Showing posts with label The Christmas Channel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Christmas Channel. Show all posts

A Beautiful Advert bt John Lewis




From behind the scene...
 

Christmas is just 'round the corner!


Visit the CHRISTMAS CHANNEL for some fun and festive ideas!

A colourful painting by Benedetta Borrometi

Year 5 music: Carol of the bells

Film Recommendation - Polar Express (2004)



The Polar Expressis originally an award-winning book written by Chris van Allsburg. It tells the story about a boy's journey to the North Pole on a train that has stopped by his bedroom on Christmas eve. In 2004, the movie version of the story was released and became one of children's favorite winter stories. I would highly recommend this film to children 9+; they just don't get enough of adventure stories like this one!

In the movie, there is a beautiful Christmas song sung by two children on the train. Here is the video for it, hope you enjoy it!

A Christmas Treat 2: Painting with light

MERRY CHRRRRRRISTMAS!!!


On this special day, I'd like to share with you all two beautiful videos. The first is an awesome performance by a light painter in Japan, accompanied by a piece of inspiring music called "You Raise me Up."








You Raise me Up




When I am down and, oh my soul, so weary;

When troubles come and my heart burdened be;

Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,

Until you come and sit awhile with me.




There is no life - no life without its hunger;

Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;

But when you come and I am filled with wonder,

Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.




You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up to more than I can be.

A Christmas Treat 1 - Glass Harp playing the Sugar Plum Fairy tune

Let's not go astray on Christmas Day

We all know that Christmas is not about presents, parties or Santa Claus nor is it merely about love - to be precise, it is about God's love. Whether you are religious or not, the story of Jesus has undoubtedly played a big role in Western history. Therefore, it is a story that children need to learn. During this joyful time, let's not get too overwhelmed by decorations and holiday fun; spare some quiet time with your children and tell this story that has changed the world. =)

Here are a few Biblical resources for you to share with your children:




(a beautiful animation!)

Justin Bieber sings "Someday at Christmas"

I occasionally share pop songs with students - it takes much more effort and preparation than sharing classical music because much scanning and research has to be done. I have to make sure that the lyrics, the song's and singer's background, the video's message and everything else are appropriate to make appearance in a primary classroom. It's worth the time though because it gives children more listening alternatives.


Parents and teachers need to remember the name of this this young Canadian singer, Justin Bieber. Students as young as 8 years old are already talking about him. Justin Bieber started his career as a pop singer at the age of 14. He has won numerous music award inlcuding the Grammy Award 2011.

Here's a video of him singing for President Obama of the United States in before Christmas 2009. He's singing a meaningful Christmas song by Stevie Wonder, a legendary singer-composer. Hope you like this special Christmas song during this holiday season! =)




Someday At Christmas (1967, Stevie Wonder)


Someday at Christmas men won't be boys

Playing with bombs like kids play with toys

One warm December our hearts will see

A world where men are free

Someday at Christmas there'll be no wars
When we have learned what Christmas is for

When we have found what life's really worth

There'll be peace on earth

Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free

Maybe not in time for you and me

But someday at Christmastime


Someday at Christmas we'll see a land

With no hungry children, no empty hand

One happy morning people will share

Our world where people care


Someday at Christmas there'll be no tears

All men are equal and no men have fears

One shinning moment, one prayer away

From our world today


Someday all our dreams will come to be

Someday in a world where men are free

Maybe not in time for you and me

But someday at Christmastime

Someday at Christmas man will not fail

Take hope because your love will prevail

Someday a new world that we can start

With hope in every heart


Someday all our dreams will come to be
Someday in a world where men are free

Maybe not in time for you and me

But someday at Christmastime

Someday at Christmastime

Let's rap a Christmas!

Rap Now 2010 - MC Jin (Featuring 曾蔭權)




I really appreciate this song. I can already imagine how this song will become a topic of discussion in a Music & Society class in university, or a liberal studies class at any level.


Let's look at this song from different angles and see what's the value of this song.


In Hong Kong, it is not rare to find local songs that voice out political views. However, they are usually accusing or sarcastic. Firstly, I am not interested in digging into the intention behind this song; I like the idea that it connects a political figure (Donald Tsang) with a pop idol (MC Jin). It is the first time when I see a politician (of this high rank!) appearing in a music video in such high-profile.

Musically speaking, it is known that MC Jin is a world-class rapper; the interpretation and style is definitely of high quality. Hence the rhythm and rhymes are standard to rap songs. The lyrics are somewhat related to current political issues, yet the message it sends remains positive - this is exactly what the society needs, especially in this season of love.


This is a very unique song; it will definitely trigger some noise from dinner tables to online forums. (one can already see many comments in youtube - good and bad certainly) I sincerely wish that Hong Kong parents can grasp this opportunity to talk about this song with your children. This is a vivid example of life education within the humble boundary of music.


Have a Merry Christmas!

An awesome Art & Craft blog for children!

Do you like this Reindeer Christmas Card?

 
Click onto the picture below to print out this reindeer craft you can easily make at home!


MADE BY JOEL is an awesome blog that contains loads of children art & craft ideas, including a lot of ready-to-print craft!

Christmas TV


Hey moms and dads! Visit the Christmas Channel on History.com! It shares 19 educational clips that explore the different wonders of Christmas. They definitely answer some of my questions about Christmas like......

or
or

It may as well answer your child's many questions about this wonderous festival!

Let's head north, way north!

After watching The Snowman, children keep asking me about the colourful light they see at the Snowmen village in the sotry. You know what, these lights are REAL! If you go to North Pole one day, you may see this phenomenal images!









WHAT A BEAUTIFUL SIGHT! These swirly, colourful light dancing acorss the sky is called aurora borealis or Northern light. If you want to see more pictures of these beautiful lights, click to see the National Geographic Photography Site.

It is a natural phenomenon that is unique to the North Pole. Below is a video containing many photos of this extraordinary phenomenon. Let's see the light dancing!!


A Charming Christmas Magazine!

Just by looking at Christmas stuff makes me happy - the dangly decorations, the sparkly trees, the jolly faces....How I love this season!

I'd like to share with you a beautiful online magazine/catalogue published by SMALLable. You will see a lot of beautiful things in it, perhaps some gift ideas as well! (both the site and the magazine take longer than usual to load, but it's worth it!)

Click on the page below to load the full magazine

Cool Christmas Mini Games


Game#1
Make a Snowflake!

Game #2

Game #3

Chrismtas Site #1

Christmas Site #2

Find GRINCH, who stole Christmas inSEUSSVILLE

Christmas Song #1: White Christmas



I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

Christmas Song #2: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree



Rocking around the Christmas Tree
at the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
Ev'ry couple tries to stop

You will get a sentimental feeling When you hear voices singing
"Let's be jolly; Deck the halls with boughs of holly" Rocking around the Christmas Tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone's dancing merrily
In a new old fashioned way

Rocking around the Christmas Tree
Let the Christmas Spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
and we'll do some caroling

You will get a sentimental feeling When you hear voices singing
"Let's be jolly; Deck the halls with boughs of holly"
Rocking around the Christmas Tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone's dancing merrily
In a new old fashioned way

Christmas Song #3: Let it Snow!

>

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

It doesn't show signs of stopping,
And I've bought some corn for popping,
The lights are turned way down low,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight,
How I'll hate going out in the storm!
But if you'll really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bying,
But as long as you love me so,
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Christmas Song #4: Frosty the Snowman


Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul,
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal.
Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say,
He was made of snow but the children
Know how he came to life one day.
There must have been some magic in that
Old silk hat they found.
For when they placed it on his head
He began to dance around.
O, Frosty the snowman
Was alive as he could be,
And the children say he could laugh
And play just the same as you and me.
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Look at Frosty go.
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Over the hills of snow.

Frosty the snowman knew
The sun was hot that day,
So he said, "Let's run and
We'll have some fun
Now before I melt away."
Down to the village,
With a broomstick in his hand,
Running here and there all
Around the square saying,
Catch me if you can.
He led them down the streets of town
Right to the traffic cop.
And he only paused a moment when
He heard him holler "Stop!"
For Frosty the snow man
Had to hurry on his way,
But he waved goodbye saying,
"Don't you cry,
I'll be back again some day."
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Look at Frosty go.
Thumpetty thump thump,
Thumpety thump thump,
Over the hills of snow.

Christmas Song #5: The Twelve Days of Christmas


On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.
.
.
.
On the twelfth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
12 drummers drumming,
11 pipers piping,
10 lords a-leaping,
9 ladies dancing,
8 maids a-milking,
7 swans a-swimming,
6 geese a-laying,
5 golden rings,
4 calling birds,
3 French hens,
2 turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

Christmas Song #6: Silent Night



Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth "
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