Human Brain

When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout. What's going on? Anita Collins explains the fireworks that go off in musicians' brains when they play, and examines some of the long-term positive effects of this mental workout.

Dances

Watch the video clips and decide which dance do you like the best and why.

Which one would you like to learn ? Explain the reasons

     " Riverdance "and  traditional Irish Jigs  

                                                                   Break Dance

Waltz

Rock and Roll

Are you a good dancer? 

Where do you dance?

What kind of dancing do you like to do? Fast dancing? Slow dancing? Group dancing? Belly dancing? Tap dancing? Dancing with a partner? 

What kind or style of dancing is popular now?

Where do you dance? Where can you go dancing?

When do you dance? 

Is dancing difficult? Why? Why not?

Is it hard to dance because people are shy to dance? 

What kind of dancing do you like to watch? Ballet? Go-go dancing? Exotic dancing? Belly dancing?

Where do you like to watch dancing?  Theatres? On movies and in films?

Do you like to watch musicals? 

Who are some famous dancers?

What kind of music is good for dancing?

Ice Hotel

Let´s talk about these pictures:

What have they all got in common?

Describe picture 1. What is it? Do you know what is this natural phenomenon called?

Would you choose a place like this to visit? why? Why not?

Click  on the link below,  watch the video and go through the questions in the quiz.

How many questions did you get right?

Video: Ice Hotel

Winter Sports

What are the people in the picture doing?
Have you ever heard of this sport before?
Where do you think this competition is held?
How long do you think it lasts?
Would you like to take part?

Discussion and listening activities :
http://www.esl-lab.com/health/snowshoemarathon-video.htm

A special gift for Christmas

THE GIFT OF THE MAGI  by o´Henry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2VFgHGKzx4

Watch the video and compare what are the differences and similarities with the story you have read by O´Henry.

Banksy and other Street Artists

Do some activities  on the webpages below:

http://eslchestnut.com/2011/07/10/street-artbanksy-graffiti-artist/

http://www.boredpanda.com/animated-mural-art-monzter-kim-kwacz/
                                    
 
   http://www.boredpanda.com/animated-banksy-graffiti-comes-alive/

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Altruism and Kindness

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

The tree keeps on giving to the boy until it has nothing left to give. The boy on the other hand does not give anything to the tree.

1. Do you think the boy is selfish? Why or why not?
2. Is there a word for someone who keeps on giving without thinking about him/herself or expecting something in return?
3. Why do you think the tree is not happy after giving the boy her trunk?

Topic: The Nature of Giving and Gifts

In the story, the tree gives the boy many gifts.

1. Have you ever given something away and later wished that you hadn’t?
2. Is it easier to give something away if the receiver truly appreciates the gift?
3. When you give something to someone, do you expect something in return?
4. When you are given something, do you feel that you owe something to the person who gave you the gift?
5. Would you give something you really need to someone you love if they really need it, too?

Topic: The Nature of Love

Early in the book, we read that the tree loved the boy.

1. Why do you think the tree loved the boy in the beginning?
2. Why do you think the boy loved the tree?
3. Are the two “loves” the same type of love?
4. Do people need to have a reason to love someone?
5. Do you treat people that you love differently from the ones that you don’t?
6. When you love someone, how do you show him or her that you love them?
7. Have you ever been angry with someone you love because they went away for a while, or because they did something you did not like?
8. Can you be angry with someone and love them at the same time?

Topic: Happiness

The tree is not really happy after giving the boy her trunk.

1. Is the boy happy at the end of the story?
2. Is the tree happy?
3. If you were the tree would you be happy? Why?
4. Have you ever done something just to make someone happy?
5. Does doing things to make others happy make you happy?
6. Do you need others in order to be happy?
7. Do you need a reason to be happy, or can you be happy for no reason at all?
8. Can you be happy and sad at the same time?