(At the following of what we did last time)

As a result, in 1863, during the Civil War, president Abraham Lincoln was the one who made Thanksgiving official and that it should be celebrated every last Thursday of November. Then, in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared that Thanksgiving would be celebrated every 4^th Thursday of November.

Finally, in 1989 President George W.H. Bush created a presidential tradition: the Turkey Pardon. Indeed, every year one or two turkeys would be sent to a farm rather than cooked for a Thanksgiving meal. Several presidents had followed the tradition since then: Clinton, Obama, Bush Junior…   

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 The First Story of Thanksgiving

The document under study is a video published on History YouTube Channel in 2012. It is about the story of the first Thanksgiving and the evolution of the festival. We have learned that in 1621, the first Thanksgiving took place between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. It was a three-day festival. The Pilgrims organized this festival to celebrate their first successful harvest and invited the Native Americans who had helped them in the process. They ate venison, raw cranberries… They hunted and did other entertainments. Nevertheless, they did not have pumpkin pie, neither turkey nor potatoes, elements that belong to the modern Thanksgiving menu nowadays. The festival was not repeated after this event.

Only in 1789, President George Washington announced the first national Thanksgiving celebration on November 26^th. Afterwards, in the 19^th century, an author named Sarah Josepha Hale campaigned for 30 years to make Thanksgiving an official national holiday. To do so, she created recipes to help people organize and prepare their own Thanksgiving dinner and rally her cause.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 The Story of Thanksgiving

The document under study is a video published in 2012 on History YouTube Channel. It is about the true story about the famous festival Thanksgiving.

We have learned that in 1621 it was the first Thanksgiving celebration between the Native Americans and the Pilgrims. Indeed, the Pilgrims wanted to celebrate their first successful harvest and thank the Native Americans who helped them in the process. The festival lasted three days. They hunted and organized other entertainments. They ate venison, raw cranberries. They did not have pumpkin pie, neither turkey nor even potatoes, elements that belong to the current Thanksgiving menu.

Nevertheless, they did not repeat the celebration until 1789 when President George Washington decided to make it a national celebration. Then, in the 19^th century, a writer, Sarah Josepha Hale campaigned to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. To do so, she created specific menus and recipes to make it possible and encourage people to follow her.

(We will continue the study og the rest of the video tomorrow. be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Deadly Selfies

A recording from NPR, an American radio.

People die taking pictures of themselves with dangerous animals or falling off cliffs because they did not pay attention to the edge.

These selfies can be lucrative because for the people who post these pictures on their social media profiles they can attract many followers and sponsorships.

Moreover, the benefits for the social networking sites are that their users spend more time on them. These selfies are used as advertising to attract more and more users.

200 selfie-related deaths have been reported so far all over the world. In the last month, 5 were reported in the USA.

The reactions are a bit severe: people say that those victims were stupid and narcissistic. Hence/so people are judgmental with a lack of empathy.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Task on Thursday November 13th

Be ready for the oral comprehension evaluation on Tuesday, November 18th on the theme of the chapter.

Deadly Selfies

A recording from NPR, an American radio.

People die taking pictures of themselves by trying to take the most impressive picture of themselves but they do not realize how close they are to the edge and they fall off to their deaths.

These selfies can be lucrative because on social media platforms, these selfies  can attract followers and sponsors. Moreover, they can generate likes and lots of views, and add more users to these social network platforms. Eventually, these selfies can be used as advertising for the different social media platforms to attract more users.

There were more than 200 selfie-reported deaths. 5 of them in the US.

Some reactions are vicious and lack of empathy because some people are convinced that it was the victims’ fault, and they should not have been so careless. They are judged as being stupid and narcissistic.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Task on Thursday November 13th

Be ready for the oral comprehension evaluation on Tuesday, November 18th on the theme of the chapter.

 (At the follwing of what we did last time)

Therefore, to grieve and commemorate their genocide nowadays Native Americans do not celebrate Thanksgiving but prefer to go out and organize a march of protest to stand up against the romanticized version of the European colonization (17^th-19^th centuries) on the day of Thanksgiving every year.

In fact, everybody thinks that the first celebration of Thanksgiving was in 1621. Nevertheless, according to these Native Americans, it was in 1637 when Governor Winthrop, a British colonist, sent  troops of colonists to kill the Native Americans in Connecticut to steal their lands. Afterwards, Governor Winthrop organized a feast to celebrate the safe return of the colonists who accomplished their mission. As a consequence, for the Native Americans this episode was seen as a “Thankstaking”.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

To conclude, the three documents display different aspects of masculinity, however, what they have in common is that the men mentioned are confident about themselves and respect their body. These document show that there is no longer one main masculinity standard

Moreover, by having those role models, it will help people feeling inspired amidst all those people having a lot of clichés on traditional masculinity, some of them will be completely changed by those figures. In fact, the media has a big influence on how we perceive beauty. In movies, art or on social media we often see people who look perfect, however, more and more media display people with different body-types, skin color and styles. This can help people feel better about themselves and understand that beauty is not just one thing.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

To conclude on the three documents, they all show men who don’t fit with the traditional masculine ideals but instead express individuality, confidence and self-acceptance. For example, these men are more feminine (the BTS), shameless (Kelvin Davis, Timothée Chalamet).

Social media display different types of men that can challenge the stereotypes, inspire others to feel comfortable with their own appearance. Moreover, it can encourage the acceptance of diversity. Therefore, people can see masculinity and beauty in a different way in order to make a more open-minded society. However, in some movies or on social media there are still many stereotypical images of men such as in James Bond, Fast and Furious and Thor.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Unit 2: No Thanks, No Giving

Does the current celebration of Thanksgiving reflect the historical reality?

Axes: Territory and Memory – Diversity and Inclusion

No Thanks Given

The document under study is a video about what really happened about the encounter between the Native Americans and the Pilgrims in the 17^th century. It was published in the Huffing Post in 2017. We can hear an old Native American man, he is the organizer of the National Day of Mourning. It is the opposite of Thanksgiving. In fact, Native Americans believe that their lands were stolen by the European colonists, and at the same time their people were slaughtered.

(We will continue the study of the video on Thursday. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Unit 2: No Thanks, No Giving

Does the current celebration of Thanksgiving reflect the historical reality?

No Thanks Given

The document under study is an extract from a documentary about how Native Americans denounce the unfair colonization of their lands. It was published in 2017 in the Huffing Post. We can hear the testimony of a Native American man, who is the co-founder of the National Day of Mourning. In fact, it is a celebration about what really happened in the 17^th century, when Native Americans were actually the real victims: their lands were stolen and they were slaughtered by the Europeans colonists.

(We will continue the study of the document next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

A Brave New Beautiful

Doc 1

The document under study is an article from the New York Times published in 2024. This article introduces the famous actor Timothée Chalamet. He is described as being different from traditional male actors. In fact, he is described as being skinny, lightweight, pale. He does not really meet the standards masculine. His masculine power comes from his personality and his acting. He is the opposite of mainstream beauty standards because he is not imposing with and big muscles and golden skin.

The journalist is giving an unflattering description of Chalamet, he seems not to agree with this new trend.

Doc 2

The document under study is an article from the BBC published in 2021. It is about the famous K-pop band, BTS. The document present a vision of masculinity that looks more feminine, indeed, these singers have more feminine faces, they use Korean skincare, they color their hair with vibrant colors, plus they use make-up. They are different from beauty standards for men, because usually men are not expected to use make-up, or dye their hair with gaudy colors.

Nowadays, there are more and more Asian models in the model industry, it is a sign of progress and acceptance.

Doc 3

The document under study is an article from the Guardian published in 2020. It is about a man that has been body-shamed in a shop because of his weight. He created a body-positive blog to prevent this type of discrimination. This document represents a vision of masculinity where men should be muscular and thin. However, Kelvin Davis does not correspond to the expected beauty standards. There is still some progress to be made so that everyone should be accepted as they are to avoid any rejection because of their differences.

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

-Compare the three representations of masculinity. What do they have in common?

-To what extent can representation in the media (film, social meida, etc...) help people change the way they evaluate beauty?

Do not forget to bring a selfie to class on Tuesday, November 4th for a written production.

Enjoy your vacation! 😊

A Brave New Beautiful

Doc 1:

The document under study is an article from the New York Time published in 2024. It presents an interesting vision of masculinity: the focus is not on the body, he has an angular jaw, he is really thin and his masculinity is represented by his personality and his way of acting. In fact, he differs from mainstream beauty standards because they look for muscular and well-built men such as Chris Evans or Hugh Jackman, they represent traditional masculinity, contrary to Timothée Chalamet.

The journalist seems pretty judgmental, he is saying that his “flopsy curls tumble like overcooked fusilli”. He seems pretty anchored in the traditional version of masculinity.

Doc 2

The document under study is an article from the BBC published in 2021. It is about K-pop artists as models. This article introduces the famous music band: BTS. Beauty standards for men in East Asia is characterized by androgynous men, with colored hair and wearing make-up. Moreover, they look more feminine. They are completely different from the Western beauty standards such as Leonardio DiCaprio or Brad Pitt who look more masculine as it is expected from the society. Nowadays, in the model industry, there are more and more Asian models. People are progressively accepting the changes.

Doc 3

The document under study is an article from the Guardian published in 2020. It is about Kelvin Davis who created a men’s-body-positive blog. Unfortunately, he was body-shamed in front of all of the clients in a shop because of his weight. This version shows us a different aspect of masculinity one where muscle is not required to be attractive.

The society still needs to progress because sizes in some clothes store do not have the size he would need.  Moreover,  the sheer number of subscribers in his blog and on Instagram makes us realize that a lot of young men are touched by this problem.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

-Compare the three representations of masculinity. What do they have in common?

-To what extent can representation in the media (film, social meida, etc...) help people change the way they evaluate beauty?

Do not forget to bring a selfie to class on Tuesday, November 4th for a written production.

Enjoy your vacation! 😊

Pretty Hurts

The document under study is a song from the famous African-American singer Beyoncé, entitled “Pretty Hurts”, released in 2014. In her video clip, she is participating in Beauty contest/pageant. We see her getting ready to be on stage with other candidates. All the contestants are very rude and violent to one another because of the stress of the competition. Moreover, they are envious, jealous, and hypocrites to one another. There is a strong rivalry. Eventually, they feel lonely and depressed. In her song, Beyoncé is denouncing the bad aspects of beauty standards mentally and physically. In the limelight/spotlight, we can see beautiful women, but in the backstage, these same women are suffering. According to her, you need to take care of yourself mentally and accept who you are so that you can live your life peacefully.

To conclude, her song is a political statement addressed to the beauty industry. The society should help little girls to appreciate themselves as they are.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

How Music Changes Society

The document under study is a web article published in 2019. It deals with how music influences societies and people’s lives. It shows how songs are a mirror to the world to help and encourage people to act differently with one another. Nowadays, thanks to new technologies, music can reach more and more people. Thanks to the Internet, there are no barriers, everyone can have access to any music at a lower price. Moreover, music is away to help people to forge their identity as it encourages individuals to have their own opinion about what is going on around them and in the world.

For example, through her music, Beyoncé enrolls herself in the Black Lives Matter movement by denouncing police brutality suffered by the black community. On top of that, she is also dealing with the disaster caused by Hurricane Katrina.

To conclude, The Beatles during the 60s were a way to encourage people to think outside the norm, the mainstream culture, because the music they were producing and the way they were producing it was countercultural and it was not included in the mainstream culture at the time.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Reading Comprehenion on the Theme of the Chapter: Tuesday November 4th.

Be ready for the Oral Comprehenion on the Theme of the Chapter: Tuesday, November 18th.

The Making of Motown

The document under study is a trailer for the documentary the making of Motown released in 2019. Many famous African-American artists are introduced such as The Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes. We have learned Barry Gordy wanted to create his own music label as he got knocked out/rejected every time he would present his project. In fact, he was rejected by the mainstream culture therefore he decided to create his own label. Moreover, at the time white and black artists were not paid the same, as a result he wanted to bridge the gap between group and introduce equal pay for everyone. It is interesting to note that, at the time in the 60s, they were using real instruments to record and make their music unlike nowadays artists use machines and even AI to do so.

The sign that showed that they were successful at the time is that they had 5 records on the music charts. As a consequence, they decided to go on a tour to promote their artists. Nevertheless, on tour in the South, the audience was segregated: black and white people were separated by a rope. Gordy asked for the rope to be removed other wise his artists would not perform. Indeed, the spirit of his label was that music had no color as everyone can feel it.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Task : Monday, November 3rd

The making of Motown

The document under study is a trailer for the documentary “The Making of Motown”, that was released in 2019. We have learned that Motown produced famous African-American artists such as Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5, Diana Ross… The reason why Barry Gordy wanted to create his own music label was because he was rejected by the mainstream music label at the time. As a result, he decided to create his own label. It is interesting to note that at the time, in the 60s, they used to use real instruments to record their songs, contrary to nowadays, artists use machines even AI to create and records their songs.

Motown was really successful at the time as they had 5 records on the music charts, hence they decided to go on a tour.

Nevertheless, on tour, in the South, in the audience, Blacks and Whites were separated. Upon seeing that, Gordy refused his artists to perform. He asked for the rope to be removed. Indeed, according to him music has no color, everyone can feel the music and it is meant to unite people.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Task : Monday, November 3rd

(At the following of what we di last time)

 For Dorian, it is a breathtaking and outstanding portrait, making him obsessed with his own beauty. He is mesmerized, in awe, in admiration by his own beauty. He is captivated. However, he has negative thoughts and feelings, because this portrait makes him aware of his own mortality. Indeed, someday, he will grow old and will lose his beauty.

To conclude, it is striking that he falls in love with himself, he is narcissistic (self-centered, selfish). One may think that he is actually terrified by the idea of the ephemeral nature of beauty. The message is that one should accept their mortality and be happy with what they already have (contentment).

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

They are discovering it for the first time. Dorian seems to be falling in love with his own portrait. Upon seeing it, he is captivated, shaken by his beauty, mesmerized, in awe, in admiration in front of his portrait. He is amazed by himself. The piece of art is breathtaking for him. Nevertheless, he also goes through negative thoughts and feelings because he is becoming aware that his beauty will fade away as he will grow old. Moreover, the painting makes him aware of his own mortality.

To conclude, what is striking is that the fact that he falls in love with himself is completely narcissistic. One may say that he seems to be more scared about losing his beauty than dying.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Can we Autocorrect Humanity?

The document under study is a video form YouTube, created by Prince Ea in 2014. It is about the negative impact of the excessive use of new technologies and social media that can lead to a lack of humanity in our interactions (it is dehumanizing). In fact, our connected devices make us miss our real lives and our real relationships. Indeed, we no longer know how to communicate with one another. We have become antisocial.

Self-worth is our values, how we see ourselves and care for ourselves. However, through social media the number of followers and “likes” unfortunately have defined our self-worth.

To conclude, we cannot autocorrect humanity because everyone should decide to change their habits. For example, one should stop taking pictures of their meals and just enjoy it. Meet more friends in the real life and stop taking videos and pictures of every moment, one should enjoy them fully.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 Can we autocorrect Humanity

The document under study is a video posted on YouTube, by the famous youtuber Prince Ea in 2014. It is about the relationship between humanity and screens. In fact, he is denouncing the excess and the abuse of social media and new technologies in our lives. According to the author, they are dehumanizing.

Indeed, by being glued to our phones, being dedicated to our virtual lives, we are actually losing our real life relationships and connections.

Moreover, self-worth, that is the way that we define ourselves or our own personal values, has become the number of “likes” and followers.

To conclude, unfortunately, we cannot autocorrect humanity because everyone is responsible to act in order to change their habits. Indeed, we have the choice and the willpower to change. For example, we can try to stop using abbreviation, meet in real life and stop taking pictures and videos of everything but live the moment for real to fully enjoy it.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 A Young Man’s Portrait

The document under study is an extract from a novel entitled “The Picture of Dorian Gray”, written by Oscar Wilde in 1891.

In this extract, there are 3 characters: Lord Henry, a friend of Dorian, Dorian Gray, the eponymous protagonist who is discovering his portrait painted by Basil Hallward.

(We will continue the study of the text next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Read the text and be ready to sum up the main ideas with the guided questions you received in class.

Be ready! 

 Look Up!

The document under study is a video entitled “Look Up”, it is about the excess and the abuse of new technologies and social media in our daily lives. It is a realistic video because we are all addicted to our phones. As a consequence, we can even miss great opportunities for our lives.

The author is encouraging the viewers to stop being glued to their screens, to go outside and to enjoy their free time with friends and family in the real life. In fact, we are getting dumb because of our addiction to our smartphones. In addition, this situation can have an impact on children who are the next generation. Indeed, when they see their parents glued to their screens, this activity becomes normalized for them when they should go outside more to play and explore the real world.

Homework: learn the lesson.

 Aspirational

The document under study is a short film entitled Aspirational published in 2016. We can see Kirsten Dunst, a famous American actress who played in iconic movies such as Spiderman, Jumanji, Marie-Antoinette… We can see her leaving her house, she called an Uber to meet with some friends. While she is waiting for her Uber, two girls recognized her, stop their car and get off their car to start taking selfies with Dunst without even asking for her permission. The girls are overjoyed and excited by this encounter as they immediately post their pictures on their social media pages to brag/boast. Besides, they are narcissistic, as they dare to ask Dunst to tag them in order to use her fame to win more likes and followers. They are proud and careless.

On the other hand, Kirsten feels embarrassed, confused, shocked, astonished, disgusted, desolated, stunned by their behavior, as it really shows how this generation is obsessed with their self-image.

To conclude, one should be able to enjoy the moment without taking pictures of it. To be famous is not easy as people will always try to take advantage of celebrities’ notoriety for themselves.

Homework: Learn the lesson

 Motown: The Music that Changed America

The document under study is an article from the BBC website published in 2019, written by Arwa Haider. It deals with the history of the famous African-American music label Motown.

We have learned that Berry Gordy created Tamla Records in 1959 that became Motown Record Corporation the next year. This music label produced iconic African-American artists such as Diana Ross, Steve Wonder, the Jackson 5… It was an influential label back then because it gained its identity with iconic artists with their proper styles. Moreover, the label helped them develop their talents. Besides, Motown had an impact on the music industry and inspired the rest of the world in its method. On top of that, Motown still impacts the music industry nowadays. In fact, contemporary artists such as drake sampled the famous songs produced by this label at the time to create original songs nowadays. It is very trendy today among American artists.

It is interesting to note that the name “Motown” is a portmanteau word that corresponds to the nickname of the city of Detroit “Motor Town” where the label was created.

At the time, this music label was countercultural as it was exclusively composed of a multicultural staff in an era when America was socially divided.

To conclude, music was always important for the producer because it has the power to unite and gather people together to a common passion.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

What about us?

The document under study is a video clip for P!nk’s single entitled “What about us” released in 2017. In the clip, America is depicted as a broken country. People look disappointed, sad, betrayed and oppressed by the government. They seem to have a form of distrust towards the government. In fact, the pronoun “we” refers to the American people who feel lonely, unheard and left behind. On the contrary, the pronoun “you” is used to mention the American government who seems to be careless towards its people.

Through her song, P!nk wants to raise awareness on the situation. Moreover, the phrase “God Bless America” that we can hear at the beginning of the video is paradoxical, because from her video, America does not seem to be really blessed in reality : it is chaotic, destroyed and divided. Therefore, she wants to encourage people to stand up for their rights and rebel as whole. Finally, she is also addressing the government, telling them to act again by keeping their promises and fixing their mistakes.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

What about us?

The document under study is video clip for P!nk’s single entitled “What about us”, released in 2017. In this video, America is depicted being in chaos, divided. People look sad and disappointed. They feel oppressed by a corrupt government. They feel left behind. In fact, in her song, the pronoun “we” refers to the American population while/whereas the pronoun “you” refers to the American administration.

At the beginning of the video, we can hear an American governor saying “God Bless America”, nevertheless, it is paradoxical because in reality people do not feel blessed by a government who betrayed them.  Indeed, politicians did not respect their promises. P!nk wants to denounce the injustices the American people had to go through/were suffering from. Hence, through her song, she wants to encourage people to stand up and fight for their rights as a whole. Finally, she is addressing to the government to make them react and honor their promises through fixing their mistakes.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 Unit 1: Look at me now!

How do your appearnce and self-image mirror your personality?

Axe 1: Representation of Self and relationships with Others

Unit 1: Look at me now!

How do your appearnce and self-image mirror your personality?

Axe 1: Representation of Self and relationships with Others

Met Launches “teen accounts” for minors on Instagram.

The document under study is an extract from a newspaper, Le Monde, published in September 2024. It deals with/is about the creation of teen accounts on Instagram.

Meta decided to change their regulations on Instagram because they were often accused of lacking of protection for the minor users on their platform. Hence/so/therfore, these new teen accounts are dedicated for minors between the ages of 13 to 17 years old. These accounts will only be launched on Instagram because it is the most popular social media platform among young people.

The new feature started to be available in September 2024 in the US, Canada, the UK and in Australia, before being available in the countries of the European Union. These features will be automatically imposed on the teen users.

(We will continue the study of this article next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn lesson.

(at the following of what we did last time)

Here is Tim’s typical day: he wakes up at 7 am, he gets ready, eats breakfast, then he goes to school at 8am.

Classes begin at 8.45am, and they finish at 3.25pm. Afterwards, he gets back home to chill and  complete his homework. Every Tuesday, he has drama club at school.

His compulsory subjects are English, science, math and PE (physical education). His optional subjects are geography, dancing and French.

 History of Rap Music

The document under study is an extract of a web article, entitled history of rap music. It deals with the birth of rap music. We have learned that it was inspired by West African musician who used to tell stories rhythmically with the beat of a drum. Moreover, they were inspired by folk artists from the Caribbean Islands who would tell stories in rhyme.

In fact, rapping is defined as a form of singing and speaking with rhymes to a beat. In addition, it is also seen as sophisticated poetry. Usually, rap songs deal with countercultural topics such as sex, violence, social and political tensions.

In the 1970s, it became popular among African-American teenagers. Then, in 1979, producers started to consider this music style and promoted artists. This was when the music style started to rise and became more and more famous. Afterwards, in the 1980s, there were more and more artists, even female artists and white artists became more famous. Furthermore, in the 1990s the music style matured, indeed, it went from simple lyrics to more complex ones. It was seen as an old-school style, of music. Nowadays, rap music is a thought-provoking musical movement which still exists thanks Jay-Z, Ludacris, 50 Cent…

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 How music helped win the American War

The document under study is a recording of an interview broadcast on an American radio, WRTI, about the place of music during the war of Independence. We could hear 3 different voices: the first one was the host, a man, who introduced the topic. The second one was a female voice who was the journalist interviewing the guest of the day, a musicology teacher. We have learned that, the British were the first who used songs to ridicule/to mock/to make fun of the American colonists. Hence, the American soldiers took over the famous British song “Yankee Doodle” to make it their own and use it against the British soldiers. This song became the national emblem of the American Revolution.

Moreover, the American soldiers also took the song “Rule Britannia” and changed the lyrics with the words “to perish or to be free”. They wanted to show their audacity and their courage against the British soldiers.

To conclude, music was a real military strategy for American as they succeeded in gaining their independence from Great Britain. On top of that, the songs were also a musical analog of what was happening on the battlefield.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 How music helped win the American Revolution

The document under study is an extract from an interview broadcast on an America radio WRTI. We could hear three people, the first one was the host who introduces the topic. Then we could hear the voice of a woman, the journalist who was interviewing the guest of the day, a musicology teacher. We have learned that music was used on the battlefield during the war of independence (1775-1783) to motivate the soldiers. In fact, Americans used it as a secret weapon and as a military strategy.

Originally, the British soldiers had created a song that was made to make fun/ to mock American soldiers entitled “Yankee Doodle”. However, the American soldiers turned this song into a parody. Hence, they transformed it to make it their own and used it against the British. As a result, this song became the national anthem of the American Revolution. In addition, the American parodied other British songs such as “Rule Britannia” as a military strategy.

To conclude, Americans won the war thanks to their courage and audacity  that were reflected in their music on the battlefield.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Come to class with Me

The document under study is an email written by Tim, a British student, to a French class. They are his pen pals/ penpals/ pen friends. He is telling about his school routine.

We have learned that he lives near by his school as he only walks 15min to go there. Moreover, he does not eat at the school cafeteria as he brings his own lunch. Besides, he loves art as he practices dance, he sings and he attends the drama club.

(We will continue the study of the text next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson. 

Be ready for your oral presentation on Monday October 6th. 

 Come to class with me.

The document under study is an email written by Tim who is a British student and he is writing to a group of students who are his pen pals/penpals/pen friends from France.

In this email, he tells about his school routine.

We have learned that he lives near his school, as he only has to walk 15 min to go there. Moreover, he prefers to bring his own lunch to school, therefore he does not eat at the school cafeteria. Besides, he loves art because he practices dance, he sings and he attends drama classes.

(We will continue the study of the text next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson. 

Be ready for your oral presentation on Monday October 6th. 

Advantages and obstacles of teamwork

We have heard about the testimonies of three students on teamwork. First of all, thanks to teamwork, we can make new friends. Moreover, we can come up with new ideas that we would not have thought about had we been working alone/if we were working alone. Furthermore, teamwork can improve self-confidence. On top of that, for shy people, it is easier to speak in a small group. In fact, teamwork teaches us valuable skills. However, some of the teammates may not listen to one another. Therefore, everyone should put in effort to communicate well. Besides, some ideas could be lost while communication and it could be frustrating. Plus, it could be difficult to get along with everyone in a group.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Advantages and Obstacles of Teamwork

We have heard the opinions of three students on the advantages and obstacles of teamwork.

First of all, teamwork is practical if a student is shy because they don’t have to speak in front of the whole classroom and they do not have to speak very loud. Moreover, teamwork is a good way to improve one’s confidence. In addition, it enables you to come up with ideas that you would not have thought of had you been working alone/if you were working alone. On top of that, teamwork helps to make new friends in the class. However, everyone needs to listen to each other if we want the team to function properly. Besides, it could be difficult to agree with one another (to see eye to eye) sometimes.

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

-The mail post: Created in the mid 19^th century. First used by  governments and official institutions before  becoming a general practice.

The telegraph: it uses electrical signal conveyed/transmitted via telecommunication lines or radio to send coded text messages, known as Morse. Created in the mi-19^th century. It was possible send instant messages across both continents and oceans.

Nowadays’ means of communication: Electric devices such as cellphones, landline phones, TV, computers, laptops, tablets, smart watches, smart glasses. Above all, the Internet.  

____________________________

Is it possible to live without a mobile phone or any connected device nowadays?

Hey friend,

I hope my message finds you well. I would like to talk to you about a topic that has been in my mind lately that is the possibility to live without a mobile phone or any connected device nowadays. In my opinion, I think it is not possible because first of all, many administrative tasks have to be done online, sometimes we do them on our phones. Moreover, everybody is connected thanks to the Internet to everything. In fact, not having a cellphone can be a real social handicap. In addition, if you are confronted to an emergency, your phone will be the fastest way to warn someone and ask for help. To finish with, for us, as teenagers, we communicate together everyday via our mobile phones or on our computers through the different social media platforms. Eventually, all these connected devices belong to our daily lives and we cannot live without them.

And what about, what do you think?

Have nice day and see you soon.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 The evolution of the means of communication

-Smoke Signals: One of the oldest forms of long distance communication. Well-known from the Native Americans, but also in Europe, in Greece in 150 BC (Before Christ).

-Rock Carving: Prehistorical times with the cave men. In Europe in the ancient times.

-Ink and Paper: Around 1000, the invention of ink paralleled the invention of paper with the Chinese. The Egyptians, Romans, Greeks and Hebrews used to use papyrus and parchment paper. They used to use quill pen, feathers from geese, turkeys, owl, eagles, hawks, swans…
-Pigeon Post: Homing pigeons were used as tools to communicate from one place to another without limited distance. The pigeons were transported to a destination in cages, where they would be attached with messages. Then, naturally, the pigeons would go back to their home. They have been used since the 12^th century.  

Printer: 1434 by Joannes Gutenberg, with replaceable wooden or metal letters.

-Typewriter or writing machine: Invented in the 1860s. at first, they were for professional use for writers, journalists, secretaries… Then, people started to have one in their house for personal use.

 (We will keep on the study of the document next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.