Travel journal - The United States of America

You are going to embark on a 30-day trip around the United States. You need to include the things below – somewhere in your story/travel journal.

Write your travel journal in a Word document and feel free to include photos/pictures. Share your text with me as soon as you have started. 

Include:

1.  - Visit at least two states.

2. -   Names and basic information about, at least, two big cities

3. -  Three sights/attractions that are well-known

4. -   Food that you have tried

5. -  Descriptions of scenery and landscape

6. -   What the weather has been like

7. -  Where are you staying? 

  

START with you arriving at John F Kennedy Airport in New York City. Then, feel free to go in any direction, by any means of transportation and with any budget. It is good if you start off making a mind map and think about what places you would like to visit before you start writing.

Some pages where you can find useful information, Travel guides:

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/states/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa

http://www.bbc.com/travel/north-america/usa

https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/United_States_of_America

Example of a travel blog:

My travel blog from London

Since London is one of my favourite cities I wanted to go there this summer to experience it with my best friend Steve. Our journey began by taking the train over the Öresund’s bridge to Copenhagen Airport where we took an afternoon flight to Heathrow. After arriving in London we checked in at ”The Dorchester Hotel” which I can really recommend if you like 5-star hotels.

We went to ”The London Eye” which has become a symbol for London. It is a giant Ferris wheel situated on the banks of the river Thames which was built in 1999.. It’s also called ”The Millennium Wheel” because it was built to celebrate the new millennium. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK with 3.5 million visitors each year.

Then we took a refreshing walk to Buckingham Palace to watch the change of the guards. Queen Elisabeth II still lives in the castle with her husband. Buckingham palace has 775 rooms, which includes 78 bathrooms for those who are in need of one and 188 staff rooms for the staff to spend their time after serving the queen and the palace.

While Steve and I were walking towards Oxford Street to do some shopping I suddenly got a text from David Cameron saying that I should come to 10 Downing Street at once. Since I didn’t want to disobey the Prime Minster I left Steve to do some shopping of his own and rushed there.

The British Isles

First, you are going to watch this video: the British Isles: discover culture & geography! - YouTube

Words for today: School words Flashcards | Quizlet

A presentation about schools in the UK and Ireland: Schools in the UK & Ireland by Jenny Svensson on Prezi

Questions to answer after having seen the video clip about school in the UK:

- When does school start for Jamie? 

- Is there any difference in how Jamie addresses his teachers (and other adults) and how you address yours? 

- What does Jamie's school day start with? 

- Which different lessons does he have this day? 

- Where does Jamie eat lunch? 

- When does Jamie finish school? 

Questions to discuss: 

- What are some of the similarities and differences between Jamie's school day and yours? 

- Most of the students in the UK wear a school uniform. What are some good things and bad things about this? 

Freedom Writers: Read part 3

Start: work with these words (approximately 10 min):

Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 3) Flashcards | Quizlet

Today you are going to read and listen to diary entries 9-12 and entries 13-14 in the book

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Reading Group Freedom Writers Diaries 9 - 12 - YouTube

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writers Diary 13 - 14 - YouTube

Discuss last weeks questions and start to prepare for the Freedom Writers test you´ll have:

- how children around the age of 10 are manipulated into becoming gang members,
- that when they are old enough to understand it is hard to get out but it can be done,
- that most gang members have experienced violence and trauma during their childhood,
- that being initiated by being beaten up is very dangerous and could kill a young person,
- that carrying weapons such as guns and knives gives a false feeling of protection,
- that it is always safer not to use weapons or any other kind of violence,
- that if someone starts a fight, the safest choice is always to stay out of it.

Food

 Today you will work with food vocabulary. Follow the links and work with the different exercises.

Fruit
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/vocab/fruit1.htm
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/vocab/fruit2.htm


Vegetables
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/vocab/vege1.htm
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/vocab/vege2.htm


Dairy
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/vocab/dairy1.htm
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/vocab/dairy2.htm


Snacks
http://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/elc/studyzone/200/vocab/snacks1.htm


Wich food do you need?
http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/learning-english/activities-for-learners/a1v008-which-food-do-you-need


Food game
http://englishflashgames.blogspot.se/2008/09/food-game.html

Freedom Writers: Read, Part 3

Start with working with these words (approximately 10 min):

Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 3) Flashcards | Quizlet

Today you are going to read and listen to diary entries 9-12 and entries 13-14 in the book

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Reading Group Freedom Writers Diaries 9 - 12 - YouTube

Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writers Diary 13 - 14 - YouTube

Discuss last weeks questions and start to prepare for the Freedom Writers test you´ll have:

- how children around the age of 10 are manipulated into becoming gang members,
- that when they are old enough to understand it is hard to get out but it can be done,
- that most gang members have experienced violence and trauma during their childhood,
- that being initiated by being beaten up is very dangerous and could kill a young person,
- that carrying weapons such as guns and knives gives a false feeling of protection,
- that it is always safer not to use weapons or any other kind of violence,
- that if someone starts a fight, the safest choice is always to stay out of it.

 

Freedom Writers: Read, Part 2

 Last week, you discussed racism. Then you read and listened to diary entries 1-3.

Today you are going to read and listen to diary entries 4-7 in the book:
Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writer's Diary 4 - 8 - YouTube

But first I want you to work with words here:  Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 2) Flashcards | Quizlet

When you´re done reading the diary entries if today´s lesson I want you to discuss the following things:

- how children around the age of 10 are manipulated into becoming gang members,
- that when they are old enough to understand it is hard to get out but it can be done,
- that most gang members have experienced violence and trauma during their childhood,
- that being initiated by being beaten up is very dangerous and could kill a young person,
- that carrying weapons such as guns and knives gives a false feeling of protection,
- that it is always safer not to use weapons or any other kind of violence,
- that if someone starts a fight, the safest choice is always to stay out of it.

If (only if) you have time left, you can work with these words (next week´s diary entries):

Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 3) Flashcards | Quizlet

Freedom Writers: Read, Part 2

 Last week, you discussed racism. Then you read and listened to diary entries 1-3.

Today you are going to read and listen to diary entries 4-7 in the book:
Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writer's Diary 4 - 8 - YouTube

But first I want you to work with words here:  Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 2) Flashcards | Quizlet

When you´re done reading the diary entries if today´s lesson I want you to discuss the following things:

- how children around the age of 10 are manipulated into becoming gang members,
- that when they are old enough to understand it is hard to get out but it can be done,
- that most gang members have experienced violence and trauma during their childhood,
- that being initiated by being beaten up is very dangerous and could kill a young person,
- that carrying weapons such as guns and knives gives a false feeling of protection,
- that it is always safer not to use weapons or any other kind of violence,
- that if someone starts a fight, the safest choice is always to stay out of it.

If (only if) you have time left, you can work with these words (next week´s diary entries):

Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 3) Flashcards | Quizlet

Freedom Writers: Read, Part 1

Now that we`ve seen the movie Freedom Writers, we are going to read parts of the book. 

I want you to work with the following words first:  Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 1) Flashcards | Quizlet

During today´s lesson we will read and listen to Ms. Gruwell´s diary entry and also read and listen to diary entries 1-4 in the book: Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writer's Diary 1 - 4 - YouTube

Today you are going to discuss racism, based on the scene with the drawing of Jamal.

- Where does racism come from?

Go to this page: http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/freedomwriters.php and read about the real Freedom Writers.

Freedom Writers: Part 2

   1. Answer the following questions:

 - Why did Erin Gruwell (Mrs G) decide to become a teacher instead of a lawyer? 

 - Name some problems that Mrs Gruwell faces in the beginning! 

 - How do the students in room 203 treat each other in the beginning? 

 - In what way do you think Wilson High School (the school in Freedom Writers) is different from this school?

 - Are your school and the school from the movie the same in any way?

2. Continue watching the movie.

Practice these words: Freedom Writers Flashcards | Quizlet

Now that we`ve seen the movie Freedom Writers, we are going to read parts of the book. 

I want you to work with the following words first:  Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 1) Flashcards | Quizlet

Freedom Writers: Read, Part 1

Now that we`ve seen the movie Freedom Writers, we are going to read parts of the book. 

I want you to work with the following words first:  Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 1) Flashcards | Quizlet

During today´s lesson we will read and listen to Ms. Gruwell´s diary entry and also read and listen to diary entries 1-4 in the book: Mr. Prusinowski 8th Grade Freedom Writer's Diary 1 - 4 - YouTube

Today you are going to discuss racism, based on the scene with the drawing of Jamal.

- Where does racism come from?

Go to this page: http://www.chasingthefrog.com/reelfaces/freedomwriters.php and read about the real Freedom Writers.

Freedom Writers: Part 2

  1. Answer the following questions:

 - Why did Erin Gruwell (Mrs G) decide to become a teacher instead of a lawyer? 

 - Name some problems that Mrs Gruwell faces in the beginning! 

 - How do the students in room 203 treat each other in the beginning? 

 - In what way do you think Wilson High School (the school in Freedom Writers) is different from this school?

 - Are your school and the school from the movie the same in any way?

2. Continue watching the movie.

Practice these words: Freedom Writers Flashcards | Quizlet

Now that we`ve seen the movie Freedom Writers, we are going to read parts of the book. 

I want you to work with the following words first:  Freedom Writers Diary p. 1-29 (Part 1) Flashcards | Quizlet

Freedom Writers: Part 1

 

• Warm-up

What do you think it would be like being young in California or in the United States in general? Discuss your ideas. 

• Intro to movie 

In the fall of 1994, in Room 203 at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, a young teacher with big hopes and dreams named Erin Gruwell faced her first group of students. The administration had called them "unteachable, at-risk"  teenagers. The class was a diverse mix of African-American, Latino, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and Caucasian students, and many  had grown up in rough neighborhoods in Long Beach. In the first few weeks of class, the students made it clear that they were not interested in what their teacher had to say, and made bets about how long she would last in their classroom... 

• Words 

Practice these words:
https://quizlet.com/219218954/freedom-writers-part-1-flash-cards/ 

• Watch the first part of the movie Freedom Writers 

Answer these questions after seeing the first part of the movie. 

 - Why did Erin Gruwell (Mrs G) decide to become a teacher instead of a lawyer? 

 - Name some problems that Mrs Gruwell faces in the beginning! 

 - How do the students in room 203 treat each other in the beginning?

Write a letter

 

Dear students!

Please read my letter to you and write an answer where you describe yourself as carefully as you can.

You can use these questions and look at my letter to you as a help or come up with your own things.

What is your name and how old are you?

Where do you live? Describe your home!

Tell me something about your family!

Do you have a pet?

What do you like to do in your spare time?

What do you like to do? Why?

Which is your favorite subject in school? Why?

Do you like the subject English? Why/Why not?

What are you good at when it comes to English and what do you need to improve?

 

Make a mind map or write a plan before you start writing and decide what you are going to include in your letter. Before you hand in your text, go through the pre-handing in checklist on the last page.

 

Good luck!

 

Kind regards,

Lavdije

 

                                                                           Halmstad, August, 2025

 

Dear students,

Welcome back to school after your summer holidays! My name is Lavdije Sylejmani and I will be your English teacher. I’d like us to get to know each other a little bit better and that’s why I have written a letter to you.

First of all, let me tell you a little about myself. I was born in Kosovo and raised here in Sweden. I moved a lot when I was young. I have lived in Boden, Östersund, Ludvika, Helsingborg and Kristianstad. I grew up with my mum, dad, two brothers and two sisters. I am the oldest.

 

Today I live with my family here in Halmstad. I have 5 children, four boys and one daughter. What about you? Have you lived in Halmstad all your life? Do you have any siblings? I live fairly close to school so it takes me a few minutes to get here. How do you get to school? Tell me a little bit about where you live. Do you have any pets?

In my spare time I spend a lot of time with my family. I am also interested in reading and travelling when I get a chance to do that. What do you like to do in your spare time? Have you got any hobbies or interests?

In school, I teach English. When I was in school, languages were my favorite subject. What about you? Do you like English? Why or why not? What are you good at when it comes to the subject and what would you like to practice more?

Well, that is all for now. Now it’s your turn to tell me about yourself. I look forward to reading your letter! You can use the questions in my letter and answer them, and you can also come up with ideas of your own.

Kind regards,

Lavdije

 

 

 

 

Sample letter: structure

Before you start writing we need to take look at some useful phrases.

 

                                                                                              Place and date

Greeting phrase:  Dear X/Hello/Hi
                                                                            

Starting your letter (Paragraph 1)

Thanks for your letter.
Lovely to hear from you.
How are you?
How are things?
Hope you're well.

I'm so pleased to hear ...
It was interesting to read about…

Moving the topic on (Paragraphs 2-4)

Now I am going to tell you a little bit about myself...

Ending your letter (Last paragraph)

Well, that's all for now
Write back soon
Looking forward to hearing from you again

Greeting phrase to end

All the best,
Best wishes,
See you soon,
Take care
Yours,
Love,
Lots of love,
Best regards,

You don't use all the phrases in the same letter. Choose those that suit your letter the best.

 

Pre-handing in checklist

Read through and answer the questions before you hand in your letter.  

 

Does my letter have… 

 

A greeting to start? 

A comment on what you have read?

A paragraph about you & your family, a paragraph about your hobbies and a paragraph about school?

An ending?

A final greeting?  

 

·         Any spelling mistakes? 

 

Avoid making these mistakes: 

There: där, their: deras, they’re = they are: de är 

Much: mycket, many: många 

How: hur, Who: vem 

No: nej, Know: veta 

Want to: vill, will: ska

Where: var (plats), were: var 

 

Mind the spelling of these words: with, because, of course, beautiful, couldn’t, wouldn’t 

 

·         Any grammar mistakes? 

Det finns: There is (1) There are (2->)

Det fanns: There was (1) There were ( 2->) 

 

Food Assignment

We have been working with food for a couple of weeks. By watching some films, looking at words and recipes, you have learned lots about food. Now it is time for you to prepare your own cooking show!

Follow these markers to prepare for your show:

- Pick one recipe that you like – look through the web, see if you find a recipe that your fancy/like. Copy it to a word document.

- Change the recipe – you have to write some things yourself. You can add fruits, meats or spices to the recipe.

- Start to write a script – Look at your recipe and think about what you have to do to cook it. What do you want to say? What do you want to film?

- Write down a list of all the words that has to do with food. Ingredients, appliances etc

- Start filming (3-5 min film with talking) – take time before to check the sound and picture, so you don’t have to do it all over. You can choose to talk when filming or add sound later.

- Show the film – Send the film to me; mail, teams etc should work. You can also choose to show the film for the rest of the class, but you don’t have to.

Make sure to practice! How you pronounce the words, when to paus etc.

You work alone – but you can discuss your recipe and script with a friend. (IN ENGLISH!!!)

At the end of the assignment, you will get to write a short text in English about food – more info will come.

Good luck!

/Lavdije