The third week was filled with rich tasks and interactive discussions. It commenced by reading articles on listening and speaking that served as a foundation for the exploration of websites. The act of going into websites felt like going through an endless tunnel. The minute I entered one I was introduced to a new world of numerous resources that I could not easily abandon. The most interesting discovery for me was AzarGrammar.com since I used the paperback book many years ago and found that the same author created her own website with its very beneficial features. The creation of a delicious page was another asset in which I put some of my favorites. Finally, reviewing previous students' projects was an eye opener for my/our upcoming projects.
An unfortunate event shook my country this week (a big car bomb exploded in a residential neighborhood of Beirut) which disturbed me and and disturbed my entire family. However, this course was a good way for me to be distracted from all the sad events that followed the explosion. We had to spend the entire weekend at home, but we, as parents, had to function normally in front of our kids, following up on their homework as I had to finish mine too. I successfully met my deadlines despite all!
Here is a photo of the neighborhood that was hit by the explosion.
Hi Paula!
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad to read what has happened in your country this week! I suppose that many people has died because of this fact. However, we, teachers, have to continue bombing the world peacefully with our knowledge in order to increase people's consciousness and brotherhood through the world "lingua franca" that is English. So, let's change the world by learning how to communicate from a distance. This highly motivating course will help you distract and reduce your sadness. Let's go on!
I send you a huge comforting hug from Venezuela!
Warm regards!
Hi Mary,
DeleteI appreciate your support in words and hugs, and I totally agree with you that language is the best means that we teachers can use to let peace reign. On Monday,I tried to teach and act normally even though half of the class was absent, but I thought we have to carry on...I hope I can make a difference!
Thank you
Hello Paula,
ReplyDeleteHearing about the terrible things human beings can do to other human beings is more than discouraging and I send you tonnes of positive energy and emotions to share with your children. My country was tormented by such inexplicable acts for many years and I can understand the misery. It is not always easy to move on. The picture you posted is horrible and I am very sorry to hear that in this modern age your children and you have to face such horrors.
I wish you all the love and strength to support you through this hard time.
Jasmina
Hi Jasmina,
DeleteYour sympathy means a lot especially that you experienced similar situations first hand. I have lived through war(s) on and off ever since I was ten and what is more disturbing is that my kids have to go through the same agonies ,and I cannot provide plausible explanations to them!
Thank you for the uplifting emotions.
Paula
Hi Paula,
ReplyDeleteI loved Allegra's words "we, teachers, have to continue bombing the world peacefully with our knowledge". It is so important that only this type of "bombing" occur in people's lives and bring inspiration, knowledge, and happiness to our students, our nations and us. I am so sorry to hear that my class mates suffered or suffer because of terrorism and warfare. Be strong!
I wish peace to your country!
Ina
Hi Paula
DeleteIt is sad and disheartening to see such a horrible image.We in India are also suffering from this kind of senseless terrorist activity.All of us should unite and fight against terrorism.
May God give you strength to face this difficult time.I would like to share a poem'No room for hate' by David Gould
There is no room within my heart
for revenge, fire or hate
there is no room within my mind
for any thoughts like these.
I cannot find the words to say
just how it is I feels
but I know from deepest hurt
I must forgiveness find.
The hurt that’s been done to us
cuts sore like a knife,
but we must not, repay in kind
what has been done to us.
Instead we must try and find
the way that is so hard,
and reach out our loving hands
to find some friendship now.
There can be no more healing thing
than opening wide our eyes
and seeing that most other folk
are really just like us.
I wish you and your countrymen courage to face this situation.We are with you.
Hi R.K.Singh,
DeleteI truly appreciate the poem you sent; the 3rd and 4th stanzas have very powerful messages that convey the same philosophy as Ghandi's whom I highly respect. I just wish more people follow his footsteps.
Your comforting wishes gave me a lot of courage and strength.
Many thanks,
Paula
Hi Ina,
DeleteYour words not only gave me strength but hope as well in my role as a teacher in a world dominated by evil.
Knowing that someone from afar is feeling with me gave me an extra push to move on. Your words meant a lot to me; I am fortunate to have such classmates.
Thanks a lot!
Paula