What would pass if the world was like this?

If we would live in a World like this all we kwon maybe would be different. For example, climate or resources wouldn't be as abundant or mild as now. We'd live in a little peninsula at the east of Russia far of the economical and political centers. With this distribution probably China would be the center of the world and Antarctica would be melted...I supossed that would have been a big problem for the inhabitants of the Earth and we can't calculate the population or the living conditions without think about this.

Panama Canal or Suez Canal would be important but probably not so much as now . And the most incredible thing is that this map is real..only is on the contrary. Think about it¡¡

Running Dictation

First at all say to you that is an activity that you can do in any moment of the year. You only will need a piece of paper and think about 5 different sentences related with the theme or unit you are explaining. The main idea is students work their second language therefore you will have to prepare the sentences in the language you interest. For example, in my case, I prepare the sentences in english because They speak valencian or spanish.

After you have the sentences you have to do groups about 4-5 students. The system is very easy : You will be out of the class and one person of each team will go where you are and you'll show them the first sentence. They will have to memorize and come back into the class and say the sentence to their partners. You have to think about long and interesting sentences ( grammar, spell, vocabulary..) and probably this student have to do many trips to finish to say all the sentence to their partners. 

When all members of the team have the sentence another partner will have to go out and start the same method with the second sentence. All persons of the each group have to go out and work with a sentence so it's necessary same number of sentence that members of the teams ( If in any team there is not enough members one of them could do 2 sentences ).

The winner is the team which all members have written all the sentences and these are good in less time.

This activity can spend about 20-30 minuts related with the age of the students but is a good way to study some parts of the subject and apend a funny time with the students.

Here you can see one example of these sentence related with the unit of the Roman Empire in 1s ESO ( 11-12 yeras old )

• 1.       In ancient Rome, the family was under the authority of the father, or pater familias.He had power of live and death.

• 2.       Insulae were three or four storey apartament buildings where less wealthy famílies rented flats.

• 3.       Domus were individual houses of wealthy famílies.

• 4.       A Roman breakfast was made up of bread, dates, cheese and olives

• 5.       Social Science is the best subject in the Institute. I Love it and I want to pass the next exam.

How the Romans cleaned their intime parts after use the toilet

When you look at these two pictures you can see an ancient Roman toilet how is now ( above picture ) and , probably, how it was ( below picture ). If you analise the picture you know that Romans go to the toilet of public way, no like we go today. They didn't have walls or elements which hide their faces or their efforts. While they were shitting they spoke and related with their neighbors. Neither there was difference between senators or traders..everyone went to the same toilets. Besides, we have to think that we're talk about one of the cleanest cities of the history, even though ...tehy had their own restrictions. If the toilet was in a rich zone they had a sponge attached a stick which used to clean the ass.If not, you had to use your hands. When you finish you could clean your hands or the stick with the sponge in some rails with water ( you can see in the pictures ). Here you are the sponge :

 And this is another thingthat you just know about Romans. :)

Look the pictures and answer the questions :

a. Identify the elements below in the picture:

stone
stick
sponge
window
water
ass
hole
latrine
sandal
pleb
soldier
pants
jar
bench

b. Find out the meaning ot these words : clean, speak, hands, sit, ass, open, their, common, toilet
c. Write senteces using differents words.

Ancient Republic Roman

In the V century the etrusc monarchy of the city of Rome finished because patricians and plebs tried to have more rights and, mainly, power. They elicited a revolt and instaured a Republic System. Plebs stayed out again and continuated complaining until They obtained the "Tribú de la Pleb". The Tribú was a people's representant who joined in the meetings about the decisions which affected to the city. But this wasn't enought and plebs wanted to have their rights more clearly, more secure. Finally They obtained the "Llei de les 12 taules" where there were different rights for plebs such as marriage with citizens or have possessions.

However most people stayed out of this system because women, slaves or strangers didn't have any right.

a. Look at the image and answer the questions:

1. Who chose the Senators? And the Magistrates?
2. Who were the most important magistrates? Why?
3. Look for who were the libertos
4. What was the Senate's function?
5. What could plebeians and liberti choose?

The beginning of Roman Empire

As the Greek Empire was controlling the Mediterranean Sea another Empire was starting to develop : Roman Empire. The Roman Empire started in the city of Rome in VIII BC aproximately when the latinos established the city among seven hills. Then the etruscos dominated the city.

The main aspects at the beginning of the city were its systme of government and its infrastructures. Regarding to the govern, the first system was a monarchic and, finally and after several objections, was set up the Republic. The infraestructures were the best in the period : walls, sewer, aqueduct...

As well was important the position taht played the religion because the romans were very believers.

1. Look the picture and answer : 

a. Can you say the name of the seven hills that involved the city?

b. What river would be important for the city?

c. What infrastructure can you see in the picture?

2. What did people manage the city at the beginning?

Spanish's Evolution between 1931 and 1936

The Spain's Second Republic was a historical period in which the country changed of political system many times and it finished in a Civil War. The Second Republic lasted about 6 years and there were 3 stages. The first was the progress Biennal when the republicans, after to win the elections in 1931, arrived to the power. Their first measures were related with education, army, jobs and with the human and social rights. We have to think Spain were a subdevelopment country which procceded of a many years of monarchic and, in sometimes, dictatorial political system. The measures of the Republic were very accepted by the most of citizens except for who these measures affected directly such as Church, terratinent or Bourgeoise.

The problem was that people didn't see any appreciable changed and pressed to the government to made elections. In this elections, in 1933, a new government was formed. There were two main parties : CEDA and Lerroux's party. It was a Tory government that tried to erase the republican measures.

But the social pressure didn't change and there were strikes and revolts. In 1934 the Civil Army ( Guàrdia Civil ) killed some jornalers in Casas Viejas and this caused a new elections.

In this third occasion, the popular Front, a group of progressive parties, won and tried to return to the measures of 1931..but They couldn't because in Juliol of 1936 started the civil war after a Coup d'Etat.

Look at the picture : 

a. Who won the elections in each year?

b. Who were the possibilities to form a stable government?

c. How many stages were there in the Second Republic?

Looking for an missing airplane

Here you have the different resourses were  used to look for a missed airplane in March of 2014.

a. Can you guess the country the plane belongs? Why?
b. Can you say what the part of the Earth is? Why?
c. What is your opinion about the joinning of USA? Where is the European Union?
d. Do you think that all these resources are used in another problems around the world? Why ?
e. Try to write a summarize to explain the graph's information.

What happened in the battle of Marathon?

In the V BC Century Athens became in the most important polis in Greece. However, it had a one terrible enemy, Persian Empire. Along some years Athens and Persian Empire were in war. They combated many glorious battle but only some of them have became in history. This is the case of the Marathon Battle.

In 490 BC the Empire Persian had conquered all Minor Asia and the most of lands of the east territories of Asia and only left Greece and the most valuos city, Athens. The batlle was occored in Marathon , a plain between the location of two armies. Athens sent to the best army, the hoplites, and said to their women and childs that if they wouldn't come back, They should kill.

The battle was longer than Athens citizens had thought and when it finished They only had a bit time to warn to the Athens' people that They had won. One soldier had to run the distance between the two cities ( 42 kilometers ) and could warn to the citizens and then he dead.

This event is represented in all Olimpic Games like a Marathon competition and is one of the most importants proves in the Games.

a. What happened in Marathon?
b. What are the two Empires who were combating?
c. Look at the picture and answer:
 
1.  What day did the battle of Marathon happen?
2. How many Greeks are there ? And persians?
3. Who won the battle?

At the beginning of XX century

The situation in Spin at the beginning of XX century was very complicated because there were different topics that had a hard and improbable solution. First of all was political situation. After the coming to power of Alfons XIII many things changed in Spain. It were formed two main political groups who mixed the political power and They didn't let join to the rest of political forces. The second main problem was the situation of army. Bad wages, problems between army in Spain and army in Africa because the wages and the possibilities to improve into the Army were different.

The third main problem was the economical situation. Most of people didn't have too money.

As well there was a phenomenon called like "pistolerisme" that means the contract to some people killed political adversaries. In this situation in 1923 Primo de Rivera imposed a dictationship with the monarch support. This dictationship ended in 1929 when Primo de Rivera lost his supports because He couldn't give solution to the country's problems.

Alfons XIII took the decision to do elections and the republicans won.This event caused that Alfons XIII had to present his resignation.

1. Look the pitcture and answer :

a. Where were the main problems in 1917?
b. What were the causes?
c. What was the first solution to the problems? And next solution? ( help with your class book )

The spreading of ancient Greeks

Greece was a civilization that needed to trade to develop itself. Greeks surfed tle Mediteranean Sea since centuries ago and They knew all you have to know of this skill. They searched , mainly, metals.

When They arrived to an interesting place they could create a colony. This was a city , like a greek polis, that depended on one greek polis ( metropoli ) but beteen two cities, metropoli and colony, only existed a trade agreement. This system as well let send people who didn't have job or house or opportunities to grow in the polis and the government found a solution with this emigration.

Greeks expanded by different teritories and established many colonies such a Empòriom, Massàlia o Rhodes. The three most important areas taht Greek colonized were Magna Italy ( south of Italy ), East of Iberian Peninsula, South of France and areas near Black Sea.

Greeks brought language, culture, religion and arts but, besides, they took new tools or method to improve their production, economic or social systems.

1. Look the picture

a. Where are the main polis?

b. What were the main routes of greeks?

c. What areas were more colonizated?

d. Can you say the name of some colonies?

How was Hera?

Hera was a greek goddess. She was married with Zeus. The very first thing you notice about Hera is her eyes. For students there are different features of her personallity taht they highlight. They think she was selfish and jealous but as well think she was stronger than the most of gods and goddess.  

And the other hand Hera belongs to the most important part of the mitology ( because was in the main greek events ) and this fascinates to the students. For learning about Hera They always have to do an exposure ( report speech ) in class. They can use TICS, but no paper, I mean, They have to be able to break their fear to the stages because in their live they may need it.

At the end of the unit, among all the students ,the most part of the gods and goddess have been explained. This part of the unit is the 50 per cent of the mark and the rest provides of an exam where they have to work skills related with writing and readind about unit.

Otherwise I haven't told like Hera was. Hera represented all things that women have had to support over the years : faithful, lover, tidy, obedient...Looks like women couldn't be strong, aggresive or independent.

Luckly, now things are changing, step by step, and there is a big part of the population who want a real equality between men and women.

a. Describe this image of Hera

b.What do you think about the text?
c. Can you write like you are in 6 sentences or more.

When Students aren't motivated in class

During this course I have seen how students became less and less interested in the subject, independently which was the topic we were speaking. At first I thougt it could be by topics or part of the year ( I mean students don't behave the same way in function of month or week day ) but ,now, I know there are another problems.

I have always said ( and listened ) that one of the most important part of the education are teachers and, therefore, I 'm worried about that so I could be the problem. Otherwise, I have tried to change the assessments , the way to teach, types of exercise..but I haven't found one solution yet.

I 've talked with my colleagues and They have the same problem and we only are in the middle of the course...

I have to make a decision in some hours and I've been thinking that while I don't find the magic key I 'm going to do students work more than now and collect their activities at the end of unit or week.

I 've tried to motivate students, to show the part more interesting of history, to change types of doing class..but I have not had any good result.

As result of this I am a bit worried but I believe in goals and, now, my main goal is to achieve students work better and , at least, pass the subject.

If I haven't been able to motivate students I must change my strategies.

Finally, I demmand colleagues who could help me in this situation.

See you.

The Greek Polis

We've explained yet what polis were but we are goint to developing more this question. Each greek polis had their own laws, costums, political system or army. Two of the most important polis were Sparta and Athens. Along time these polis were faced but when greek territory was  threatened they joined.

Their battle tried to choose which could be the most important and rich polis in the area although there were many differents between they. Sparta was a polis with a population dedicated to fight. Their citizens were educated in the useful of weapons, in combat and to endure a lot of pain. Regarding this their political system was aristochratic and very elitist, that means, the goverment belonged to richest and most important people. 

However, Athens was originally like Sparta but over the years was transformed until belonged in the first democratic system in the history. It wasn't a perfect democracy because only citizens could join and in Athens no all people were citizen, only men ( whom parents were citizens ). The rest of people ( women, metecs, slaves..) weren't citizens and so they didn't have neither rights nor privileges.

The step from oligarquic system ( like Sparta ) to democratic system was very slow and started when some people who helped to defend the city in many ocassions gave their rights to join in the decisions of the city. Some philosofical strenghened that position and, step by step, started the firts referedum and the creation of different government institutions. However , we cann't forgot only citizens could vote and join in the political.

1. Define oligarquic and democratic system

2. Who were aristochratic people?

3. Look the picture and answer the questions :

a.What are the differences in educational system? and women?

b.What did city defend the war like a success? Why ?

4. Look the picture :

a. How did Pericles define democracy?

b. What were the ancient political systems?

c. May a state be a democrathic monarchy? Think about that

Advantages team job

Sometimes I forgot students level, I mean, They are in 1st o 2nd ESO and only are 11 or 12 years old. If I remember when I was younger than now I can modify my classes  so I can feel myself  like them. 

When I do this I readapt my contents, my activities and, besides, I enjoy more my job while I look at the students and how They work the subject by themselves. Obviously anything has positive and negative aspects and this is not different. At first I 'd like to explain negative aspects even though I'm going to focus in positive aspects. The negative would be : 

- Speak aloud

- No all people will work

- A lot of time to organizate and prepare exposure.

Otherwise the aspects positive are : 

- Integration

- Collaboration

- Find leaders in the group

- Learning by themself

- Social skills

I recommend to you do this activity sometime in any unit of your book. If you do it you will see all these advantages.

I hope your opinion :)

The difficult to create an empire in Greece

At the beginning of VII aC century one civilization started to convert in one of he most important civilization of our history : Greeks. They appeared in Greek Peninsule, in southern of Europe, and were originally a group of different people ( aqueos, doris i micènics )who lived in this area but , in a steady evolution , They finished sharing language and religion. This process included many battles among all these cultures and, finally were the doris who occupied the most of territory.

Some of the most important problems in this age and site were the phisical features of Greece : mountains and rivers didn't let a good communication between cities and towns therefore the most of cities became in polis ( cities that had own laws and territory to manage ).

The problem was the cities fought among them to achive the power in the area while They joined when a common enemy tried to atack the greek area.

How did Greek generate a global idea about religion, world or education ?

As we've said language and religion were common and this helped to greeks to felt part of a same culture. However, the educational system strengthened that idea. All children learnt history since classical books such as Iliada o Odyssea which wrote about the adventures of Troja or Ullyses.

Other aspects importants about religion were Greeks were Polyteisthic ( that means they believed in a lot of Gods ) and their gods were anthropomorphic ( Were like humans )

1. Define poli, language and doris

2. Write the main features of Greek civilization

3. Explain which were the problems ?

4. Now, you can do a outline

5. Look at the picture and answer the questions : 

a. What are the countries that close Greece?
b. Can you write the name of 2 mountains? And polis?
c. Describe where Athens is