Date: 16. 12. 2015
Grades: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
Topic: Christmas in the UK and the USA
Type of the lesson: a kind of extra-curriculum activity
Time: 45 min.
Competences:
Pragmatic (spoken interaction):
2.1asking for and using information about Christmas
2.2 Understanding the general meaning of an unknown text
2) Discursive (listening, reading, written interaction):
1.1identifying the general meaning of an oral message, presented clearly and at an average speed.
1.4 Listening to a short message on a familiar topic, containing unfamiliar words to identify the general meaning
3.4 Associating the information from a text with a set of pictures or a picture.
3) Linguistic (grammar, phonetic):
Phonological and lexical practice
Use of tenses in everyday speech
4) Socio-cultural:
1. Application of knowledge on English language culture within extracurricular activities
3. Knowledge of simple literary texts, which belong to the culture of English-Speaking countries
8. Memorizing and reciting rhymes, short poems and simple dialogues fluently and with proper intonation.
5) Comparison
1. Adequate interaction in social and cultural activities comparing and contrasting the information
Objectives:
Pupils will be able to practice the English language
Pupils will automate a lexical items relating to the particular situation
Pupils will be able to develop monologue and dialogue speech
Pupils develop listening skills
Pupils will be able to develop student’s creative abilities
Materials needed: computer, projector, PPT presentation, video, fireplace, Christmas stockings, Christmas tree, Christmas decorations, chandelier with candles, gift boxes, the crib, costumes.
Stages of the holiday
On the scene from the both sides, a boy and a girl are coming closer, holding candles they will light a fire in the fireplace with and then sing song "Let it snow".
(Appendix 2)
Speaker 1:
Candles are lit, fire burns peacefully in the fireplace, Christmas tree is sparkling with lights, it is time to start holiday - the Christmas holiday. ... But this holiday is special! Christmas is a holiday dedicated to the birth of Jesus Christ.
Among all the UK and the US holidays Christmas is the most ambitious in its scope. It is celebrated on December 25th, but preparations begin in late November, just after Thanksgiving. Its celebration is based on Bible events described in the New Testament. Apostle Luke (Lk. 2) tells us that after Jesus' birth, the angels came to the magi and told them the good news. They followed a marvelous star that appeared in the sky on Christmas Day, and brought the child some gifts such as gold, frankincense and myrrh.
On the scene, the actors play out a scene of Jesus' birth. (The screen presents some slides of the Jesus Christ life)
Angel: I come down from the heavens and ask you to listen to me carefully. A child will be born this evening. One day he will be a king. Follow that star and you will find this prince of peace. The child's name will be Jesus.
The magi (together): We will follow the star to our prince.
Music.
The voice behind the scenes: Mary has given birth to a baby boy. She and Joseph are sitting with their newborn child, Jesus. Barnyard animals surround them. The three approach. The star is visible in the night sky.
Mary: Joseph, we have a beautiful baby boy.
Joseph: Yes Mary. Mary darling, look there. (Pointing to the approaching Magi) Who are these men approaching us?
Magi come.
Magi:
1. Greetings. I want to wish you great happiness and joy. I offer you, the parents of this child Jesus, my gift of gold. May this child have a life rich in experience.
2. Congratulations Mary and Joseph. This gift of spices and perfumes is for you my new prince. I have come many miles to find you. We know you are special and have only the best of wishes for you.
3. Mary and Joseph (bows) thank you for this wonderful baby. I have come many miles to bring you this gift. You will be good parents and enjoy this child's life. Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!
The choir of children dressed angels sings the song "Silent night”
(Appendix 2)
Speaker 2:
You have just seen the scenes that are played on Christmas in American families. But our celebration continues.
(The screen presents the slides the squares with Christmas trees decorated)
In the heart of London, in the middle of the Trafalgar Square there is a huge green fir tree - a gift from the people of Oslo. The same attributes of Christmas are the Green trees (Christmas Trees) or branches of evergreen conifers decorated with red ribbons, lanterns and bells. On the top of the Christmas trees, you can see the Christmas angel or a star. And every house has a small evergreen tree, which is a symbol of eternal life. Under the Christmas tree, people put a crib with the Christ child.
Speaker 1:
Four weeks before Christmas religious people bring home a special wreath - "Advent Wreath". Unlike a simple wall Christmas wreath, they are placed on the table and four candles are fixed on it. They are lit every Sunday, and not simultaneously, but in succession - first one, then two and so on. Very often, the house is decorated with holly sprigs, and mistletoe branches (омела), tied with ribbons are hung at the doorways. It is the symbol of love and reconciliation, and the people being under the mistletoe are obliged to kiss! (Slides)
Speaker 3:
On Christmas Eve vanity reigns in cities - everyone prepares for the holiday. All the institutions close at the noon, but the shops are open until late. The workers of the post office hurry to spread millions of the Christmas cards.
Music. Children dressed as workers of the post office hurry to spread the beforehand prepared postcards. The speaker continues speaking.
(The screen presents the slides depicting the Christmas cards)
Prints and lithographs on the theme of Christmas, which were very popular during the Middle Ages, became the prototype of the Christmas cards. In Europe, there was a tradition to send letters to friends and family with Christmas and New Year greetings.
Speaker 4:
There was a competition of the Christmas cards before the holiday in our school, and we invite the winners to the stage. (Rewarding the winners. The competition is easier to carry out for parallels).
Children, like all children in the world play their favorite winter games.
A group of boys runs into the hall.
They shout: "Let's go! Come on! Merry Christmas! Let's throw snowballs! It's fun! "
Running up to the stage they are playing in the snow, then continue a friendly hugging and wishes "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!" Run out of the room. But the girls make a snowman on the stage. "
Song: "Frosty the Snowman". (Appendix 2)
Speaker 3:
And of course we have to remember that Christmas is a family holiday when everyone gathers at the same table, plays a scene of Christ's birth, plays fun games, singing Christmas songs and telling scary stories.
Loving and obedient children receive Christmas gifts. They hung their little stockings by the fireplace, and in the morning find them full of goodies.
Music.
Family Scene:
Jane: Daddy, will Santa Claus bring us presents?
Dad: (sitting in a chair). Well, the spirit of Christmas comes to the houses with Santa Claus.
Mom: He slides down the chimneys to fill the children's stockings...
Dad: ... but only if...
Bill: ... only if what?
Pope: only if they are good little children.
Jane: And if not?
Mom: He leaves a piece of coal.
Jane: And what about me? Have I been good?
Dad: Yes, you are all good, kids.
Children: (chorus) Hooray!
Jane: So I will hang my stocking over the fireplace.
Mom: I am sure your brothers may leave their stockings for Santa, too.
Dad: Well children, Santa will come if you are asleep. It is time to go to bed.
Bill: But before that may I put some cookies out for Santa?
Jane: ... and some vegetables for his reindeer?
Dad: Do, please.
Children put biscuits and vegetables under the Christmas tree.
Mom: Now, go to bed, kids.
Children go to bed.
Video: Jingle, bells! (Appendix 2)
A Santa Claus is in the hall.
Santa: Ho-ho-ho ... It seems everybody is asleep. Ho-ho-ho ... Oh, what a beautiful Christmas tree ... Ho-ho-ho ... The people in the family have prepared the presents for each other. They also prepared vegetables and cookies for my reindeer and me. Thanks a lot. Ho-ho-ho. (He takes a cookie and eats it, and then sits in a chair).
Speaker 4:
Santa Claus is the prototype of the St. Nicholas the patron of travelers, born in the 4th century BC in Turkey and revived in the minds and hearts of children only in the 19th century, thanks to Clement Moore's story "A Visit from Saint Nikolas." His house is located at the North Pole, and the main occupation is bringing the gifts to good boys and girls on Christmas Eve. His favorite food is milk and cookies.
Santa :( comes closer to the children stockings) Ok. The children were good during the year, so the elves made them lovely gifts. Ho-ho-ho. Now it is time to visit other kids.
Music.
Speaker 3: Wait Santa; have you forgotten anything about our kids? The children prepared the poems for you.
Santa:
Oh, with great pleasure. Of course, I have presents for you.
Children read poems.
1.
Silent night. Holy night,
Shepherd quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Halleluiah,
Christ the Savior is born,
Christ the Savior is born.
2.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones, I used to know
Where the people glisten and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow
3.
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright?
And may all your Christmas be white
4.
Keeping in touch at Christmas to let you know
How warmly you are remembered all year through.
Merry Christmas!
5.
Mommy, Daddy, quick!
Let's go
And stand beneath the mistletoe.
You kiss me and I'll kiss you,
Here comes Sister, kiss her too.
Mommy, Daddy, quick!
Let's go
And stand beneath the mistletoe.
Santa is giving presents.
Santa: It is time to go! Other kids wait for me.
The bells sound. Santa leaves.
Speaker 4:
Morning of December 25th begins with a noisy opening of the gifts. Then the traditional holiday dinner (Christmas Dinner) comes. In England, there is a funny habit: before sitting down at the table people clap original cracker "Christmas Cracker". It contains of a small souvenir and joking message. Turkeys or geese are usually prepared to the table; all kinds of vegetables are served. Christmas cakes or Christmas puddings are served at the end of lunch in the UK. Americans prefer Christmas Cookies. In almost all Christian countries, Christians bake special cakes, bread, cookies and cakes. This day, every housewife tries to demonstrate her culinary skills as best as possible.
Gentle chime of bells sounds. The children run out at the scene.
Sam: Merry Christmas! Come on; let us have a look in our stockings.
Bill: I wonder what Santa has brought me this year.
Jane: So do I.
Children take out the gifts from their stockings.
Sam: Wow, my Christmas gift from Santa Claus. (Pulls out a book)
Jane: Oh, what a beautiful doll.
Bill: I am so happy. Santa has brought me a toy car.
There are parents coming.
Father: Merry Christmas, dear children!
Children: Merry Christmas, dear Dad!
Children hugging father. Mom comes.
Mom: Merry Christmas! I have cooked the Christmas cookies.
Father: And we would like to congratulate all of you (points to audience) on Christmas. Help yourself to the tasty pie!
Jane: (clapping) Great! It is great!
Mom: Right. Now, my dear children please give a hand.
Speaker 3:
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!
All participants sing the song "We wish you a merry Christmas" on the scene. (Appendix 2)
Some firecrackers pop at the end.
765
73 787 
