AMERICAN CENTER NEWSLETTER
JANUARY 2024
We remember our good times, accomplishments and also look to the future. Here are some of
the things we saw last month in and beyond your class sessions. (Be sure to review your notes
as well.) Here are 28 suggested activities to choose from in your guided self-study and your
“English Moments.” Thank you for being with me on this learning journey. Looking forward to
helping you reach your personal and professional goals in English. Happy New Year!
CROSS-CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
• 1. POINSETTIA PLANTS - READING, SPEAKING, WRITING
… were named after Joel Robert Poinsett who introduced the plant to The States in the XIX
century. Poinsett was the first U.S. ambassador to independent Mexico and became very
meddlesome in the internal affairs of the new country. That’s where the term “poinsetismo”
comes from. Nonetheless, we can thank Poinsett for making these beautiful red and green
plants universally known. Thanks, Mario and Nancy (G), for giving us this “backstory”.
• 2. AND BEFORE POINSETT – LISTENING, SPEAKING, WRITING
What more do you know about this pre-Hispanic plant? What is it called in Mexico? Here’s a
video in Spanish. Can you explain it orally or in writing in English? Can you use the 10-line essay
format? "Tequila son y leyendas (@tequilasonyleyendas)"
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1Pp0ipOvcA/?igsh=ZDI1OG1sbndvYTdv09:07
• 3. NEW YEAR’S EVE TRADITIONS AND CONCISE WRITING PRACTICE
Can you write a 10 line essay about another topic? Perhaps the history of the Poinsettia Plant?
10 Line Essay On New Year 2024
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ghkW6nlHJCM
• 4. YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF FAMOUS ARTISTS? - SPEAKING PRACTICE
• 5. ALTRUISM IN ACTION ACROSS CULTURAL/SOCIAL/ECONOMIC LEVELS
SPEAKING PRACTICE
Mary, also from our American Center group, was in charge of this joyful event with music,
dancing, singing, piñatas, and gifts for a shelter for homeless sick indigenous women and
children. Can you share your ideas about this event? Other altruistic activities?
• SONGS AND TRADITIONS FROM THE US, ENGLAND, GERMANY- LISTENING, SINGING,
READING, WRITING
•
6. Christmas – “Jingle Bells”
Learn the lyrics to "Jingle Bells," a classic holiday song, in this short clip. Sing along.
https://www.fluentu.com/english/play/1433/jingle-bells-super-simple-songs/
7. Christmas – “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town”
Watch and sing along to the story about Santa Claus and his trip to bring everyone their
Christmas presents.
https://www.fluentu.com/english/play/1429/santaclaus-is-coming-to-town/
8. The Surprising History of Christmas Trees
This video explores the interesting history of the Christmas tree, from its German origins to its
position in today's world. It's full of trendy words like "influencer", "mainstream", and
"booming", so you can learn English while you learn about world history! Can you write a 10
line essay summary?
https://www.fluentu.com/english/play/6280/the-surprising-history-of-christmas-trees/
9. SIX PROFILES- LISTENING AND SPEAKING PRACTICE.
What can we learn about the six persons featured below in regard to cross-cultural sensitivity?
Meet Jamie, Roger, Mariana, Debby, Dr. Santosh, and Dr. Janet.
10. “CULTURAL THOUGHT PATTERNS” - DR. ROBERT KAPLAN.
Investigate more and share.
CHRISTMAS AND ENGLISH
11. See Activity Page #29 for:
Culture, Grammar, Listening, Reading, and Vocabulary practice.
LISTENING COMPREHENSION AND ACCENTS
Listen to accents from the US, England and India below and in the sections on vocabulary and
grammar. Practice your listening comprehension in English by listening to both native and
foreign language English speakers.
12. IELTS LISTENING PRACTICE TEST
IELTS Listening Test with Answers
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SkxrTEy5T1U10:28
13. A SPEAKER FROM INDIA: LISTENING COMPREHENSION AND ACCENT SENSITIVITY
The Science Behind Happiness | Dr. Santosh Gupta | TEDxYouth@PPSIJC
NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of
energy and spirituality. Meet our friend from India and practice listening to his accent. Thank
you Roció for sharing this with us. Here he talks about the science behind happiness- a topic we
have looked at in our Fluency Club and classes and have referred to in our chat.
https://youtu.be/Sq31MmTM9qA?si=qi6btGip7i0eXHYZ
PROFILES- LISTENING, SPEAKING, PRONUNICATION PRACTICE
14. Meet JAMIE
Practice listening to his British English and see how he combined his love of soccer with getting
two degrees in business. Thank you Alejandra for sharing Jamie with us!
Jamie Profiie https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M6YcJOE61GM HYPERLINK
"https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M6YcJOE61GM&t=536s"& HYPERLINK
"https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M6YcJOE61GM&t=536s"t=536s
15. Meet MARIANA
(from Mexico) and see how she works across borders.
Mariana Profile https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0SsR2a3y_48 HYPERLINK
"https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0SsR2a3y_48&t=224s"& HYPERLINK
"https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0SsR2a3y_48&t=224s"t=224s
16. Meet ROGER
(from Mexico/US) a young Video Game Designer now in Canada.
m.youtube.com Roger Arthur Profile. Thank you Sra. Mina for sharing Roger with us!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y_Ppxh6k5W8 HYPERLINK
"https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y_Ppxh6k5W8&t=191s"& HYPERLINK
"https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y_Ppxh6k5W8&t=191s"t=191s1
17. Meet DEBBY
(from the US).See how Debby becomes bilingual and bicultural and experiences the differences
between cities and countries. Enjoy! Here you get to listen to two Americans! Now you have
FOUR video profiles to watch. What can you learn from each of them?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LQwKkGTuj2w11:57
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Cx-7vRSARmRA1FkyOuhVw11:58
VOCABULARY AND EXPRESSIONS
18. COLLOCATIONS- PART 1
Thank you Miss Marisa for sharing this with us.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cz4t2jer3da/?igsh=MWI0aGgzZGRqbjJsbQ==09:59
19. COLLOCATIONS -PART 2
Remember the word “collocation” (words that go together as expressions by custom).
Practicing Collocations
Ever wonder why certain words seem to appear with other words all the time? Check out this
great video on English collocations. You can build your vocabulary faster by learning to watch
for and remember these patterns or “chunks” of language. See our You Tube also on “Language
Chunks”.
https://www.fluentu.com/english/play/494/english-language-learning-tips-collocations/
20. COMMON INFORMAL EXPRESSIONS
Fun to see these common everyday expressions. Do note these are used amongst friends in
informal settings. In business be sure to be more formal. Also in some cultures, like In Germany,
more formality is expected. Note: This speaker has an accent and is not a native speaker of
English.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0UWV3-rTII/?igsh=MXBmc3AyYTE5am5vOA==
21. VOCABULARY FOR CHRISTMAS
Learn new words about Christmas in English.
https://www.fluentu.com/english/play/4482/lets-talk-about-christmas
SPEAKING PRACTICE
22. SMALL TALK
Learn English | Small Talk Essentials for Casual Conversations | Speak Confidently
20 Small Talk Essentials for Casual Conversations | Speak Confidently with English Small Talk
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=S24orFY7Nqo08
GRAMMAR
23. THE WORD “THE”
When do we need to use the word "THE" in English? And when must we NOT use it? And what
are the rules?... Watch this video to find out!
Also practice listening to this British accent.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_gJxN-fbDCc
24. PREPOSITIONS
IN, ON or AT? English Prepositions Explained!
In this B2 grammar lesson you'll learn how to use the prepositions IN, ON and AT in English
grammar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEiWK6huZckHYPERLINK
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEiWK6huZck&t=45s&pp=2AEtkAIB"&HYPERLINK
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEiWK6huZck&t=45s&pp=2AEtkAIB"t=45sHYPERLINK
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEiWK6huZck&t=45s&pp=2AEtkAIB"&HYPERLINK
"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEiWK6huZck&t=45s&pp=2AEtkAIB"pp=2AEtkAIB
25. PHRASAL VERBS FOR WORK – Thanks Fer!
26. PAST TENSE REGULAR AND IRREGULAR AND PRONUNICATION.
Remember to practice your verb tenses ( grammar and pronunciation). Note the 3
pronunciations for verb endings for regular verbs in the past. /id/,/t/, and /d/ and that irregular
verbs you just need to memorize.
READING COMPREHENSION: MAIN POINTS and DETAILS
27. EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION
Here is a profile of Dr. Saenz (center) and her wonderful work with identifying talent and
creativity. EIE AWARD- JANET SAENZ.docx DOCX•334 kB•
AND ONE LAST ONE FOR YOU TO ENJOY!
28. LOOK AT THE OCTOPUS- LISTENING, SPEAKING, WRITING PRACTICE
All best wishes on your English journey.
I am here to help you.
Thank you for your confidence, support, and friendship.
ELIZABETH ELMER@ American Center. English Coaching Services.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
