Inside this issue:

Winter holidays 2

Dating a girl who

reads...

4

Pun = Fun 5

Set up your

classroom for success

pt. 2

6

Christmas customs

in Britain

8

Did you know? - Jane Austen

“And the bells are ringing out for

Christmas Day…” http://youtu.be/j9jbdgZidu8

December

Issue 18/14

and I’m sure you’re more than ready for

a well-deserved break, as are we.

The second part of building up a

successful classroom is here for you,

among other things.

And last, but not least, take a peek

at the fabulous new versions of

Christmas carols we received.

Try to sing them out loud - you

won’t be

disappointed, I promise!

Irena and I both wish you all the best

for Christmas, try to get some rest...

May 2015 be even better, more

productive and more amazing than this

year was. And may Sparkles© always

be in your hearts… ▪ M.I.

Once upon a time in December 3/12/1967 - The first successful heart transplant was performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard at Cape Town,

on Louis Washkansky, South African, who lived for 18 days.

4/12/ 1791 - The Observer, now the oldest Sunday newspaper in the world, was first published in Britain.

4/12/ 1918 - The Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was proclaimed.

6/12/ 1865 - The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery.

8/12/1980 - Former Beatle musician John Lennon was assassinated in New York City.

8/12/1991 - The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) ceased to exist.

10/12/1948 - The General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

13/12/1642 - New Zealand was discovered by Dutch navigator Abel Tasman of the Dutch East India Company.

16/12/1773 - The Boston Tea Party occurred as colonial activists disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded British ships anchored in Boston

Harbor and dumped 342 containers of expensive tea into the water.

25/12/1066 - William the Conqueror was crowned King of England.

26/12/2004 - An estimated 230,000 persons were killed and 1.5 million left homeless when a magnitude 9.3 earthquake on the seafloor of

the Indian Ocean set off a series of giant tsunami waves that smashed into the shorelines of a dozen countries including Indonesia, Sri Lanka,

Thailand, India and Somalia.

27/12/1831 - Charles Darwin set out from Plymouth, England, aboard the ship HMS Beagle on his five-year global scientific expedition.

Jane Austen (16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817) was an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction

earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature, her realism and biting social

commentary cementing her historical importance among scholars and critics.

She achieved success as a published writer with the release of Sense and Sensibility (1811), Pride and

Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814) and Emma (1816). She wrote two additional novels, Northanger

Abbey and Persuasion, both published posthumously in 1818, and began a third, which was eventually titled

Sanditon, but died before completing it.

Austen's works depict the society of the second half of the 18th century and are part of the transition to 19th-

century realism, highlighting the dependence of women on marriage to secure social standing and economic

security. Her work brought her little personal fame and only a few positive reviews during her lifetime, but

when her nephew's A Memoir of Jane Austen was published in 1869, she was introduced to a wider public,

and by the 1940s she had become widely accepted in academia as a great English writer. The second half of

the 20th century brought about the emergence of a Janeite fan culture. ▪ M.I.

CONTRIBUTORS TO

THIS ISSUE:

Dario Vidić, High School Čazma

Jela Jurčević, 2.b

Commercial and Trade School Bjelovar

The days are shorter and the nights

longer, it is strangely warm, and there is

little hope for a white Christmas… Nev-

ertheless, it has been a wonderful semes-

ter - especially for Sparkles© - and now

it’s time to send you off on

holidays with something to pass the

time. The December issue talks

about the Winter holidays, of

course… But also something for the

male audience - about the

benefits of dating a girl who reads.

And make sure to check out our new

puns in the Students’ Corner.

Naturally, we haven’t forgotten about

the teachers. All of you have worked

extremely hard this semester,

Monthly newsletter for and by English learners and teachers

Editors:

Maja Ivanović, prof.

Komercijalna i trgovačka škola Bjelovar

Irena Pavlović, prof. mentor

Srednja škola Čazma

email: sparkles.newsletter@gmail.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sparkles.

newsletter

Hanukkah, which is the Hebrew word for dedication, honours the victory of the

Jews over the Greek Syrians in 165 BC. After their victory, the Maccabees, sons of

the family that led the revolt, entered the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and dedicated

it to the service of their God. When the Maccabees entered the temple, they found

only enough lamp oil to last one night, but the oil somehow managed to burn for the

whole eight days it took to go in search for more oil. That is where the concept of

lighting candles for eight days came to be. People have celebrations and exchange

gifts and they usually eat food fried in oil, which commemorates the miracle with

the everlasting oil. The dates of the festival change every year, according to the

Jewish calendar. This year Hanukkah begins in the evening of December 16th and

ends in the evening of December 24th.

Before there was Santa Claus, there was Saint Nicholas, known

traditionally as the “bearer of gifts”. On December 6th many Europeans still

celebrate Saint Nicholas Day, and many Christmas traditions were originally a

part of this holiday. Saint Nicholas was a real 4th Century Greek Saint who was

admired for being kind and helping those in need. He was renowned for secretly

giving gifts and placing coins in the shoes of the needy. In one story Saint

Nicholas helped a man who had three daughters who couldn’t marry by throwing

bags of money in their house when they came of age, but being very modest he

did it in the night so the man would thank God instead. He is the patron saint of

children, unmarried girls, and sailors. In some countries, people will dress up as

Saint Nick on the eve before the special day and, with a devilish companion

named Krampus visit children and put presents in children's shoes left on the

windowsill.

Winter holidays The holiday season has officially kicked off with Thanksgiving dinner in the States. December, with all its

holidays, stays jam-packed with parties and festive get-togethers. No matter what your holiday tradition

may be, which god(s) you pray to or where you live, winter holidays hold one common theme: celebrating a

love for family, friends and culture. Here's a short overview.

Hanukkah

Saint Nicholas Day

Page 2

Winter solstice is the beginning of winter. Because of the earth's tilt, the Northern

Hemisphere is as far away from the sun as it can be and the first day of winter has the

shortest amount of sunlight. However, from that day on the days become longer and

that's why it used to be a pagan festival of light, marking the new beginning. In 2014,

the winter solstice in Croatia falls on December 22nd. On the same day, an Iranian

festival celebrating the victory of light and goodness over darkness and evil (Shabe

Yalda meaning 'birthday eve') is celebrated. According to Persian mythology, Mithra

was born at dawn on the 22nd of December to a virgin mother. He symbolizes light,

truth, goodness, strength, and friendship. Modern Persians celebrate Yalda by staying

up late or all night, a practice known as Shab Chera meaning 'night gazing'. Fruits

and nuts are eaten, especially pomegranates and watermelons, whose red colour

invokes the crimson hues of dawn and symbolize Mithra.

Winter Solstice - Yalda night

THIS MONTH’S BUZZ

A week-long holiday honouring African culture and traditions, which falls

between December 26 and January 1, was first celebrated in 1966/67. The

idea of the holiday was to give the people of African descent a holiday to

celebrate their own cultural heritage and key values of family and community

even away from home. Kwanzaa consists of a week of celebrations during

which people light candles and pour libations (an offering to a god from a

wooden unity cup). There is a performance of music and drumming, a

reflection on the Pan-African colours and a discussion of some aspect of

African history. The main symbols of Kwanzaa are a mat, on which to put the

things needed for the celebration, the unity cup used to pour libations, a

candle stick holding seven candles, ears of corn, the flag and a poster

depicting the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination,

collective work and responsibility, co-operative economics, purpose, creativity

and earth.

Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrated on December 25th. It's a holiday

that's celebrated in a variety of ways around the world. In recent times, it

has become largely commercial, with everyone thinking of nothing but

presents, but for Christians around the world, Christmas is a special and

holy time to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ. Celebrations start

weeks in advance - during Advent season when the festive menu is planned,

gifts are chosen and wrapped, carols sung, cards written and posted and

houses decorated. The best know symbol of Advent are wreaths with four

candles to mark the passing of time. Christmas Eve is the night before

Christmas Day. On that day people prepare for the celebration of Christmas,

putting up a Christmas tree, decorating it with lights, baubles, tinsel, bows

and an angel on the top. Many families put a Nativity scene under the tree

representing the birth of Christ in a stable, surrounded by animals and

visited by the Three Kings. At midnight they usually go to church, and

children go to bed early to wait for Santa Claus.

Kwanzaa

Christmas Day

Page 3

THIS MONTH’S BUZZ

New Year's Eve

The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays. It was first

observed in Ancient Babylon about 4,000 years ago. As a symbol of a new

beginning and a fresh start, New Year's Eve is one of the most favourite

celebrations around the world. The majority of people spend it with friends,

waiting for the clock to strike midnight. Parties, either private, at someone's

home or in bars and restaurants are a must. In big cities, people usually

celebrate on the streets or city squares. Two most famous traditions

connected to this day are resolutions and fireworks. It is believed that the

Babylonians were the first to make New Year's resolutions and people all

over the world have been breaking them ever since. Noisemaking and

fireworks on New Year's Eve is believed to have originated in ancient times,

when noise and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck.

There are numerous other ways to celebrate, all with the same goal: to be

happy in the year that arrives. ▪ I.P.

Winter is coming. Days are short and

it is cold outside. Plus, with a three-

week break in front of us, many of

you will complain you have nothing

to do. There's a solution - READ.

Why? Well, reading is dreaming with

open eyes that

expands the mind and the

imagination. I still don't get how

some people find it hard and keep

coming up with the excuses why they

don't do it. So, here comes

another angle - instead of telling you

why you should read, I'll tell you why

you should consider dating a girl who

reads. But this article is not just for

boys - it is also for girls to see what

kind of people they can become.

Dating A Girl Who Reads

Page 4

STUDENTS’ CORNER

CHECK IT OUT!

Have you read this? Have you seen this? Have you heard this?

A couple of books will do the trick.

She can stay up for hours. She’s

used to staying up past midnight

reading, so she could be quite a

lively and fun company in the late

hours. But, she’s not too clingy and

needs her personal time. She knows

when it’s time to be sweet as long as

you know when it’s time to be silent.

She learns from the greatest

authors and never claims anything,

unless she has read or studied it

well. Most bookworms have grand

knowledge of things most people

have no idea of.

She’s probably a dreamer and will

support every crazy idea you have.

Dreams make up a big portion of her

life and as long as you support her

in that, she will always be with you

in every wacky undertaking.

So, what are you waiting for??? ▪ I.P.

Gossip bores her. She doesn’t really

care about rumours that revolve

within social media or work/school.

However, she has something to say

on every topic. You know those

weird moments when two people

stare at each other in awkward si-

lence, not knowing what to talk

about? That won’t happen with a

girl who reads.

She is easy to buy gifts for. Every

time you want to surprise your spe-

cial girl and get her something nice,

it will be quite easy for you – just go

to the local bookstore and pick a

book or anything that is sold there.

You will have to know her favourite

writers/genres, but it’s much easier

than picking a dress or perfume.

You’ll know what she’s doing most of

the time. How come? She’s quite

loyal to her books. Plus, she doesn’t

need much to have a good time.

Where Rainbows End

This is Irish writer Cecelia Ahern's 2nd

novel, published in 2004. An

international best-seller, written in

epistolary structure - told through

letters, emails and IMs between Rosie

and Alex, close friends from childhood

who are one day suddenly separated

when Alex and his family move from

Dublin to Boston. The book guides us

through their relationship as it

constantly changes due to distance, new

relationships and life in general, which

seem adamant to

keep them apart.

So, were they

always meant to

be more than

friends and will

they risk

everything

including their

friendship on

love? ▪ M.I.

Love, Rosie

A British-German romantic comedy

film adaptation of the novel Where

Rainbows End. The film stars Lily

Collins and Sam Claflin as Rosie and

Alex. The story of their friendship

hasn’t been changed much in the film,

though there are differences. As life

gets in the way of their love for many

years, they keep struggling to stay in

touch. In the end, Rosie and Alex’s

love is stronger than life and they get

their happily ever after. ▪ M.I.

Love, Rosie OST

Sound track of the film Love, Rosie

is great. Elton John, Kate Nash,

Super700, Ralf Wengenmayr

and many others have

contributed to the making of

this amazing film.

Throughout the film the music is

more than setting the scenes,

accentuating both the time they

refer to and the mood. Really

heartwarming and relaxing - just

right for the upcoming winter days.

▪ M.I.

Page 5

STUDENTS’ CORNER

Language Titbits

Pun Definition of pun, noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary: the clever or humorous use of a

word that has more than one meaning, or of words that have different meanings but sound the same.

Throughout the school year, teachers spend a lot of time getting the classroom ready, planning lessons, and getting to know

his/her students. The following list includes the second part out of 20 ideas that you may not have thought of that can help

produce a successful classroom. Each item takes no longer than an hour and can make a big difference throughout the year.

Adapted from:

20 Quick Actions You Can Do Today

To Set Your Classroom Up For Success

Posted by Julie DeNeen

Cited From: http://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/20-quick-actions-you-can-do-today-to-set-your-

classroom-up-for-massive-success/#ixzz3GqaH4Pjn

7. Pay attention to noise and light surroundings, which may distract learning (30’)

Teachers only have so many resources and control over the actual classroom structure. Using throw rugs and curtains helps

to diminish excess noise from hallways or in the room. If you have a reading area, why not set up a table lamp from home for

more cozy lighting? It may not seem like much, but learning spaces play a big role in a student’s ability to concentrate.

Do you or your parents have any old furniture at home? Adding a chair or couch to a silent reading area will greatly enhance

your student’s willingness!

8. Deal with smartphones (10’)

Whether you like it or not, smartphones are working into younger and younger hands. Some schools may have a ban on

smartphones altogether, but if your school does not, consider creating a plan that uses smartphones in the classroom.

Banning them will only give you a headache as you spend hours trying to referee, confiscate, and deal with unruly students.

Who wants to waste time doing that? Why not create a smartphone area in your classroom? Everyone must put his or her

smartphone there at the beginning of the day. For five minutes before lunch or after work is finished, they can go over to

that area and use it for research or educational gaming. When you work with your students, you might find they are more

apt to compromise as well.

9. Create a list of “question words” that help you with effective questioning (10’)

Create a board or poster with excellent words to use in questioning your students. These words can be used not only for

instructing, but when students are asked to question each other. The NDT Resource centre has an effective list of words to

remember.

10. Involve students in the development of their classroom look and feel (10’)

There is a lot of pressure on that first day of school to have everything looking colorful and sparkly. Rather than using your

classroom preparation time to decorate bulletin boards, create a board for each group of desks in the class. Post a note that

says, “To be designed by group….” and on the first day of school explain that each handful of students will be required to

decorate and design a board throughout the year. Perhaps you’ll have a contest every quarter or some theme they must work

within as they display their work. Not only does it create a fun group assignment, it is a great way for kids to take pride in

their work. Get your students into the activity by assigning team names for each group.

11. Create a risk reward procedure to encourage kids to not fear mistakes (15’)

Creating a safe learning environment takes some work. Students will be more apt to risk mistakes or error if they know that

you are not just looking for the right answer, but for students who are actively involved. Create a risk reward protocol that

recognizes those students who go out on a limb to answer a tough question, even when they are wrong. It can be as simple as

pinning a student’s name to the blackboard to recognize his or her willingness to try on any given day. When you reward a

student’s willingness to be wrong in front of the class, you level the playing field between gifted students and the ones that

struggle to keep up.

12. Make a daily evaluation sheet for your students (30’)

It takes a bit of work to create an effective evaluation sheet, but once it’s done, you have a valuable tool to use throughout

the year. Each day, your students can quickly evaluate how they felt the day went- in terms of assignments, lessons, effort,

and behavior. This sort of self-evaluation engages them to look closely at their own progress. It also

gives you a sense of how accurately they perceive their learning and the ability to intervene if

necessary.

13. Create a corner of the room for personal needs (30’)

Kids don’t stop being kids once they enter the classroom. I remember how distracted I was in the

winter when I would have chapped lips or a stuffy nose. Perhaps you can have a small bin for each

student to fill with Band-Aids, chapstick, tissues, etc. This way, they can easily get on with their

day even when they might be feeling less than 100%. Having an individual container ensures no

one is cross-contaminating each other. You may think, “But that is for the school nurse!”

TO BE CONTINUED...

TEACHERS’ CORNER

Page 6

CPD in ten minutes or less http://www.britishcouncil.org/80moments/ The British Council is celebrating its 80th anniversary

Originally called the ‘British Committee for Relations

with Other Countries’, the British Council was founded

in 1934. Our first overseas offices opened in 1938.

To mark 80 years of cultural relations, we have taken

the opportunity to look back and consider significant

changes that have taken place during the period of

our organisation’s existence.

We asked a panel of 25 eminent scientists,

technologists, academics, artists, writers, broadcasters

and world leaders to choose their most significant

moments of the past 80 years. We then asked 10,000

people around the world to vote to rank the final list.

The result? A list of 80 thought-provoking moments that

provide a snapshot of trends, people and innovations

that have shaped the world we live in today.

TEACHERS’ CORNER

Page 7

Hungarian

Christmas is a time for presents and

time with the family. People start to

get ready for Christmas in late

October or early November. In the

middle of December, most families buy

Christmas trees, put them inside the

house and decorate them with

colourful ornaments. A lot of schools

have plays where children act, and

many adults have parties at work in

December. People usually spend this

time at home with their families or,

perhaps, visit family and friends who

live far away.

Alternative Christmas Carols 2014

Last month, we asked you to choose a Christmas

carol that you like, and make it your own. Here

are the two best ones we received.

Well done, everyone!

MISCELLANEOUS

Anonymous

Ruža Poslon

High School Čazma

Christmas customs in Britain

Another British Christmas tradition is

the pantomime. A pantomime is a

kind of play with a children’s story

and lots of music and songs. A man is

usually dressed in women’s clothing

and plays an old woman. It is very

funny. After Christmas the next

festival comes very quickly. Soon it is

December 31. It is New Year’s Eve -

and then a new year of seasons and

celebrations begins. ▪ J.J.

Children leave a stocking for Santa

Claus when they go to bed on

Christmas Eve. Some children even

leave a drink and mince pies for him

and some vegetables for his reindeer.

Christmas dinner is in the afternoon

on Christmas Day and it is the biggest

meal of the day. Before they start to

eat, people pull crackers at the table.

The crackers make a loud noise and

have a small game and a paper hat

inside.