Update 126 Waiting to smile - Been holding it in for a while
- Howie Gordon
- Mar 4
- 4 min read
Updated: May 2
Life has come a long way since yesterday I say
And it's not the same old thing over again I say
Just do what you feel and don't you fool yourself I say
Cause I can't make you happy unless I am I say I say I
Got to be true to myself got to be true to myself
I try to capture the moment of how I am feeling at the time of writing. In this case this broadcast has taken me a few weeks to write. This has been a topsy-turvy week. Sadness mixed with a certain happiness I wrote to a friend this week that I wish we could think of other things other than war and hostages.
These last for weeks - basically the whole of January has seen many of us glued to our TV screens in the hope for better times. Here are some quotes that I believe will put things into perspective.
I know that many pupils and students are feeling anxious now. I found this song on Spotify and I really like the tune and the message. Overwhelmed by Ryan Mack.
This is a cover of the original song by Royal & the Serpent
Here is a dialogue created by Twee that you can use so that pupils can talk about the subject and practice spoken English. Feel free to edit to suit your classes.
Quotes about overcoming anxiety
“I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”― Mark Twain
“The best use of creativity is imagination. The worst use of creativity is anxiety.” ― Deepak Chopra
“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” — Brené Brown
On the same topic
I was asked to find a song that represents happier times and SEL (Social Emotional Learning). This is what Chat GPT came up with for 11th graders. Yet there are many options for younger grades.
For a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lesson that encourages shy 11th-grade students to sing in English as a Foreign Language (EFL), you'll want motivational, emotionally engaging, and easy-to-sing songs that fit CEFR B2 level.
### 🎶 Suggested Songs for B2-Level EFL Students 🎶
#### 1. Songs About Confidence & Overcoming Fear
- "Brave" – Sara Bareilles 🏆 (Perfect for encouraging self-expression)
- "Roar" – Katy Perry 🦁 (A great anthem about finding your voice)
- "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" – Kelly Clarkson 💪 (Empowers students to overcome challenges)
- "Eye of the Tiger" – Survivor 🥊 (Great for building confidence)
#### 2. Feel-Good & Group Singing Songs
- "Count on Me" – Bruno Mars 🤝 (Great for teamwork and friendship)
- "Can't Stop the Feeling!" – Justin Timberlake 💃🕺 (Happy, easy to sing, and fun)
- "Happy" – Pharrell Williams 😊 (Simple lyrics, uplifting vibe)
- "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell ⛰️ (Classic, great for a duet)
#### 3. Songs for Expressing Emotion
- "Somewhere Only We Know" – Keane 🌿 (Emotional, yet easy to sing)
- "Let It Go" – Idina Menzel (Frozen) ❄️ (Encourages self-expression)
- "Imagine" – John Lennon ☮️ (Soft and meaningful, great for class reflection)
- "Stand by Me" – Ben E. King ✨ (Encourages connection and support)
Guess the song 🎶🎤🎧📢
Each broadcast I will add a new Guess the Song picture. Some will be easy and some more difficult. Let’s see how well you do.
Click on the link to the Padlet
Try this one - It’s quite difficult. A line from a song
Save the Date
Hello English teachers! ☀️🌻
We are pleased to introduce the first ever National English Theme Day - Triple Wellbeing English Day for elementary, junior high and high schools across the country. 🔠🔡
Below please find the save-the-date and competition information. Further information and material will be sent out soon, along with an informative Webinar.
Wishing you and your learners a wonderful experience! 👩🏻🏫👨🏻🏫
Dr. Elias Farah, Devorah Amar and the English Inspectorate
Throwback to Previous Posts
I posted this post this in September 2022
Purim
Well it is that time of the year when we get in costume and behave like kids again. Not that we need an excuse. Please make sure you celebrate wisely and safely.
Please check out Jacob Reichman’s Purim page full of links and activities.
Here is a list of Purim Parodies for the Purim Holidays https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR7IV1dRlSM&list=PLvqPSh0NfVPZdd2KHmYMWWEJgtXBFthtH
Ramadan Mubarak - Blessed Ramadan
May this Ramadan bring you peace, happiness, and spiritual growth.
My happy corner - Smile of the week
I like to find shorts / reels that make me smile and just feel good.
So meaningful
Lion King Amazing
Baby Shark at the station
Love the harmonies
Digital Tool of the Week
Quizalize
Engage your class with fun, standards-tagged quizzes. Get instant data on student mastery. Automatically differentiated follow-up activities.
Create games with Quizalize and encourage your students to learn vocabulary at home.
Suggestion
Teachers can create quiz like games in seconds for free. Follow the tutorial above
Musical Joke of the Week
People always talk about the “eye of the tiger”.
No one ever talks about the other four letters 😂
Overwhelmed - Another Cover https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BL7Vkx3erBQ?feature=share
The Final Note:
Looking forward to eventually meeting you all one day F2F
PS. People who use selfie sticks really need to have a good, long look at themselves.
P.P.S. If you know of a colleague, friend, relative or parent that is not part of
these broadcasts, invite them in via this link. They can thank you later.
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