My Opinions (on TESOL Related Subjects)

(TESOL Ideas and Worksheets Subdivisions)

* Critical Thinking Skills in English Language Teaching (and My Predictions)

* The National Geographic Era of Language Teaching (and My Predictions)

* Comprehensible Input in Young Learner Classes

* Input Workshop (Upgrading Your Input)

* Using Movies in TESOL Classrooms: Why the Students Should Never Pick the Movie

* Textbooks are the new methodology

* The Problem of Finding Interesting Input for the Language Classroom

Vlogs:

* Activities that Can be Used for Any Grammar Point

* Comprehensible Input in Young Learner Classes

* Identification and Discrimination of /r/ and /l/ Phonemes by L1 Japanese Speakers

* Reflections on the CELTA

* Reflections on the Delta

* Resources for New Teachers

Playlist HERE: 

See also: My Opinionated reviews of Books, Podcasts and Videos related to Linguistics or TESOL

Note: The various blog posts linked to above represent my opinions at the time I wrote them.  In some cases, my opinion has changed over time, and they no longer represent my current thinking. 

Trip to Con Dao Island, Vietnam

(Travelogues--Vietnam)

(For more information about these videos, see HERE)

We took a family trip to Con Dao Island (W) in Vietnam.  As usual, my wife planned everything, and I just went along for the ride.  But I took some videos, so I'm going to post them here.

After getting off of the airplane, we got into a hired car that took us to all the tourist sites.

The first stop was the grave of nationalist Martyr Vo Thi Sau (W), who was killed by the French on Con Dao island in 1952.  

I regret to say I don't know a ton about the history of Vo Thi Sau, but she is definitely a name you hear everywhere in Vietnam.  Lots of stuff is named after here, including a prominent street in Saigon.  

Vo Thi Sau's grave at Hang Duong cemetery, Con Dao Island, Ba Rịa–Vung Tau Province, Vietnam

Next was Van Son Pagoda.

Van Son Pagoda, Con Dao Island, Ba Rịa–Vung Tau Province, Vietnam: Travelogue Video

We then stopped at the shrine to Phi Yen, and the shrine to Prince Cai.  (Unfortunately my Vietnamese history is not very good, so I have no idea who these people are.  You're on your own.  Sorry.)

Shrine to Phi Yen, Con Dao Island, Ba Rịa–Vung Tau Province, Vietnam: Travelogue Video

Shrine to Prince Cai, son of Phi Yen, Con Dao Island, Ba Rịa–Vung Tau Province, Vietnam: Travelogue

Then, the next two stops on the tour I don't have video for.

First, we stopped briefly at a monument to all the Vietnamese martyrs for independence that were killed by the French.  (I believe the French.  I actually only got a very brief description of it from my wife.)  My father-in-law got out briefly to pay his respects here, but I wasn't invited to get out, and by the time I got my wife to tell me what the place was, we were moving on to the next stop.

The next stop was a museum about the history of Con Dao island.  (The French had used the island as a prison for political prisoners, so there was a museum about that history.)  

It looked like it was interesting, but our 5 year old was taking a nap during this time.  My wife stayed with the five year old in the car, so I had to watch the two year old around the museum, and didn't get a chance to take any video.

The next stop was the historic French Prison itself (W).  I was still watching the 2 year old, but because this was a historic and interesting place, I tried my best to take some video here nonetheless.  Apologies for the bad quality of this video.  I was juggling a 2-year-old while I took this video.

French Colonial Prison, Con Dao Island, Ba Rịa–Vung Tau Province, Vietnam: Travelogue Video

After this, we stopped briefly at the beach at the main town where the prison and museum were located.

Beach at Con Son Town, Con Dao Island, Ba Rịa–Vung Tau Province, Vietnam: Travelogue Video

We then finally went to the hotel/resort that we were staying at.  We stayed for there for 2 nights, so the video contains footage from 2 different days.  

We stayed at a room with the mountain view, because it was much cheaper than the rooms with the ocean view.  It wasn't entirely a loss though--the view of the mountain was very nice as well.

Orson Hotel and Resort, Con Dao Island, Ba Rịa–Vung Tau Province, Vietnam: Travelogue Video

The next day we went to visit the national forest (W).

National Forest, Con Dao Island, Ba Rịa–Vung Tau Province, Vietnam: Travelogue Video

Afterwards, we stopped briefly by a scenic overlook along the road.  (There were many scenic overlook stops along the road.  We stopped at one of them, but there were many more we just drove by.)

Scenic Overlook from the Road, Con Dao Island, Ba Rịa–Vung Tau Province, Vietnam: Travelogue Video

And we stopped at a fish farm to get some fresh seafood for lunch.

Eating Lunch at a Fish Farm, Con Dao Island, Ba Rịa–Vung Tau Province, Vietnam: Travelogue Video

Playlist HERE: 

Started: Dark is the Sun by Philip Jose Farmer (On my shelves since April 16, 2023).

I'm reading this book for Garbaugust.  But I've decided to start a few days early (Shh! Don't tell anyone.) The reasons for starting early are:

1) I'm a slow reader, so I could use the headstart, and

2) I'm going to go travelling this week, and so need a lightweight book to throw in the suitcase with me.

Elektra by Sophokles translated by Anne Carson (from An Orestia translated by Anne Carson): Review

(Book Review--Classics, Greek Mythology, Blogging the Canon)

[From An Oresteia translated by Anne Carson]

(This is my first time reading this book, so according to my new rules, I'm doing this as a video only review.) 

Elektra by Sophokles translated by Anne Carson (from An Orestia translated by Anne Carson): Review

Links to stuff mentioned:

* Starting: An Oresteia translated by Anne Carson: https://youtu.be/AFfZyd_BPvo

* Agamemnon by Aiskhylos translated by Anne Carson: https://youtu.be/zIu7501QrWg

* Choephori by Aeschylus translated by Tony Harrison: Review: https://youtu.be/XvaaHNjG9QU

* Antigone by Sophocles translated by Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald: Review: https://youtu.be/d64gILAxKd0

* Electra video from the Center for Hellenic Studies: https://www.youtube.com/live/8tTspXZWZu4?si=TtopOFdeZLPtogNC

Here is a quizziz on reduced relative clauses: Reduced Relative Clauses by Jihen Haouas.

I don't believe I know the original creator of this quizziz, but I got this link from a colleague one day when I was covering her class. I found that this quizziz worked well as a practice activity for reduced relative clauses.

Latin and Greek Roots: Specific Vocabulary Sets

(Specific Vocabulary Sets)

* Latin and Greek Roots

* Vocabulary Lesson for Word Roots "man" and "struct"

* Vocabulary Lesson for Latin Word Roots "funct" and "spir"

Agamemnon by Aiskhylos translated by Anne Carson (My second time reading Agamemnon)

(Book Review--Classics, Greek Mythology, Blogging the Canon, Reread)

[From An Oresteia translated by Anne Carson]

Started: July 18, 2024

(This is a reread.  I originally read Agamemnon a couple months ago on May 05, 2024.  However, according to my rules, this is still a video only review.  For two reasons.  First, I stated that "In order to be eligible for a written review, at least 2 years have to have passed from the first video review."  Secondly, this is by a different translator.) 

Agamemnon by Aiskhylos translated by Anne Carson (My second time reading Agamemnon)

Vocabulary Lesson for Word Roots "man" and "struct"

(TESOL Materials--Root Words)

Model Text: docs, pub

Quizlet: Words containing the roots "man" and "struct"

Kahoot: Words containing the roots "man" and "struct"

[Notes: This activity was developed to supplement Vocabulary Expansion Activities p.147 from Reflect Listening & Speaking 5, but I believe it can be used independently with any lesson on root words, so I'm posting it here.

The model text was created using AI.  (Unfortunately AI doesn't always do  a great job of grading its language, so this came out as pretty high level, but I was teaching a pre-advanced class, so it worked for my class.)

In my class, I did the model text as a listening.  First, I gave the students a gist question: What is Emily's job? What is Benjamin's job? 
Then I gave them specific information questions and read out the model text again.

Then, for the noticing task, I gave them a version of the model text in which all the words had been blanked out, and posted the complete model text outside of the room.  The students had to reconstruct the text using a running dictation.  

Once the text had been completed, I clarified the vocabulary using Concept Checking Questions.  Then we played Quizlet Live to practice matching the words to the definitions, and then Kahoot to practice gap-fill sentences.]

1. What is Benjamin’s job?

2. What ambitious project does Benjamin start?

3. What destructive force damages the construction site?

4. What does Emily have a passion for?

5. What did Benjamin do in the quiet hours of the evening?

6. What did Benjamin the architect and Emily the manicurist have in common?

1. What is Benjamin’s job?

2. What ambitious project does Benjamin start?

3. What destructive force damages the construction site?

4. What does Emily have a passion for?

5. What did Benjamin do in the quiet hours of the evening?

6. What did Benjamin the architect and Emily the manicurist have in common?

Once upon a time in a quaint village, there lived a talented architect named Benjamin. He was known for his ability to construct magnificent structures that left everyone in awe. One day, a wealthy landowner approached Benjamin with an ambitious project. He wanted a grand mansion built on his vast estate, and he entrusted Benjamin with the task.

Benjamin eagerly took on the challenge, carefully studying the land and envisioning the perfect structure that would blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Armed with his expertise, he began to instruct his team of skilled workers, providing them with detailed plans and guidance.

As the construction progressed, a destructive force in the form of a powerful storm swept through the village. Violent winds and torrential rain wreaked havoc on the construction site, causing damage and creating obstructions that hindered the progress. Undeterred, Benjamin and his team worked tirelessly to repair the destruction caused by nature, their determination unwavering.

Meanwhile, in a cozy corner of the village, a young woman named Emily pursued her passion for manicures. She owned a small salon and prided herself on providing exquisite manicures to her clients. Emily's skills were entirely manual, as she believed in the power of touch and attention to detail. With gentle precision, she would manipulate the tools, creating stunning nail designs that left her clients feeling pampered and confident.

In the quiet hours of the evening, Benjamin would retreat to his study, surrounded by stacks of architectural manuscripts. He meticulously poured over each page, refining his designs and exploring new possibilities. Each stroke of his pen on the manuscript represented endless hours of dedication and creativity.

Months passed, and finally, the mansion reached completion. Benjamin's vision had become a reality, standing tall and majestic on the landowner's estate. It was a testament to his unwavering determination and unwavering commitment to his craft.

The landowner was overjoyed by the outcome, marveling at the beauty and grandeur of the structure. He admired the intricate details that Benjamin had incorporated, appreciating the architect's ability to manipulate space and light within the mansion.

As Benjamin walked through the finished mansion, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment. His construct was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a masterpiece that would stand the test of time. And in the neighboring village, Emily continued to bring joy and beauty to her clients, one manicure at a time.

In the end, the story of Benjamin, the architect, and Emily, the manicurist, intertwined through their shared commitment to their crafts. Their dedication to manual work, their ability to manipulate their tools, and their unwavering passion for creating something extraordinary became the foundation of their success, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of those who experienced their artistry.

Once upon a time in a quaint village, there lived a talented architect named Benjamin. He was known for his ability to _______________ magnificent _______________ that left everyone in awe. One day, a wealthy landowner approached Benjamin with an ambitious project. He wanted a grand mansion built on his vast estate, and he entrusted Benjamin with the task.

Benjamin eagerly took on the challenge, carefully studying the land and envisioning the perfect _______________ that would blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Armed with his expertise, he began to _______________ his team of skilled workers, providing them with detailed plans and guidance.

As the construction progressed, a _______________ force in the form of a powerful storm swept through the village. Violent winds and torrential rain wreaked havoc on the construction site, causing damage and creating _______________ that hindered the progress. Undeterred, Benjamin and his team worked tirelessly to repair the destruction caused by nature, their determination unwavering.

Meanwhile, in a cozy corner of the village, a young woman named Emily pursued her passion for _______________ . She owned a small salon and prided herself on providing exquisite _______________ to her clients. Emily's skills were entirely _______________ , as she believed in the power of touch and attention to detail. With gentle precision, she would _______________ the tools, creating stunning nail designs that left her clients feeling pampered and confident.

In the quiet hours of the evening, Benjamin would retreat to his study, surrounded by stacks of architectural _______________ . He meticulously poured over each page, refining his designs and exploring new possibilities. Each stroke of his pen on the _______________ represented endless hours of dedication and creativity.

Months passed, and finally, the mansion reached completion. Benjamin's vision had become a reality, standing tall and majestic on the landowner's estate. It was a testament to his unwavering determination and unwavering commitment to his craft.

The landowner was overjoyed by the outcome, marveling at the beauty and grandeur of the _______________ . He admired the intricate details that Benjamin had incorporated, appreciating the architect's ability to _______________  space and light within the mansion.

As Benjamin walked through the finished mansion, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment. His construct was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a masterpiece that would stand the test of time. And in the neighboring village, Emily continued to bring joy and beauty to her clients, one manicure at a time.

In the end, the story of Benjamin, the architect, and Emily, the manicurist, intertwined through their shared commitment to their crafts. Their dedication to _______________  work, their ability to manipulate their tools, and their unwavering passion for creating something extraordinary became the foundation of their success, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of those who experienced their artistry.

Answers

Once upon a time in a quaint village, there lived a talented architect named Benjamin. He was known for his ability to construct magnificent structures that left everyone in awe. One day, a wealthy landowner approached Benjamin with an ambitious project. He wanted a grand mansion built on his vast estate, and he entrusted Benjamin with the task.

Benjamin eagerly took on the challenge, carefully studying the land and envisioning the perfect structure that would blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. Armed with his expertise, he began to instruct his team of skilled workers, providing them with detailed plans and guidance.

As the construction progressed, a destructive force in the form of a powerful storm swept through the village. Violent winds and torrential rain wreaked havoc on the construction site, causing damage and creating obstructions that hindered the progress. Undeterred, Benjamin and his team worked tirelessly to repair the destruction caused by nature, their determination unwavering.

Meanwhile, in a cozy corner of the village, a young woman named Emily pursued her passion for manicures. She owned a small salon and prided herself on providing exquisite manicures to her clients. Emily's skills were entirely manual, as she believed in the power of touch and attention to detail. With gentle precision, she would manipulate the tools, creating stunning nail designs that left her clients feeling pampered and confident.

In the quiet hours of the evening, Benjamin would retreat to his study, surrounded by stacks of architectural manuscripts. He meticulously poured over each page, refining his designs and exploring new possibilities. Each stroke of his pen on the manuscript represented endless hours of dedication and creativity.

Months passed, and finally, the mansion reached completion. Benjamin's vision had become a reality, standing tall and majestic on the landowner's estate. It was a testament to his unwavering determination and unwavering commitment to his craft.

The landowner was overjoyed by the outcome, marveling at the beauty and grandeur of the structure. He admired the intricate details that Benjamin had incorporated, appreciating the architect's ability to manipulate space and light within the mansion.

As Benjamin walked through the finished mansion, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment. His construct was more than just bricks and mortar; it was a masterpiece that would stand the test of time. And in the neighboring village, Emily continued to bring joy and beauty to her clients, one manicure at a time.

In the end, the story of Benjamin, the architect, and Emily, the manicurist, intertwined through their shared commitment to their crafts. Their dedication to manual work, their ability to manipulate their tools, and their unwavering passion for creating something extraordinary became the foundation of their success, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of those who experienced their artistry.

3 Noun Clause Short Story: Video and Worksheet

(TESOL Materials--Noun Clauses)

Video: HERE

Worksheet: docs, pub

Notes: For a while, I've been using Strega Nona as a model text for Noun Clauses.  But the more I've been thinking, the more I've been unsure that it's actually modelling the grammar point I want.  So, I searched Youtube to see if I could find a better model text.  For the moment, this is the best I could come up with.  It's from the editad1 Youtube channel that I mentioned before.  

When I play this in class, I first use the gist questions "What does this person want?" and "Why did she fight with her parents?"
I then play the video from 0:21, but without showing my students the video (only playing the audio for them.)  After the students have processed the video for gist understanding, I give them the worksheet, and as a noticing task they have to listen and write in the missing words.  And then I show them the structure.

3 Noun Clause Short Story

Worksheet: docs, pub

https://youtu.be/xJf6My-gHRk?si=56Ud9Z7iHZulnhRQ&t=21

--I wish I could grow up faster.

--Why?

--Well,I could do ____________________. I could be ____________________. No one would ask me ____________________.

--Did you have a fight with your parents?

--No! I mean sort of. They didn't like ____________________.

--Of course they didn't like it! And I guess you didn't even call them saying ____________________.

--I wish I could grow up faster.

--Why?

--Well,I could do ____________________. I could be ____________________. No one would ask me ____________________.

--Did you have a fight with your parents?

--No! I mean sort of. They didn't like ____________________.

--Of course they didn't like it! And I guess you didn't even call them saying ____________________.

https://youtu.be/xJf6My-gHRk?si=56Ud9Z7iHZulnhRQ&t=21

--I wish I could grow up faster.

--Why?

--Well,I could do whatever I wanted. I could be wherever I wanted. No one would ask me why I did something.

--Did you have a fight with your parents?

--No! I mean sort of. They didn't like that I came home past midnight.

--Of course they didn't like it! And I guess you didn't even call them saying that you'll be that late.

Wh- Noun Clauses

Wh-	Subject	Verb
whatever	I	wanted
wherever	I	wanted
Why	I	did something

That noun clauses

that	subject	Verb
that	I	came home past midnight
that	you	will be late

Channel Update: I'm going to indefinitely stop doing Weekly Reading Vlogs and Starting Videos

All my "starting" videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x6iMcM85L9dcWvKxN6kGZKg&si=_CQ1ihibo9EqvzCU

All my "weekly reading vlogs" videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x45zouAVdrWyM6CaPRYktXy&si=m5phtHPBYNL7-SUK

Addendum: I will keep the "started" posts going on this blog.  Filming the video (and then uploading the video after I'd filmed it), were the real time-suck.  The post itself only takes a minute.

However, in an effort to cut down on some of the clutter, going forward if I'm doing a compilation book, I'm going to stop doing multiple "started" posts for the same books.  So, for example, I'm going to stop doing a "started" post for each book of the Bible (as I have been doing), and instead just stick to one started post for the whole project.  And the same will go for any other compilation book that I start.

2nd Addendum: Since these weekly reading vlogs were where I did my book hauls (for the purposes of my channel, I used the word "book haul" to describe anytime I acquired a new book, not  necessarily a big haul), I'm going to stop updating my "On My Shelves (But Not Yet Started)" list (located on the left side of this blog--all the way at the bottom.)

This will mean that, over time, that list will become less and less current, so I may just delete that whole list at some point in the future.

* Bambi by Felix Salten

* Gone with the Wind Novel by Margaret Mitchell

* Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

* Race of a Lifetime by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin

* The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

* The Rights of Man by Thomas Paine

* The Glasswright's Test by Mindy L. Klasky

* The Princess Bride by William Goldman

* Dark is the Sun by Philip Jose Farmer

* Heir to Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

* The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander

* A Dawn of Dragons by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

* Soldier Sahibs by Charles Allen

* The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

* The Sable Quean by Brian Jacques

* The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

* Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert

* Tyrant by Valerio Massimo Manfredi

* The Hardy Boys: The Tower Treasure by Franklin W. Dixon

* Circe by Madeline Miller

* The Railway Children by E. Nesbit

* Invincible Ultimate Collection Volume 1

* Mighty Marvel Masterworks Fantastic Four Volume 2

* Swamp Thing The Bronze Age Volume 3

* A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel

* Glenraven by Marion Zimmer Bradley and Holly Lisle

* Discovering Scarfolk by Richard Littler

* Neither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson

* Consider Phlebas by Ian M. Banks

Started: Doraemon's Long Tales Vol 8: Noby And The Dino Knights by Fujiko F. Fujio

Astro Boy Omnibus Volume 1 by Osamu Tezuka: Review

(Book Review--Japanese Literature, Comic Books)

Started: May 12, 2024 

(This is my first time reading this book, so according to my new rules, I'm doing this as a video only review.) 

Astro Boy Omnibus Volume 1 by Osamu Tezuka: Review

For the last time I talked about Osamu Tezuka on this channel, see my review of Buddha: https://youtu.be/hEToRNO899o

Weekly Reading Vlogs:

May 12, 2024 p.1-32 

May 19, 2024 p.32-180

May 26, 2024  p.180-226

June 2, 2024 p.226-290

June 09, 2024 p.290-384

June 16, 2024 p.384-392 

June 23, 2024 p.392-396

June 30, 2024 p.396-438 https://youtu.be/LJnKjbBy5xI?si=10La7ljTNf0pcJQT

July 7, 2024 p.438-470

July 14, 2024 p.470-632 

Playlist HERE: