Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an American tradition to celebrate the day in 1621 when the Native Indians and the English Pilgrims sat down to enjoy a three day feast to celebrate the plentiful harvest of that year. Also, the previous year the Pilgrims nearly died due to a bad harvest but were helped by the Indians and Thanksgiving also remembers this offering of help.
Today, families all over America celebrate Thanksgiving with a big feast, usually with a turkey and give thanks for the things they have. Try out this puzzle and see what the picture is, just click on PLAY GAME!

Make a game | Share | Free games | Pictogame

Harry Potter Phenomenon

The Harry Potter saga has undoubtely become one of the most successful films in the history of the cinema.  Thirteen years has passed since the first Harry Potter film "Harry Potter and the Philopher's Stone" had its premiere.  The first book of the saga written by J.K. Rowling, was published on 30th June 1997, and its author never thought it would be such a success.  Some critics think that it was a hit because of Rowling's imagination, humour, simple, direct style and clever plot construction.

The seventh and final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, has been divided into two parts to make the final two films, the first premiered on 19th November this year.  The book has been a best-seller and has made Harry, Ron and Hermione household names and everyone expects the two-part film to have the same success.  Here is the trailer for the new film for you to share your opinion.  At last, it's the viewer who has the last say.

World Toilet Day

You may have heard of Saints' Days or even April Fools' Day but today is World Toilet Day. This day aims to make people aware of the problems of poor hygiene and sanitation in the world. It is estimated that that 2.6 billion people do not have somewhere safe, private or hygienic to go to the toilet! That's no laughing matter! Although it does remind me of an old joke:

"Scotland Yard has had all the toilet seats stolen from their headquarters. A police spokesman said that unfortunately they have nothing to go on!"

You can see more about the story and some weird and wonderful facts and images by following this link.

On your best behaviour please

We are extending a very warm welcome to readers of this blog. We would be very grateful if you would please continue reading and if one is so inclined to respond with a very salubrious comment to help us with your future viewing pleasure. Of course, this is only if it does not trouble you too much. Thank you.

Have you ever thought of how polite you are?

British people are known for their manners and proper etiquette. It is said that if there is a queue then a British person will join it not knowing what the queue is for! British politeness has evolved over many hundreds of years and today includes "netiquette": the correct way to write and communicate on the internet and email.

Is this how you would rob a bank?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBrEpMN8mxA

We mustn't forget that for as long as there has been politeness, there have been insults. Follow this link to discover how to insult someone in Shakespearean English.

We thank you for reading.

Remember Remember 5th November!

Remember remember the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder, treason

Should ever be forgot...

November 5th, Bonfire Night, is a special day in UK. It is a day to remember the Gunpowder Plot: a story about royalty, parliament, deception, explosion and even murder! Find out all about Bonfire night here on the BBC's Newsround website.

Spellbound

Only 10 days to go until Halloween; one of the most widely celebrated traditions in the English speaking world. Many years ago, people suspected of being witches or practicing magic were burned at the stake or drowned. Many of the executioners were cursed with magic spells.

"Bang the drum, and sound the bell,

Here’s a video of a witch's spell.

Poisoned liver and a lock of hair,

Check it out if you dare!"

Pardon?

Here's a funny video about speaking English. You can see that the man gets really angry because the programme makers think that he is difficult to understand because he is not a native speaker. Truth is, it doesn't matter what accent you have.

In the UK there are probably more than 100 differnt regional accents! Have a look at the following website. You can hear the same English paragraph spoken in 412 different accents from across the world.

Festivities

Halloween and Bonfire night celebrations are quickly approaching. Check out The CLIL ZONE soon for some devilish tales and explosive stories!

EDUCATION

Check out this cartoon! Have things really changed that much? Studies have shown that parents are blaming teachers for their children getting bad grades. 50 years ago, parents used to blame the students for not working hard enough. We´ll leave it up to you to decide whose fault it is...

GLEEMANIA

Have you ever heard about the new musical television series Glee?  It is about a choir in a high school in Lima, Ohio.  Originally, a glee club was a musical group, historically of male voices but also of female or mixed voices, which traditionally specialises in the singing of short songs— glees—by trios or quartets.  The pilot episode of the show was broadcast after American Idol on May 19, 2009, and the first season began airing on September 9, 2009.  From that moment on, the series has been a success and a phenomenon not only among teenagers but also adults.

Welcome

Hi to everyone and welcome to The CLIL Zone.  This is our first entry on a blog that aims to improve knowledge and understanding of the English world in all senses.  We hope you have fun with it and make suggestions on how we can improve.

Bye for now!

Angie and Ross