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Teachers' Tools
http://dictionary.reference.com/ Online English, French, Italian and Spanish Dictionary.
http://www.wordlearner.com/ Share and use materials with other language teachers.
http://www.teachers-pet.org/download.html Free tools for creative teachers.
http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/ Create all manner of puzzles and wordsearches for your students.
http://www.crosswordpuzzlegames.com/ You supply the words and clues, and this site will create the puzzle for you.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/ News lessons for class discussion.
http://www.onestopenglish.com/ Recent and old news items for class discussion, teaching materials and more.
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Poetry Corner
Each week we will publish a different poem. It could be from a professional poet, or it could be one of yours. If you want to have a go at writing a poem, write one as a comment on the blog.
Now, if you think your poems are nonsense, just read this one by Lewis Carroll.
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe.
"Beware the Jabberwock, my son! 
The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
The frumious Bandersnatch!"
He took his vorpal sword in hand:
Long time the manxome foe he sought --
So rested he by the Tumtum tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And, as in uffish thought he stood,
The Jabberwock, with eyes of flame,
Came whiffling through the tulgey wood,
And burbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.
"And, has thou slain the Jabberwock?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!'
He chortled in his joy.
`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe;
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
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Homework helpdesk
Having trouble with your homework or is there a word you need to know or a point of grammar which just seems to evade explanation? If so, then post a comment on the blog and we'll try to answer your questions as quickly and as comprehensively as we can.
Question 1
Anonymous said...
Hello I have problems when I speak in English. My teacher says I always use the same words! How can I get better?
It's good to see that you use what you know is correct, but if you are too repetitive it means that you need to increase your vocabulary.
You need to do as much reading and listening as possible. If you don't like books, then try listening to songs and reading the lyrics at the same time, or you could try magazines or comics, which are more visual and perhaps more interesting. Another thing you could do, is watch films that you already know in Spanish, but in English, with subtitles.
It's not necessary to sit there with a dictionary, but a decent pocket-sized dictionary can be useful at times. Remember also, that there are hundreds of millions of pages in English on the internet, so don't limit yourself to Spanish sites. If you don't understand some words, don't panic. The important thing is to understand the general meaning.
Question2
Anonymous said...
hello!I have a little problem:often I can't remember the words and the vocabulary I learn in English class.Can you help me, please?
Hello (again?) Anonymous,
If I were you, I would look through my work on a daily basis for just a couple of minutes. That way, the vocabulary and the lesson will always be fresh in your memory. If you do this, there will also be no need to spend a week revising for your exams.
Another good way not to forget vocabulary is to put it to use...try and work the new vocabulary into work that you do in class, or written homework. In this way, you will also understand it better and improve your working knowledge of English, as well as communicate more and better.
Hope it helps!
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Showcase
As a cultural organisation, the British Council is proud to exhibit the artwork of teachers, students and their family members. Today David Lind's mother, Karin, offers a wonderful selection of her paintings for our enjoyment.
And David's sister, Suzan Waldinger, has put together a whole exhibition. And this is some of her work. What a talented family!
Dear Blog
In our new, Dear Blog section,if you have any troubles or worries, conflicts or just need someone to chat to, then write a letter to the blog (as a comment at the end) and we'll try and help you and reply to as many of the letters as possible, publishing the replies. All the letters should be anonymous.
Letter 1
Anonymous said...
Dear Blog:
Hi, I have a problem. My friends are very happy with their qualities,but they are subnormal, in school and at the institute.I am more intelligent than they are,and in P.E. when I say "I am more intelligent than you,"they argue.
Anonymous
Answer
Dear Anonymous,
You mustn’t insult your friends because they consider you one of them. You should help them more. Your friends need you. Help theeeeeem!
By Juanato
Letter 2
cristina and rocio said...
Dear blog:
Hello!I have a big problem:I have got a brother who is stupid. When I get angry I want to kill him.Can you help me, please?bye, bye.
Answer
Dear Cristina and Rocio,
First of all, Don´t worry about wanting to kill your brother, most people think the same.It is a natural instinct like falling in love, or eating...You should try to avoid him when you are angry. You must think about positive things of your brother and that you are a lucky person because a lot of people don´t have brothers and they feel lonely. And finally you have to think that someday your brother will grow and will leave home. Life is fantastic.
Rango
Letter 3
Lonely said...
Dear Blog,
When I am playing with my friends, they always leave me out of their games. I feel bad not being able to play with people. What can I do to be accepted?
Yours, Lonely
Answer
Dear Lonely,
You must ask them what the problem is. Don't worry. You should try talking with other children/people so that they see what a great person. I'm sure you can be a more outgoing person. You shouldn't feel bad when they leave you. Here, you have two new friends.
BELDAV
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Great Comedy Moments
Click on the link below to see some funny moments with kids.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MqeJq3yokaw
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Watch a great little Pixar film. Afterwards, don't annoy adults so much!
Click on the address below:
http://video.google.es/videoplay?docid=-7228909873426421551&pr=goog-sl
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