The river was deep and the current was strong. We were very excited and also nervous because we had never had any experience of this, and we couldn’t control the boat. We just floated along, and the boat circled around on the water. Suddenly we ran into a current, and the boat was quickly dashed against a rock.

At the time, I didn’t grip the rope well and fell into the water before anyone could reach me. I was terrified and frightened; I couldn’t catch up with the boat and was quickly swept away. Unfortunately I went into a whirlpool, and even though I was making a good effort to escape, I couldn’t swim out. I was tired and I thought I couldn’t survive much longer in the water, but luckily I got hold of a rock and clung desperately to it.

About twenty minutes later, the guide with an assistant rowed in a boat close to the rock. They threw a rope and shouted to me, “Hang on. We’ll get you out!” I tried to catch the rope many times, but it was still too far from me. Finally the guide dove into the water and brought it to me. Then I was soon taken to the riverbank.

When I recall the matter, even now I still appreciate the guide. I believe that it was the most exciting holiday of my life.

Hannah's story - A Wild Ride

2007-09-17T11:24:00.000+12:00

Eight years ago, our family was still living in Cambridge, we had a couple of really good friends called Paul and Sally. They were generous and hospitable, and they really loved to go jet boating. One weekend, they invited us to go boating with thom on the Waikato River, and we decide to accept their invitation.

That morning, we got up early and met them at their place. We spent thirty minutes getting to theriver. After Paul put the boat in the water, he showed us how to put on the lifejackets, and then he patiently explained the safety rules to us. If the boat went fast, we would have to hold on tight. Then we were off.

We were ready to face the big challenge. The view of the riverbank was incredible. The ride of thrills, fun and excitement took us along a beautiful river environment, lined with native bush and sheer rock cliffs. Then the engines roared and we were pushed black into our seats. We sped down the river with the wind whipping our hair and water spraying all around us.

Paul span the wheel and made the boat spin 360 degrees. My stomach was churning and I was laughing so much. I heard the other people yell. Back down the river we hurtled. We sped around a corner and headed straight toward a bank. I closed my eyes. Suddenly, the engine started steaming and making strange noises and then stopped right in the middle of the river. All of us were frightened and worried. I was anxious that we would be stranded for some hours. Fortunately after twenty minutes, Paul got the boat up and running again.

Finally, we headed back to shore safely. We were all wet and exhausted. When we got on the bank and stood on the earth again, we had acheived the most exciting and wildest ride that we had ever had, and also we felt very happy.

It was a nice day which we have never forgotten. We had never go to try anything new, since the year we moved to New Zealand, so this memory stands out.

Kwi-Ok's story - Birthday party

2007-09-17T11:22:00.000+12:00

A long time ago, when I was eleven, I had the best birthday in my life; that's why I still remember the party. I was very happy and so excited because all of my classmates had come.

Before my birthday my dad bought a big birthday cake. I was very happy. "WOW! It looks very delicious and fantastic!" I shouted with joy. But then our dog jumped on the cake! The cake got out of shape. I cried and tears rolled down my face. The dog was very bad. I want to smack it. My mum said, "Don't cry! I'll make a beautiful birthday rice cake." She soothed me, to stop me crying.

Next day my mum made a birthday rainbow rice cake with eleven candles on it, and she also prepared a lot of food. My two brothers decorated our house with all kinds of coloured balloons, and they decorated my room with flowers and pictures, just like a house in a fairy tale. That day I received many presents from my friends and they all joined in singing happy birthday. After the party we played games for three hours. My eleventh birthday party had the largest number of my friends attending.

After the birthday party, I hugged my mum and I said to her, "I love you mum. You are the best mum in the world." My mum also hugged me tight. That night I dreamed of my birthday party.

Sometimes I am absorbed in memories of my childhood, and I want to return to my childhood when I see black and white photographs.

The memory of my eleventh birthday party still remains as an exciting event.

Air's story - Going round in circles

2007-09-17T11:21:00.000+12:00

I first came to New Zealand in April, 2007. Everywhere was clean, not crowded and there were a lot of places to relax, so I was very impressed.

Even though New Zealand is peaceful, I have sometimes had some adventures. One day, I had to visit my relatives in Orewa. I had never been there before.

I set out at seven o’clock from Greenlane Road in Auckland and drove along the motorway. Carefully I checked signs because I didn’t want to waste any time losing my way.

Five minutes later, my aunt called me on my mobile, asking where I was. We talked for about two minutes, and then I saw two signs that I couldn’t tell apart. The first was “Nelson” and the other was “Newton”. I chose “Nelson”. After that everything became like a whirlpool.

I lost my way and drove for an hour around and around the city centre. I tried to find the right way, but I reached the Sky Tower instead. I had planned to visit here once, but not now. I kept driving past Auckland University and stopped my car to ask someone, but he answered too quickly for me, so I didn’t understand him.

“Try again,” I told myself. I drove along the road and saw a lot of boats sailing on the sea. When I was in Thailand, my friend told me that Auckland is the city of sails. When I saw them, I knew what she meant.

Fortunately, I saw the Auckland Harbour Bridge. That reminded me of the way to Orewa. Then I could find the sign to cross the bridge and reach my destination even though it was very late.

However, that morning was not so bad. It was an excursion that I have never forgotten.

Gylchella's story - Let me give you a hand!

2007-09-17T11:19:00.000+12:00

When I was a student I had a nice and exciting time. We were studying “Human Anatomy”, so this department was on the second floor of the high building. When students were having a break we stood at the class room. In the class were many body’s on the table. One student just for fun made some joke, when we were breaking; he dropped a human’s hand from the window on to somebody’s car.

After lunch when we were studying in the class room, somebody knocked on the door, we saw a policeman. He started investigate the incident. The drive of the car returned home for lunch, he opened the boot of the car and saw a hand. He had a poor heart condition of course he felt a terribly stressed. His wife called the police.

All the students were shocked and afraid by policeman’s visit. I thought “Oh dear! We are going to have a big problem!”

After class we had to write explaining this incident. I felt nervous and stressed, because every day the policeman came and asked over and over again what happened that day. I thought it would never end.

On the other hand it was a good experience for everybody, because we never did anything like this again.

It was many years ago, but I still remember everything which happened in my student life. I had an unforgettable and exciting time.

Carol's story - Tropical holiday

2007-09-17T11:17:00.000+12:00

Two years ago, my children and I went to Rarotonga which is a beautiful small Island.
It took four hours to get there from Christchurch. We arrived there early in the morning. We were very excited. It was really warm and everything was completely different. As we went into the airport an old man was singing a song and playing a traditional instrument. A big Pacjfic woman brought a beautiful garland of flowers and put it around my neck.

We stayed at a gorgeous resortt. Werented a car and drove around the Island which only thirty minetes. Eveyday we enjoyed many kinds of activities such as canoeing, snorkeling, crab racing, dancing and coconut tree climbing. One day we went canoeing with some people, we decided to paddle to one spot which didn't seem dangerous. When we got there my children jumped into the water and tried to swim. They realized the water was very deep and started to panic. They tried to get out of the water but couldn't because of the strong current.

I also panicked and shouted loudly. I couldn't do anything because if I jumped into thewater it would cause more confusion.

Fortunately, three canoes came. One of the ladies stayed cal, and told me not to panic. Then she rowed to my children and helped them to get into their canoes.

After my children were safe, we went back to the resort. We decided to keep our of trouble so we stayed in our room until the final day. Although we had had a bad experience we had a good time there.

Hedi's story - First aid

2007-09-17T11:16:00.001+12:00

Many years ago my son Alex was three years old. He was a very active child, full of energy, and he would run during our walks outside, but when he was at home he was totally different. Alex was quiet and calm and he spent most of the time playing with his favourite toys - cars and balls. At this age, Alex didn't speak too much. He had a limited vocabulary.

One day he was playing with a small ball in his room. At that moment I was cooking a meal in the kitchen and I tried to look in at him from time to time. Suddenly I heard him shout and I quickly went to the room. I found him crying and repeating 'the ball, the ball'. "Where is it ?" He showed me his mouth. I decided that he had probably swallowed the ball. I asked him, "Did you swallow it ?". He nodded his head and it seemed like he meant, 'yes'. "Are you suffocating ?" I asked, because he started to gasp.

Immediately I remember the advice of Dr Spock, a very famous and popular American pediatrician. I jumped up and put Alex in front of me and I started to press his chest. After a few minutes he cried with joy, "Ah...my ball" and pointed to the floor.

Only then I realized that it had been a misunderstanding. Alex had never swallowed the ball. He had only tried to show me what would happen, if he did. I started to cry and laugh happily at the same time. It was my first attempt at giving someone first aid and I will remember it all of my life.