CE-II Autumn 2013: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone:
Today we are going to learn about Christmas in various cultures. First, let's look at a Christmas video card I made in 2010.



In the past, there were Twelve Days of Christmas. This period was known as Christmastide, or Yuletide. The twelve days of Christmas started on Christmas day and ended on or before the feast of the Epiphany (the 6th of January). In some cultures, gifts were given on each of the twelve days of Christmas. This tradition is rarely practiced now, but a song about it is still sung, "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Now let's watch another video. This is a Canadian version of the popular song. List the twelve gifts in the Canadian version. What kinds of gifts would you give in your own Japanese version?

That's all, have a safe and happy holiday. See you next year!

Integrated English 2 Autumn 2013 Happy Christmas!

Hello everyone, It's Christmas Eve. Happy Christmas. Today we are going to finish reading the Sign of Four, and then we'll talk about Sherlock Holmes and Christmas. First, let's study some vocabulary. Please click the link: Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four Vocabulary.

OK, let's listen to a Sherlock Holmes story set during Christmas time. This story is called The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle. Let's listen to the story, then answer some questions about it.



Well then, how do you think the diamond got into the goose's stomach, and who do you think stole Lady Morcar's diamond? We'll find out...next time.

Finally, Sherlock Holmes is what we call an iconic character (偶像視される［に祭り上げられる］役). This means that he is such a well known and well loved character that he is like an idol, and he represents the "ideal detective". Therefore, Sherlock Holmes has appeared as a character in many stories, even science fiction. Sherlock Holmes has even appeared in the popular British science fiction television programme Doctor Who. In last year's Doctor Who Christmas Special, the Doctor disguised himself as Sherlock Holmes. You can see a clip from the programme below.  Enjoy, and have a safe and happy winter holiday!

Integrated English 2 Autumn 2013 Sherlock Holmes - the Sign of Four, Chapters 7 -10

Hello everyone, Today we are going to read chapters 7,8,9,10 of Sherlock Holmes - The Sign of Four. First, let's study some vocabulary. Please click the link: Sherlock Holmes - The Sign of Four Vocabulary Flash Cards. Below is the last part of the animated version of Sherlock Holmes - The Sign of Four. By the way, the voice of Sherlock Holmes was played by Peter O'Toole, who passed away last Saturday. Watch the video and do the quiz. Enjoy!

CE-II Autumn 2013 Week 11: First Flight of the Wright Flyer

First flight of the Wright Flyer

Hello everyone,

Today we are going to read about the Wright Brothers. First, let's study some vocabulary. Please click the link: Cross Cultural Awareness and English 2.

The Wright brothers successfully flew a independently powered airplane in 1903. Flight technology has improved rapidly and soon space tourism will be possible.




Let's watch a TED talk by Burt Rutan and learn about the future of human flight. Click the link to watch the video.

Integrated English 2 Autumn 2013 Sherlock Holmes - the Sign of Four, Chapters 5 & 6

Hello everyone, Today we are going to review chapters 5 & 6. First, let's study some vocabulary. Please click the link: Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of four Vocabulary. Now let's watch part 3 of The Sign of Four.After you've watched the video, please answer the questions. Enjoy!

CE-II Autumn 2013 Week 10: Electric cars

Hello everyone,
Today we are going to talk about cars. Our reading is about electric cars, and the video below is about hydrogen cars. First, let's learn some vocabulary. Please click the link: Cross Cultural Awareness and English 2 Vocabulary.

Integrated English 2 Autumn 2013: Sherlock Holmes - The Sign of Four Chapters 3 & 4 Review

Hello everyone, Today we are going to review chapters 3 and 4. First, let's study some vocabulary. Please click the link: Sherlock Holmes: The Sign of Four Vocabulary Flashcards. Now let's watch Part 2 of the animated version of Sherlock Homes: The Sign of Four. While you watch the video. Please answer the questions.

For homework, please read chapters 5 and 6 and answer the questions on pages 36.37,42 and 43. Enjoy!

CE-II Autumn 2013 Week 9: The Fast Track

German ICE train

Hello everyone,
Today we are going to talk about high speed trains, also known as bullet trains. In Japan we call these trains 新幹線 shinkansen. Germany, France, China and some other countries also have high speed trains. Look at the picture on the left. In the picture on the left you can see a German Inner City Express (ICE) train. I took the picture when I was travelling in Germany.

Before we begin reading, let's study some vocabulary. Please click the link: Cross Cultural Awareness and English 2 Vocabulary Flashcards.