Catalonia celebrates St Jordi’s Day

Every year on 23rd April, the UNESCO World Book Day, Catalans celebrate their patron saint, Sant Jordi (Saint George). It is one of the Catalans’ most cherished days in the calendar, when people give books and red roses to friends and loved ones in celebration of love and literature. Traditionally men used to give a rose to women and women gave men books in return, but the tradition has evolved and nowadays men and women both give and receive books and roses to each other as well as to friends and even co-workers.

The streets of Barcelona and all around the country will be flooded with books and flower stands, where people line up to buy books and roses or just stroll around enjoying the atmosphere. Like every year, hundreds of authors from Catalonia but also from all around the world sign books to their readers. In addition, emblematic buildings such as Gaudi’s Casa Batlló on the famous Passeig de Gracia are decorated with red roses and encourage visitors to learn about the legend of Sant Jordi.
(VilaWeb)

Malala Yousafzai wins Nobel Peace Prize

The girls' rights activist Malala Yousafzai, 17, has won the Nobel Peace Prize for 2014. She was one of two Nobel laureates. The other is the children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi. Malala got the accolade two years and a day after a Taliban gunman shot her in the head on her school bus. She recovered in a British hospital and toured the world speaking for the rights of girls to go to school. She told reporters that school, "is like walking through a magic door to your dreams". Malala is the youngest ever winner of the prize. She is the second Pakistani to scoop the award.

Ms Yousafzai and Mr Satyarthi won the prize, "for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people, and for the right of all children to education." Pakistan's Prime Minister congratulated Malala. He said she made Pakistanis proud. He added that: "Her achievement is unparalleled and unequalled." He urged all children to follow her. Mr Satyarthi said his award was for the, "many voices of children who are victims…across the world". He said it was important, "for a Hindu and a Muslim, an Indian and a Pakistani, to join in a common struggle for education". (Breaking News English)

European Day of Languages

At the initiative of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg, the European Day of Languages has been celebrated every year since 2001 on 26 September.

Throughout Europe, 800 million Europeans represented in the Council of Europe's 47 member states are encouraged to learn more languages, at any age, in and out of school. Being convinced that linguistic diversity is a tool for achieving greater intercultural understanding and a key element in the rich cultural heritage of our continent, the Council of Europe promotes plurilingualism in the whole of Europe.

On the occasion of the day, a range of events are organised across Europe: activities for and with children, television and radio programmes, language classes and conferences. National authorities and the various partners are given a free hand to organise activities. To coordinate the activities organised at national level, the Council of Europe asks participating countries to nominate "National Relay Persons" for the day. (edl.ecml.at)

 

Saint Valentine – 14th February

Valentine's Day is celebrated on February 14. It is a festival of romantic love and many people give cards, letters, flowers or presents to their spouse or partner. They may also arrange a romantic meal in a restaurant or night in a hotel. Common symbols of Valentine's Day are hearts, red roses and Cupid.

In 260 AD, Roman Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for all young men. He believed that single men made better soldiers than married men and he wanted his army to be as strong as possible. 

A priest at the time, named Valentine, felt that the law was unfair and continued to perform secret marriage ceremonies for young lovers. When Claudius found out, he ordered Valentine’s execution. While in prison waiting for his execution, Valentine fell in love with the young daughter of his jailer.

Just before his death (on February 14th), he wrote her a love letter which he signed ‘From your Valentine’, an expression still used today.

Festivals in Britain

Schools in Britain II

Homes in Britain

An introduction to Britain

School in Britain

Food in Britain

Reading

Children think reading is "uncool", and would rather spend time online than looking at a classic book, teachers say.

More than 400 English teachers were questioned about how much they think pupils enjoy reading.
The majority said they think children prefer to spend time online and two out of three think reading isn't seen as cool.
The man in charge of schools for the government, Nick Gibb, says he's not surprised by the results.
He wants kids to master the basics of reading early so that then they can explore books like Harry Potter and eventually get onto classic authors like Charles Dickins. (CBBC Newsround)

Your Comments:

"I always read during the evening as it helps me to relax, but during the day I play computer games."

Lewis, London, England

"Reading is not uncool- it takes your imagination to loads of magical places! You can't just take a bus to Hogwarts can you!"

Will, Oxfordshire, England

"I think it's important to read, but does it really matter where you read? If it's on the web it's still reading."

Matt, Reading, England

"I think reading can be fun but I find other things better and would rather be outside or on the computer."
Victoria, Portsmouth, England

"I think reading is good but the internet is also fun. I would rather spend time reading a good book than going on the computer, although sometimes I like using the computer."

Katie, Essex, England

"We disagree that reading is seen as uncool. Our class would choose to read over other activities. Reading helps in all areas of children's learning including writing and history."

Class 8, Barnsley, England

"I love reading. I try to read at least two chapters a day, at weekends and during the holidays. I enjoy going on the internet as well. I think it's good to do both!"

Mary-Jane, Buckinghamshire, England

April 23rd - International World Book Day

The World Book Day is a day organized by UNESCO to be held at international level in order to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.

Why April 23rd?

You should know that the choosing of April 23rd as World Book and Copyright Day, comes from the coincidence of the deaths of three essential writers in the history of literature such as Miguel de Cervantes, William Shakespeare and "The Inca" Garcilaso de la Vega on the same date, April 23rd, 1616.

Although we could add a small rider about it, since the three deaths really did not happen on the same day, because the Shakespeare's death date belong to the Julian calendar, which would be May the 3rd in the Gregorian calendar and Cervantes died on the 22nd and was buried on 23.

In addition, April the 23rd also happens to be the date of the death of William Wordsworth (1850) and Josep Pla (1981). The proposal was presented by the Unesco International Publishers, with the aim of promoting culture and the protection of intellectual property through copyright. On November 15th, 1995 the UNESCO General Conference approved the proposal in Paris, from which on April 23rd would be the "International Day of Book and Copyright." (Fundación de la Lengua Española)

Types of Government

Anarchy Anarchy is a situation where there is no government. This can happen after a civil war in a country, when a government has been destroyed and rival groups are fighting to take its place.
Anarchists are people who believe that government is a bad thing. They say it stops people organising their own lives.

Capitalist In a capitalist or free-market country, people can own their own businesses and property. People can also buy services for private use, such as healthcare.
But most capitalist governments also provide their own education, health and welfare services.

Communist In a communist country, the government owns things like businesses and farms. It provides its people's healthcare, education and welfare.

Democracy In a democracy, the government is elected by the people.
Everyone who is eligible to vote has a chance to have their say over who runs the country. (CBBC Newsround)

Chinese Horoscopes

Chinese tradition says a different animal represents each new year. Which is yours?
According to the Chinese calendar, the year you were born may determine your personality. Every year is represented by an animal, and legend has it that people born under that animal have certain personality traits. So just for fun, find your birth year and that year's animal, and see what some people believe it says about you. Do the same for your friends, parents, relatives, and teachers.

2012: The Year of the Dragon
The Real Thing: The mythical dragon is a symbol of power and good fortune in Chinese culture. One of the most popular figures in Chinese art, the dragon is believed to be a combination of nine animals, including a frog, a tiger, an eagle, and a fish.
Born a Dragon?
You go out of your way to help your friends, who often seek you out for advice. Your outgoing personality helps you get along with many types of people.
Other Dragon Years:
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Snake
The Real Thing: Snakes have great instincts. Some "play dead" to fool predators, and most sense prey by detecting ground vibrations. They can take more than an hour to swallow a meal, and they become inactive for up to two weeks before they shed their skin.
Born a Snake?
You rely on your instincts before asking others their opinions. At times you want to take a break from the action. It's not that you're lazy—sometimes you just like to think.
Other Snake Years:
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Horse
The Real Thing: A horse sleeps only about three hours a day. Intelligent, most can sense nervousness in people.
Born a Horse?
You have loads of energy and love adventure. You take charge and understand people, so you know how to work a crowd.
Other Horse Years:
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Sheep
The Real Thing: Timid sheep graze in flocks to guard against predators. Most are raised for their wool.
Born a Sheep?
At your best when people who admire you flock to your side, you stick by your friends. You are artistic, creative, and like to look good.
Other Sheep Years:
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Monkey
The Real Thing: Social and playful, monkeys show affection and friendship by picking bugs and dirt out of each other's fur. These animals use their hands and feet to grip objects and climb trees. Some even have tails that can grab items as small as peanuts.
Born a Monkey?
Swinging from one group of friends to another, you love to have a good time. You like to entertain your friends by showing off your talents, and they appreciate your cleverness and sense of humor.
Other Monkey Years:
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Rooster
The Real Thing: The rooster's loud cock-a-doodle-doo attracts females and warns other males to stay away. The red comb on his head may help other roosters identify him, and it also sets him apart from other bird species.
Born a Rooster?
You are practical and resourceful, and you use what you have to succeed without taking a lot of risks. A hard worker, you say what's on your mind and have a sense of style that sets you apart.
Other Rooster Years:
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Dog
The Real Thing: A dog's supersensitive ears can hear a noise about 100 yards (91.44 meters) away that a person couldn't hear more than 25 yards (22.86 meters) away. Its strong sense of smell helps it do things like find lost people or sniff out bad guys.
Born a Dog?
You're a great listener who can keep a secret. Loyal to your friends, you have a keen sense of right and wrong and stick to what you believe in.
Other Dog Years:
1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Pig
The Real Thing: Domesticated pigs have been helping humans for about 9,000 years. Incredibly intelligent, a pig shows its smarts by rolling in mud and sticking its snout in dirt. Why? The mud keeps it cool, and rooting in the dirt provides important vitamins.
Born a Pig?
Smart and caring, you live to help other people. You have great taste and love to wallow in the nicer things in life.
Other Pig Years:
1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Rat
The Real Thing: Most rats are highly adaptable. They can live just about anywhere and eat just about anything. Before brown rats leave their underground burrows, these clever creatures send one rat ahead to make sure danger isn't lurking outside.
Born a Rat?
You welcome challenges and enjoy learning about new things. Funny and smart, you are generous and will protect your pack of friends.
Other Rat Years:
1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Ox
The Real Thing: Oxen have been known to pull loads of 11,284 pounds (5,118 kilograms). People value their strength as well as their work ethic. An ox's horns can grow to be more than 20 inches (51 centimeters) long.
Born an Ox?
You approach projects in a step-by-step manner, wanting to do things right the first time. Shy but dependable, you are caring and trustworthy and never lose sight of your goal.
Other Ox Years:
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Tiger
The Real Thing: The largest of the big cats, tigers hunt alone. They secretly stalk prey, then leap and attack when the time seems right. Dinner still escapes most of the time.
Born a Tiger?
You're a natural leader but often like to do things by yourself. (That's how you stay in charge!) You believe in fighting for what's right, even if you'll lose in the end.
Other Tiger Years: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Rabbit
The Real Thing: Rabbits normally give birth to about six babies at once and often live in groups. Their long ears help them cool off by lowering the temperature of the blood that circulates through them.
Born a Rabbit?
Well-liked and popular, you have a large circle of family and friends. You are very protective of them, and they protect you back. You tend to keep your cool and avoid conflicts.
Other Rabbit Years:
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
(Text by Meghan Howard - National Geographic)