Infonews n°335 from 01/06/2008

A la Une this week, "China, the Olympics and Human Rights", then resources of all level for World Environment Day on June 5th and remember that June is also safety Month in the US. In the UK, Trooping the Colours will be on June 14th and I'll present it next week. In the News this week, the BBC deals with the end of the Monarchy in Nepal, and I've put together several resources for you to present last night's drinking party on the London Circle Line to your students...;) Then, find a song for the youngest, and documents for secondary school dealing with travelling, Native Americans, traditional tales from Ghana and how to go (and grow) organic. At the end, read Soleo, register for Spring Day and try the various activities available on the site, puis voyez le programme des concours d'enseignement, un bilan de groupes de compétences en 1ère STG et une suggestion de questionnaire bilan de fin d'année.

Have a nice week!
Christine Reymond

Sommaire

A la Une : "China, the Olympics and Human Rights"

World Environment Day : June 5th

Definition and Advices
Video
Songs
Cartoons
*** Games

In the Calendar

June is US National Safety Month

In the News

End of Monarchy in Nepal
Last day of drink in the London Tube
- Articles
- Videos
- Lesson Plan

Resources for Primary School

Animal Song

Resources for Secondary School

Travel Guide
Native Americans
Written Comprehension
How To Go Organic

A Lire

Soleo : le magazine en ligne de l'agence Europe Education Formation

Teaching Practice

Spring Day 2008
Programmes des concours
Bilan de groupes de compétences sur 1ère STG
Questionnaire pour bilan de fin d'année


A la Une : "China, the Olympics and Human Rights"

Here is an information from Peter Tapp, the editor of Metro, a company publishing educational material in Australia (mainly films). Those documents will enable you to make you (level B1+ ) students aware of the human rights issues in China during the Olympic games, and encourage them to watch the games in a different way. Here is Peter tapp's message : "The international spotlight is on China as the 2008 Olympic Games approach. Amnesty International Australia has just released "China, the Olympics and Human Rights", a teacher and student resource focussing on issues including:

Internet censorship in China
the history of the Olympics and human rights
human rights defenders in China
issues such as the death penalty and detention without trial.

There are classroom handouts on topics such as: Shi Tao, the journalist jailed for sending an email after Yahoo! disclosed his details to the Chinese authorities, and Media freedom, as well as practical ideas for action students can take such as "Help Nu Wa end Internet Censorship in China" and "Search for Freedom".
http://action.amnesty.org.au/humanrightstoday/comments/12526/
"China, the Olympics and Human Rights" is designed as a series of 1-2 page photocopiable materials, and is accompanied by teacher notes and an Advice to Teachers document. The resource is designed for students in the middle years, and can be used across the curriculum. It is particularly suited to students in years 9 and 10 and the Humanities, SOSE/ HSIE and English Learning Areas."
http://action.amnesty.org.au/images/uploads/hrt/China_The_Olympics_and_Human_Rights.pdf

World Environment Day : June 5th

Definition and Advices

June 5th is the United Nation's World Environment Day. The motto for 2008 is : "CO2, Kick the Habit!".
http://www.unep.org/wed/2008/english/
The site is also available in french and Spanish. The home page offers very simple and visual advices that you can use it directly with beginners (A1).
You can also download a leaflet with 80 suggestions of things you can do, some photos to comment and lists of events by countries
http://www.unep.org/wed/2008/english/Information_Material/index.asp
With B1 or B2 students, you can use those long texts (or extracts) from this fact sheet
http://www.unep.org/wed/2008/english/Information_Material/factsheet.asp
For adults level A2, calculate your Carbon footprint (only for adults, and you must ask them to do it at home or bring all the figures for their consumption of electricity, heating oil, annual car mileage, etc.) : interesting but complicated to use if you don't have all the figures.
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
For students level A2, you can use those advices in short sentences, giving all the basic vocabulary and also advices the students will end up doing when they hear them often enough... (don't leave things on stand by mode, use your bike, switch off the light and use energy efficient bulbs, etc..)
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/minimisecfp.html
For those who like figures, here is a list of appliances, how often they are used, the cost per year in British pounds and in Kilos of CO2.
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/energyconsumption.html
and there is also this easy page about the 3Rs
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/recycling.html

Here is a page of advices from the National Environment Agency of Singapore (A2)
http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/article.asp?pid=1464

and here is a page from the UK environment agency about Fly tipping : "Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. It is a significant problem that is on the increase. Fly-tipped rubbish is unsightly the environment and threatens human health." (from the site)
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/yourenv/eff/1190084/pollution/213370/fly-tipping/?lang=_e
[ There is also a map and a pie chart to analyse. You ca&n also find lots of other useful resources on this site
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk ]

Video

Discover this video about the implementation of biogas production form household wastes in Kerala, India. For students level B2, willing to understand Indian accents (some are very strong).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrtINiLgNKY
This video is recommended by Thot Cursus newsletter:
http://thot.cursus.edu/rubrique.asp?no=27980

Songs

- 3Rs by Jack Johnson
His voice and the lyrics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnLZDbaoqC4
a version by teenagers, with pictures taken
the singer at the Kokua festival in 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShC0RqSANr4
[ note: what is Kokua? http://www.kokuaservices.com/ ]
You can find this song and a lot of other useful resources for primary school children level A1 and A1+ on Michelle Henry's page about recycling:
http://www.ac-nancy-metz.fr/enseign/anglais/Henry/recycling.htm

- the Recycler song : a karaoke song, with a child singing and the words on the screen, highlighted as they are heard. the song is very fast and difficult. For students B2 or above, but they might not like the childish layout.
http://www.recyclenow.com/fun_stuff/recycler/sing_recyclers.html
this come from the Infonews page "from Earth Day to Environment Day"
http://www.recyclenow.com/fun_stuff/recycler/sing_recyclers.html

Cartoons

A short advert level A1 from Recycle Guys (North Carolina, US)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrEPSACrLmA
and here are some other TV commercials from Recycle Guys
http://www.p2pays.org/recycleguys/musicandvideos.html
Who are the Recycle Guys? ( the students could get the idea of inventing their own characters on the same model...)
http://earth911.org/blog/2007/12/30/meet-the-recycle-guys/

*** Games

A1 : Recycling Guys' games
Coloring pages, a bingo and trading cards from Recycle Guys
http://www.p2pays.org/recycleguys/games.html

B2 : Climate Challenge
*** a fascinating free serious game (see Infonews n°333 http://lycees.ac-rouen.fr/pascal/infonews/archives/333.htm#une ) created for the BBC. This games requires students aware of economics and national policies, as well as used to playing simulation games like "Sim City" where the decisions they make influence the game. You can play this Flash game directly online.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/hottopics/climatechange/climate_challenge/

B2 : 3rd World Farmer
Another serious game, a simulation game, very thought provoking. Efficient if the students discuss what they see on the screen and the various economic and social possibilities. You have to make hard choices, like sending someone out of the village, accepting to grow opium or the help of a paramilitary group, and help your family go through various catastrophes...and then you see what comes out of your choices. Excellent to raise student's awareness of the hardship of living in Africa.
http://www.arcadetown.com/3rdworldfarmer/gameonline.asp
[ this game was recommended by Thot : http://thot.cursus.edu/rubrique.asp?no=27992 ]

B2 : The Power game
Another game of the same type, provided by British Energy Group : "To illustrate the complex interactions between the UK's future electricity options we have developed The Power Game. The game lets you decide the future of the UK's electricity generation industry. As existing power stations close you must chose which new stations to build in order to meet the country's power demands. You could build a mix involving coal, gas, nuclear and a host of renewable technologies. You must choose carefully, however, as you must meet the country's commitment to reduce CO2 emissions as well as ensuring security of supply and affordable prices." (from the site). Can download the game and play for free!
http://www.british-energy.com/powergame.php

In the Calendar

June is US National Safety Month

The newsletter [LII New This Week] from May 29 recommends this site with "Materials for National Safety Month (June), including safety tips (on topics such as distracted driving and poisoning prevention) and posters. The page will be updated throughout June and "will end the month on Monday, June 30 with tips for a safe 4th of July and summer safety." From the National Safety Council.
http://lii.org/cs/lii/view/item/26144
you can download several posters and leaflets
http://www.nsc.org/nsm/posters.aspx
http://www.nsc.org/nsm/safetytips.aspx

In the News

End of Monarchy in Nepal

The BBC English Learning programme "Word in the news" offers a text level B1+, an audio file and some vocabulary that you can also download and print:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/newsenglish/witn/2008/05/080528_nepal.shtml

Last day of drink in the London Tube

A huge party was organised in the London tube last night to celebrate the last day when drinking would be allowed in the tube. The fun party ended up in the destruction of several cars and many other damage.

- Articles
Reuters : "London underground Party end up in mayhem"
http://uk.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUKL3091791620080601?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0
In the News : "Tube booze up ends with arrests"
http://www.inthenews.co.uk/news/crime/tube-booze-up-ends-with-arrests-$1225288.htm
BBC : "Booze on the Tube ends with a bang"
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7429661.stm
Timesonline: "Revellers in dash to have last booze on the tube"
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article4040186.ece
Timesonline: "Teetotal tube" a short note from a reader suggesting the ban to go further.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/letters/article3926938.ece
Timesonline: "Boris Johnson's alcohol ban on the tube is impossible to enforce, unions claim" (Boris Johnson is the recently elected Major of London)
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/crime/article3890097.ece
The Independent
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/boris_johnson/2055179/Massive-Circle-Line-Tube-party-ahead-of-Boris-Johnson-Mayor-of-London-alcoholic-drinking-ban.html

- Videos
from the Independent (announce)
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1488655367/bctid1581563665
from the BBC (consequences)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7429661.stm

- Lesson Plan
With students level B1+, you can first show them some of the headlines, then the video, and invite them to go on the internet to find out more about the event through the articles.

Resources for Primary School

Animal Song

In its newsletter British Council LearnEnglish Kids of April, the British council recommends this animal song for beginners. The song is based on "This is the way..." , you can hear the song, read the text or not, and reproduce the movements of the characters as in a finger song. It is centered around the theme of Egypt, but you (or your students) can adapt it.
http://www.britishcouncil.org/kids-songs-ancient-egypt.htm

Resources for Secondary School

Travel Guide

Don't miss this activity prepared for you by our colleague Rodolphe Maurel for students level A2. You can invite your students to use it on their own, in the school library of at home. They can watch the video and do several activities that will help them understand. Thanks, Rodolphe!
http://www.soundguideweb.com/soundguide/spip.php?article206

Native Americans

The Scout Reports features this month a special report and analysis about Native Americans' education policies. (level B2) Read the comment and the articles
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/boris_johnson/2055179/Massive-Circle-Line-Tube-party-ahead-of-Boris-Johnson-Mayor-of-London-alcoholic-drinking-ban.html
A2+ : our colleagues from the vocational schools in Académie de Rouen have prepared this site with short visual documents and online activities
http://anglais-lp.ac-rouen.fr/activites/activites_fichiers/American_Indians/americanindians_INDEX.htm
A1 to B2 : you can also find resources for all levels on Michelle Henry's pages
http://www.ac-nancy-metz.fr/enseign/anglais/Henry/indians.htm
Including an A2 song : "Indian reservation" and its lyrics
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HArPt-4s190
Interactive word search
http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/quizzes/wordsearch/native_wordsearch.html
A1+ / A2 : here is a site created by a US (Mountain City, Tennessee) elementary school teacher for and with her students:
http://www.mce.k12tn.net/indians/
including a very clear chart showing all the tribes and their differences:
http://www.mce.k12tn.net/indians/navigation/native_american_chart.htm
You find lots of simple information about the Native Americans and their way of life, and then you can do this interactive quiz discover the location, clothing, housing and food of each tribe.
http://www.mce.k12tn.net/indians/teaching/test.htm

Written Comprehension

On e-teach, our colleague Sylvie Bertrand recommends this site of stories from Ghana, level A1+. Lower secondary school students will enjoy reading them, exchanging stories and maybe finally writing their own...
http://www.africawithin.com/tour/ghana/ghtales.htm

How To Go Organic

People have been wondering about how to "go organic" for decades, and interest in organic everything seems to be growing exponentially. Created by the Organic Trade Association, this website provides in-depth information for producers, processors, and individuals about how to make the transition to organic. The primary sections of the site include "Pathway for
Producers", "Pathway for Processors", and "Key Resources". Most people will want to start by looking over the "Key Resources" area, as it includes thematically organized resources that deal with crops and farming, business and marketing, certification, and livestock and ranching. This area provides charge. Moving on, the "Regional Guide" section features an interactive map that includes the best organizations, web sites, and publications available across the United States. [KMG]
http://www.howtogoorganic.com/
[ for students interested in organic food and culture.]

A Lire

Soleo : le magazine en ligne de l'agence Europe Education Formation

Sur e-teach, Sylvie Wary recommande à ceux qui s'intéressent à Coménius, de lire le magazine Soleo publié de l'agence ex-Coménius France, maintenant Europe Education Formation :
http://soleoweb.2e2f.fr/index.php
[ vous pourrez y découvrir les nouveaux programmes d'échanges et de collaboration, et en particulier le projet de mobilité individuelle permettant à des élèves de partir pour une année scolaire dans un pays étranger, alors que l'élève correspondant sera scolarisé à leur place dans leur établissement...
http://soleoweb.2e2f.fr/page.php?page=35 ]

Teaching Practice

Spring Day 2008

" Spring Day for Europe is an annual event that encourages schools to book one or many days in their calendar to organise events that focus on debate, interaction and reflection on European themes. Spring Day for Europe is an opportunity for young people to express their views and make their voices heard in Europe." (from the site)
Over 4,000 schools have registrered and will organise special event with a visit of a European representative, a chat with a foreign school, special European days or activities. To register go to : <http://www.springday2008.net/>http://www.springday2008.net
You can also :
- download a handbook (in your own language or in English) to learn how to implement a special event:
http://www.springday2008.net/ww/en/pub/spring2008/resources/handbook.htm
- take part in debates on topics like "environment in Europe" or "intercultural dialogue"
http://europa.eu/debateeurope/index_en.htm
- *** discover everything about Europe on this site (level B2 in English, but also provided in your native language).
http://europa.eu/abc/index_en.htm
with, for those who prepare their holidays or to invite your students to organise their dream holiday, this useful "travelling in Europe" page (also includes a leaflet that you can print and use in classes where you don't have a computer)
http://europa.eu/abc/travel/index_en.htm

Programmes des concours

Sur eTeachnet, Guy Mazurais nous informe de la parution des programmes des concours pour 2009:
Bulletin officiel spécial n° 4 du 29 mai 2008
- programme Agrégation 2009
http://www.education.gouv.fr/bo/2008/special4/MENH0800398X.htm
- programme Capes 2009
http://www.education.gouv.fr/bo/2008/special4/MENH0800400X.htm

Bilan de groupes de compétences sur 1ère STG

Lu dans English Teachers [et], la lettre d'information du site "Anglais - Académie de Lyon" : Bilan des groupes de compétences au lycée d'Andrézieux
http://www2.ac-lyon.fr/enseigne/anglais/documents/CECR_projet_stg_2008.pdf
[ les classes de 1ère STI et STG, sans dédoublement dans l'horaire, sont des classes difficiles sur lesquels chacun d'entre nous souhaite essayer quelque chose de nouveau. lisez ce bilan, qui a le mérite de mettre tout noir sur blanc...à vous de juger.]

Questionnaire pour bilan de fin d'année

Plusieurs échanges ont eu lieu sur e-teach à propos d'un bilan de l'année rédigé (par exemple) sous forme de questionnaire rempli par les élèves (de façon anonyme). Notre collègue Marge Da silva, du lycée Français de Valence en Espagne, a proposé le questionnaire suivant qui m'a beaucoup plus. Je vous le copie ici, il poura vous aider à construire le votre... merci, Marge!

1. Cette année, tu as eu l'impression d'avoir fait des progrès dans le ou les domaines suivants... (entoure tes réponses)
· écouter et comprendre l'anglais à l'oral,
· lire et comprendre l'anglais à l'écrit,
· s'exprimer oralement en anglais
· s'exprimer par écrit en anglais.
· le vocabulaire,
· la grammaire,
· la prononciation
·
2. a Dans quels domaines as-tu l'impression d'avoir le plus progressé?
2.b Dans quels domaines as-tu l'impression d'avoir le moins progressé?

3. a. Quel(s) thème(s) t'ont plu le plus cette année?
3. b. Quel(s) thème(s) qui t'ont moins plu cette année

4. a. Cite un ou deux document(s) qui t'ont particulièrement marqué
4.b. Cite un ou deux document(s) qui t'ont particulièrement déplu

5. Qu'est-ce que tu as aimé dans le déroulement du cours? (la méthode, la façon de faire, etc.)

6. a. Quels conseils donnerais-tu à ton prof pour que les cours soient meilleurs l'année prochaine?
6. b. Quels conseils donnerais-tu à un élève qui va entrer en 6e/3e / 2nde pour qu'il réussisse mieux?


Ceci est un message de la LISTE INFONEWS
réalisé par Christine Reymond
lycée Blaise Pascal, Rouen, France
E-Mail: Christine.Reymond@ac-rouen.fr
Les commentaires et réflexions entre [ ] ne reflètent que mon opinion personnelle.
Sites Infonews:
http://perso.numericable.fr/~dreymondch46/infonews/une1.htm
http://lycees.ac-rouen.fr/pascal/infonews/une1.htm
Pour consulter les sources:
http://perso.numericable.fr/~dreymondch46/infonews/archives/sourcinfonw.htm
http://lycees.ac-rouen.fr/pascal/infonews/archives/sourcinfonw.htm
Pour vous inscrire ou vous désinscrire:
http://listes.ac-rouen.fr/wws/info/liste-infonews