понеділок, 5 грудня 2016 р.

Cyberbulling

Cyberbullying is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages, chat, and websites.

Examples of cyberbullying include mean text messages or emails, rumors sent by email or posted on social networking sites, and embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.
Be Aware of Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying, or electronic bullying, continues to be an increasing problem. Especially in many modernized countries, such as the United States, where technology is rapidly becoming an integral part of our society today, more and more people are possessing phones and computers. Kids are exposed to and acquire technology at earlier and earlier ages. With so many more people online, there is, undoubtedly, a dramatic rise in cyberbullying incidents throughout the US, and even around the world. Cyberbullying is actually more common than many teens think. Many teens do not realize that many of their peers around them are experiencing cyberbullying.
 Educate Yourself About Cyberbullying

It is important, and in some cases required, that schools educates their students and staff on a regular basis regarding the nature, and consequences of, and prohibitions and penalties associated with, all forms of cyberbullying, and bullying, so that constant and updated awareness of the problem is promoted. Education should occur through the attendance of training workshops and seminars, as well as formalized continuing education initiatives for all members of the school community.
Be An Active Bystander:

Bystanders play a key role in stopping and preventing cyberbullying. Cyberbullies depend on bystanders to support them or do nothing to stop them. The real leaders are those who choose to take an active role when they witness bullying and decide not go along with the crowd.

If you witness cyberbullying, do not join in, nor stand by idly.
Document if you see cyberbullying online, and when
Don’t encourage the behavior, it is easy to fall under the peer pressure, but stand up for yourself!
Don’t forward hurtful messages
Don’t laugh at inappropriate jokes
Tell an adult they trust
Do not support cyberbullies, stand up for what is right and report cyberbullying cases to reliable sources – “report center”.
Educate yourself on effective preventative measures you can take
Do Not Spend So Much Time At The Computer:
Try to limit your computer time to a suitable and reasonable amount. It is important not to lose a sense of reality, especially if you have feelings of pent up emotion or anger, you should not vent your emotions out online. Assign some much needed periods of time to go for a walk, enjoy the weather, or hang out with friends.

What to do if you are a cyberbullying victim:

Many teens who are cyberbullied online are often overwhelmed by the emotional pain due to either the continuity, or intensity of the harassment. Therefore, responding to the cyberbully’s attacks in a productive manner often seems extraordinarily difficult. The anticipatory anxiety often prevents a teenager from reporting the bully. Since the distress seems unbearable, the victim cannot muster up the strength to confide in a trusted adult. Of course, there is always a fear that a victim may be labeled a “tattletale” or a “snitch.” However, if the victim attempts to cope with the bullying without external assistance, the intensity and frequency of the bullying online may increases, which usually exacerbates the pre-existing situation. Victimized adolescents first must realize that they are not to blame for the way they have been treated. NO ONE deserves to be harassed in any environment, whether it is on the Internet or in the real world. Effective strategies can be implemented to help fend off cyberbullies.
Protect Yourself:

It is imperative that cyberbullying victims take swift action if the cyberbullying incidents continue or escalate in gravity. Teenagers must learn to exercise due diligence in reducing their vulnerability to online aggression.

Block the cyberbully on social networking sites, emails, electronic devices, and so on. The less contact you have with the cyberbully, the less damage he or she can do. Do not leave the bully un-blocked just so that you can get another response later or to inflict some source of payback on the cyberbully. This is only inviting the cyberbully to continue, and you do not have to stoop down to their level! Block the individual from having communications with you as best as you can.
Change your emails, screen names, or other usernames that the cyberbully is contacting you via. Take care in giving them out to family and friends whom you know you can trust, so that you will not need to worry about receiving additional antagonizing messages from those who are cyberbullying you.
Keep your social networking profiles on private: make sure not to add anyone you do not know or do not trust to your profile
Get Help:

It is strongly encouraged that cyberbullying victims seek assistance from a trusted individual or organization. Adolescence is a difficult journey on hazardous terrain, and no one should have to travel alone. Technology has only increased the number of pitfalls and obstacles that teens have to face, and teens need guidance to assist them and pick them up when online harassment takes its toll.

понеділок, 28 листопада 2016 р.

Black Friday

Black Friday refers to the day just after Thanksgiving in the US. Because so many companies have a four day weekend, many people begin their Christmas shopping on this day. (Thanksgiving always falls on a Thursday in the US, and then people have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off from work.) Black Friday is often reported as one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Shopping malls are packed with people, parking lots are crowded, and lines at stores are very, very long. Some stores even open at five or six in the morning because there are so many people. Other stores have discounts and sales to draw even more customers.

The word "black" to describe the Friday likely began in Philadelphia in the mid-1960s. Traffic jams filled the roads into the downtown area every year. The stores and sidewalks were overflowing with shoppers. The experience for so many of the people who ventured downtown was stressful and chaotic. It was a terrible, or black, day. Because other cities around the country similarly experienced traffic jams, busy stores, and too many shoppers on the day after Thanksgiving, the term spread. Black Friday became a common idiom in American English.

Although many people may see the day after Thanksgiving negatively, retailers have a very different opinion. It's their best opportunity to improve earnings for the year, and take the business out of the red (loss) and into the black (profit). For example, if sales were slow in the spring, summer, and fall, then the store must attract many customers and make many sales between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The first and most important day of this last chance shopping season is Black Friday.

Of course, there are some people who dislike Black Friday. There are some people who hate the day and its crowds very much. But there are also some people who strongly oppose the shopping day because they believe it harms society. They think that people should consume less and reuse resources more, and so have created a day called "Buy Nothing Day." It falls on the same day as Black Friday, and it encourages people to buy nothing, of course.

However, for most people, Black Friday just presents one more opportunity to go shopping. For those who don't like shopping, then it's one more reason to avoid the stores and shopping malls.http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php/lower-intermediate-students/lower-intermediate-skill-builders/lower-intermediate-listening/558-black-friday

середа, 16 листопада 2016 р.

Inspirational Quotes That Will Change Your Life

“Just know, when you truly want success, you’ll never give up on it. No matter how bad the situation may get.” – Unknown

“Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.” – Les Brown

“I don’t regret the things I’ve done, I regret the things I didn’t do when I had the chance.” – Unknown

“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” – Joshua J. Marine

“Its hard to wait around for something you know might never happen; but its harder to give up when you know its everything you want.” – Unknown

“One of the most important keys to Success is having the discipline to do what you know you should do, even when you dont feel like doing it.” – Unknown

“Good things come to those who wait… greater things come to those who get off their ass and do anything to make it happen.” – Unknown

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, or worn. It is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace & gratitude.” – Denis Waitley

“In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” – Bill Cosby

“Go where you are celebrated – not tolerated. If they can’t see the real value of you, it’s time for a new start.” – Unknown

Dont be afraid to stand for what you believe in, even if that means standing alone.. – Andy Biersack

“The best revenge is massive success.” – Frank Sinatra

“Forget all the reasons it won’t work and believe the one reason that it will.” – Unknown

“I am thankful for all of those who said NO to me. Its because of them I’m doing it myself.” – Albert Einstein

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” – Steve Jobs

“Life is short, live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet, cherish it.” – Unknown

“When you say “It’s hard”, it actually means “I’m not strong enough to fight for it”. Stop saying its hard. Think positive!” – Unknown

“Life is like photography. You need the negatives to develop.” – Unknown

“Don’t worry about failures, worry about the chances you miss when you don’t even try.” – Jack Canfield

“The pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. For every challenge encountered there is opportunity for growth.” – Unknown

“Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” – Farrah Gray

“The only thing that stands between you and your dream is the will to try and the belief that it is actually possible.” – Joel Brown

“Self confidence is the most attractive quality a person can have. how can anyone see how awesome you are if you can’t see it yourself?” – Unknown

“We learn something from everyone who passes through our lives.. Some lessons are painful, some are painless.. but, all are priceless.” – Unknown

“Being happy doesn’t mean that everything is perfect. it means that you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.” – Unknown

“Nobody ever wrote down a plan to be broke, fat, lazy, or stupid. Those things are what happen when you don’t have a plan.” – Larry Winget

“Three things you cannot recover in life: the WORD after it’s said, the MOMENT after it’s missed and the TIME after it’s gone. Be Careful!” – Unknown

“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” – Carl Bard

неділя, 13 листопада 2016 р.

Конкурс (9-11 класи)

КОНКУРС НА НАЙКРАЩИЙ ТВІР АНГЛІЙСЬКОЮ МОВОЮ

На конкурс відбираються твори учнів 9-11-х класів 
Тема твору: Why Do I Need to Learn English?
Обсяг твору: 100-120 слів

Вимоги до твору:
• учасники мають висловити власне бачення теми;
• учасники повинні обґрунтувати власні ідеї та навести приклади;
• твір надсилати у форматі документу Microsoft Word;
• разом із твором необхідно надіслати відомості про автора (авторів).

Вимоги до термінів
Останній термін прийняття проектів до участі у конкурсі 25листопада 2016 року.

Документ «Відомості про автора (авторів)»надсилається окремим файлом та повинен  містити таку інформацію:
• прізвище, ім’я, по-батькові учасника (учасників);
• клас;
• назва навчального закладу (повністю);
• населений пункт / район;
• контактний телефон та e-mail учня;
• прізвище, ім’я, по-батькові вчителя англійської мови.

NB! Кожний документ надсилати окремим файлом, іменувати прізвищем автора (авторів) та позначкою «твір» або «відомості», наприклад, «Петренко-твір», «Петренко-відомості», якщо декілька авторів − «Петренко, Котенко-відомості».
Контактні особи:
Британ Юлія Володимирівна, кандидат педагогічних наук, старший викладач кафедри педагогіки та методики викладання іноземних мов, тел. (063)3852312
Матеріали надсилати на електронну адресу:  julia100b@ukr.net з поміткою «На конкурс».
Підведення підсумків відбудеться на початку грудня 2016 року. За результатами підведення підсумків переможці конкурсу будуть запрошені до Чернігівського національного педагогічного університету імені Т. Г. Шевченка, а також нагороджені призами від кафедри педагогіки та методики викладання іноземних мов філологічного факультету Чернігівського національного педагогічного університету імені Т.Г.Шевченка.






понеділок, 31 жовтня 2016 р.

Halloween history and traditions

Halloween history is one of mystery and intrigue, the story of Halloween’s past has been passed down through generations. Traditions and adaptations of ancient ceremonies and superstitions have evolved into the holiday we know and love today. We’ll explore the history of Halloween in various forms, and unlock the dark secrets of this ancient holiday.

Halloween is a holiday celebrated on the night of October 31. The word Halloween is a shortening of All Hallows’ Evening also known as Hallowe’en or All Hallows’ Eve.

Traditional activities include trick-or-treating, bonfires, costume parties, visiting “haunted houses” and carving jack-o-lanterns. Irish and Scottish immigrants carried versions of the tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Other western countries embraced the holiday in the late twentieth century including Ireland, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom as well as of Australia and New Zealand.

There are many colors and symbols that are associated with Halloween. Whilst black and orange are the traditional colors of Halloween, other colors are also now popular. Some of the more popular ones are:

Black = death, night, witches, black cats, bats, vampires
Orange = pumpkins, jack o'lanterns, Autumn, the turning leaves, fire
Purple = night, the supernatural, mysticism
Green = goblins, monsters, zombies, aliens, Frankenstein
White = ghosts, mummies, a full moon
Red = blood, fire, demons
Traditional Symbols of Halloween
The most traditional symbol of Halloween is the pumpkin which is usually carved out and lit with a candle and placed on the home's doorstep after dark. This carved pumpkin is sometimes called a Jack-o'-lantern. In Ireland and Scotland a turnip was normally carved instead of a pumpkin.

Common Halloween costumes include:

devils - evil creatures
Frankenstein - made of different body parts
ghosts - translucent spirit
ghouls - similar to zombies
mummies - wrapped in bandages
skeletons - only bones
vampires - have fangs and like to drink blood
werewolves - turn into a wolf with a full moon
witches - have black hats and clothes
wizards - have magic wands
zombies - the walking dead
Trick or Treat
Trick or treat is the term used for children being dressed in costumes and going from house to house asking for candy. The children usually knock on the neighbor's door and say:

"Trick or Treat. Trick or Treat. Give me something good to eat!"
Trick is the supposed threat that something bad (or mischievous) will happen to the person if they do not receive a treat (a candy, sweets or something similar). Of course kids normally don't do anything bad. Parents often walk around the streets with their kids to make sure nothing bad happens.

Common Halloween Superstitions
When it's time for Halloween celebration, it is then that the people tend to become more superstitious. There are many superstitions and myths about Halloween and most of the people have a strong belief in them:

- Going in for dumb supper, meaning that nobody will talk while having supper, encourages the spirits of the dead to come to the table.

- It is believed that if an unmarried girl keeps a rosemary herb and a silver sixpence (coin) under her pillow on Halloween night, it is quite likely that on that very night, she would dream of her future husband.

- It is said that if you hear someone's footsteps behind you on Halloween night, you should not look back because it may be a dead person following you. And if you commit the mistake of looking back, it is likely that you might join the dead very soon.

- People believe that if on the Halloween night, a girl carrying a lamp in her hand goes to a spring of water, she will see the reflection of her life partner in the water.

- People have a superstition that if an unmarried girl carries a broken egg in a glass and takes it to a spring of water, she will be able to catch the glimpse of not just her future husband, by mixing some spring water in the glass, but also she can see the reflection of her future kids.

- There is the old saying that "black cats are bad luck". It was once believed that black cats were the devil, or consumed by evil spirits.

- People used to believe that Satan was a nut-gatherer. Nuts were also used as magic charms on the day of Halloween festival.

- If you put your clothes on inside out as well as outside walk backwards on Halloween night. At midnight you will see a witch in the sky flying on a broomstick. People used to believe witches were the devil, or that they were consumed by evil.

- There is also an old saying "if the flame on your candle goes out on Halloween celebration"; it gives you the meaning that you are with a ghost.

- If you ring a bell on Halloween it will frighten evil spirits away.

- Many people used to consider that owls would dive down to eat the souls of the dying on Halloween. They used to think if you pulled your pockets out, and left them hanging, they'd be safe.

- It has been said if a bat flies into your house on Halloween, it is a sign that ghosts or spirits are very near, and maybe they are in your home and let the bat in.

- People used to believe that if bats are out early on Halloween, and they fly around playfully, then good weather is to come.

- If a bat flies around your house three times on Halloween, death is very soon to come.

- To ward off evil spirits on Halloween, you can bury all the animal bones in your front yard, or even put a picture of an animal very close to your doorway.

- People used to believe you could walk around your house three times backward before sunset on Halloween, and that would take care of all evil.

- It could be the spirit of a dead loved one watching you if you see a spider on Halloween.



понеділок, 17 жовтня 2016 р.

Vegetarian diets ( pros and cons)

Today, vegetarian diets have gained extreme popularity all over the globe. These are preferred by a number of people throughout the world, and has been claimed to be a key to healthy life. Also, some organizations working for animal rights are strictly against eating meat, fish, or poultry. A vegetarian diet typically consists of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. They are, no doubt, good for health, but have you ever thought whether vegetarian meals were complete? Can they fulfill all the nutritional requirements of the body? Well, there are certain advantages and disadvantages of being vegetarian. What are they? Let's find out!

Advantages
Vegetarian diet mainly includes grains, nuts, cereals, seeds, beans, vegetables, and fruits. Hence, it is rich in fiber, folate, and vitamin C. Vegetables and fruits provide vitamins and minerals, that are essential for a healthy body. Beans, tofu, and seeds are some good sources of proteins. Vegetables consist of phytochemicals, which prevent some chronic diseases. Green leafy vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants. Vegetables and fruits also provide natural sugars, beneficial enzymes, and trace elements.

It contains low amount of fats, cholesterol, and saturated fats. As a result, it minimizes the risk of weight gain. This, in turn, reducing the possibilities of developing the health problems caused by obesity. Vegetarian diet is also helpful for healthy weight loss. A vegetarian diet lowers the blood cholesterol levels and decreases the risk of various disorders such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart diseases, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, kidney diseases, gallstones, and cancer. Due to intake of high fiber diet, digestive health is improved. Vegetarianism protects you from certain meat related food-borne diseases such as bird flu, mad cow disease, intestinal parasites, etc.

Disadvantages
Although vegetarian diet provides all the essential nutrients, there are certain factors that we can get in more amounts from meat or fish. Vegetarian diet is found to be low in proteins, calcium, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. Vitamin B12 is found in soy products, fortified cereals, and animal products in abundant amount. Soymilk, milk, and other dairy products are the rich sources of vitamin D. Meat, chicken, fish, and poultry contain more quantities of iron and zinc. Milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium. These nutrients are not found in large quantities in the vegetarian diet. Meat is a rich source of proteins and contains all the essential amino acids required by the body. Phosphorus present in the meat is easily absorbed than that present in legumes and cereals.

Vegetarian diet is not recommended for bodybuilders, as they require a protein-rich diet, for the purpose of increasing muscle mass. A diet lacking in sufficient carbohydrates and proteins can lead to anemia. Bowel irregularities can be commonly seen among the vegetarians. If your diet is totally free from fats, then it's not good, because certain amounts of cholesterol and fat is necessary for the development of the nervous system and for normal body functioning.

Although there are certain disadvantages of a vegetarian diet, it definitely offers a number of health benefits. If you properly plan your diet, you can overcome the problem of nutrient deficiencies, and improve your physical fitness and overall health. After all, healthy eating is the key to healthy living.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a dietitian or nutritionist.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-being-vegetarian.html

понеділок, 10 жовтня 2016 р.

Top 8 Fun Ways to Live Longer

A healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean treadmills and salads everyday. Many activities that are fun and pleasurable are also good for you. By understanding how these activities can help you live longer and what to do to get the most benefits, you'll be putting some fun into healthy living.
1. Eat Dark Chocolate. Dark chocolate is a wonderful food that contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect your body from aging. Find good quality dark chocolate, learn to appreciate it, and have a bit of it each day. Eating chocolate may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while providing an energy boost.
2. Smile. Smiling is a great way to change your attitude, connect with people and give benefit to your body. Like relaxation, smiling can work to counteract the effects of stress. By forcing ourselves to smile, we "trick" our body into believing that everything is good, thereby reducing stress. Like a switch, smiling can actually change your mood. So put a smile on, even if you don't feel like it, and pretty soon you'll be smiling for real.
3. Relax. Relaxation is the opposite of stress. While stress brings harmful health effects, relaxation helps our bodies to rest, heal and function better. By practicing daily relaxation techniques, you can train yourself to turn off your stress and replace it with calm energy. This will improve your blood pressure, heart rate and ability to cope with life's challenges.
4. Make Exercise Play. Physical games and sports are a great way to keep both your body and mind healthy. Simple exercise routines are great for maintaining balance, flexibility, endurance and strength. Group games and sports can give your mind a workout as well, as you anticipate other people's actions and how to work together. Find a game and activity that suits your level of physical ability and play often.
5. Sleep. Sleep is an essential body function. Most Americans do not get enough sleep. Medications, stress, illness and poor sleep habits all can prevent you from getting between 7 and 9 hours a night. The health benefits of sleep include more energy, better immune function, and more.
6. Spend Time With Loved Ones. Relationships are an important part of health. Not only do strong bonds with other people mean you will have help when you need it, being connected also means protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness. Spend time cultivating your relationships with friends and family to improve your health and your life.
7. Solve Puzzles and Play Brain Games. Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games can exercise different parts of your mind and entice your curiosity. If possible, choose social games like chess or bridge that exercise your brain while keeping you connected with others.

8. Be Positive. Having a positive attitude about aging can add more than seven years to your life, according to researchers. Avoid the cultural push to glorify youth and regret each passing year. Find ways to pleasure in your increasing age and enjoy greater learning, experience, and control in your life.

середа, 5 жовтня 2016 р.

Fast food

Advantages
      -          Look appetising, mouth watering
-          We can’t resist the temptation
-          Tasting delicious
-          Be easy to prepare at home
-          Be delivered to our doorstep
-          Be simply to eat everywhere
-          Be relatively cheap
-          People on low incomes can afford them
-          These restaurants attract young people
-          The atmosphere is friendly
-          Children can run, speak loudly all over the place without anyone complaining
-          They are often open 24 hours a day
-          People can chat, listen to music, study
-          Fast food saves time and energy after a long day of work, with no time for shopping, cooking
-          Service is fast, people’s time is limited
-          Children get small toys with happy meals
-          Celebrate birthdays here
      -          There are playgrounds inside or outside:
Disadvantages:
-          Are high in fat, sugar, carbohydrate, calories
-          Are low in fibre, vitamins, minerals, protein
-          Contain artificial additives
-          Greasy food weakens concentration
-          Feel drowsy
-          They provide energy but only in the short run
-          May cause allergy, diarrhoea
-          A high intake of salt, sugar and fat damage vital organs (liver, kidneys)
-          Raise cholesterol levels
-          Obesity is a main risk factor for stroke, diabetes, cancer
-          There is obviously a link between fast food and the increasing number of obese people in the western world
-          Fast food restaurants offer super-size options
-          Might become addictive
-          Be hooked on cream cakes, snacks
-          Often crowded, noisy

-          Poor choice of dishes

понеділок, 3 жовтня 2016 р.

Holidays vocabulary (definitions)

  • all-in package/package holiday: a holiday where you purchase the travel and accommodation together
  • breathtaking view: an extremely beautiful view
  • charter-flight: a cheaper form of flying than a scheduled flight
  • check-in desk: the place at the airport where you register for your flight and deposit your luggage
  • departure lounge: where you wait for your flight to be called
  • far-off destination: somewhere a long way away
  • to get away from it all: to take a holiday to escape a busy or stressful lifestyle
  • guided tour: an organised group shown around a place of interest by an expert
  • holiday brochure: a glossy publication with details of holiday packages
  • holiday destination: where you go for a holiday
  • holiday of a lifetime: a special holiday that you are unlikely to repeat
  • holiday resort: a place where lots of people go for a holiday
  • hordes of tourists: crowds of tourists
  • local crafts: objects produced locally
  • long weekend: an extended weekend holiday including Friday or Monday
  • out of season: outside of the main holiday period
  • picturesque village: very pretty village
  • passport control: the place where your passport is checked
  • places of interest: sites of interest to tourists
  • wildlife safari: a holiday, often in Africa, to observe wild animals
  • self-catering: a holiday where you supply your own food
  • short break: a short holiday
  • to go sightseeing:  to look around the tourist sites
  • stunning landscape: extremely beautiful countryside
  • travel agent: a shop that specialises in booking holidays
  • tourist trap: somewhere where too many tourists go
  • youth hostel: a cheap form of accommodation http://www.myenglishteacher.eu/blog/travel-holiday-vacation-vocabulary-list/