Darkest Hour, a new award-winning film about Winston Churchill’s role as Britain’s WW2 Prime Minister, gives an excellent opportunity to work on this historical figure and historical period with pupils at B1 level. The resource and the film focus on some of Churchill’s most famous speeches and their morale-boosting effect. The theme can be related … Continue reading “Winston Churchill’s Darkest Hour”
If you want to discuss Thanksgiving with your class, there are some really useful sites and online resources. This site has lots of pictures and information about the first Thanksgiving in the U.S.A., in 1621, when British colonists, or Pilgrims, invited the Wampanoag Native Americans to a big meal to thank them for teaching them … Continue reading “Thanksgiving on the Web”
For many centuries, the Tower of London has been guarded by ravens. They are never allowed to leave the grounds of the Tower. According to legend: if the ravens leave, the Crown and the Tower will fall. But things are changing… Ravens have been in the Tower since it was built by William the Conqueror … Continue reading “Guardians of the Tower”
Dunkirk tells the story of one of the most extraordinary events of the Second World War: the evacuation of 338,000 men from the beaches of Dunkirk in northern France, against incredible odds. In May 1940, the Nazi Army was on the offensive. Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium rapidly fell, then they set their sights … Continue reading “The Miracle of Dunkirk”
This B1-level article focuses on an important yet little recounted moment during WWII, the evacuation of British and Allied forces from the beaches of Dunkirk by the Royal Navy, aided by hundreds of civilian boats. This symbol of solidarity has been adapted into a movie by director and screenwriter Christopher Nolan. Language and structures Historical … Continue reading “Dunkirk”
Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2017. July 1 marks the 150 years since Confederation, when the British colonies in modern day Canada joined to form the self-governing British Dominion of Canada. June and July are already months when Canadians take time to appreciate their country. This year, they will push the appreciation to another level. Canada … Continue reading “Celebrating Canada”
Canada is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2017. One of the highlights is a 150-day expedition following Canada’s three coasts from East to West. More than 300 Canadians have been selected to participate in the different legs of the maritime expedition, including 33 Youth Ambassadors representing Canada’s young people. July 1 2017 marks the 150th anniversary … Continue reading “All Around Canada to Celebrate 150 Years”
This B1-level article is a great opportunity to focus on the diversity of a unique English-speaking country: Canada. It sheds light on a part of its history, population and geography, introducing pupils to young people participating in an expedition to celebrate the 150th anniversary of independence. Vocabulary and structures Cultural and historical aspect with specific … Continue reading “Exploring Canada to Celebrate 150 Years”
If you want to work on Britain in the Second World War with your pupils, there are lots of online tools to help you. Here are some on The Battle of Britain and the subsequent Blitz. The newly renovated Imperial War Museum has a very interesting mini-site on the Battle of Britain using fascinating photographs … Continue reading “Battle of Britain and Blitz Teaching Tools”
The new film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is a high-energy action film of one of Britain’s most enduring myths: the sword in the stone. The film stars Charlie Hunnam and Jude Law as the “once and future king” and his evil uncle Voltigern, who has done his best to wipe Arthur and his … Continue reading “Medieval Murder and a Sword Called Excalibur”
