Nsfs: a label warning you to avoid these posts at school

I've noticed that some of you like to visit my blog during school time. This is, of course, perfectly okay. Except for some items.

For that reason I have made up the label NSFS: not safe for school.

Opening these logs during school time is entirely at your own risk. They contain funny links, humorous videos and so forth; I.e. all those things we don't want you to enjoy under our watch ;)

Reason for this new label is that I yelled at a student today, while he was watching a video I linked myself. So, Oscar, I'm sorry, and I hope I have solved this ;)

Year 1: Your first SO!

Dear first graders,

Your first SO for English will be on Wednesday. Here are some sites you can use to practise.

1. Subject / Object Pronouns.

he sees me, I see him.

Having trouble knowing when to use me and when to use I? Click on the link above to practise some more. The object pronouns cannot be found in your book, but you do need to know them!

2. Possesive pronouns.

I have a ball. This is my ball. The ball is mine.

Possesive pronouns (bezittelijke vernaamwoorden) are used to tell what is mine and what is yours. One comes before, the other behind. Click the link above to practise, practise, practise. 

3. Quizlet

Studying words can be fun! Search on the site above for 'Edith_online' and study the words for the so. Make it a game - who can beat my high score of 7.7 seconds?

Grammar (2): Tenses!

Do you still find all those different tenses in the English Language so confusing?

Don't worry! Help is here!

This lovely website provides example sentences for every tense: Affirmative, Negations and Questions (bevestigend, ontkennend en vragend). It also has a very brief description on how to use each tense.


From year 3 onwards, I expect you to know these rules and be able to apply them correctly. Especially in letter writing! (hint, hint, year 5 students!)

Year 2: What to study for SO X1

Dear second graders,

next week you will have your first SO of the year. Traditionally this SO has the worst results of the entire year. This year it won't! Because here are some magnificent websites that you can use to study.

There are three grammatical structures you need to know. These are:

1. If and Will (the first Conditional)

You need to be able to form your own sentences with if and will.
Example: sun shines - play football.
If the sun shines, we will play football.

These exercises will help you learn the rules. 

2. Present Simple & Present Continuous

Remember these from last year? Does this happen all the time or is it happening right now?
Example: I play football every Saturday vs I am playing football right now.

This website first gives you the rules once more. Scroll down to find the exercises.

3. Past Simple

Last but not least: let's talk about the past! This is also from last year. Again, scroll down for the exercises.
 Example: I played football last night.

Be aware of the irregular verbs! (= onregelmatige werkwoorden).
Don't forget to study the LISTS on the DWP.

4. Irregular Verbs

Want to practice these pesky verbs?This link will give you all  the irregular verbs the English language has. You only need to know some of them! It also provides exercises.

Another tip to study the irregular verbs: Download the Quizlet App and search for Irregular: there are many lists already online, ready for you to be studied!

SO X1:
G2A, G2B: Monday 21st of September
2G: Friday 25th of September

Students Tips (1)

Here are a couple of links that some of my pupils have emailed to share with you!

1: Explosms Comics

A bit rude - so it's not for the faint of heart, but also hilarious! A new comic every day, in English, so a enjoyable way of expanding your vocabulary.

2: A hilarious and heart warming video

This clip shows you how locals come into action when a local jewelry store has been robbed. It's so worth it to endure the dialect!

3: Dutch Expressions hilariously translated

Football fans may already be familiar with these kind of expressions thanks to our own Van Gaal, but that doesn't mean they're not funny anymore.

Enjoy!

And if you have anything to add - a funny story to share, or a heart warming video that needs to be linked, please send me an email.

Year 2: listening practice

Hello second graders,

Next week you will have your first listening test. You cannot prepare for this test - as in, there are no words to study.

However, practice makes perfect, and some of you might want to practice some more at home.

You can use this site to do so. Make sure you use the Listening exercises (ctrl+F let's you search the website).

Good luck!

Year 2: if & will video

Dear second graders,

This week's lesson will be about sentences with if and will, also known as the first conditional. Don't worry about the name, all you need to know is how to use it and which mistakes to avoid.

I recommend you to watch this video before this week's lesson.

Remember, if you watch this video, you will have an easy lesson this week!

Also, you can use this to prepare for the first test.

Study tip (2): app

The school year has started and it is time to start studying your words again.

One of my students was using this app at school, and she has sent me the name so I can share this with you.

Quizlet

This app allows you to put in your own word lists as well as using lists made by others. It offers different ways of practising, like mix and match or typing in the correct answer. It even pronounces the words for you!

Things that move me (3): good people

I came across this article right before bedtime, and it made me feel all happy, warm and fuzzy inside.

And since I want you to feel the same way, here is my moment of happiness for today.

Study tip (1): linking words

Reading tests become so much easier when you know your linking words. Especially in year 5, when your preparing for your final exams.

Click here to practice some more with those pesky little words, and go ace those exams!