Black Cat Song

listen to ‘Black Cat Song’ on Audioboo

Akiho's & Mizuki's favourite drink

Check out How to Make the Perfect Cocoa by Jim George on Snapguide.

What's your favourite drink? Share a recipe!

Ran tells a Neverending Story

listen to ‘Ran tells a Neverending Story’ on Audioboo

The Love of a King - after reading

I read " The Love of a King" and I did after reading #1.

'Edward, Mr Baldwin has just been to see me'
'And what did he say to you, George? '
'He said that you cannot marry Mrs Simpson. '
'Why can't I ? Is it a crime to want to marry ?'
'Don't be stupid. Of course it's not a crime. But the Church won't have this woman as the Queen.' 
'Don't call her "this woman" - her name 's Wallis. I'm going to marry her, and I'll give the crown to you.'
'But I don't want it ! It's your job to be King, not mine ! I've never wanted to be King.'
'But someone has to be King, George. And it will have to be you because I can't live without Wallis, or without love.'
'Love ! You must put your country before love ! If you marry her, I never want to see you again. '
'But you will come to my wedding, won't you, George? '
'No, I won't. I don't like that woman, and I don't want to see her as your wife.'

I have never heard this story before. I am envious of Edward and Wallis, because they could meet each other and got real love. I hope so, too.

Posted for Yuri

Red Dog - after reading

I enjoyed reading "Red Dog" while thinking of my dog (white one). She gives my parents and me a lot of works, but cannot hate her. I would like to care about all of my dogs as long as possible.

After reading 2.

1. This new girl, Nancy, gets on the bus and sits down on the seat behind the driver, where Red always sits. Red didn't like that at all! First he shows his teeth and then he tries to push her off the seat. We were all laughing.

2. It was difficult getting the claws out, but luckily they didn't hit anything important. He's a strong dog, and I think he'll be fine. Next week he'll probably be at a barbecue, stealing somebody's burgers and eating them!

3. Here's that dog again, visiting people in the caravans. I don't like it. This is my truck, and I live here. He'll try and chase me, like all dogs do. When he does, I'll use my bullets on his nose. That's ll teach him a lesson...

4. Don't worry, I know what to do. I'll show this letter to everyone, and tomorrow morning everyone will drive their cars and park in a circle around Mr Gribbage's caravan. The he won't be able to pull your park away.

Posted for Chinasa

Where I live ~ Shinshu, Japan

 Matsumoto Castle Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Shinshu is about 170km north of the capital, Tokyo. It is one of the most beautiful regions in the country.

There is a historic old castle, beautiful blue lakes and large peaceful forests. The historic old castle is one of the most famous castles in Japan.

Our region is famous for it's apples, watermelons, lettuce and peaches. We have some of the best ski mountains in the world, and we also have some of the most relaxing hot springs in the country. Our soba noodles are some of the most delicious in Asia.

Our winters are cold and wet, and it's quite snowy, but our summers are hot, with temperatures around 25
degrees C.

I hope you will have a nice trip.

   Best wishes

Yuya

Ear-rings from Frankfurt - police interview (after reading)

                              On Saturday Richard went to the police about the 'eggs' letter.

Richard: I have something to tell you about the Joe Kelly
Police: Joe Kelly? Go on, Mr Walton, we're listening.
Richard: He's got some stolen jewellery and-
Police: And you and your girlfriend went to Frankfurt to get the jewellery for him, didn't you, Mr Walton?
Richard: Yes, we did, but the German police asked us to bring it back. They had a plan---.
Police: Plan? We don't know anything about at plan, but we want this jewellery. Where is it, Mr Walton?
Richard: it's in Kelly's house, in three egg boxes, and --
Police: How do you know it's in Kelly's house?
Richard: Because I saw a letter in his office. And he's meeting some people at his house at eleven o'clock.
Police: Eleven o'clock? Right. You wait here, Mr Walton. We'll talk to you later.

Posted for Reiko

Chocolate - after reading

I've read "Chocolate" and I chose after reading #4.

Do you agree or disagree with these sentences? Why?
1. People in western contries eat too much chocolate now.
    ->I don't think so. I think chocolate is more popular in around the world now, of course Japan also.
2. It is fine for children to eat chocolate sometimes.
    ->It is not good for children to eat a lot of chocolate because they will get fat, but I think that they eat it a few pieces are OK.
3. Chocolate needs to be a lot more expensive. Then the workers on the plantations can get more money.
    ->I disagree this comments because if the chocolate will be more expecsive, it is difficult for people who  are not rich to buy it easily and it will become to reduce cacao demands. Finally the workers will lost their workplace.
4. People must stop selling chocolate that is not Fairtrade chocolate.
    -> I agree. We should know the workers in plantation are faced some problems. I think if people can understand what is the fairtrade (especially developed countries people) the world would be more peaceful.

During I'm reading I wanna eat chocolate!! I was surprised that chocolate has been eaten or drinked since three thousand years ago. I'd like to try their chocolate drink. I think that is quite different taste between current chocolate. The ancient people and present people love chocolate. The chocolate has a power to attract people and some people become be addicted to chocolate! Oh, I found chocolate in my hands!!!!!
Next month, the girl have to buy or make a chocolate to present boys in order to show their love. I disagree this culture since I cannot make sweets. Anyway enjoy eat chocolate :)

Posted for Miyuki

England - after reading

The Romans lived here for 400 years or more.
The Vikings came from Denmark and Norway.
Some of the stones at Stonehenge come from 217Km away in the Preseli mountains in Wales. Others come from 20 or 30 Km away.
In 1066, William of Normandy - the famous William the conqueror- invaded England, bringing French-speaking people to the country.

Take a ferry boat across the Mersey for good views of the waterfront.
You must try fish and chips because it is a traditional food.
Half a million young people go clubbing in England because they enjoy it.
Take long walks across Dorset's high cliffs or along its empty beaches.

Posted for Reiko

Animals in Danger - after reading

I read "Animals in Danger" and I chose after reading #3.

1. Stop the pollution of reivers and the sea.
2. Do not wear clothes made from wild animals.
3. Do not buy medicine made from sild animals.
4. Leave some fish in the sea for dolphins and sharks.
5. Do not buy a wild parrot to have in your home.
6. Ask politicians to make more natonal parks.
7. Give money to animal charities.
8. Walk or go by bicycle, not by car.
9. Eat less meat.
10. Visit good zoo and learn about animals.

I think that the people need to change our living habit to live with wild animals.

Posted for Miyuki

Henry VIII & his Six Wives

Katherine Howard was much younger than Henry.

Anne Boleyn felt calm the day before she died.

Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard died in the Tower of London

Anne Boleyn was beheaded with a sword

Holbein’s job; artist

Anne Boleyn sent Henry a necklace for Elizabeth.

Henry wore yellow when Katherine of Aragon died.

Catherine Parr found letters in a box.

Henry broke with the Catholic Church in Rome.

Henry married six times because he wanted a son.

Thomas Culpeper was Katherine Howard’s lover.

Margaret’s job; maid 

Posted for Yuri

Why YLE?

Hi there.  I own English Adventure, a one teacher school in Okaya, Nagano Prefecture.  For the first time two of my students took the YLE Starters exam at Luna International last October.  

They were a little nervous on the day of the exam, but the friendly atmosphere at Luna soon made them feel better.  Afterwards they both smiled and said, “Fun!” (even though the Reading & Writing section was challenging). 

When they got their results, they looked really excited, and their mums were very pleased too!  One of these students sometimes lacked confidence in his English ability, but it was great to see how much taking this exam boosted his confidence and made him realise what he could do.

I think this is one of the best things about YLE – students can have fun AND improve their English.  The YLE is well-designed, too, and children can understand the point of the questions.  Even though it has lots of pictures and fun activities, it is a reliable, high quality exam that is also suitable for children who are not suited to taking more traditional exams yet. 

Moreover, unlike Jido Eiken (Junior Step) or lower levels of Eiken (STEP), it examines all the four skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing, and it contains more natural English.

Like Jim, I hope that more school owners in Japan will embrace it and realise that integrating it into your school can make it more special and eye-catching.

Magnus

Get the stressed in speaking - and get successful!

As a speaking examiner and examiner trainer for Cambridge ESOL, I can't tell you how important it is to speak clearly. That does not mean speaking quickly or sounding like the Queen...far from it! When you learn new words, you need to remember where the stress is. If you are from a country which does not have a very "bouncy" language, like Japan, then you really have to do something 'strange' to sound 'right'!



Don't worry about "accent" - I don't...

Pronounce the words nicely (last sounds are important - like the /t/ in important!) but remember they are not individual units; they need to join up. The words that give information will probably need to be stressed; the "grammar" ones inbetween less so.  My Japanese is terrible, and when I am not sure about a particle or something, I say my thing really quickly and hope any mistakes get lost  in the message. eg Party....9pm...beer...girls. Message understood?!

How to use Quizlet? Look no further than Sandy Millin

A lot of people ask me what the point of twitter is. Very simply, I have met teachers worldwide and learned so much from them, as a result of twitter, that I really can't imagine not using it. I love finding stuff, and the remarkable (ever growing) like-minded teachers I come across on twitter are constantly coming up with great ideas, games, tips, flops, success stories, inspiration...and sharing them.

My students know I love Quizlet. A lot of them need a lot of help 'getting' it. Imagine my unconfined delight when I was pointed to this unbeatable explanation by @sandymillin  As I read, I was nodding like mad muttering Yes, Yes, Yes! Please follow this link to Quizlet explained. When you are finished, remember we have created a TON of materials for Luna's students (and therefor the planet as well) as "LunaTeacher". Sign up, join our classes, and enjoy learning even more.

http://independentenglish.wordpress.com/2012/03/13/quizlet/

On twitter, Jim is @oyajimbo. Luna International is @lunaIntnl

What did we do in January?

Mostly tried to keep warm - lots of singing & dancing, and quizzes to make Jim think hard!



And already February - is spring coming already (we hope so - we hate the paraffin heaters!)