2014-Mar-21-23 Poprad, SK: Učíme pre život / "We teach for life" conference

I have been very fortunate to take part in this (even an active one in documenting the below film made by Voices.SK) It has been a very energizing experience to watch fellow Slovak teachers, lecturers, school managers etc. working and sharing together. In our own language centre team retreat, I had a presentation on it (albeit in Slovak), which you can see below (with links to my Google Drive notes): And here, finally is the aforementioned Voices.sk movie (again, in Slovak) about the conference:

Pets in class

Are pets in the class a good idea?

If yes, which animals would you recommend for our class?

If yes, why not?

Please defend just ONE point of view.

You are free to use the help of the attached class discussions

Martina Č

  It Pets could be a part of learning which is helpfully for both sides. Care about it might have a connecting affection on humans class-group. Children is are learning to care about it, love and trust them, e.g. give them food, water, play with them or do other activities. They may to share every feeling with them it whatever they feel - when they are stressed or happy. 

    However, In despite of it, many things depends on animal´s character. If it could be in class it should be a peaceful, non-aggressive, quiet and social animal. 

     In my opinion a dog with a cat in good relationship is the best better choice because it could to show to the children, pupils and students some a way to a peaceful able relationship. Anyway, As it happens, fish could be a es is good decision too, because  of the its anti stress responses to them.  

     If it could be possible to have a class-pet it would be a good idea because pets are usually very sensitive animals. Generally, they have a good effect on humans. They are approved to match a human´s  group. That´s my opinion.

Viktoria G

In this essay I will talk about animals in the class during the lessons and my attitude toward this theme. 

Animals are really good friends in plenty of situations.  Especially pets etc.like a dog, a cat, a rabbit, a fish, a guinea pig or a turtle. They are very helpful for handicapped people, mainly children. When kids play with pets, they are calm and peaceful and it improves their health. 

But pets are also used in kindergarten. Children are taught how to take care of other living creatures or how to show their responsibility. There are in the schools teachers use pets as well. It is a good break for abreaction from learning and pupils are do not get bored. 

According to me it is really good idea because children should know how to take care of pets while they are still even young. Then in the future they will know how to protect animal ensure their life. 

Laura

Introduction

The aim of this report is to discuss and recommend “the right pet” in the classroom. There could be some pets which are not good for being with between kids, but some of them others can improve students' results and reduce stress.

Different pets

In my opinion cat is not “the right pet” because she needs a lots of attention and care. It could have a bad effect on students' concentration. You know, cats love sleeping in on the sun and being caressed and this could cause interruption for of the students. Maybe hamster or guinea – pig would be a good idea for reducing stress in classroom. They are quiet enough during the day but on the other hand they could do a big mess. And sometimes they smell. I would like to suggest having a have the turtle or a fish. They are peaceful, quiet all the time, don´t need so much attention and care. I would not suggest having to have a parrot. He could cause a big noise and mess because of his feathers and shrill voice.

Recommendation

I absolutely recommend having a fish or turtle. The reason why I have wrote yet. Maybe some Colourful fish or mini - turtles could have just positive effects on the students and could reduce stress. In the worst – case they would have no effect but you will other than getting a classroom´s mascot.

Everyday English phrases

Starters
What's up? = How you're doin' mate? = All well?

when you're annoyed by something
LESS                                                     MORE NEGATIVE 
It's bugging me = it's driving me crazy/mad = it's driving me up the wall = I can't stand it a second longer
 
Let's chuck it out = let's get rid of the stuff 

 I messed up! = I blew it! = I utterly failed! I failed miserably!


Friday Night
Hang on a sec = "5 minutes!"

Let's chill out= relax man = peace bro! = take it easy = no hassle

 
  Can you lend me a few quid? We've run out of loo paper! It's just a fiver!
 
Do you fancy that mate? He's fit!
Do you fancy that bird? She's fit!

Cell = mobile = phone

Lock your down your cell!
 

Not messing up things
Shoulda woulda coulda 
 
MIGHT OF = MIGHT HAVE