Independence and Bastille Day for ESL

For summer school ESL we will do some cultural readings on the American Independence Day and the French Bastille Day.  This marks a major difference from the focus on grammar in the previous semester. They didn't do so much reading comprehension before, so I'm curious to see how the next two weeks will go. I doubt we will get to the second reading (let alone the writing), although many of the vocabulary words are the same, but I will try. Here is the corresponding handout.

My niece on July 4th, 2018

I. Intro Discussion
Which countries' flags are red, white and blue? What do the colors symbolize?

• Independence Day

 1.)獨立紀念日 in the US, the official name for the Fourth of July holiday  
2.) 美國獨立紀念日  a day on which a country celebrates being independent from 
foreign rule

• the 4th of July 美國獨立紀念日（紀念美國於1776年7月4日脫離英國獨立）a national holiday in the US that celebrates the country's independence from Great Britain in 1776

Ex: Fireworks have long been an American tradition on the Fourth of July.七月四日國慶日放煙火是美國人長期以來的傳統。

EX: We met for the first time at the fireworks on the Fourth of July.

the July 4th holiday 美國獨立紀念日假期

II. American Independence Day
Vocabulary:

1. Independence Day 獨立紀念日 
2. independent (adj.)
3. national pride (phrase) EX: The country's national pride has been damaged by its sporting failures.體育運動方面的失利使這個國家的民族自尊心受到了傷害。
4. Parade (n.)
5. Speech (n.)
6. Display(n.)
7. Event(n.)
8. history(n.)
9. Banner(n.)
10. Nationwide (adj.)

American Independence Day Reading:

Independence Day in the United States is also known as the Fourth of July. It is a national holiday that commemorates (紀念，緬懷) the Declaration of Independence (美國獨立宣言) on July 4, 1776. This was the day the USA was born (出生) and became independent from Great Britain (大不列顛). The terms “Independence Day” and the “Fourth of July” are a well-known part of the USA’s cultural (與文化有關的)language. People celebrate with national pride. There are fireworks, parades, sporting events and lots more. It is one of the biggest days on America’s holiday calendar (大事記). Politicians (從政者) make speeches celebrating America’s history (歷史) and traditions (傳統). In particular (特別), attention turns to Thomas Jefferson’s speech that declared (公開聲明的) the United States of America as an independent nation (國家).

Independence Day is a red, white and blue affair (事務). The whole of the country displays American flags and banners. There are many festivals (會演，節) that enact (上演；表演) famous events from America’s history. It is also a day when the nation gets outdoors. Picnics and barbecues with family and friends are the most popular ways to celebrate. In the evening, there are thousands of fireworks displays across the country. One of the most popular is the Macy’s department store (百貨公司) show on New York’s East River. This is televised (用電視播放) nationwide by the NBC TV channel. Also in New York, you can witness (目擊) the Hot Dog Eating Contest on Coney Island康尼島. Indeed (的確，實在), American food is of course a big part of the day and millions of hot dogs, burgers and pizzas are eaten.

Extra:

• Thomas Jefferson's speech
• Use the Summer ppt and review "Picnic"

III. Bastille Day 巴士底日

+France’s ideals理想: liberty, equality and fraternity 法國的理想：自由，平等和博愛

• democratic ideals 民主理想
• We are committed to the ideal of equality. 我們奉行平等原則。

Vocabulary:

1. Village (n.)
2. Tricolor (adj.)
3. Commemorate (v.)
4. Prison (n.)
5. Monarchy (n.)
6. Occasion (n.)
7. Supporter (n.)
8. Signal (v.)
9. Creation (n.)
10. republic(n.)

Bastille Day is France’s most important national holiday. It is celebrated on the 14th of July every year. Every city, town and village becomes red, white and blue as everyone hangs out the French tricolor flag. The holiday’s name in French is Fête Nationale, which means “National Celebration". The 14th of July commemorates the storming (突襲；攻佔) of the Bastille on the 14th of July, 1789. The Bastille was a prison that held prisoners who disagreed with the French monarchy. The biggest celebrations are on Paris’ famous Champs-Élysées 香榭丽舍大街. There are parades, military bands and festivities (慶祝活動) during the day, and fireworks displays in the evening. It is a wonderful, happy occasion when French people show their pride (自尊) in their country.

Bastille Day celebrates the most important day in French history. The storming of the Bastille prison marked the beginning of the French Revolution法国大革命. The prison was a symbol (標誌，象徵) of the total (徹底的) power of King Louis the 16th. Most French people were very poor and hated how the monarchy and its supporters were so wealthy. The Bastille only had seven prisoners when Parisians attacked it, but it signaled Louis 16th’s power was no longer absolute (完全的). Parisians (巴黎人的) believed their actions meant they were free. It led to the creation of the first French republic in 1792 and the three French ideals (理想) of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The French national anthem (國歌), La Marseillaise, was written that same year and became official in 1795.

                                            Les Misérables/悲慘世界 (2012)

IV. Comparing: What is similar and what is different about the US and France's independence celebrations?

A. Writing a Comparative Paragraph:

1. Use a Venn Diagram, then write a paragraph.
2. Topic Sentence: Tells the main idea

The American Independence Day and France's Bastille day are both important national celebrations.

or

The 4th of July in the US and Bastille Day in France are both important independence celebrations.

3. Detail Sentences: Give examples of similarities and differences

4. Closing Sentence: Summarize the paragraph, or restate the main idea.

V. Discussion: What about Taiwan?

1. How is Taiwan similar or different compared to the US and France? Use a 3 circle Venn Diagram.
2. What is considered " national pride" for Taiwanese?

Resources:

https://eslholidaylessons.com

https://www.testden.com/toefl/writing-tutorial/compare-and-contrast-paragraph.htm

https://eslflow.com/comparisoncontrast.html

https://gushi.tw/tag/frenchrevolution/
https://www.bilibili.com/video/av1486381/

Summer Theme for ESL

It's that time of the year, summer vacation, graduation, the light at the end of the tunnel after 2 jam-packed semesters. In between grammar units I use their ESL magazines for a change of pace. Their June and July issues have tons of summer related material.

PPT here

I. Dragon Boat

1. Traditions
2. Dialogue

II. Outdoors

1. Camping: Making S'more and Writing Scary Stories
2. Hiking
3. Picnic
4. SUP
5. At the Beach

III. Summer in Taiwan

1. Matsu Island and the Blue Tears
2. Fulong Beach

IV. Graduation Around the World
V. Summer Idioms

1. Make hay while the sun shines
2. Ray of Sunshine
3. A Place in the Sun

VI. Summer Songs (Listening skills, fill in the blanks)

1. "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Difficult)
2. "Summer of 69" by Bryan Adams

Promoting Gender Equality in the ESL Classroom

I have made some observations from three years teaching junior high, compared with five years teaching kindy. First, boys far outweigh the composition of my junior high classes. There are just more boys than girls in a private school’s junior high English program. It seemed more equal when they were 4 and 5 years old. However, in my higher level (A classes), the boys and girls are almost 50/50 in number.

Even so, the girls are often much quieter and lack confidence in participating.

It’s easy for a few boys to completely take over the discussion or monopolize the answering

of my questions. But being a feminist and a mother of a daughter

I feel like I am aware or at last trying to improve my awareness of how my

interactions and body language may encourage or discourage the girls’ participation.

At the same time, I value equal discipline between the sexes (I don’t think its ok for

girls to hit boys for example), and no boy has accused me of favoritism or being

biased. Then there’s the whole cultural difference between thousands of years of Chinese Confucianism which is sexist, and modern (Western) feminism. I do believe Taiwanese culture values gender equality just as much, if not more so than American culture.

The research on girls’ social development has shown, that for decades the majority

of girls stop taking risks in early adolescence. For example, they feel uncomfortable

raising their hands, participating in sports and extracurricular activities and stepping into leadership roles, even if they had no problem asserting themselves as younger students. They stop believing in themselves. Even if girls are uncomfortable attracting public classroom attention to themselves, educators still have to find ways to cultivate equal participation and empower girls’ voice.

Good gender equality in the classroom is having good classroom management. Great gender equality in the ESL classroom is not only competent classroom management but the understanding that the English language is sexist and how to unpackage all that. Finally, the school management has to be on board with the necessary changes and perhaps communicate such changes to the parents who might not be up to date with recent findings in education.

3 Factors That Contribute To Gender Inequality In The Classroom
Contributing Factor #1: Teachers Pay More Attention to Boys

Contributing Factor #2: Interactions with Boys are More Public.

Contributing Factor #3: Praise & Criticism Differ Between Boys & Girls.

Ways to Improve Gender Equality in the ESL Classroom

1. Addressing gender issues head on
2. More Group Work: Collaborative and task-based learning approaches do promote female production.
3. Integrate more ICT in language activities: Electronic discussion comprehension enhances all student participation, but it is more gender equitable than the classroom. Girls liked the discussion more than boys because they appreciated having time to think before responding without negative comments from males in the class.
4. Invite Peer Observation from other teachers
5. Make a chart of gender interactions and participation
6. Make a mindful seating chart promoting girls’ participation
7. Use gender-neutral language
8. Empowerment also happens outside the class, by getting the girls comfortable and confident in their bodies preferably together like in group sports, and movement (dance, yoga, running). I have seen my own 204 girls dance group directing and leading their class English Play, and it was awesome. 

What The School Can Do:

1. Schedule in more computer lab time for the ESL classes
2. Add more physical, movement options for girls, like yoga, tai chi, and weight-lifting
3. Add more peer observation and meetings for positive feedback
4. Add more project-based learning

Resources:

https://www.teachthought.com/education/6-ways-can-promote-gender-equality-classroom/

https://blog.enroll.com/post/Boosting-Females-Participation-in-The-ESL-Classroom

https://americanenglish.state.gov/files/ae/resource_files/ae_webinar_3.3_-_promoting_gender_equality_0.pdf

https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/promoting-gender-equality-with-teaching-strategies/3986846.html

Unit 8:The War on Drugs 毒品戰爭

I. Unit Questions (Handout B Class/ A Class) PPT

1. What are supply and demand供給和需求 and how does this work in the illegal and legal drug trade?
2. Are over-the-counter drugs safe?
3. How do different countries handle addiction and controlling drugs?
4. Does Taiwan have a drug abuse problem?

II. Introduction
A. Common Illegal (Street) Drugs

• Highly addictive上癮的
• Easy to overdose 服藥過量 dose: v.服藥、n.一劑

1. Ketamine K他命 / 氯胺酮.“Special K” is an animal tranquilizer鎮靜劑. Users experience a “full-body buzz” a state of relaxation. The high lasts less than an hour. Users go into a trance昏睡狀態 called the “K-hole”. It’s addictive and overdose is possible.
2. Cocaine 古柯鹼
   “Coke” is a powerfully addictive上癮的 stimulant drug made from the leaves of the coca 古柯plant native 原生的 to South America.
3. Marijuana 大麻
   Most commonly used drug from dried leaves of the Cannabis 大麻plant. The active ingredient 原料 is THC四氫大麻酚. It is usually smoked.
4. Ecstasy (MDMA)搖頭丸.
   The “love pill” is an hallucinogen迷幻劑 that makes the user experience a state 狀態 of ecstasy狂喜 for 8-10 hours.
5. Amphetamine 安非他命/苯丙胺
   “Speed” is a powerful stimulant 興奮劑. Used for medical (ie ADHD注意力不足過動症
   ) and recreational 娛樂的purposes目的.
6. Crystal meth 冰毒/甲基苯丙胺“Methamphetamine”
7. Opium 鴉片.Dried part of poppy flower 罌粟花used for both medicine and street drugs like heroin.
8. Heroin 海洛英 An illegal opioid 鴉片that’s very addictive and used recreationally.

B. Class Conversations: Survey 3 Classmates

Introduction Reading: Drugs in Thailand (level 2)
Vocabulary: seize, bust, traffic, marijuana, amphetamine, ketamine, crystal meth, ecstasy

1.  Do you think alcohol is a drug?
2.  Do you know of any alcoholics?
3. Is alcohol addictive? What about tea, coffee, and chocolate?
4. Is there any difference between "soft" drugs such as marijuana and "hard" drugs like crack, heroin, cocaine etc?
5. Who is worse for society, a peaceful drug addict or a violent non-addict?Why?

III. Readings
A. Legal Drugs
1. What do you know about drugs?

• What are some dangerous drugs?
• What drugs do you think are useful?
• Have you ever used a prescription drug without a prescription?

Reading 1: Over the Counter Medicine Effects 非處方藥 
Vocabulary:

1. OTC 非處方藥
2. Side effects 副作用
3. Dementia 失智/癡呆
4. Tablet 藥片
5. Syrup 糖漿 ie. cough syrup, chocolate syrup...

EXTRA: Binge Drinking

B. The Global Movement of Marijuana Legalization 大麻合法化運動

• Do you think marijuana should be legal or illegal? Support your opinion with facts.
• Why does Taiwan have such a stigma against recreational or medicinal marijuana use?

Introduction:

 In America 25 states have legalized marijuana and many more will do so this year (2017). The pro-pot movement was not launched in the United States. It has been spreading globally, as far back as 1976, with countries like the Netherlands and Portugal experimenting with decriminalization. In Portugal, the possession of all drugs was decriminalized in 2001. In 2016, Uruguay and Canada legalized and regulated weed, helping to remove the stigma around the use of the plant. In 2017 Germany legalized recreational marijuana, as well as Ireland, Australia and Chile. Do you think Taiwan will ever follow their example?

Reading 2:Study Says Alcohol More Harmful Than Marijuana

A major new study研究 into drugs, published發表 in the British medical journal（醫療期刊 The Lancet刺胳針, has concluded總結 that alcohol and tobacco are more dangerous than many highly illegal drugs. They are listed in the top 10 most dangerous substances物質 in the study. Researchers believe British law should classify alcohol and tobacco the same as hard drugs such as heroin and cocaine. Head researcher Professor David Nutt of Britain's Bristol University suggested a new classification 分類of harmful substances. He said it needed to be based on the actual(real) risks (dangers) posed造成 to society. Professor Nutt said the new system was necessary in Britain as the existing one was out of date過時的: "The current drug system is ill thought-out 未深思的 and arbitrary武斷的,” he said. He added there was no scientific basis for excluding排除 alcohol and tobacco as serious drugs.

Professor Nutt and his colleagues (coworker) used three factors to find out how harmful a drug is: the physical身體的 harm to the user, how addictive the drug is, and the impact it has on society. The researchers were experts in drug addiction, lawyers and police officers with scientific or medical backgrounds背景 and doctors. All of them agreed on the dangers of alcohol and tobacco. They ranked 分級/排名 alcohol as the fifth and tobacco as the ninth most harmful drugs. Professor Nutt and his colleagues (coworker) used three factors to find out how harmful a drug is: the physical身體的 harm to the user, how addictive the drug is, and the impact it has on society. The researchers were experts in drug addiction, lawyers and police officers with scientific or medical backgrounds背景 and doctors. All of them agreed on the dangers of alcohol and tobacco. They ranked 分級/排名 alcohol as the fifth and tobacco as the ninth most harmful drugs.

Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2009/nov/02/david-nutt-dangerous-drug-list

C. Medical Marijuana 藥用大麻

1. CBD Oil 大麻二酚
Uses of CBD oil:

1. Chronic pain　慢性/長期疼痛
2. Relieve 緩解 Cancer related symptoms 症狀
3. Childhood epilepsy癲癇
4. Anxiety焦慮/Depression憂鬱
5. Inflammation 發炎
6. Stress
7. Schizophrenia 思覺失調症(精神分裂症)
8. Pets

Reading 3:Arrested Because of Cannabis Oil (B Class) 
Reading 4:Marijuana in the USA (B Class)

EXTRA:
Uruguay to Legalize (B Class)
Medical Marijuana for Pets (B Class)
Nevada Makes Marijuana Legal


C. The War on Drugs

• Should there be punishments for dealing drugs?
• Should there be punishments for using drugs?
• Should drug dealers get the death penalty?

Planes With Drugs (B Class)
Police Take A Lot of Drugs (B Class)
War on Drugs in Mexico (B Class)
Drone with Drugs (B Class)
Duerete is Like Hitler (B class) or Duterte vows to kill 3 million drug addicts and likens himself to Hitler 杜特蒂誓殺300萬毒蟲，並自比為希特勒

D. Addiction

• Are some people more easily addicted to drugs than others? or Do some people have addictive personalities?
• What else can people become addicted to?
• What drugs are addicting?
• Why are some drugs more addicting than others?
• Why do some people get addicted when others do not?
• What happens in the brain of a person that causes addiction?
• If you are addicted to drugs, what should you do?

Reading: Addiction May Be in Our Genes

E. Taiwan

1. Classification
2. Use and Addictions

NPP and LSD (April 2018)

Resources:
http://iteslj.org/questions/drugs.html
http://www.esldiscussions.com/d/drugs.html
http://teflpedia.com/Drugs_conversation_questions
http://www.geocities.ws/eslken/Legalizeit.pdf
https://fee.org/articles/marijuana-legalization-quietly-goes-global/
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/12/29/health/global-marijuana-cannabis-laws/index.html
https://international.thenewslens.com/article/42433
http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201705310013.aspx
http://www.narconon-news.org/drug-rehab/taiwan.html
http://www.havocscope.com/taiwan-drug-abuse/

EQ for ESL

The April issues of both ESL magazine have some interesting, helpful articles. So I thought I'd organize them together into a ppt. I was working on it in the classroom during break time and the students seem pretty interested and curious, which is encouraging.

So far I begin with explaining the difference and importance of IQ and EQ, why EQ is more important and what are the behaviors of someone with high or low EQ. I also present ways we can all improve our EQ.

Some of the themes I made, based on the magazine material are Empathy, Stress Managment, Relationships, Gratitude and Time Managment. It's also an opportunity to present Tapping.

This week we are finishing our adjectives and will have a class to focus on the ESL magazines and EQ My presentation very much a work in progress, so I will be editing this and inserting my teachers' feedback.
.