互動英語教室 - I want to be an English teacher! (1)

Hong Kong has one of the lowest birth rates (出生率) in the world. On average (平均) Hong Kong parents spend a large amount of money on tutors (補習老師) and extracurricular activities (課外活動) although primary education is basically free. There are many English learning centres in Hong Kong offering courses that develop children's critical thinking (批判思想) and language skills through different topics. Lily, graduated from the University of Hong Kong majoring in English literature (英國文學), wants to become an English teacher. She found a job in an English learning centre for children last month. She observes (觀察) how the native English speakers teach local kids English and is taking a certificate course on education after work.

One day, a lady walked into the learning centre and made some requests.

Lily: Hello Madam. My name is Lily. How can I help you?

Louise: Hello. May I know what kind of courses do you offer?

Lily: sure. Here is the leaflet (傳單) introducing our courses.

Louise: Oh! Lily! It sounds familiar. You must be the girl in the next class in secondary school!

Lily: oh! You must be Louise! Let me show you around.

Lily didn’t expect to see her secondary school friend again at work. This learning centre is conveniently (方便) located in a popular shopping mall. She immediately showed Louise around.

Lily: Here is the classroom.

Louise: It’s nice and colourful.

Lily: We put a lot of thought into the colour of the centre. We believe positive visual (視覺) stimulation (刺激) and a tidy (整潔) room can keep us focused on learning. Images of nature make us feel so peaceful.

Louise: That’s very thoughtful of you. How about the teaching tool (教學用具)?

Lily: There are a lot of different tools.

Louise was very impressed by their colourful toys, games and books more for kids. Quality teaching resources can definitely help teachers in class.

Louise: I like the pattern of the mat!

Lily: We sterilise (消毒) all the tools and the mat before and after class, It’s a safe and hygienic (衛生) environment for children.

Louise: That sounds great!

Lily explained to Louise that the youngest student here was two years old. They offer a large variety of English courses tailor-made (度身訂造) for children. Lily believes that punishment (懲罰) is not effect to encourage (鼓勵) learning while a good reward system will help children learn what is expected of them. For instance, rewarding (獎勵) kids for good behavior and appropriate (適當) for the situation is an important motivation (動機). However, material (物質) and monetary (金錢) rewards are not at all appropriate. Going to the park or playground, allowing them to play with friends are examples of appropriate rewards. One has to learn being a good parent too!

Special thanks to Tadpoles Early Learning
Article by Lily POON
Script by Louise Chow
Video by CP Chan

互動英語教室 - We love music (2)

After reaching home from work, Lily relaxes herself by playing some light music (輕音樂). Her friends cannot understand why she spends so much time and energy in pursuing (追求) music. She believes that hobbies (興趣) help the person to develop self-esteem (自信心). Before learning the piano, she never had the courage (信心) to perform (表演) or speak in front of the others. Now, she feels comfortable in playing music with a group of amateur (業餘) musicians. She thinks that keeping some time aside for leisure activities can help her to curb (制止) stress (壓力) after a bad day at work and keep a fresh mind. .

Lily’s cousin Thomas is also a music lover. He is learning to be a good rapper. However, Lily prefers classical music. Geoff, who works for the music centre where Lily takes her piano class, can play a few musical instruments (樂器), such as the violin (小提琴), drum (鼓) and guitar. Lily suggests that three of them can play some chamber music (室樂) together.

Geoff: I play guitar and violin. The instrument families are made up of four main families: woodwinds (木管樂器), brass (銅管樂器), strings (弦樂器), and percussion (敲擊樂器).

Thomas: They are classified (分類) by the way they make sounds. Guitar and violin belong to the string family.

Geoff: You are a smart boy!

Lily: Let’s play some music now.

Geoff: Sure! Chamber music is a form of classical music, written for a small group of instruments.

Lily and Geoff play a Bach’s minuet (小步舞曲). This kind of light music can lead us to a relaxed state of mind.

Geoff: Same as drums, the piano is a percussion instrument.

Thomas: Oh! It’s fun! Lily, do you know human beatbox (表演口技)?

Lily: No. What is it?

Thomas: Let me show you.

Thomas: Music is all about sharing and creativity!

If you feel completely drained out after school or work, it’s time to do things you love!

Families of musical instruments
In the video, Geoff and Thomas mentioned that musical instruments are grouped into families based on how they make sounds.

Percussion
Percussion instruments make sounds when they are hit, such as drums. Anthropologists often think that percussion instruments were the first musical devices ever created by mankind.

Strings
Sounds of string instruments come from their strings, such as violin, cello, harp and guitar.

Brass
Brass instruments are made of brass or other metal and make sound when air is blown inside. Tuba, French horn and trombone are brass instruments.

Woodwinds
Woodwind instruments produce sound when air (wind) is blown inside. Flute (長笛), piccolo(短笛), clarinet (單簧管) and oboe (雙簧管) are woodwind instruments.

Questions:
1) Which are the four families of musical instruments?
2) How are instruments being classified?
3) Can you name some woodwind instruments?
4) What are the benefits of having a hobby?

Answers:
1) Woodwinds, percussions, brass and strings.
2) They are classified by the way they make sounds.
3) Flute, piccolo, clarinet and oboe are woodwind instruments.
4) Leisure activities can help her to curb stress after a bad day at work and keep a fresh mind.

Article: Lily Poon
Director: C.P Chan
Actor: Thomas Alan Ng, Geoff Lam
Special thanks to Great Music Centre and Chrissy Gordon

互動英語教室 - We love music (1)

Lily works in a bank and has to answer to complaints (投訴) everyday. She cannot get ample (足夠) sleep because of hectic (忙亂) work schedules and feels very tired all the time. She realized that stress (壓力) symptoms (症狀) can affect her health. A friend advised her to learn a musical instrument (樂器) as a method to relax after a hard day and soothe (緩和) her mind. After learning how to play the piano for two year’s time, she can play some simple pop and classical pieces (樂曲). She also likes to put on some quiet music and lean (傾斜) back or lie down (躺) at home to relax.

Lily’s cousin (表弟) Thomas, who lives in the U.K., has come back to Hong Kong for holidays. He was astounded (驚奇) when she told him that she can play the piano. Today, they are going to play some music together in a music centre where Lily takes her piano lessons.

Thomas: Hey Lily! How are you?

Lily: Hey Thomas! Are you ready for some music?

Thomas: Yes!

Thomas asks Lily why they can’t practise (練習) at home. Lily explains to him that since her apartment (公寓) is very small, she will be disliked by her neighbour if they play loud music. They asked Geoff, a staff of the music centre about their booking.

Geoff: Welcome. I am Geoff. How can I help you?

Lily: I’ve booked a room from 2 to 4 today.

Geoff: You must be Lily. This way please.

Geoff walks Lily and Thomas to the basement (地下室). There is a room with a drum set (鼓). The room is soundproofed (隔音) which means it can insulate (絕緣) against noise.

Lily: Oh! It such a spacious (寬敞) room! Thomas, let’s play some music together.

Thomas: Lily. I’ve learned something new.

Lily: What’s that?

Thomas: I can rap (說唱) !

Geoff: Cool! I am from North America (北美洲) . Rap is so popular there.

Lily: What is rap?

Geoff: Rap music or hip-hop (嘻哈) is a genre (類型) of African – American (在美國的非洲人) music of the 80s and 90s. The rappers have to talk rapidly (快速), rhythmically (有節奏地) and vividly (生動地).

Rapping began as a variation in reggae (西印度群島居民的民族的一種音樂) and dub (鼓聲)music, mixed with influences from radio DJs. Rappers can improvise rhymes (音韻) over the beats (拍子) created by the DJs. Thomas starts off trying to rap as fast as possible with a constant (不變) beat. Lily and Geoff are very excited.

Lily: Thomas! You are great! I am more into classical music (古典音樂).

Thomas: Really?

Lily: Don’t you remember that I can play the piano?

Thomas: Oh! Yes! Please play some music now!

Questions:

1)     How does Lily relax at home?

2)     What kind of musical instrument Lily has been learning?

3)     What is rap?

Answers:

1)     She also likes to put on some quiet music and lean back or lie down  at home to relax.

2)     Lily has been learning the piano.

3)     Rapping began as a variation in reggae and dub music, mixed with influences from radio DJs. Rappers can improvise rhymes over the beats created by the DJs.

Article by Lily Poon

Script by Louise Chow

Directed by CP Chan

Actors: Geoffrey Lam, Thomas Alan Ng

互動英語教室 - My cup of tea (2)

Lily visited a tea shop in Japan a few years ago and was very impressed by their tea culture. She found a job in a tea shop in Hong Kong and read a lot of books to acquire professional (專業) knowledge (知識) of the tea market. One day, a Japanese lady walked into the shop and gave Lily a big surprise. She was Miho, the owner of the tea shop in Japan that Lily visited. She didn't expect to see her face-to-face (面對面) again. It’s always nice to meet an old friend after several years of no communication (沒聯絡). Lily was very eager (熱切的) to tell her what kind of tea the shop was selling and show how to make a cup of good tea.

Miho: Before making a cup of tea, can you show me your utensils (用具)?

Lily: Sure. I know that utensils vary by culture. The basic ones include:

Teapot (茶壺), sieve (過濾器), cup, glass jar for dividing tea into different cups and measuring spoon.

Lily found it a good opportunity (機會) for new staff to demonstrate (示範) tea making in front of Miho. She then asked her new colleague (同事) to make a cup of tea for her. The training that Lily offered to her staff was very professional. She told this new staff how important it could be to brew (泡) different tea types using different water. Today, she reminded her this point once more.

Lily: The water temperatures (溫度) for brewing white tea, green tea and Oolong is 100-degree Celsius and 80-degree celsius for green tea.

Below are the steps of brewing tea:

(1) The first step is to warm teapot with hot water.

(2) Then, put the tea leaves into the pot

(3) Next, rinse (沖洗)the leaves with the hot water and discard (丟棄) the water immediately.

(4) Add fresh boiling water. Steep it for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

(5) Finally, you can strain (過濾) and serve the tea.

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage (飲料) in the world. Hong Kong's inhabitants (居民) love to drink tea because of the Chinese and British influence. The tea shop that Lily works for is located in the central business area and that’s why it has always been a popular place for people who work nearby to go during lunch break.

Lily spent a holiday in Sri Lanka (斯里蘭卡), one of the world’s major tea producing (出產) countries. She and her friends joined a local tour to pick tea leaves at a plantation (茶葉場). In the industrialised (工業國) countries like Japan, this activity is performed by machinery (機械). However, in countries like India and Sri Lanka, this is mostly done by hand. Neither Lily nor her friends could pick a full basket of tea leaves within a designated (指定) time. Though this involved a lot of hard work, they all found it fun. Lily told Miho her idea of organising a photo exhibition (展覽會) in the basement of the tea shop so that people could know more about the tea industry in Sri Lanka. Miho found this idea sound (很好) and could possibly attract more clients.

Questions:

(1)   What are the tea brewing steps?

(2)   Should we brew all kinds tea with water of the same temperature?

(3)   Can you name some major tea producing countries in the world?

Answers:

(1)   The first step is to warm teapot with hot water. Then, put the tea leaves into the pot. Next, rinse the leaves with the hot water and discard the water immediately. Add fresh boiling water. Steep it for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Finally, strain and serve the tea.

(2)   No. he water Temperatures for brewing white tea, green tea and Oolong is  100-degree Celsius and 80-degree celsius for green tea.

(3)   India and Sri Lanka.

Article: Lily Poon

Script: Louise Chow

 Director: CP. Chan

Actress: Miho

Special thanks to Leaf Tea Boutique - SOHO, Central

互動英語教室 - My cup of tea (1)

Lily went to Tokyo for a holiday last year with the aim of learning more about the Japanese culture. On one of the days, she visited a tea shop selling a wide selection of quality tea leaves. A hospitable (好客的) Japanese lady offered her a cup of Japanese tea and told her that she spent a lot of time and effort (努力) to find the best way to brew (沖泡) her tea. While they were enjoying the tea, this lady told Lily the history of the Japanese tea culture. In fact, many aspects of Chinese culture were introduced to Japan during the Heian Period (A.D. 794-1185) when people were open to ideas and cultures from other countries. Japanese priests (神職人員) and envoys (外交使節) were sent to China and brought tea back to Japan. Lily had a good time in Japan and developed her interest in tea culture.

Lily decided to continue to explore (探索) her interest with special attention to the medicinal (有藥效的) functions (功能) of different kinds of tea leaves. Right after she had returned to Hong Kong, she got a job in a tea shop in Central as a shop assistant. One day, an elegant (優美的) Japanese lady walked into the shop, Lily greeted her with a smile.

Lily: Welcome!

Miho (the Japanese client): Hello! Are you Lily?

Lily: Yes! You are….

Miho: I am Miho! Last year you visited a tea shop in Tokyo. I am the owner and introduced Japanese tea to you. Do you remember?

Lily: Oh! Yes! Great to see you again! I am working in this tea shop now.

Miho: It’s your turn to tell me what kind of tea you have here.

Lily: Sure. Come on in!

The shop consists of two floors with a basement where clients can enjoy their tea. Miho was impressed by the simple but stylish design. 

Lily: Let me play a game with you. Close your eyes.

Lily: We serve a large variety of tea here. Can you tell me what kind of tea this is?

Miho: It smells like Japanese sencha (煎茶)

Lily: Yes! Just like Dragon Well (龍井) and Jasmine (茉莉花). Sencha is green tea. Green tea is non-fermented (沒發酵的)and contains a high proportion of antioxidants (抗氧化劑).

Miho: This is White Peony (白茶牡丹). White Tea can lower blood pressure (血壓) and improve the function of the arteries (動脈).

Lily: Exactly. Close you eyes again please. Can you tell me what it is?

Miho: Hm… this is…Oolong tea (烏龍茶) ! Iron Bodhisattva (鐵觀音) and Narcissus (水仙) belong to this type.

Lily: Bingo! Close you eyes now.

Miho: oh! It’s my favourite lavender (薰衣草)! Lavender tea helps to soothe (減輕) stress (壓力).

Lily: Yeah! We also have rose and rooibos (意寶).

Miho: You serve Assam (阿薩姆) which is red tea. I am sure it’s for making Hong Kong style milk tea.

Lily: Yes. My parents prefer black tea such as Pu Er (普洱).

Miho: Now. You have become a tea expert.

Lily: I can show you how to brew the perfect cup of tea

Miho: Really? Thanks!

Questions:

1)     Can you name some green tea?

2)     What is the function of White Peony?

3)     Which tea can soothe stress?

Answers:

1)     Dragon Well, Jasmine and Sencha.

2) White Tea can lower blood pressure and improve the function of the arteries.

3) Lavender tea

Article by Lily Poon

Directed by C.P. Chan

Actors/ Actress: Miho, Calvin, Lily

Special thanks to Tea Leaf Boutique in SOHO, Central

互動英語教室 - Choosing your own accessories (2)

Lily intends to create an image of a fashionable "working women" (事業女性) for Barbara, so that she can illustrate (說明) her consummate (使完美) use of different accessories in her new album. The producer shares the same thoughts with Lily and suggests her to produce a video in which Barbara and Coney show the audience (觀眾) how to wear the hottest new trend in scarves (頸巾).

Lily: Hey Coney, our producer suggests making a short video demonstrating how to wear a scarf.

To Barbara, scarves conjure up (使人想起) an old-fashioned (老土) and uptight (煩躁的) image. She is rather reluctant (不情願的)to do a video about scarves. Coney tells her that scarves are not only used for warmth (溫暖) and comfort. A designer scarf can be tied in many different styles. Even a very plain (簡樸的) coat or shirt can be made to look fantastic by using a brightly coloured and trendy scarf. Barbara changes her idea and gives this a try.

Coney: It’s a good idea!

Barbara: Hi guys! Scarves are one of the favourite clothing items of women. You can be chic (別緻的) with classic silk scarves. A chunky (厚厚的) wool (羊毛) scarf can add a touch of warmth. Coney is my stylist today. She is going to show you the easiest ways to wear a scarf.

Coney: We are going to start with “the loop”. (圈)

Coney demonstrates how to wear scarves in fashionable ways without an obvious tie to the past. Barbara now believes that a scarf can represent her unique (獨一無二) personality (性格) and preferences (喜好).

Barbara: There are scarves made of different materials such as viscose  (黏膠) and cotton (棉).

Lily has the impression that eyewear can change people's look and asks Coney for more advice.

Lily: Hey Coney, do you have any eyewear accessories?

Coney: Of course we do. Here are the fashion sunglasses (太陽眼鏡).

Coney is fashion conscious (意識到的) and into elegant (雅緻的)things. She immediately shows Barbara the newest sunglasses.

Barbara: Can I choose the ones that suit my mood?

Coney: Sure!

Lily: Barbara, this pair can enhance your fashion image and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays at the same time.

Barbara: They look great!

Lily: Barbara, the name of your coming album should be…”Barbara’s fashion world”!

Questions:

1)     Can you name some materials used to make scarves?

2)     Why Barbara is reluctant to demonstrate how to wear a scarf in the beginning?

3)     Besides making a person to be fashionable, what is the other advantage of wearing sunglasses mentioned by Lily?

Answers:

1)     Silk, wool, viscose and cotton.

2)     Scarves conjure up an old-fashioned and uptight image.

3)     Sunglasses can also protect ones’ eyes from harmful UV rays.

Script: Louise Chow / Lily Poon

Article: Lily Poon

Director: CP Chan

Actresses: Barbara Li, Coney Ko, Lily Poon

互動英語教室 - Choosing your own accessories (1)

Barbara has signed a contract (合約) with Angel Music, a famous record label (唱片公司) in Hong Kong. Her manager, Lily, is aware of the importance of a singer’s image (形象) but initially has no idea what Barbara should wear while on stage. Lily decides to ask her professional (專業) stylist (設計師) friend Coney to create the best image for Barbara.

Lily has arranged an appointment (約會) with Coney for Barbara.

Barbara: Hi Lily, how are you? What’s the schedule for today?

Lily: You desperately need a makeover (改變外觀)!

Barbara: A makeover? I think my style looks just fine. Don’t you think so?

Lily: No way! I have to create a stylish (時尚的) and chic (有型的) look for you. Look at what you are wearing now! Who believes that you are a rising pop star? My friend has a jewelry shop (首飾店) around the corner. She designs and sells costume jewelry (人造首飾) and should be able to give you some style tips.

Barbara is excited about the opportunity to meet up a professional stylist. Lily thinks that Barbara has high potentials as a good singer but definitely had to improve her outlook. Coney is very confident that she can help to create the best image for her. Barbara is very impressed with the large variety of jewelry in the store. The materials that Coney uses to make her very own jewelry include precious stones (寶石), crystal (水晶), sterling silver (純銀), shell (貝殼) and many more.

Barbara: I am impressed by your unique (獨一無二的) collection of jewelry! Necklaces (項鍊) , bracelets (手鐲), earrings (耳環) and hats (帽子).

Lily: Coney, can you give her a glamorous (迷人的) makeover using your accessories (飾物)? She is going to have her first performance (表演) tomorrow.

Coney: Sure! You have come to the right place! (你找對了地方)

Coney tells Barbara to choose clothing that can represent her free spirit while staying stylish. One of the big advantages of wearing the right jewelry is that one can stay up with the latest looks. That’s why Coney is choosing the jewelry for Barbara carefully.

Coney: They are mainly vintage (古色古香的) style jewelry

Barbara: I read from a fashion magazine that the term “vintage” means nostalgic (懷舊) style!

Coney: Do you like this one?

Barbara: Not really. I prefer something simple. How about these hair clips (髮夾)?

Lily: No way. I am sure we will find something right for you.

Coney: How about this one? (Coney chooses a necklace made of fresh water pear (珍珠)

Barbara: Yes! It’s simple but elegant (雅緻的). This pearl gives me feminine (女性) charm (魅力).

Do you want to know what Barbara has chosen next? Don’t miss the next episode!

Questions:
1) Can you name some materials that can be used to make costume jewelry?
2) What kind of jewelry do you like the best?
3) What is the meaning of “vintage jewelry”?

Answers:
1) Precious stones, crystal, sterling silver and shell.
2) Necklaces , bracelets, earrings and hair clips.
3) The term “vintage” means nostalgic style.


Special thanks to Coney @ TAKA Accessories
Article by Lily Poon
Script by Louise Chow
Director: CP Chan