February Week 1

___Hi Everyone!

This week one student asked about how Hollywood portrays America and Americans which got us talking about stereotypes, tropes, and culture.

For listening, you could try an activity about stereotypes with MP3, transcript and quiz.  Another interesting resource is this website with audio concentration games.  For pronunciation, you may like the Daily Pronunciation Practice (listen and repeat).

For reading, take a look at some of the most common movies cliches (for example, about men and women).  Can you think of any others? Or try reading 100 movie cliches that won't die.  More advanced readers may like the article Hollywood portrays women... or the Know Your Female Character Flowchart.

There are many possible writing activities.  Try describing a common character in films or TV shows, or explain why some of these characters are problematic.  Check out this map of European stereotypes according to Spaniards.  What do you think about them?  For creative writing, you could write an alternative ending to a movie you love.

This week there is original version cinema in town.  They are showing the documentary Inside Deep Throat Wednesday Feburary 15th 19:30 at Centro Cultural Caja Rioja Gran Vía (note that this film is not appropriate for all ages).

Also, it's time to organize our February Extra Activity.  Please fill out your preferences in the online form.  In next week's newsletter I will announce the final decision.

Last, but not least, don't forget that if there are any particular conversation topics you are interested in, let me know!

Wishing you a great week,
Kelly

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Instead of being presented with stereotypes by age, sex, color, class, or religion, children must have the opportunity to learn that within each range, some people are loathsome and some are delightful. -- Margaret Mead