domenica 2 novembre 2014

From Ireland: the Legend of Jack O’Lantern

qui le FOTO

Le classi PRIME medie sono state coinvolte in una bizzarra e divertente lezione di inglese, i complimenti alle docenti del dipartimenti di lingua inglese per l'iniziativa.

The students of the I° Scuola Media have been the protagonists of an unusual and funny English lesson about the old Irish legend of Jack O’Lantern. It was a creative and dynamic way to discover better this Irish tradition.

Jennifer from England and Margareth from Ireland have helped us to know better this legend. While they told the story in English, they asked the students to get involved in it in order to be the protagonist of the lesson. In order to reach this purpose, Jennifer and Margareth asked to some students to wear funny clothes and to dramatize it.

Every October, carved pumpkins peer out from windows and doorsteps in Ireland, Great Britain, United States and other parts of the world. The practice of decorating “Jack O’Lanterns” originated in Ireland, where large turnips were carved. Irish immigrants brought this tradition with them to United States, they soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect Jack-O’-lanterns.  Pumpkin became an integral part of The Legend of “Stingy Jack”.

Jennifer and Margareth helped us to prepare our own lanterns in the school canteen. Three big pumpkins, several spoons, candles and a lot of curiosity have been the right ingredients of an interesting lesson. The students

At the end The Barnbrack Cake, the traditional fruit cake in Ireland, was served. Each student got a slice. Great interest was taken in the outcome as there is a piece of rag, a coin and a ring in the cake that have a meaning.  If you get the rag then your financial future is doubtful. If you get the coin then you can look forward to a prosperous year. Getting the ring is a sure sign of impending romance or continued happiness. A ring, a coin and a rag have been found from some students in their slice of the cake.

It was a different lesson, but it was a good way to improve our English.