Feb 18 2015 Discussion Topic

Please read the following article by following the link. Please look up any vocabulary that you do not know.

This is a common problem in North American areas where a lot of snow falls. Of course, people must shovel the snow, but what can they do if it's dangerous to do so?

http://www.metrohealth.org/shoveling-and-your-risk-for-heart-attack

In your home city or country, are there any activities that are very important to do, but that some elderly people shouldn't do because it's not safe for them?

In Canada, it used to be common for the neighbourhood kids to shovel the snow and cut the grass for their elderly neighbours. This is not common anymore. Should parents encourage (force) their kids to help the neighbours?

Do neighbours help each other in your home city?

See you in class!

Matthew

Jan 14 2015 Discussion

When you play this video, please turn on the Japanese subtitles. If you look to the bottom right of the screen, you will find ‘subtitles’ and then a list of languages.

Please go to

http://www.ted.com/playlists/171/the_most_popular_talks_of_all

and watch the video called:
David GalloUnderwater astonishments

You will have to move the screen down a little to find it.

Why do you think that we have not discovered more of the ocean?

Humans put a lot of pollution into the ocean (even big cruise ships do this). Why do you think humans do not want to protect more of the ocean?

Did you like this video?

What was your favourite animal?

Do you think humans will ever learn to do the things these animals can do? Would it be useful?

Jan 7 2015 Discussion Topic

I'd simply like you to consider these few questions and be ready to discuss them in class.

1) What is the difference between a bribe and a reward?
2) Do you think it is okay to bribe children to behave well?
3) Do you think it is okay to reward children for good behaviour?

Dec 31 2014

This is the Dec 31 2014 Discussion Topic

Please think about the following topic.

Is it okay to bribe children to behave well?
What is the difference between bribing, encouraging, and rewarding?

Have fun in class!

See you really soon.

Have a great New Year's Eve!!

Dec 23 2014

-         This is the Dec 23 2014 Discussion

-          What is your first impression of this food?

-          Why do you think people are willing to eat this?

-          Do you think this food is expensive?

-          I would try it, so I have to ask, would you try it?

-          In Canada, there are a few foods that I will not eat, are there any foods you won’t eat in your country?

http://www.reuters.com/video/2014/09/14/mexico-dishes-up-creepy-crawly-fare?videoId=343257229&videoChannel=4

Please watch the video and be ready to discuss the above questions in class.

Have a great class!

Matthew

Dec 17 2014 Blog Discussion

 We will be discussing this topic:

Health vs. Appearance

1) Which do you think is more important, health, or appearance?
2) Would you take medicine to cure an appearance problem (for example, acne or serious pimples) even though it might negatively affect your health?
3) Do you think our culture is too worried about appearance?
4) If someone dies because they were taking a prescribed drug, whose fault is it? The company that makes the drug, the government for allowing the drug to me prescribed, the doctor for prescribing the drug, or the patient for choosing to take the drug?

Please think about these questions prior to class.

Thanks!

Matthew

Dec 10 2014 Discussion

Please watch this video (we will watch it in class too) and consider the questions below. Use you dictionaries if needed please.


http://www.ted.com/talks/gever_tulley_on_5_dangerous_things_for_kids#t-543649

Should power tools be used by kids?

Is experiencing danger healthy or good for kids?

Why do parents, governments, etc., put off (delay) the danger kids will eventually encounter (experience)?

Did you like danger as a kid? How about now? What did the danger teach you? What dangers did you experience?

Do you agree with the five things kids should experience?
- fire
- knives
- spears (throwing)
- deconstructing machines
- breaking laws (pirating music and driving)

Is this presenter crazy?