Learning languages

Hi folks!
As we were talking about what languages are taught in which countries and about English as the international language the other day in class I thought you might find this article from "The Irish Times" interesting, concerning foreign language teaching in Ireland. Click here: Learning languages.
See if you can answer the following questions:
1.What fraction of Irish people say they can speak a foreign language?
2. Is foreign language learning obligatory in the Irish educational system?
3. Does the National University of Ireland require a foreign language qualification for admission?
4. Why does the report mentioned state that language learning should be compulsory?
5. What does a "rounded" education refer to?
6. What is the disadvantage of reading in translation according to the journalist?
7. Do you agree with Sarah Smyth?
8. Is maths more important than languages?

songs for teaching

Hi everybody. I've just found this great website which is really useful for teaching and learning songs. In the Songs by Subject link you can find songs to teach concepts and vocabulary in Mathematics, Science, Music Appreciation, Nursery Rhymes, Pre-school etc. Have a look and see if it's of any use to you and start to sing your heart out! http://www.songsforteaching.com/numberscounting.htm

Queen's 2010 Christmas Speech

This is the speech we were listening to the other day in class. What does the Queen say about the role of sport ? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7yhg4EIPlA. And here you have the full transcript to check and to improve your Reading Comprehension http://www.sim64.co.uk/queens-christmas-speech-2010.html.

Back to work.

Hi everybody and greetings from Cadiz where I've just taken up my post for this year. Fondest regards to my ex-colleagues and students at the Algeciras Official Language School. Keep blogging!

4th Year Oral Exam Task

http://whattodoandseeindublin.wikispaces.com. Hi everybody. This is the link with instructions on the task you have to prepare for next week's oral class test which I explained to you yesterday. See you on Tuesday. Have a fun weekend!

Irish Set Dancing for St.Patrick's Day

Hi everybody. Here's the dance performance we were watching in class yesterday should you want to try out the steps. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Songs about friendship

This is the song, You've got a friend, we were singing in class today. See if you can find any more songs on this theme worth singing and post a comment.
By the way, did you learn any new vocabulary or sayings in this song? Did you improve your pronunciation whilst singing it? Are you thinking of becoming a singer?