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Talking About Your Family in English - Spoken English Lesson

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Complaining at a Restaurant - Food English Conversation - English lesson about food

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Have you ever gone to a restaurant and felt disappointed with the food and services? You must have. This is a common scenario when we decide to try a new place we had never tried before. But how do you communicate your disappointment to the staff of the restaurant?

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Conversation Skills: How to agree or disagree

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http://www.engvid.com/ Do you have an opinion? Want to express yourself? Need to tell someone that they are wrong? Watch this lesson to improve your conversational skills, and to learn the best expressions to argue and debate.

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Talking About Technology: Everyday English Conversation

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How to describe APPEARANCE in English - Essential Advanced Adjective Vocabulary Lesson

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How to talk about WEATHER in English - grammar, adjectives, verbs, nouns & idioms

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Two adults, two kids, zero waste | Bea Johnson | TEDxFoggyBottom

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Didier Drogba Tribute - A Brief History | Sports Life Stories

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Didier Drogba | Football Heroes | Full Documentary

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Zero waste girl- How do you feel about doing similar things?

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How much rubbish do you throw away each day? Lauren Singer studied environmental science and decided to change her lifestyle to try and produce less waste. She's now known as 'zero waste girl'!

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Famous people-Roosevelt

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Franklin D. Roosevelt was the only U.S. president to be elected four times. He led the United States through the Great Depression and World War II.

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Why It's Hot: Safe to say that the days of sneaking comics under the covers at night are over: Raina Telgemeier's illustrated sixth-grade epic Smile has spent more than 200 weeks on the best-seller list, and in 2015, graphic novels won Newbery, Printz, and Caldecott honors.

Best For: Creative types-even the kids who worry they're terrible at drawing. "You don't need any artistic talent to enjoy a cartooning class," says Dawna Kelly, a program director with Abrakadoodle in Detroit. Teachers go step-by-step through techniques such as sketching, shading, showing movement, and drawing in 3-D.

What They'll Do: Students learn to turn simple shapes into famous characters like Garfield, illustrate an emotion such as "anger" or "shock," invent a brand-new superhero, or concoct an entirely original storyline. "It inspires me to draw different stuff and use techniques that I've never used before," says Elijah Mata, 10, an aspiring cartoonist from Wayne, Michigan.

Why Kids Love It: Besides the fact that being able to draw Batman carries serious cachet on the playground, creating a graphic novel can be a valuable form of self-expression. "Many times we see autobiographical themes in the work students do," says Adele Falco, founder of Curious-on-Hudson, an enrichment program in Dobbs Ferry, NY. "Kids in our classes are yearning for an outlet to help express themselves."

Find a Class: Visit Abrakadoodle or Young Rembrandts for classes across the country.

Why It's Hot: In a screen-saturated world, kids are discovering "the undeniable satisfaction of building something with their hands," says Sheila Dawson, founder of The Children's Woodshop Bus in San Diego.

Best For: Active kids who like hands-on learning. Most children adore the adultness of handling a genuine crosscut saw instead of a fake plastic version, but it's important that they're also patient and attentive enough to stay safe.

What They'll Do: Use a toolbox of drills and hammers to build cool stuff like birdhouses and boats. Kids' Carpentry offers classes focused on hand tools, which are easier and safer for little ones. Around age 12, kids start yearning for power tools, but Dawson tells her students: "You have the power in your own hands. Learn to use and control that first."

Why Kids Love It: What's more empowering than making a car that really rolls? Plus, students get to keep their projects. "My super top was fun to make because you use all the tools to make it," says 7-year-old Riley Hashimoto, of Fremont, California, who has taken classes with Kids' Carpentry.

Find a Class: Programs are usually local. Check out Kids' Carpentry in California, or ask about classes at your town's hardware store.

Why It's Hot: It's an Olympic sport that's perfect for less athletic kids, because skill and strategy matter more than body type. Refreshing, right?

Best For: Bright kids who love logic games or math, or kids who need a lot of structure. "When somebody runs at you with a sword, you will learn focus no matter what," says Julia Richey, a fencing instructor at Royal Arts Sport Fencing Academy, in Columbus, Ohio.

What They'll Do: Choose their weapon: either a foil, a saber, or an épée. (Each appeals to different personalities, so it's like Harry Potter in Ollivander's Wand Shop.) Then they'll learn lunges, thrusts, parries, and more before facing off against a partner.

Why Kids Love It: It's sword fighting! Like in the movies! And yet it's surprisingly cerebral. "It's like being in a real chess game, and I am one of the pieces," says Andrew Silver, a 9-year-old fencer from New Albany, Ohio.

Find a Class: Visit Fencing.net.

Why It's Hot: In today's economy, parents see the value of teaching kids 21st-century skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication. "Because entrepreneurship is about bringing ideas to life and solving problems, it equips kids to be leaders and creators," explains Thais Rezende, CEO of BizWorld, a business education program in San Francisco.

Best For: Team players who don't mind sharing opinions-entrepreneur class can be highly collaborative.

What They'll Do: Launch a real product, such as pencil cases or friendship bracelets. But first, participants learn basic business skills: marketing, pricing, budgeting, and product design. In Bizainy's classes, kids practice the art of the deal by simulating-in costume!-a rock band's negotiation with a venue.

Why Kids Love It: They leave class with real-world business skills that can make their lemonade stand the envy of the block. "I wanted to learn some business strategies that could help me with my dog-biscuit business, which I started to raise money for a dog shelter," says Jack Austen, 11, of Los Angeles, who took a Bizainy class. His prime takeaway: Don't spend more making your product than you can sell it for.

Find a Class: Visit BizWorld.org or Bizainy.com, which offer programs around the country, or check with your local Chamber of Commerce.

Why It's Hot: It is the perennial sport of choice for cool kids. Plus, parents who skated back in high school (or wanted to) are eager to see a new generation fall in love with carving and kickflips.

Best For: Gritty kids who can take a spill and get back up. (A good sense of balance helps too.)

What They'll Do: First lessons: stopping and falling. Once they've mastered those, students practice rolling and turning before trying more advanced skills like ollies. "I can teach any age how to roll and be comfortable in one hour," says Ben Kerrigan, owner of Boston's Skate Catalyst. "You can navigate skatepark basics in probably six hours or so."

Why Kids Love It: Skateboarding offers an acceptable outlet for daredevil kids. And on flat ground, they can practice for hours by themselves, a process that builds focus and persistence. "The safest place for children to practice is in their own driveway or at their local skatepark," Kerrigan says. Don't hit the sidewalks until you know how to roll and get off the board safely.

Find a Class: Most programs are local but searchable online. Or ask at a nearby skate shop or your town's recreation department.

Why It's Hot: Kids have dreamed of becoming rock stars since, well, rock was young. But seeing tween singers score record deals from YouTube has upped the impulse for divahood. Even when stardom isn't the goal, kids seem more excited to learn Coldplay songs than concertos.

Best For: Would-be performers who are bored by standard music lessons. (Reading music helps boost regular reading skills, and vice versa.)

What They'll Do: Learn standard music technique and theory for their chosen instrument, either guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, or vocals-they'll just happen to do it with songs by bands they've heard of. "I pick the songs I play," says Logan Edgar, 10, who is learning drums at the Don't Stop Rockin' studio in Austin. Favorite song so far: "You Really Got Me," by the Kinks. At some studios, kids also rehearse weekly with a jam band of other young rockers.

Why Kids Love It: When learning an instrument feels like the first step on the road to the Grammys, motivation stays high. And the recitals rock. Robert Havenner, an 8-year-old from Los Angeles who is in the Rock Star Kids program at his elementary school, has played famed SoCal venues such as the Avalon and the Wiltern with his all-kid band, Black Acid. "I was a little nervous the first time," he says. "But when you do it more and more, it's not too scary."

Find a Class: Visit SchoolofRock.com or BachtoRock.com.

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Why It's Hot: Safe to say that the days of sneaking comics under the covers at night are over: Raina Telgemeier's illustrated sixth-grade epic Smile has spent more than 200 weeks on the best-seller list, and in 2015, graphic novels won Newbery, Printz, and Caldecott honors.

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When she's not writing, Claire Gillespie can most often be found wiping snotty noses, picking up Lego, taking photos of her cat or doing headstands.

If you ever feel like you've somehow become your kid's personal chauffeur, constantly ferrying them to numerous after-school activities, you're not alone. And you're totally forgiven for wondering whether all those activities are more hassle than they're worth. But extracurricular activities come with a wealth of benefits for your child - beyond the obvious (mastering that backhand at tennis lessons or being able to count to 100 in Spanish). Here's why they're worth it.

1. Decision-making skills

For starters, after-school activities let kids figure out what they like and what they're good at. "When kids are selecting which activities to participate in, they are looking inward and deciding if they are enjoying it, which creates self-awareness and a sense of knowing what they like, what they don't and how to make decisions accordingly," explains Dr. Sanam Hafeez, an NYC-based licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services.

2. Confidence

Giving kids something to do that interests them can increase their confidence and give them direction and purpose, explains Hafeez. And it doesn't have to be sports: being part of a volunteer group, marching band, photography or computer lab comes with the same benefits of being a part of a peer group. That confidence can transfer into other areas of their lives, such as giving them the confidence to thrive in their studies.

3. Socialization

After-school activities can also help kids develop socialization skills away from the structure of the classroom according to author and practicing clinical psychologist Dr. John Mayer (no, not that one). Because after-school activities give kids more time to interact freely, kids then have the opportunity to practice and experiment with socialization skills. They are allowed to fail and then learn from their failures, which are vital experiences for them, explains Mayer.

4. Friendship

It may be a controversial statement, but here's the truth: Kids don't have to make close friends at school. Hey, Prince George isn't even allowed to! It's great if in-class bestie bonding happens, of course, but if it doesn't, after-school activities can be fantastic places for children to develop friendships with peers who are "sharing the same interests or passions," says Mayer.
More: Childcare Tips for Working Parents
5. Passion

Speaking of passion, one of the greatest benefits of after-school activities is that they can help a child discover what really ignites a fire within them. "One of the biggest deficits that I encounter in teenagers that leads to substance abuse, aggression, poor grades, lack of motivation, delinquency and on and on, is that they have not tapped into their passions," says Mayer. Kids who find a passion early on have an even greater incentive to stay focused, and they learn what is required in working toward a goal.

6. Teamwork & strategic thinking

Sure, not all after-school activities encourage teamwork, but many of them do. "Team sports are great for building teamwork and communication skills, and they are also good at helping kids develop some strategic thinking: 'What's the other team good at? How will we defend against that?'" says Katherine Firestone, founder of Fireborn Institute, a nonprofit that provides parents with clear, practical and easy-to-remember strategies to help their children thrive in school. If team sports aren't your child's cup of tea, more introvert-friendly activities such as chess are also great for strategic thinking, creativity and problem-solving.

But... the benefits aren't just for kids

"After-school activities benefit parents by giving them the peace of mind that comes with knowing your kids are busy doing something beneficial and productive and not just 'hanging around,'" says Hafeez. "This is especially true for parents of preteens and teens - where drugs, alcohol and sex may be of concern - and for working parents who aren't home after school."

What if your kid really doesn't want to go?

Ultimately, though, the decision to do after-school activities lies with your child - and if they really don't want to do it, it's best not to force them. However, it's one thing if your child is simply sports-averse; it's another if they avoid all after-school activities, period. If that's the case, it's worth thinking about why your child doesn't want to do any activities, says Firestone. Is it because they need some quiet time at home after an overstimulating day at school? Or is it because they are worried about bullying?

"If it's bullying, it's important to find an activity they can get involved in where there aren't any kids that are teasing your child already - and where you kid has the opportunity to meet new kids in a less scary way. Think individual sports, like chess, tennis or swimming," says Firestone.
Here's Why Forcing Little Girls to Hug Is Not OK
If your child needs to find some sort of after-school activities because you have to be at work, suggest they join something along with a friend or someone they know, says Bianca Marcu, a licensed professional counselor at Clarity Clinic Chicago. She suggests asking your child to pick one thing they like and try it out for a few weeks, giving them the option of leaving the activity after a month if they really do not enjoy their time spent there. "Chances are, if they [become] a part of something - other than school - that gives them a greater sense of purpose, they will not want to leave," she says.

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Think after-school activities don't matter much? Think again

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When she's not writing, Claire Gillespie can most often be found wiping snotty noses, picking up Lego, taking photos of her cat or doing headstands. If you ever feel like you've somehow become your kid's personal chauffeur, constantly ferrying them to numerous after-school activities, you're not alone.

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The benefits of after school activities for children are wide and varied, ranging from physical benefits due to the promotion of increased activity, to psychological and social advantages. Scientific research proves that encouraging children to engage in activities after school could aid their development.

Experts in child advancement suggest that participation in extracurricular activities on a regular basis is the best way to help children develop their individual personality, cut down on emotional stress, and enhance social or academic skills that could benefit them in the future. Psychologists even recommend after school activities as the preferred choice over confidence-building classes.

Boosting Academic Performance

Every leading study regarding the impact of extracurricular activities on child development shows that academic grades, study habits, and school-based behavior all improve when children attend regular after school clubs and team sports. After all, if a child learns something new in an afterschool activity, it could boost their understanding of school subjects — even if that activity doesn't relate directly to classwork. Discovering that they have a talent for something can give children a new source of confidence or passion that translates into their behavior at school.

According to research , youths who frequently participate in after school activities are more likely to show greater levels of attention in class, be more engaged in school, and are less likely to develop an inclination for violent or problem behavior. What's more, some extracurricular activities provide students with the facilities and time to pursue interests that they may not be able to pursue at school.

Improving Life and Social Skills

Regardless of whether they're establishing new relationships, or building upon existing friendships, after school activities provide an ideal environment in which to nurture social skills and confidence. Numerous extracurricular activities work to teach children the value of working as a team to achieve a mutual goal — a skill that will benefit them in their future occupation.

Similarly, engaging with new people in a productive environment helps to strengthen independence and confidence in children. The more they explore their abilities within a new environment, the more children can build a sense of their own character, and even develop crucial leadership skills. By working with others outside of a classroom setting, youths begin to learn the value of improvisation, sharing ideas, and offering support to peers in challenging circumstances.

Creating Safer, Happier Children

After school activities offer a positive environment in which children can grow and thrive when parents are working and unable to make it home for right after school. Many adults today stay at work after the school day has ended. After school activities remove the temptation to sit in front of a television set.

What's more, a number of after school activities promote emotional wellbeing by allowing children to work off excess energy, relax their minds, and overcome the stress associated with school life. While sports help to remove some of the tension that could have built during the day, academic clubs help to reduce the stress associated with preparing for tests by offering extra assistance and support.

Promoting Healthy Hobbies

Finally, children with a regular hobby are likely to spend less static time glued to a smartphone or screen. Not only does the time spent within a club encourage your child to remain active and away from the sofa, but the interests that they develop during those clubs will prompt them to spend more time practicing skills and pursuing their passions.

In fact, the Afterschool Alliance has conducted research into the impact of extracurricular activities on child health, and found that they are essential in promoting a healthier lifestyle. Studies of after school programs have shown that obesity levels are often much lower in program participants, with only 21% of children suffering from weight problems compared to 33% for non-participants.

Encouraging a Brighter Future

The skills and habits a child learns during his or her school years help to shape the kind of future they will lead as an adult. As a result, after school activities that promote everything from healthy-living habits, to leadership skills, good time-management, and better social or academic performance have plenty of advantages to offer.

Keep in mind that you shouldn't push children to over-do it when it comes to after school activities. It's better for youths to choose something that they really enjoy doing and stick to it, than attempt numerous different activities that quickly become overwhelming, and may detract from their ability to concentrate on school work.

Tags: After School, After School Activities

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The Benefits of Participation in After School Activities

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The benefits of after school activities for children are wide and varied, ranging from physical benefits due to the promotion of increased activity, to psychological and social advantages. Scientific research proves that encouraging children to engage in activities after school could aid their development.

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After School Activities for Kids and Teens

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The English We Speak is your chance to catch up on the very latest English words and phrases. In under 3 minutes, we help you stay ahead of the pack by giving you 'must have' phrases that you can use in your everyday conversation. Amaze your friends, impress your teachers and delight your parents with these fantastic words and phrases.

Let us know how you get on using them on Twitter and Facebook.

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The English We Speak is your chance to catch up on the very latest English words and phrases. In under 3 minutes, we help you stay ahead of the pack by giving you 'must have' phrases that you can use in your everyday conversation.

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BBC Learning English - Course: The Experiment / Unit 1

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The Experiment is a collection of short series that are a little different to our usual programmes - but still help you improve your English.

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© British Council
The United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).

ICP#: 10044692

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© British Council The United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland). ICP#: 10044692

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© British Council The United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).

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English speaking skills practice | LearnEnglish Teens - British Council

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© British Council The United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).

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Learn phrases for describing a picture in English

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How to Describe a Picture in English - Spoken English Lesson