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Culture and Lifestyle

This version was saved 9 years, 5 months ago View current version     Page history
Saved by Lesley Cioccarelli
on October 29, 2014 at 9:08:41 pm
 

Added Aust Cultural Dictionary

 

 

Culture

 

General lifestyle and culture

One of the best ways to explore and access this is to involve real Australians. This may mean excursions – even just within walking distance from your classroom –  but there are also other ways to bring ‘real Australians’ into the classroom. Ideas, with related topic content, are listed below:

 

Australian Cultural Dictionary

  • This dictionary is designed for people who are living, or who are going to live, in Australia. We hope it will be particularly useful for international students.  http://www.culturaldictionary.org

 

Aboriginal culture

  • Get local Aboriginal community figures to come in and talk to students.

 

 

ANZAC Day

Australian culture

  • Campus survey: Students love interviewing Australians about culture, even at low levels. Students can decide on the area(s) of culture, e.g., sport, transport, parenting, finding a spouse(!)
  • Interviews: “Interview an Aussie Day”. Great for students to see how ‘diverse’ Aussie are.
  • Videoconferencing: Connect with other Australian classes via video conferencing NB: Vivian (@vivimat78) works in a high school. We thought her classes might be interested in talking to adult EFL classes as part of a cultural exchange project, where they can interview each other on their knowledge/experiences. This could be a fantastic opportunity, so please think about contacting Vivian if this is something you would like to explore in 2013.
  • Articles: Of course you can see the authentic articles page here. But MaryGlasgowMags, who create magazines for schools have a page of Australia-related texts here. You get 5 free downloads, so why not?! http://pinterest.com/maryglasgowmags/australia-day/
  • They're a Weird Mob (1957 book, 1966 film) - A bit dated now, but the story's depiction of the struggles of a migrant who has learnt 'proper' English to understand Australian English (as well as understand Australian culture) still rings true. [The link here is to Australian Screen website which has 3 clips from the film, with accompanying transcript & teacher notes.] 
  • Language (see also the Expressions and Idioms page, and the Pronunciation page), eg:Australia Day McDonald's ad: This one could be good with advanced learners, exposure to accent, rhyme & of course some common slang - can also look at common Aussie -o words (ambo, sambo, arvo, relo etc.) The ad text is: "Here’s Gazza the ambo who’s pulled an all-nighter./Nan and mum with the ankle biter./Stevo from Paddo on a break from a reno,/havin’ a chinwag with the visiting relos./Back from the Murray are Hoddy ‘n’ Binny,/with pav McFlurries ‘n’ towin’ a tinnie./Porko ‘n’ Simmo in a ute that’s chockers./Best behaviour fellas: these two are coppers./Yep, there’s Jimbos ‘n’ Bennos ‘n’ Rachs ‘n’ Ackers./But there’s only one place on earth where you can get Macca’s."  
  • Latest census statistics as an interesting video infographic with comprehension and discussion questions: Australia Street The voiceover is pretty quick so best for higher levels. 

 

Beach safety

  • Swimming is a cultural experience for many students; need to do early on; awareness can save lives. Part of a focus on beach safety can involve getting local life savers to come in to the college (see AMES' Beach Safety unit of work below)
  • Beach Safety Workbook - 4 units of work developed by AMES NSW - free downloadable workbook and audio! 
  • Surf Lifesaving’s Beachsafe app
  • Don't get sucked in by the rip this summer - article from The Conversation, Jan 2014

 

Coins

  • This is a no-prep warmer of 5-15 mins. See notes here.

 

Food 

  • Cultural ideas: Cook, bring in, share, an 'International Food Day' at your school
  • Language focus: imperatives, sequencing, writing reviews, comparison
  • Study skills: research, presentations
  • Useful sites: All Down Under - food section 

 

Melbourne Cup

 

Tourist attractions 

 

Magpie awareness

 

Australia and the world

  • Compare living conditions between countries - great for work on comparisons at various levels or just seeing how other countries compare to Australia. http://www.ifitweremyhome.com/
     


Drop Bears

 

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