(Movie Review) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Unlocking the Magic: A Review of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets As a devoted fan of the Harry Potter book series, the second installment, Chamber of Secrets, has always held a special place in my heart. It’s darker, more mysterious, and packed with lore that deepens the magical world we fell in love with in Philosopher’s Stone. The 2002 film adaptation, directed once again by Chris Columbus, builds beautifully on the foundation of the first movie while carving a more ominous tone that hints at what’s to come. A Seamless Return to Hogwarts Returning to Hogwarts in Chamber of Secrets feels like going home. Everything is instantly familiar: … Read more

(Movie Review) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

A Magical Beginning: Revisiting Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone As a fan of the Harry Potter books, I walked into the cinema back in 2001 with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. Could any film truly capture the wonder, charm, and heart of J.K. Rowling’s magical world? Fortunately, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone did just that and more. While no adaptation is perfect, this first entry in the cinematic series remains a richly detailed and emotionally faithful tribute to the beloved novel that started it all. John Williams’ Iconic Score: The Sound of Magic From the very first note of “Hedwig’s Theme,” John Williams masterfully conjures an … Read more

(Activities) Visiting the Doctor

ObjectiveTo practice speaking, listening, and vocabulary related to health, symptoms, and doctor-patient communication. LevelBeginner to Intermediate (can be simplified or made more detailed) Materials NeededRole-play cards (symptoms, roles)Simple health vocabulary listProps (clipboard, toy stethoscope, mask, thermometer – optional) How to RunStep One: Teach Key Vocabulary & ExpressionsIntroduce basic words and phrases: 1. Symptoms: headache, stomachache, fever, sore throat, cough2. Doctor’s questions: “What’s the matter?”, “When did it start?”3. Patient responses: “I have a ___.”, “It started yesterday.”4. Advice: “Take some medicine.”, “Get some rest.”, “Drink water.” Step Two: Set Up RolesAssign or let students choose: 1. Doctor2. Patient3. (Optional) Receptionist Step Three: Use Role-Play CardsGive each student a card with … Read more

(Activities) At the Restaurant

ObjectiveTo practice ordering food, using polite expressions, and real-world conversation in a restaurant setting. LevelBeginner to Intermediate (adapt dialogue complexity) Materials NeededSample menus (printed or projected)Role-play cards (optional)Props (e.g. notepads, play food, table signs – optional) How to RunStep One: Teach Key Vocabulary & Phrases Go over common restaurant expressions: – “May I take your order?”– “I’ll have the ___, please.”– “Would you like something to drink?”– “That will be ___ yen/pounds/dollars.”– “Enjoy your meal!” Also teach: – Food and drink names– Numbers and prices– Polite forms (please, thank you, excuse me) Step Two: Set Up RolesDivide students into groups: 1. Customer(s)2. Waiter/Waitress/Server Rotate roles after each round. Step Three: … Read more

(Activities) True or False

ObjectiveTo practice listening, reading, comprehension, and critical thinking by deciding whether given statements are true or false. LevelAll levels (adjust difficulty of statements) Materials NeededPrepared true/false statementsWhiteboard, slides, or printed cardsOptional: “True” and “False” signs or paddles for students How to RunStep One: Explain the RulesStudents will hear or read a statement. They must decide: – Is this true or false? They can show their answer by:1. Raising a hand for “True” / “False”2. Holding up cards or signs3. Moving to a side of the room4. Writing it on paper or whiteboards Step Two: Present the Statements1. You (or students) read each sentence aloud or show it on the board.2. … Read more

(Activities) Listen and Draw

ObjectiveTo develop students’ listening comprehension, vocabulary recognition, and ability to follow directions — while having fun through drawing! LevelAll levels (adapt complexity of instructions to match level) Materials NeededBlank paper or whiteboardsPencils, pens, or markersOptional: pre-written instruction sheets for teachers How to RunStep One: Explain the Rules 1. Students will listen carefully as the teacher gives step-by-step instructions.2. They must draw what they hear, without asking questions or seeing anything visual until the end. Example:“Draw a big circle in the middle of the page.”“Now draw a small triangle on top of the circle.”At the end, students compare their drawings to laugh and learn from the differences. Step Two: Teacher Gives … Read more

(Activities) Three Hint Quiz

ObjectiveTo encourage active listening, logical thinking, and vocabulary use by guessing a mystery word from three given hints. LevelBeginner to Intermediate (adjust vocabulary/hints accordingly) Materials NeededNone (optional: whiteboard, cards, or slides)Timer (optional for fast-paced play) How to RunStep One: Explain the Rules 1. One person gives three hints about a mystery object or thing.2. The other students try to guess the correct answer based on the hints.3. The hints should go from most difficult to easy. For example:– Hint 1: It’s round.– Hint 2: You kick it.– Hint 3: It’s used in soccer.Answer: A ball! Step Two: Model the ActivityStart with your own example to show the flow: 1. Give … Read more

(Activities) Two Truths and One Lie

ObjectiveTo help students practice speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills while getting to know one another in a fun and interactive way. LevelAll levels (can be adjusted for beginner to advanced) Materials NeededWhiteboard or digital board (optional)Paper and pen (optional for prep)Timer (optional for larger classes) How to RunStep One: Explain the RulesEach student will think of three statements about themselves: – Two are true– One is a lie– Try to guess which statement is the lie. Step Two: Model the ActivityStart with your own example: – I’ve eaten fried tarantula.– I can play the ukulele.– I speak five languages. Ask students to guess which one is the lie. After … Read more

(Movie Review) Paddington in Peru

Paddington in Peru – A Heartwarming Adventure That Delights, Even if It Doesn’t Quite Reach Paddington 2’s Heights The Paddington franchise has become one of the most beloved and consistently heartwarming series in recent memory, and with Paddington in Peru, the little bear’s adventures continue to enchant audiences. While it may not quite reach the emotional or cinematic heights of its predecessor, Paddington 2, this third entry in the series still manages to capture the charm, wit, and heart that made the first two films so adored. With its vibrant setting, endearing characters, and poignant moments, Paddington in Peru is yet another delightful chapter in the bear’s journey that will … Read more

(Movie Review) Paddington 2

Paddington 2 – A Masterpiece of Cinema and One of the Best Family Films Ever Made Paddington 2 is not just a perfect family film; it is a cinematic masterpiece. A joyful, heartwarming, and deeply resonant work of art that transcends genres, age groups, and expectations. It’s one of those rare films that manages to capture the sheer magic of storytelling in such a way that it can be appreciated by anyone, at any age, without losing its depth or emotional complexity. Simply put, Paddington 2 is not only one of the best family movies ever created, but one of the best movies of all time. A Heartfelt Story that … Read more