May 2024

 What's Happening This Month

Here's the calendar for this month.  Don't forget, we have the Golden Week holidays during the first week of May.  However, Monday, May 6 we do have lessons!

Culture Corner

May Two Four

In Japan, at the beginning of May there is the Golden Week holidays.  Japanese people often ask me if there is a golden week holiday in Canada.  The short answer is, no.  However, there is a long weekend ( 三連休 ) holiday.  We celebrate the birthday of the late Queen Victoria (of England), because Canada is a Commonwealth country.  Queen Victoria lived from May 24, 1819 to January 22, 1901.  Therefore May 24th; or "May Two Four" in Canada, is celebrated usually on the third Monday in May (this year it's Monday, May 20th).  "May Two Four" has a double meaning (or double entendre):  First, two four or 24 is the date of Queen Victoria's birthday as mentioned above.  Also, "two four" refers to the largest size of a case of beer (cans or bottles) that people can buy.  Many Canadians enjoy this long weekend with a barbecue, and many people will often buy a "two four" to celebrate "May Two Four" weekend.

Teacher's Corner

Riddle of the Month

"What can a child make, but never see?"

Please ask Leo for the answer!

Idiom of the Month

"Double Double"  (HINT: This idiom is specific to Canadians who drink coffee!)

Inside the Classroom

This month we're focusing on Everybody Up 2, Unit #6.  In this unit, students are practicing the prepositions (前置詞): behind, next to, and in front of..  In Everybody Up 1, Unit #6 we practiced some other prepositions: in, on, and under.  So let's practice them all!  Below are some examples to help you.  If you want to practice more, try our quiz:

Where's the bear?

 The monkey is in the tree.

 

 The snake is on the rock.

The lion is under the tree.

The bear is behind the rock.

 

The penguin is next to the waterfall.

 

The elephant is in front of the waterfall.

Adult Corner

This month's documentary looks at health and a movement in America that has been gaining in popularity.  But, is this movement too dangerous for people support?  Please watch it and see how you feel about it.

Why It's Okay to be Fat

Questions About the Video:

1.  What is the "Body Positivity" movement?

2.  What are some examples of being "fat phobic"?

3.  How do some food companies profit from the "body positivity" movement? (4:35)

4.  How did the "body positivity" movement become so popular?  (6:35)

5.  Why do fat people have difficulty losing weight?  (13:45)

Discussion Questions:

1.  What is your opinion of the "Body Positivity" movement?

2.  Do you think it's okay to be fat?  Why or why not?

3.  What do you think about companies who profit from this movement, like the makers of the Barbie Doll?

4.  At the 10:45 mark of the video, the gentleman (Joe Rogan) is talking about the British singer Adele.  Do you agree or disagree with his opinion?  Why?

5.  What do you think is the best way for people to stay healthy?