Here you have the resources you need in order to prepare your Christmas perfomance! I've selected a song by Cher because it successfully bridges the gap between a traditional Christmas theme and the contemporary musical world of your pre-adolescent world!
First, in this video you can listen to the song while you read the lyrics:
In this second one, you have the choreography I've chosen to accompany this song. In my opinion, it is kinesthetically appropriate: featuring simple, repetitive, and energetic movements that promote coordination and teamwork! I'm sure this combination ensures a fun, dynamic, and inclusive performance.
First of all, here you can watch a short but highly interesting video that sums up how it was originated many years ago!
Now, let's check your comprehension through the following quiz where you have to choose the correct answer among the three ones proposed. Up to this challenge?
Finally, in the following video you can watch how Halloween is celebrated in Britain by a family. Culture in context!
Today we are going to deal with Easter! First, here you have a video where you can learn lots of things about this celebration. It also includes a song, feel free to sing along if you feel like it!
Now, it is time to put all we have learned into practice! Here you have an entertaining online game in which you can practise with some vocabulary items related to Easter.
Easter is one of the major festivals in the UK and it is full of customs, folklore, and traditional food! It occurs at a different time each year, any Sunday between March 22nd and April 25th.
Not only is Easter the end of winter, it is also the end of Lent (a time of fasting in the Christian calendar). It is therefore a time for fun and celebration!
The Friday before Easter Sunday and the Monday after are a bank holiday in the UK. Over Easter, schools close for two weeks there.
Easter Eggs
Easter eggs are a symbol of spring and new life and a very old tradition!Exchanging and eating them is a popular custom in many countries. In the UK, before they were replaced by chocolate, Easter eggs were real chicken eggs. The eggs were hard-boiled and dyed in different colours and patterns. Bright colours represent spring and light.
"Egg rolling" is a traditional game in whichreal eggs are rolled against one another or down a hill. The owner of the egg that stays uncracked the longest is the winner!
Another game is "egg tapping". You can hold an egg in the palm of the hand and bang against your opponent's egg. The loser is the one whose egg breaks first.
Nowadays people give each other chocolate Easter eggs, usually filled with sweets. In Britain children hunt for chocolate Easter eggs hidden by the Easter bunny around the house or garden.
Easter Bunny
The bunny is the symbol of Easter and it seems to have its origins in Germany. Rabbits are a symbol of fertility! However, Easter bunny (rabbit) may actually be an Easter hare. The hare was allegedly the companion of the ancient Moon goddess. In the UK children believe that if they behave "Easter Bunny " will leave chocolate eggs for them.
Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns, now eaten throughout the Easter season, were first baked in England to be served on Good Friday. They are small and sweet buns with fruit inside, such as raisins or berries. Before baking, a cross is made on top of the bun. After baking, some sugar icing is used to fill this cross.
An old rhyme was often sung by children awaiting their sugary treat:
"Hot cross buns,
hot cross buns,
one a penny, two a penny,
hot cross buns.
Give them to your daughters,
give them to your sons.
One a penny, two a penny,
hot cross buns."
Morris Dancing
Morris dancing is a traditional English form of folk dance which is also performed in other English-speaking countries such as the USA and Australia. The roots of morris dancing seem to be very old, probably dating back to the Middle Ages.
Now you have enough information about Easter. It's time to play!
Every 14th February Valentine's Day is celebrated by giving flowers, candy, chocolates, and cards to those we love.
We do this in honour of St. Valentine. But, who was St. Valentine? Watch the following video in order to find out more about him and this celebration.
Another famous figure from Valentine's Day is Cupid (which means "desire" in Latin). In Roman mythology Cupid was the son of Venus, the goddess of love. Cupid is often said to be a cheeky boy who goes around wounding both gods and humans with his arrows, causing them to fall in love.
Feel like singing to love? Here you can watch a karaoke version of one of the most romantic songs on Earth!
Finally, click on the following heart so you can play with some online games about Valentine's Day:
Laura Muntz Lyall was a talented artist born on June 18, 1860, in England. When she was a child, her family moved to Canada.
She studied art in Canada and later in Paris, France. Laura loved painting and became famous for her beautiful pictures of women and children. Her paintings were very special because they showed people with kindness and warmth. She became one of the first Canadian women to have her art displayed in important galleries.
"Interesting Story" is a beautiful painting by her, created in 1898. In this painting, we see two children sitting together, deeply engrossed in a book. The older child is reading aloud, while the younger one listens with great interest, resting their head on the older child's shoulder. The scene is very cozy and warm, showing the special bond between the siblings.
The background of the painting shows a window with a grey sky, which makes the inside of the room feel even more comfortable and inviting. Laura Muntz Lyall was very good at capturing the feelings of childhood and the joy of reading and imagination. This painting reminds us of the happiness and comfort we can find in stories and in spending time with loved ones.
Laura passed away on December 9, 1930, but her lovely paintings are still admired today.
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