On February 2nd in Canada and the USA we have a "tradition" called Groundhog's Day. The Groundhog emerges from his burrow and if it is cloudy and it does not see it's shadow then spring will come early. If it is a sunny day and the Groundhog sees it's shadow, then we will have 6 more weeks of winter. In the case of a cold, snowy winter-many people would hope that the Groundhog will not see it's shadow as we are all ready for spring!
Of course, this is all folklore but many people do listen to the results. Do you have this or a tradition similar to this in your country? There is a very funny movie called "Groundhog's Day" with Bill Murray.
Winter has arrived in Western Canada. We had a huge snowstorm last weekend and it got very cold. Last night the temperature was -20C. With the windchill, it was -27C. Sometimes I wonder why we live in such crazy conditions. Everything is covered in white and everyone is walking around in big jackets, toques, mitts, scarves and winter boots. It is hard to be fashionable in the cold! We must warm up our cars before we drive off to work or school in the morning. I have a remote starter for my car so that I don't have to go outside in the cold to start it. I can start it from inside my house so that it warms up by the time I am ready to go.
Stay warm!
I am really happy and just wanted to share the great news! Happy Weekend! I am looking for any new italki students who are positive and interested in learning English!
As a teacher, I am inclined to say that most of the time I would think that students do not want to study in their summer. They need a break from their work both mentally and physically. Although, if you are choosing to learn a new language on your own and you are passionate about it, then perhaps this is the time when you are full steam ahead. Perhaps you are taking an immersion course or living in or traveling to a country where that language is spoken.
In Canada in summer, where we have two National languages, French and English, many high school students to immersion programs within our country. Students from English speaking Canada will move to stay with a family in Quebec for three weeks and speak only French. They will attend courses during the day and speak French with this family in the evenings. This is also good for French students to come and live with an English family. After 3 weeks of immersion, it is amazing how much knowledge and confidence in their new language is gained.
What will your learning look like this summer?
As the first long weekend of the Canadian summer, May long is the beginning of the camping season. There are RV's and camping trailers everywhere. Campgrounds are busy, highways are busy and everyone is ready for nice weather, the end of school and summer holidays.
Typically in Canada, school ends the end of June and students return after Labor Day, after September 1st. Most students have two months off and parents plan their holidays around this. Many Canadians have cottages at lakes and spend their vacation time there. Boating, fishing, water skiing and beaching.Summer in Canada means hot weather, barbques, cold beer and family time. Because of our very cold winters, most Canadians try to make the most of the nice weather and being outdoors. Happy May long weekend!
Will you trick someone tomorrow? I am going to wake up my kids and tell them that is is a snow day and that there is no school. But it is actually 10 degrees and beautiful out! And yes, there is school! I am a terrible mom! But April Fool's actually ends at 12pm so if you are going to play any pranks do it before lunch time!! Good luck!
Do you celebrate in your country? In Canada, there are many Irish immigrants, especially in Montreal and many people like to celebrate by wearing green. And going out to Irish pubs with friends and drinking green beer.
For my kids, we left gold coins from the Leprechauns and made a big mess of the house so that they knew they were here visiting. Happy St. Paddy's Day!
Do you do spring cleaning? Is that a common practice outside of North America? In most homes in Canada and the U.S.A., people spring clean their homes. It is a time to freshen up your home and go a little crazy. Walls get washed, cupboards get wiped out, things get thrown away. Windows are thrown open and fresh spring air is let in the house. Spring is in the air!
