"The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

 In chapter XVI Edna says: "I would give up the unessential; I would give my money, I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn't give myself."
What do you think she means?

EDI: YOUR WORKSHOPS

Please, give your opinion about the workshop (classes) that you prepared for your classmates. Did you enjoy working with your group? Was it a productive, good activity or not? What did you like most about your mates' workshops? Any suggestions? Anything you may say will be helpful for everybody.

As far as I am concerned, I really enjoyed listening to you all and seeing you "in action" as teachers! All topics were interesting and certainly relevant to your knowledge as a teacher of English. You showed creativity and developed balanced classes, taking into account all skills.
My suggestions for the future:
. Make sure you know the meaning and pronunciation of the vocabulary you're going to work with.
. Double check copies for mistakes.
. For a class to be catching, the activities should be somehow connected; they should have "un hilo conductor", so that they won't just be a collection of tasks to be performed, taken from Internet.
. No doubt the net is a wonderful source of materials and information, but you should make sure whatever you take comes from a reliable page.
. Try to make the most of any activity: if you deal with a listening text to develop understanding of a recorded material or a written piece for grammar's sake, etc, exploit the material in other ways, beyond the main objective.
And most important, ENJOY PREPARING CLASSES and WORKING WITH YOUR STUDENTS IN THE CLASS!!!  
Looking forward to reading your comments!
Your teacher

My Family and Other Animals. The movie

Theo: You should be proud of yourself.
Mother: Not so sure.
Theo: Who was it who said: "If you can control your family you've gone terribly wrong somewhere".
Mother: Aristotle?
Theo: No.
Mother: Was it me?
Theo: Yes.

What do you think mother meant?

Travelling abroad.

These are the two sentences from the reading that María selected for you to work with. Choose one and take your stand. 

Deadline: June 17

 

1. "Even if you are as nice as pie, there are always going to be people who try to take advantage or abuse their position, and that's true of any country."

2. "...a portrait without a name or a story has no more value than a landscape without a location."

Art and writing II

Hi guys!! Here's the last (but not least!!) story written and roleplayed by Marina Piccione, Andrés Cecconi and Florencia Grecco, based on The Scream painted by Edvard Munch.

Task: rewrite the story adding another character and include three if clauses (types 1, 2 and 3).
Deadline: June 10.

The worst betrayal of all.

 It was quite a sunny day and Andrew was sitting alone on a bench near a shore looking at a picture reminiscing other times of life. He was waiting for a call from his sister, and between looking at the landscape thinking of the old good days and trying to suppress unpleasant memories of what had been a very long week, the phone finally rang.

A: Hey sis, what’s up? Anything new about him?

F: Why are you always so mean? - She said quite angry- He’s our father, don’t call him like that! By the way, where are you that you are not here with us in the hospital? You should worry a little bit more! After all he’s like this because of you!

 She was calling not only to remind him what had happened but also to explain why it was his fault. Andrew’s pulse quickened at the very thought of this accusation, for it was neither fair nor true.

A: What are you talking about?  You don’t know what had happened, and you don’t want to know. Our fight has nothing to do with him being in a coma now! If he is like that it is because of what he has done. He deserves that! But I’m not going to argue about this with you. Anyway, you’re right about one thing, I should be there with you, not for him, but for you.

F: Well at least you care for someone besides yourself! And how can you say that?! How can you sleep at night?! Don’t you think that you and your rude way of treating him had led him to where he is now? By the way, what do you mean by “what he has done”?

A: Don’t be so hard on me; you know I care for you! And no, I don’t think so. He is like that because he couldn’t manage the situation. And believe me, you really don’t want to know.

F: Yeah, I know, sorry about that, but I don’t understand a word you are saying, please explain it to me! What are you trying to let me know?

A: Are you sure you want to know? If I tell you there’s no turning back.

F: Yes, please! You are driving me crazy! You say it’s his fault, and I don’t get your point! Come on, stop messing around and tell me, because I’m running out of patience!

A: Ok sis, chill out. Let me go there and I’ll explain to you. I’m on my way.

 On his way to the hospital he realized it was almost twilight and the sky was turning blood –red. Looking at the road, Andrew felt a breath of melancholy. He wished the minute hand of the clock could be rewound. He and his father were so close before that critical day.

Several minutes later, he arrived at the hospital, and there was his sister, waiting for him, quite impatient. He confronted her, feeling bad, like already knowing what was about to happen.

F: There you are! Come on, Tell me!

A: whoa whoa sis, slow down. You’d better sit – He said, while trying to calm her down – Well, if you are so sure, here it goes.

You wanted me to explain why I treated him like this and it’s because I’ve found out something he has done. I didn’t want you to know ‘cause I know how much you care for him and it would devastate you. But you insisted, so you have to know that I caught him cheating on us! In fact, he has another whole family! A wife, two daughters, and even a dog! Can you believe it?! That’s why he and I had a fight, and he couldn’t handle it. Now you understand why I say he deserves that? He deceived us! He’s is complete liar!

Her sister couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She was astonished. She only stood there, sensing a deep anguish, bursting into tears.

Enjoy the photos now!!

 

The Mirror has two faces

In today's class we've seen how Greg gets enthusiastic about Rose when he sits in her class for a while. 
How is he going to approach her? 

EDI: ART AND WRITING.

I hope you are enjoying the different groups' stories and role-playing as much as I am! Lots of fun!! And thru your great presentations we are all learning a lot about the painters. Good!!
Here's an assignment for you.
1- Choose one of the stories presented so far (not yours, of course!) and change the end.
2- So far we have dealt with Picasso, dalí, Cezanne and Monet. Write about what impressed you most about each of them.
Post your work on the blog. Deadline: may 14.
Enjoy!!!

GROUP: Romina, Sharon and Julieta.

 LE MOULIN DE LA GALETTE. (Based on Pablo Picasso's painting)

Plot:

-        Three single cousins at a party.

-        They are trying to get a rich husband

-        The three of them want the same guy

-        He left the party with another woman.

Characters:

-        Drusilla: envious, resentful, mean. Never had a boyfriend. 18 years old.

-        Charlotte: depressed, broken-hearted recently. Lovesick. 16 years old.

-        Nina: naïve, “in love with love”, innocent. No boyfriend. 15 years old.

The three cousins are sitting and talking at a party. The classic music is heard background. They are gossiping in a low voice, using their fans to hide their mouths. Suddenly, Charlotte sees something and stands up violently.

C: I’m leaving!

N: (surprised) what? Why? Wait! We’ve just arrived!

D: (in a tired tone) here we go again…. What’s the problem now?

C: (Sobbing) I can’t see him with another woman… It’s so hard!! I can’t stand it! (Crying loudly now)

D: (nervous) Stop crying for God Sake! You are embarrassing us! (Pour a glass) Drink this! (She handles her a glass with a strong beverage). He’s been always a jerk! I’ve warned you since the day you met him!

N: (with a calm voice) Drusilla… don’t be so mean to her… she is in love.

D: (serious and talking to Nina) she has to face the truth. We have been listening to her crying for two weeks now… I’m getting tired. (Not looking at Nina, looking to another part of the room)

C: (with tears) I’m sorry…. He has just broken my heart. I can’t handle it.

N: (comprehensive and loving) OH!! It’s ok Charlotte… Here you have a handkerchief. (She handles it to her.) Try to calm down. (She rubs her back)

D: Drink this! (She handles Charlotte another glass)

They are sitting, looking at the people dancing and listening to music. Suddenly, Nina sees someone.

N: Charlotte! I have an idea! There is lot of handsome men here. Let’s look for a husband for you. Look around! (Showing her the place with her hand)

C: I cannot see anyone. I only have eyes for him. (With deception and sadness)

N: There is George. (Pointing to someone) He looks nice tonight.

D: (straight away) He has no money. And lives with his mother.

N: (with nice voice and looking to her with a “stop” looking) Drusilla… and... What about David? (Looking at Charlotte) He’s such a gentleman.

D: He is a no one. He doesn’t have his own business. He is an employee. (Speaking in a low voice, almost whispering and with her fan in her mouth)

N: I don’t care about money (with a strong voice now) I only care about love, just like Charlotte. (With a romantic voice)

D: That’s why you are with us. (With a sarcastic voice)

N: Wait!! Gregg would be perfect for you! He is a musician… tender, generous..

D: Boring!! (With an unpleasant voice and putting her finger into her mouth, miming that is going to throw up.)

Charlotte looks at him, with a doubting face. Suddenly, she sees someone entering and her face completely change to a happy one. She grabs her cousins’ arms and gasp:

C: Wait! Look at him!! Who is him? (Pointing to the man)

N: ahhh… (Love sight) He looks like prince charming… we are going to have beautiful kids together…  (Hopeful tone)

D: (with a sharp tone) keep dreaming. He is mine. He is worthy. (Standing up and preparing herself to go and gets him)

C: No! (She grabs her and sits her down) I saw him first! We were looking a man for me, not for you. I’m the broken hearted here.

N: Girls… (Looking at the man) Don’t fight. He is looking at me. (Making an “in love” face and moving her lashes)

D: (talking to Charlotte) you are not the only desperate here. Besides, I’m the old one. I have the right to choose first. (With an arrogance voice)

C: Why don’t you look for a widow or someone of your age? (Looking to Drusilla, angry)

N: Girls… you are losing your time. He is already in love with me.

C: So, why is he dancing with Elizabeth? (to Nina and pointing at the couple)

N: (not paying attention) I can see it in his eyes. He loves me.

D: I’m not worried about her. She is an insipid skeleton.

C: (sad again) She is more beautiful than me!

N: Don’t be silly… (Calming her down) You are also beautiful. (She sees someone else)

D: (suddenly and angry) See!!! (Pointing at the couple) We’re here talking and he’s leaving with her!! Because of you, I lost him! Jeez!!! (Nervous)

C: That’s not true! (Angry now) You lost him because you are old and mean! Isn’t she, Nina?

N: (already watching to another man, not paying attention to the conversation) what?  Never mind. I’ve just fallen in love again… we are going to have beautiful babies… (Romantic tone)

D: (impatient and with no hope) Here we go again…. 

GROUP: Ma. Florencia, Gabriel and Juan Pablo.

Hopes die last. (Based on Dalí's painting Figure at a window)

Hopes die last

It was about 1945, two weeks after the end of the Second World War. The German nation was devastated by its consequences and Helena Kofman was not the exception.

 “War is finally over but I don’t know anything about my love. I feel so empty without his presence and I really miss him. I can’t wait to see him again and to take up our lives where we left it off. Loneliness has been my only friend for the last two year but I can’t stand it anymore” her voice was suffocated with sobs.

What she did not know was that, that day, everything was going to change.

As news travels fast, Johann, a neighbor, turned up to her house and let her know something really important.

 “Mrs. Kofman, I have some news!” he said.

 “Please, tell me! – is it about my husband? – is he alive? – Where is he?  Please just tell me!” She said desperately.

 “I’m sorry. I just know that downtown there are some lists with the survivors’ names and many soldiers will be back home soon. But we need to have a look at those lists. If you want, I can go with you.” He expressed.

Frantically, they rushed to that place with the hope of finding her husband’s name.

“Helena! Look! He is alive! In the twinkling of an eye, you will be with him again. ” Johann exclaimed cheerfully.

When Helena saw his name there, she broke down into tears.

Feeling extremely excited, she went home to prepare everything for his arrival.

Days passed on, but he never arrived. She was very worried when, one morning, general Meyer, knocked at her door.

 “Good morning madam. Are you Mrs. Kofman?” He asked seriously.

 “Yes, I am. Can I help you? – Why are you here? She faltered.

 “I’m sorry but I’ve got bad news… Mr. Kofman passed away.” the general informed.

 “What? What are you talking about? That’s not true.” She yelled.

 “I’ve been sent to let you know about it. I’m sorry.” He replayed

“Wait…what?...What happened? There must be a misunderstanding, what you are saying doesn’t add up!” said Helena.

“Unfortunately, he was seriously injured and died on his way back home. We are deeply sorry for your loss.” the General explained.

Helena’s biggest fear was borne out by the General. Although she knew that that was true, she did not accept it, and from that morning onwards, her life started to fall apart. Even though nobody spoke to her again, people could see Helena Kofman at the window every morning. Everybody guessed that she was hoping to see him again.

GROUP: Valeria, Luisina and Florencia
The silly bet, based on Man smoking a pipe by Cezanne.

THE SILLY BET

Long time ago in a far away country, there were two well-off rivals families who had been fighting for their honor from generation to generation. Until one day, the day when the two elder sons of each family, Richard Thomson and Henry Lancaster, decided to bet all their possessions to defend their family´s honor.

Henry entered the tavern and approached to the counter saying violently:

 “A whisky on the rocks!!!”

As he turned around, he unintentionally hit Richard´s arm, making his glass drop from his hand. So, Richard got really angry and exclaimed:

“Let´s finish with this. I´ll bet you Henry Lancaster all your belongings in a card game. If you win, apart from taking all my possessions, you will win not only my respect but also the whole town´s. What´s more, you´ll have the chance to choose something else I cannot refuse to give you. But if I win, my rights will be the same.”

“I do accept your challenge, Richard Thomson. Let´s do it now!!!” Henry answered.

People present gathered around a table situated in the middle of the tavern where Henry and Richard would play the card game. The tavern keeper offered himself to be the judge.

When the game started, they weren´t conscious about the importance of such a silly bet. As the game was progressing, the nervousness dominated their minds and little by little, it was noticeable in their game performances.

“How does it feel to be about to lose everything, Henry?” Richard said sarcastically.

“I wouldn´t be that sure. If I were you, I would measure my words”, Henry answered.

Everybody there was anxious expecting the game to finish. So, they encouraged them to keep arguing as it was a spectacle never seen before. The game progressed  steadily, and it was hard to know who the winner woulb be.

Richard threw the cards abruptly at Henry and said:

“I win Henry Lancaster!!  Straight Flush!!

Henry got serious and put his head down for a while. Then he exclaimed:

“Royal Flush, in your honor! “And threw his cards on the table.

People became excited shouting Henry´s victory with enthusiasm. As Henry heard them, he interrupted them saying to Richard:

“Wait, wait, wait. I´m the winner and apart from taking all your possessions, I demand something else…”

“Yes, that was the deal.” He said resigned.

“I want your beloved lady for me”, Henry said with a smile on his face.

“Are you serious?” Richard said shocked.

“Oh yeah. I mean it!”

Henry left the tavern feeling victorious with people accompanying him chorusing his name. But only one man remained there. It was Richard Thomson finding himself in bankrupt and defeated.

Too late did he realize he had lost everything. Honor is not something that can be won or lost in a bet.

 GROUP: Paula, Guadalupe, Maira and Virginia.

Story based on The luncheon by Monet.

This is the story of a wealthy family of Cambridge. The family’s members were: the mother, Martha; the father, John; two daughters, Katrina and Victoria; a son, Little John and a servant, Elizabeth.

They had lived happily together till John’s death because of a terminal illness.

A month after his death, the family received a letter revealing  John’s last will.

Elizabeth. Excuse me madam, a letter has just arrived.

Martha: Oh!!! (in a voice of joice) What brings this man here???? Hope it is good news.

Martha starts reading the letter outloud.

Martha: “ To my beloved family:

                                               If you are reading this it is because I’m dead. I have planned its delivery previously with the postman. I wanted to write you to tell you what the important things in life are since I did not find the right moment to teach them to you before.

                                               First of all, the FAMILY: it is important to remain all together because it is the only way to (carry) go  through problems. Second, LOVE: being together and loving each other will give you the strength to succed in life and to feel that you are not alone in the world. And last but not least, WORK: to get a job will give you a sense of resposibility needed to take care of yourself, of a family, and will teach you that the things you earn or buy, thanks to your hard work, are much more valuablethan the ones you get for free.

Martha: Just a second...

Katrina. Stop a minute. Is there anything wrong mom???

Martha. Kind of... I’m feeling a bit dizzy.

Katrina. Give me the letter. (she takes the letter away from her mother’s hands) I’ll go on. (she continues reading it for herself)

Victoria: What does it say?...Katrina!!!!...Oh!!! Give it to me. (stealing the letter from her sister’s hands)

                                               Now that I have expressed my heart-felt intentions,there is something else to be told: my whole fortune must be given to Elizabeth. She is pregnant  with my child. I do not expect you to forgive me neither to love this baby, but I hope you understand I want to give him/her a  good  life .

                                               I will always love you,

                                                                  Daddy.

Victoria: I can’t believe it!!! My dad!!! Our dad!!!!

Katrina: What are we going to do mom???? Mom wake up!!!!!!!

Mother: The honour of my family!!! My honour!!! I’ve given him the best years of my life!!!!

Katrina. I know!!!!, Elizabeth won’t ever know about this ok???? The money is ours!!!!

Victoria: Don’t forget our father’s words: remain always together.

Elizabeth: (enters the room) Do the ladies need anything??? Is everything all right???

Martha. Go away!!!!

Victoria. Get out of here!!!!

Katrina: Don’t you have anything to clean up???

Elizabeth, resignated, goes away to do the dishes.