Welcome students,
Today let's talk about culture. Part of modern culture is something called "fads". Do you know the word? My dictionary defines fad as "a briefly popular fashion." A fad is something that becomes very popular for a short period of time and then is pretty much forgotten. Suddenly it seems like everyone is talking about this one thing. It's partly a result of our mass communication system. Some examples of recent fads are pokeman,tatoos,and cabbage patch dolls. Since U.S. culture is so popular and important throughout the world, many of the fads that started here may have been popular in your countries also. Go to the Bad Fads museum on-line and browse around. Pick out one or two fads that are interesting to you. One thing about fads is that they never die completely. So there are probably still some people out there who are "into" (interested in) pet rocks etc. Use a search engine to find out more about the fad of your choice. Use Powerpoint or Microsoft word to write a report about the fad that you chose. Give a report to the class either with Powerpoint or by printing it out and giving a copy to each person in the class. In addition you can report to the class about some fads that occurred in your country. Are there any fads that you got involved in? Can you add to the list of the bad fads museum? If so write them an email and maybe they will add it to their web site.
Related to but different from fads are toys. Check out this yesterland toy page to find toys from the past. What are some of the toys that you played with as a child? Can you find them on this page? Are the traditional toys in your country different from the toys on this page? What are the toys that your parents generation played with? Ask your parents about their favorite toys. Find a native speaking American and interview him or her about their favorite toys as a child. How are toys today different from toys of yesterday? Check out ebay and see if you can find some old toys. If you like you can buy some.
|
|
