The Call of the Wild

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 24 February 2020 > Ready to Use

A new film adaptation of Jack London’s famous novel returns to the original story and focuses much more on Buck, the dog, than previous films. Pupils will also enjoy recognising Harrison Ford and Omar Sy. The activities below include watching the film trailer without, then with sound, and reading a short, simple article. Language and … Continue reading “The Call of the Wild”

A Canine Sergeant

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 23 May 2019 > What's On

Stubby, a stray dog, became the mascot of an American regiment in World War I and accompanied the soldiers so steadfastly that he was given the rank of Sergeant. A new animated feature brings this true story to life. Millions of animals were used by armies on all sides in WWI — it is estimated … Continue reading “A Canine Sergeant”

Michael Morpurgo at Shakespeare and Co

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 06 December 2018 > What's On

The War Horse author is one of Britain’s most popular children’s literature writers, although his books are far from lightweight, tackling difficult emotional themes. Michael Morpurgo will host an evening at the legendary English-language bookstore Shakespeare & Co on Tuesday 18 December. The veteran author, now 75, has written more than 150 books for children and teens. … Continue reading “Michael Morpurgo at Shakespeare and Co”

Teaching with Trailers: Sing

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 06 January 2017 > Webpicks

The trailers for Sing, an animated musical film about a singing competition, provide lots of opportunities for language teaching – vocabulary about animals and music, following or telling a simple story, or organising a talent show. You’ll find two versions of the trailer below. The first one is simple, usable from A1+. The dialogue is … Continue reading “Teaching with Trailers: Sing”

Born to Sing

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 06 January 2017 > What's On

Sing is a feelgood movie about a singing competition designed to save a failing theatre in a city entirely populated by animals. From the animators who made Despicable Me, The Minions and The Secret Life of Pets, Sing is full of humour, hit songs and anthropomorphic animals. It is based on a trope we’re all … Continue reading “Born to Sing”

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Posted by Speakeasy News > Monday 14 November 2016 > Ready to Use

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the first episode of a new five-film series by Harry Potter author JK Rowling, is set in 1926 New York and features both Segregation and Prohibition. Our A2 downloadable resource will enable your pupils to find out about the new film and understand the connection with the Harry … Continue reading “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”

Australia

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 17 August 2016 > Ready to Use

This easy A1+ article will introduce your pupils to one of the largest, but most sparsely populated, English-speaking countries: Australia. It includes geographical details and a map, and elements about symbols, institutions, landmarks and population. It is accompanied by teaching activities and an audio quiz.   Vocabulary and structures be there is/are locating compass points … Continue reading “Australia”