Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
History of Thanksgiving
Video &
discussion activity – History Channel
Length: 3.15 min
Source: www.history.com/videos/history-of-the-thanksgiving-holiday
Pre-watching
segment
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Watching
segment
Go over the
questions below and look up any words you don’t know. Then, watch the clip and choose
the right answer.
1.What happened in 1620?
the first Thanksgiving - half of the Pilgrims
died in the winter - the Indians made war on the Pilgrims
2.What skills did the Pilgrims learn from the
Natives?
planting, fishing, and hunting - farming,
leather making, and hunting - fishing, swimming, and cooking
3._____________ in 1621.
The Pigrims arrived at Plymouth Rock - The
Natives made friends with the Pilgrims
- The first Thanksgiving Feast
happened
4.At the first Thanksgiving, they enjoyed a main dish of...
goose and lobster - turkey and chicken - ham
and goose
5.To the Puritans Thanksgiving was mainly about...
making new friends and being thankful to God - fasting
and being thankful to God - enjoying a big feast and being thankful to
God
6.The narrator mentions the Puritans practice of praying and fasting to
give an example of...
how religious they were - how scared they were - how
confident they were
7.What year did the Continental Congress declare that all 13 colonies
must celebrate a day of Thanksgiving?
1812 - 1621
- 1777
8.The Thanksgiving holiday was celebrated for many years...
on the weekend - on different days in November - on
different days of the year
9.Why did Sarah Josepha Hale want to establish a national day for
Thanksgiving?
to extend the end of the year holiday -
to unify the country - to make things simpler and easier
10.In 1863 who declared the first National Thanksgiving holiday?
Abraham Lincoln - Thomas Jefferson - Sarah
Josepha Hale
11.Why did the Detroit Lions have a Thanksgiving Day football game?
to establish a national past-time
- to boost attendance - to
provide entertainment on a break from the 6 day work week
12.Why did Macy's and other department stores have a Thanksgiving Day
Parade?
to show off their patriotic spirit
- to kick off the Christmas
shopping season - to show how important the American economy
is.
13.Thanksgiving is mainly about...
family, rest, and being thankful
- eating a big dinner and watching
the football game - family, sports, and being thankful
Thank You by Dido
Song,
vocabulary & discussion activity
Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TO48Cnl66w
1.Watching the
Clip
We are going to
watch the video clip of a song made popular by Dido. Which of the actions below take place in the story? In which order do
these take place? (Look up any words you don’t know in your dictionary)
a)bulldozers tear down the house
b)a policeman takes her cat away
c)movers taking out furniture
d)she moves into a new apartment
e)her belongings are left in the street
f)she gets a check
g)she is happy to leave
h)she is taken out of the house
i)policemen knocking on the door
j)a lamp is broken accidentally
k)she gets an eviction notice
l)neighbors help her
2.The Song
Watch the clip
again, paying more attention to the words this time and check the words you
hear:
House
Rest
Bath
Bills
Rain
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Soap
Cloudy
Phone
Pillow
Tea
|
Pain
Tree
Bus
Towel
Clue
|
Home
Door
Job
Picnic
Fish
|
What is the
song about?
What is the
general tone of the song? Is it a happy song? Is it sad?
How does the
singer feel and look?
Is there a
connection between the song and the video? Why (not)? Compare and contrast.
3.The Lyrics
Analyze the
words and find any necessary definitions in your dictionary.
Has your
opinion changed? Do you find any other
elements you didn’t notice or understand before? Go again over the questions in
the previous section. Find proof for
your answers.
My tea's gone cold, I'm wondering why
I got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
And even if I could it'd all be gray
But your picture on my wall
It reminds me that it's not so bad
It's not so bad
I drank too much last night, got bills to pay
My head just feels in pain
I missed the bus and there'll be hell today
I'm late for work again
And even if I'm there, they'll all imply
That I might not last the day
And then you call me and it's not so bad
It's not so bad
And I want to thank you
For giving me the best day of my life
And, oh, just to be with you
Is having the best day of my life
Push the door, I'm home at last
And I'm soaking through and through
And then you handed me a towel
And all I see is you
And even if my house falls down now
I wouldn't have a clue
Because you're near me
And I want to thank you
For giving me the best day of my life
And, oh, just to be with you
Is having the best day of my life
Expressing Appreciation
Vocabulary/
Idioms Activity
Here are a few
ways people have to express gratitude and appreciation in English.
|
I am
grateful. / I am so grateful (to you)
I am so
thankful
I really
appreciate it. / I really appreciate... (sth)
I’d like to
express my (deepest) gratitude.
(I) can't
thank you enough.
It was very
kind of you.
Thank
goodness!/ Thank heavens!
Thank one's
lucky stars
Thank you for
having me/ us. - a polite expression said to a host or hostess on departure.
Thank you for
sharing. -sarcastic remark made when someone tells something unpleasant
Thank you
kindly. – formal and polite.
Thank you
very much / Thank you so much/ Thanks a million - polite, emphatic.
 Thanks a lot.
- Informal or sarcastic remark indicating there is nothing to be grateful
for.
You’ve been
very helpful/ really sweet / a doll / very thougthful.
|
|
Responding To Thanks
You’re
welcome.
Not at all.
Don’t mention
it.
(It’s) my
pleasure.
It was
nothing.
That’s
alright/OK.
No problem.
Any time.
Sure.
|
Find the
missing word to complete the sentences.
1.Thanks a lot ....................
a lovely evening. Pizza was delicious.
a)by b)for c)to
2.Thank you for ....................... I was desperate to hear about
your sister’s operation.
a)telling b)comparing c) sharing
3.
A:That's a lovely tie, John
B.Thank you .........................., ma'am.
a) kindly b)politely c)really
4.We would like to express our gratitude ........................ you for coming tonight.
a)to b)for c)on
5.We were all so worried, I am so ............................... you
are OK.
a) thankful b) appreciate c)gratitude
6.Thanks a lot for ........................ my life.
a)to ruin b) ruining c) to
ruining
7.There was a flood on the road but we managed to get here, .......................... heavens!
a)thank you b)thankful c) thank
8.You can thank your lucky ............................. that dad was home to help you.
a)charm b) stars c)angel
9.
A:Here's a little something for your recent birthday, Jen.
B:What a surprise! Thank you so .............................
a)really b) much c)lot
10.Oh, this is the book you mentioned... I can't thank you ............
a)a lot b)kindly c) enough
11.I really ................................ the ride.
a)thank you b) appreciate c)grateful
12.
A:Good-bye, glad you could come.
B:I had a great time. Thank you ............................ me.
a)to have b)having c) for having
13.Is this for me? Oh, you’re a ................................ Lily!
a)sweet b) thougthful c)doll
14.I am .................................. for your assistance. You are
a life saver.
a) grateful b) thougthful c)sweet
15. Rick, I’d like to express my
........................................ gratitude for helping find a new job.
a)really b) deepest c)thougthful
Gratitude
Video &
Discussion Activity
Source: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuzzkFZr7Eo
A Moving Art original short by filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg presented
at TED. Spoken word and music montage created and composed by Gary Malkin.
Narration written and spoken by Brother David Steindl-Rast.
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Discussion
What do you
understand by “gratitude”?
Can you name
five things or situations you are grateful for?
Read and
comment the following quotes. What do they mean? Do you agree/disagree with
anyone in partcular? Why?
 Gratitude is a duty which ought to be paid, but
which none have a right to expect. - Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Silent gratitude isn't very much to anyone. - Gertrude
Stein
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget
that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. - John
F. Kennedy
Gratitude is a sickness suffered by dogs. - Joseph
Stalin
It's a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate
gratitude with moderation. - Roberto Benigni
|
Watching the
Short
1.First
watching: Answer the questions that follow.
a)What is the film’s message?
b)What are some of the gifts mentioned?
2.Second
watching: Use the verbs in the box to complete the text. Then, watch the clip
again to check your work.
FLOW CAN
RESPOND EXPERIENCE OPEN
COME GO LET
DO BE TURN
LOOK BEGIN NOTE
MEET THINK CULTIVATE HAVE (2)
GIVE
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You think this is just
another day in your life? It's not just another day. It's the one day that (1)................................
given to you today. It's given to you. It's a gift. It's the only gift that you
(2)................................... right now, and the only appropriate
response is gratefulness. If you (3).................................. nothing
else but to (4).................................... that response to the great
gift that this unique day is, if you learn to (5).....................................
as if it were the first day in your life and the very last day, then you will
have spent this day very well.
(6)............................
by opening your eyes and be surprised that you have eyes you can (7)..............................,
that incredible array of colors that is constantly offered to us for pure
enjoyment. Look at the sky. We so rarely (8)................................. at the sky. We so rarely (9)..............................
how different it is from moment to moment, with clouds coming and going. We
just (10).................................. of the weather, and even with the
weather, we don't think of all the many nuances of weather. We just think of
good weather and bad weather. This day, right now, (11).........................
unique weather, maybe a kind that will never exactly in that form (12)........................
again. That formation of clouds in the sky will never be the same as it is
right now. Open your eyes. Look at that.
Look at the faces of people
whom you (13)................................ Each one has an incredible story
behind their face, a story that you could never fully fathom, not only their
own story, but the story of their ancestors. We all (14)...........................
back so far, and in this present moment, on this day, all the people you meet,
all that life from generations and from so many places all over the world (15)...........................
together and meets you here like a life-giving water, if you only open your
heart and drink.
Open your heart to the
incredible gifts that civilization (16).............................. to us.
You flip a switch and there is electric light. You (17).........................
a faucet and there is warm water and cold water, and drinkable water. It's a
gift that millions and millions in the world will never (18)..............................
So these are just a few of an
enormous number of gifts to which we (19)............................. open
your heart. And so I wish you that you will open your heart to all these
blessings, and (20)............................ them flow through you, that
everyone whom you will meet on this day will be blessed by you, just by your
eyes, by your smile, by your touch, just by your presence. Let the gratefulness
overflow into blessing all around you, and then it will really be a good day.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Reading comprehension activity
1.Pre-reading segment
Match the photos to the terms
below.
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1.Parade
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2.Marching band
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3.Cheerleaders
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4.Floats
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Can you explain what they are?
Look up any words in a dictionary.
2.Reading segment
Read the text below and
answer the questions that follow.
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The Macy's Thanksgiving Day
Parade is an annual event held in New York City, dating from 1924. It is presented
by the chain store Macy's on Thanksgiving Day and it lasts about three hours.
In the 1920s, many of
Macy's department store employees were first-generation immigrants. Proud of
their new American heritage, they wanted to celebrate with the type of
festival their parents had loved in Europe.
Originally, employees and
professional entertainers marched from Harlem to Macy's flagship store on
34th Street, dressed in vibrant costumes. There were floats, professional
bands and live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. Every parade
concluded, and still does, with the arrival of Santa Claus to ring in the
Christmas and holiday season.
In 1927, giant balloons
were introduced to replace live animals. The first character that year was Felix
the Cat. This tradition of huge helium characters has been kept ever since
and it is a trademark of the parade.
Through the 1930s, the
Parade continued to grow, with crowds of over 1 million and the annual
festivities were broadcast on local New York radio. In the 40’s it was
suspended during World War II, owing to the need for rubber and helium in the
war effort. Its first broadcast on
network television was in 1948.
Nowadays, in addition to
the well-known balloons and floats, the parade also features live music and
other performances. College and high school marching bands from across the
country participate, and the television broadcasts shows by famous singers
and bands. The Radio City Rockettes are a classic performance as well, as are
cheerleaders from various high schools across the country and cast members
from Broadway shows.
This national event has
nowadays more than 44 million people watching it on television each year.
This is part of the morning routine and preparation for the day ahead, which
will include the cooking of the turkey, welcoming family and friends, and the
three National Football League games played during the holiday. A few American
classics.
|
Choose the best option to complete the statements.
1)The first Macy’s Thanksgiving
Day Parade was in... (a) 1920’s (b) 1924
(c) 1927
2)The parade takes place...
(a) in the morning (b) in the
afternoon (c) in the evening ...for approximately (a) two
(b)three (c)four hours.
3)The parade originated to
(a)promote sales (b)start the Christmas season
(c) celebrate the American
culture.
4)At the end of each parade appears... (a)a giant ballon figure (b)Santa Claus (c)a big band.
5)Zoo animals... (a)appear occasionally
(b)appear every decade at a special event (c)appeared at the end of the 20’s.
6)The parade... (a)was never cancelled
(b)was cancelled once (c)was
cancelled during World War I.
7)Some of the performers... (a)come from different parts the cuntry (b)are store owners and actors (c)wear football clothes and gear.
The Thank You Issue - Solutions
History of Thanksgiving
1.half of the Pilgrims died in the winter
2. planting, fishing, and hunting
3.the firstThanksgiving Feast happened
4.goose and lobster
5.fasting and being thankful to God
6.how religious they were
7.The answer is: 1777
8.on different days of the year
9.to unify the country
10.Abraham Lincoln
11.to boost attendance
12.to kick off the Christmas shopping season
13.family, rest, and being thankful
Thank You by Dido
1.Watching the
clip
1.policemen knocking on the door
2.she gets an eviction notice
3.movers taking out furniture
4.her belongings are left in the street
5.she is taken out of the house
6.bulldozers tear down the house
2.The Song
House – Bills – Rain – Tea – Pain – Bus – Towel – Clue – Home - Door
Expressing Appreciation
1.b for 2.c sharing 3.a kindly 4.a to 5.a thankful
6.b ruining 7.c thank 8.b stars
9.b much 10.c enough 11.b appreciate 12.c for having 13.c doll 14.a grateful 15 b.deepest
Gratitude
(1)is (2)have (3)do
(4)cultivate (5)respond (6)Begin
(7)open (8)look (9)note
(10)think (11)has (12)come
(13)meet (14)go (15)flows
(16)gives (17)turn (18)experience (19)can
(20)let
Macy's
Thanksgiving Day Parade
1.Pre-reading segment
1.c 2.a
3.d 4.b
2.Reading segment
1.b 2.a/b
3.c 4.b 5.c
6.b 7.a
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