This week, we extended our conversation about music and focused on an American music legend and face of resilience, the high priestess of soul, Nina Simone.

Listening
Learners can try a listening exercise from VOA English about the Civil Rights Movement. 

For original version, surely the best option is to listen to some Nina Simone songs on youtube with lyrics. If you have Netflix, I recommend the documentary What Happened, Miss Simone?

Reading:
First off, learners should try a reading comprehension activity about the Black Civil Rights Movement. Or for something more advanced, King Holiday Considered Mixed Blessing for Some Historians.

For original version read the article from the New Yorker, The Many Battles of Nina Simone or about the march from Selma to Montgomery.

Writing:
This week I would like you to write an article about a person who you consider to be a face of resilience.  What have they faced in their life and how have they overcome it?

Best,
Kelly

We made it through another week under lockdown!  And if you are like me, I bet music has been a lifeline through this tough time.  This week we discussed the power of music and some of our favorite songs that give us strength.

Listening:
Learners can try a listening activity from British Council about Boy Bands.  One of the best ways to combine listening practice and music is to use the website www.lyricstraining.com


For original version, listen to a great episode of All Songs Considered that was an inspiration in my preparing of this week's class: Old Songs, New Meanings.

Reading:
First off, learners can try a reading comprehension article about one of my favorite musicians, Prince or something from Learn English Teens about different ways we consume music.

For original version reading, try an article from the BBC about Coronavirus Lockdown Chart or how to choose a Coronavirus playlist.

Writing:
This week I would like you to write an essay about why a particular songs is important to you. Describe it, give some background information, and tell about what feelings it conveys.

Best,
Kelly

 April Week Two:

Another week under lock down!  As we settle into the rhythms and routines of life at home, it has been helpful to keep up with English class, to socialize with our classmates and keep up a sense of normalcy.  As you know, I am trying to keep it light and entertaining this week, and this we we kept it superficial and talked about clothes and fashion.

We talked about our current COVID style (sweatpants and legging anyone?), trends throughout the ages, and described some outfits using the website The Sartorialist.

Next week we are going to be doing a class on music -- please send your suggestions of uplifting anthems to get us through these times!!!!

Listening:
Learners can try a listening activity about working on a fashion shoot, or for something a little more challenging, about Camden Fashion. 

For original version, choose one of the following NINE cult fashion documentaries you can watch on Youtube.

Reading:
First off, learners can try any of several articles from British Council about fashion and style.

For original version reading, try any of the many articles available from Google Arts and Culture called We Wear Culture.

​Writing:
This week practice writing an article about keeping up with trends.  Feel free to use some of the notes.
Many people like to follow different styles in fashions. Is it a good or bad thing to keep up with these trends?
Notes
1. slaves to fashion
2. too expensive and not practical
3. pressure from department stores

Best,
Kelly