the ECPE blog

SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES

2010-10-10T12:28:00.006+03:00

It's a sad fact of modern life that the number of single-parent families has augmented. Consequently, more and more children are deprived of one of their parents.this has created a great deal of problems, but with appropriate action solutions can be easily found.

No matter what the reasons are for having just one parent(for example, death, divorce, adoption) youngsters face the same problems. One major problem is the need of two role-models. In other words, youths not only want someone from the same sex to imitate his/her behavior but also the warmth and care of the opposite sex. What is more, it is true that the large number of working hours of parents result in the lack of communication and quality time between parents and children. This phenomenon is more intense in this kind of families. These teenagers are so vulnerable and unprotected in this age; for this reason, they require support,help at schoolwork and adequate supervision. Added to this, perhaps the great problem is the effects of that situation on their mental health. These may lead to depression, alienation, hatred as well as rebellion.

But despite these problems, there are also various ways to remedy this situation. In case of a parent working, for example, parents can demand flexible work timetable and be willing to cooperate with the younger generation regarding schoolwork. Additionally, it is vital that parents be supportive, understanding and communicative, also, trying to instill values to the child. This can be done by discussing and devoting time to sharing opinions and doing activities together everyday.

In short, with just few efforts many problems can be solved. Regardless the family state, children can be equally well raised as the ones of traditional families.

Tourism in greece!

2010-08-02T19:20:00.011+03:00

The economy of

Greece

is mainly based on the tourist industry. Most tourists visit

Greece

in order to visit its sights, taste the traditional home-made food and enjoy the sunny idyllic beaches with the soft gold sand!

On the other hand in other places there are not significant sights or beaches, however, they find other ways to attract tourists. For instance in a village in Japan called Inakadate they came up with something really clever and creative. This village did not have any sight so almost two decades ago village's clerk received an order of his superior which said that he should find a way to attract visitors. The only important this village had was the rice paddies so they created images of manga and warriors as well words with hues of rice! In this way during the years more and more tourists were willing to visit this place!

I don't mean that Greeks ought to plant rice paddles or something similar what I want to say is that why don’t modern Greeks end up being inactive regarding the turnout of tourists. I believe that we should concentrate on our civilisation nowadays and on the development of modern Greece not only for tourists but also for ourselves and our children. I suggest we organise competitions for the construction of the best sand sculpture in one of our beautiful beaches or concerning the winter tourism beautiful sales can be built in the scenic mountains. Furthermore, we can develop the ecotourism as Greece’s fauna and flora is unique.

All in all, Greece can be the ideal place for holidays not only for its sun and sights but also for other reasons. We should act and don’t rest in the past!

Songs with useful phrases

2010-07-21T19:08:00.002+03:00

These songs not olnly contain some awesome phrases but also they have extraordinary rythm!

Paramore-Ignorance

Black Eyed Peas-Shut Up

2010-07-21T18:53:00.003+03:00

Songs with useful phrases

2010-07-21T18:26:00.003+03:00

Linkin Park- In the End.

http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AWbgkRpYwc

It is a very good song with superb lyrics and an incredible music rythm.

Jay Sean-Do you remember?

http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=a81eP2E8MEQ

Another appealing song with great lyrics and with a popular and talented singer.

2010-07-11T15:19:00.005+03:00

Sport a healthy way to spend your time and keep fit

2010-07-11T15:19:00.004+03:00

A sport is defined as an organised, competitive ,and skillful physical activity requiring commitment. In a sport the key factors are the physical capabilities and skills of the competitor when determining the outcome.

Physical events such as scoring a goal or crossing a line first define the results of a sport.Although they do not always succeed, sports participants are expected to display good sportsmanship , standards of conduct such as being respectful of opponents and officials , and congratulating the winner when losing.

There are artifacts that suggest that the Chinese were first engaged in sporting activities.Gymnastics appears to have been a popular sport in China's ancient past.

A wide range of sports were already established by the time of Ancinet Greeks and the culture and development of sports in Greece influence one each other considerably.Sports became a prominent part of Greek culture.

As well as being a form of recreation for the participants, much sport is played in front of an audience. Most professional sport is played in a stadium or in a arena, goulf course or a reace track.Large television audiences are also attracted with broadcasters offering large amounts of money.The football World Cup and the Cricket Worl Cup are sporting events which attracts a global audience.

2010-07-06T17:04:00.004+03:00

Getting into the spirit

Can you imagine children faces lighting up when they open their Christmas presents?Have you ever felt of an emotion of ginving a present or the spirit of Christmas?Christmas is a very common festival which everybody has unique experiences to share.

Lots of people believe that Christmas days are the happiest and the most lively days when everybody becomes warm and friendly.Everywhere there is a stunning atmosphere because of the birth of Jesus.Just imagine the unbelievable stories with the fat Santa Claus and the small creatures that help him make and transfer the hundreds of gifts to children's houses.I can clearly remember the picture of joyous bliss, when all the relatives are together the night before Christmas day in a lively house which is decked with colourful and huge balloons.

Do you think that there are countries which there do not have a festival like Christmas?If you think so you are wrong.Everywhere people celebrate in their own unique and enjoyable way this fascinating and global event ,whinch in my opinion make us more sensitive and it quarantee us to make close friends.Adults became children again because of Santa Claus and the excitement that everybody felt in front of the Christmas tree, and the sparkling of an illuminated city.No one can imagine Christmas without the memorable scene of small children around the Christmas tree, holding in their hands their presents and looking forward to opening them and seeing what's inside.

In my opinion Christmas is different from the past.It seems more to be an excuse for having fun or giving presents.Nowadays it is not a completely religious celebration,however it is a warm festival which makes people reflect on being more level-headed and sensitive to the needs of others.

PETS COMPANY OR A CURSE?

2010-07-05T20:28:00.003+03:00

These days, it seems that the number of adopted pets have increased. Meanwhile, the pets abandoned in the streets are increasing dramatically. So, I wonder, should we adopt pets?

For the adaption of a pet there are several advantages and drawbacks. First and foremost, pets can be a source of education for every age. They teach their owners how to be responsible and how to take care of an animal as well as that they help them to grow up and gain more experience. What is more, it is a fact that they are really useful in our social lives and they help us to keep fit. Pets are an opportunity for discussion with our friends as well meeting new people.

On the one hand they are so useful but on the other hand it might be a Little bit difficult to own a pet. When you walk in the street and see somebody shouting at their pet or showing indifference to their pet it is a really sad experience. Some pet owners are cruel and do not care about animals. Furthermore, eventually pets are not looked after properly as a result they become noisy and messy. They are living organisms and they have needs like the rest of us but some people don't understand. Last but not least, pets can be expensive not only to buy them but also to take care of them, besides it is essential to make sure that we have the right pet and the right environment to keep it in.

To sum up, it appears that if we want to keep a pet we should be well informed about it's needs and most importanly to be sure that we want it and we can look after it. Despite the difficulties, pets can be amazing friends.

BREAKING DAWN by Stephenie Meyer

2010-07-05T19:12:00.008+03:00

There is a contravention either the decision that Breaking Dawn will be separated in two movies is right or wrong. What I personally believe is that it was a really wise decision.

Recently I read this book and I can say that it was absolutely fantastic. I am looking forward for the movie or I should say better for the movies! It would be shame if it was produced in just one movie as lots of important elements wouldn't be mentioned and the story wouldn't make sense. What I want to say is that as I was reading this book, clearly it was separated in two sections the wedding -the honeymoon and the pregnancy, the birth of Renesmee -the fight with Volturi! So why it should be in one movie? Probably the fans of Twilight saga don't want to wait for two movies. Although if they have read the book I am sure they will understand and support that decision!!!!

To sum up, the only we have to do is to wait until Breaking Dawn be released as a movie and then we will decide weather the producers and the author were right or wrong.

Blogging challenge week 8

2009-10-31T21:11:00.004+02:00

These are the blogs that I comment!!!

http://kendallsoda10.edublogs.org/2009/10/05/florida-living/

http://english10-kelly.blogspot.com/2009/10/climate-change.html

http://ha0231.edublogs.org/2009/10/07/my-favorite-interests/

Blogging challenge week 7: What would be your fantasy holiday?

2009-10-22T20:31:00.006+03:00

One country I would always like to visit is Rome, the capital of Italy.Rome is a city with fantastic history.Everywhere you go in this remarkable city, you’re surrounded by the past.Furthermore you are able to see the most popular sights like Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, Rome's largest and most famous fountain.

Another reason is that some of my friends who visited Rome last year told me that it is a lively cosmopolitan city and you never get bored there. As I have read on the Lonely Planet site:

Here the national preoccupation with the aesthetic fuses with incredible urban scenery to make Rome a city where you feel cool just strolling through the streets, catching the sunlight on your face outside a café, or eating a long lunch. It’s a place that almost encourages you to take things easy. Don’t feel like going to a museum? What’s the need when it’s all outside on the streets?

What I am going to do when I am in this fantasy and wonderful city is to practise my English with the Italian people or why not help them to improve their English?I would also like to taste the Italian famous local dishes,go out to make new friends and have lots of fun.

BLOGGING CHALLENGE WEEK 7 '' What would be your fantasy holiday?"

2009-10-22T20:27:00.006+03:00

One of the reason that I am learning two languages is that in the future I would like to travel all around the world!! The perfect holiday would be a trip in Europe.

My first destination would be United Kingdom! I would visit the notorious London with the red buses and the london eye from where you can see the view of the whole city. After that, we would travel to Germany and we would drink a glass of black beer and eat a big range of delicious sausages! Before leaving Germany I would visit the historical Berlin, but I would be looking forward to my next destination, France. I would visit Paris the Eiffel Tower. Then, I would stop to take a breath and eat delicious food from famous chefs. After a satisfying meal, I would shop in a boutique, as I am a woman and Paris is the city of fashion!!

If you want to find out more about these three countries, visit the Lonely Planet site.

MY BEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE!!

2009-10-15T18:00:00.004+03:00

It is believed that all the lessons are boring! I definitely disagree. When I started the Lower lessons I believed that it would be a year full of difficult lessons and nothing interesting. On the contrary, one day my teacher Ms Chris Markoulaki told my classmate Fanouris and I that we will create a blog! I expected that we will use it only at our home but, to my surprise, that day we went to the new computer laboratory and we created the blog! I was really excited because I learnt a lot about computers and sites! I realised that an English site is one of the best ways to practice English and communicate with people all around the world. I hope that all lessons will be like this!!

Something dangerous I did in the past...!!!

2009-10-08T16:02:00.005+03:00

I have done lots of risky things, but this I am going to tell is the best by far.The last summer on my holidays in Xania I came across a poisonous snake in the countryside.I didn't know what to do, but fortunately nothing bad happened. The snake was on my arm...I was very frightened, but the only thing that was in my mind was to run.I ran 2 kilometres and hoped that the snake went away from my arm.When I stopped, I heaved a sign of relief because it was gone....I know it was really dangerous and I am really happy now that I wasn't hurt and injured.

FUNNY FUNNY VIDEOS!!!

2009-10-02T17:06:00.005+03:00

Recently I saw that super funny video. While I was watching it I couldn't stop laughing! These funny videos make you fell that there are and worst things in ourlives and that it isn't a shame to have bad times! These people had the courage to publish these videos to make us laugh and get away from it all!!

IS IT NECESSARY TO BURN OUR COUNTRY,OUR BEATIFUL FORESTS?

2009-08-27T21:35:00.004+03:00

The latest fires taught me that nothing is permanent!but was it necessary to burn our country to realise that? Especially because the fires were caused by arsonists. I can't understand these people. They light fires and they burn plants that are endanger of disappearing for what reason ?For pleasure or because they are crazy?? We try to reduce the amount of rubbish that we produce and try to use alternative sources of energy but when we burn the forests we reduce the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. It is really sad to think of all these but it hasn't got only disadvantages this situation helped us. In the future fires we'll be more prepared!

THE MOST AMAZING BOOK

2009-08-24T19:02:00.005+03:00

My favourite book is ''Garden Spells'' written by Sarah Addison Allen. It is about a woman called Claire who was living alone. She was making her living by cooking foods with herbals which was making her food really delicious from her beautiful garden. Unfortunately there there was an apple tree which was having the habit to throw its apples in the pedestrians. If somebody eat an apple, he will see his future, although sometimes that was death.

The come back of her sister, who had lots of troubles with her x-husband, after ten years, the meeting with her little niece and the her meeting with her new charming neighbour changed Clair's lonely life. She realised that it was time to change and let her emotions free.

This book showed me that things can change from the one day to the other. Furthermore we have to believe in ourselves and enjoy every second of our life. I would definitely recommend everyone to read this book. It's really amusing and it's the best choice for everyone who loves romance.

'The house next to the river' by Lena Manta.

2009-08-12T15:45:00.003+03:00

One of my favourite books is 'The house next to the river' by the famous Greek writer Lena Manta.The book is really good and has lots of different characters.It talks about a family with five daughters.Their house is next to the river in an isolated place so the daughters as they grow up they decide to leave and live in a another place.My favourite character is their mum because she is a friendly and honest person that can predict hers daughters future life.

The whole book describes the life of the daughters in different countries lots of kilometres away their home.They all want to leave their home because they believe that they are going to have a better life.Unfortunately that was wrong.The life of them was unexpected bad and they get depressed every day.So they decide to come back to the house next to the river and live again with their lovely mum.The scene that they return home is further the best scene in this book.

Although I realise that they are going to return to their home, the book change my original expectations.I believe that they will have a good life and make their own family.But the writer get me completely wrong....that's why I really like this book and I was interested in it from the first day I read it.Finally, I want to say that my feelings when I finished this book was confusing.I felt happy because they meet again after a lot of years,but also sad and disappointed because they make a lot of mistakes in theirs life,and they realise it after a long period of time.

Examples of the new phrases

2009-08-04T08:34:00.003+03:00

The police try to nip the juveline crime in the bud.
They have recently gone off the rail and their parents are really worried.
After the police find him he will end up in custody accused for burglary.
If I want to think of different things I roam the streets with my best friend.
If they do not stop breaking the the law all the time,there will be a sanction attached from the goverment
Some people never pay the money for their bills and they usually face eviction.

USEFUL WORDS FOR JUVENILE CRIME

2009-07-29T16:08:00.006+03:00

Here are some useful words for juvenile crime:

nip sth in the bud=stop sth as soon as it starts
go off the rail=behave in a strange way not accepted by the society
end up in custody=end up in prison
delinquency=crime
juvenile= youth
to roam the streets=wander in the streets
sanction=punishment
attached=κολλημένη
to face eviction=αντιμετωπίζουν έξωση
face=deal with sth
be held responsible for sth=θεωρούμαι υπεύθυνοs για κατι
antisocial=αντικοινωνικόs

EXAMPLES

The state has to nip the crime in the bud.
Lots of children go off the rail and become young criminals.
If you break the law possibly you will end up in custody.
There is lots of juvenile delinquency in these days.
Juvenile criminals most of the times are really antisocial.
At night lots of gangs roam the streets.
For young offenders there is a special sanction.
She is always attached to her mother.
The people that face eviction most of the times haven't got money.
The parents have to face their children's problems.
The parents are held responsible for their children.
They have antisocial behaviour so they haven't got many friends.

Nba

2009-07-18T18:02:00.000+03:00

very good basketball video....!

IN A HAUNTED PLACE

2009-07-14T15:15:00.003+03:00

1) WHAT I HEARD…

Sounds causing fear when heard in the night:

a creak

a whisper

a scream

footsteps

a bang

a cry

a shriek

Adjectives describing the loudness of a sound:

deafening

loud

noisy

faint

2) HOW I FELT… When I saw the ghost,

I felt frightened

I turned pale

it gave me a fright

my blood froze

it gave me the creeps

I was driven mad with fear

I was seized with fright/ panic/ terror

I felt fear

I was scared/ frightened/ terrified to death

I was overtaken by fear

I was paralysed by fear

3) HOW I REACTED…

I ran away

I shook with frightI trembled with fear

I screamed with fear

I ran in terror

I ran like the wind

I ran at full speed

I was rooted to the spot

My eyes nearly popped out of my head

My eyes were wide open.

I shook from head to toe.

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me.

My hair stood on air.

My face became tense and drawn.

My teeth chattered.

My heart thumped.

A shiver ran down my spine.

MILEY CIRUS ''THE CLIMB"

2009-07-13T20:41:00.005+03:00

WE HAVE TO LIVE EVERY MOMENT OF OUR LIFE!!IN THIS WAY WE'll BE HAPPY!!

JONAS BROTHERS "PARANOID"

2009-07-13T20:29:00.003+03:00

THAT'S ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SONGS DY JONAS BROTHERS!!

Iraklio O.A.A The best basketball team in Crete

2009-07-11T17:15:00.013+03:00

Iraklio O.A.A is really good team.It has lots of good players and a fantastic coach Manos Sifomixelakis.The basketball players are:Riakiotakis Vaggelis(the captain of the team),Paterakis Manos,Xarwnitakis Giannis,Mourelos Iasonas,Barelier Kostas,Liandrakis Leuteris,Lyrintakis Fanouris,Malliotakis Stavros,Kalantzis Markos,Stratakis Zaxarias and Orfanakis Stellios.

This exciting team won the championship in 2009.In the final Iraklio played against Agor and it beat Agor 54-49.Will Iraklio win the championship again in 2010?Why not?

Iraklio O.A.A was,is and it is going to be a family forever!The players have a very goood relationship between them and every player cares about the other.The coach of the team behaves like a father and he always give useful and important advice to the players.

I am a part of this team and I feel really pleased and grateful for this.I believe that we will win the championship again,and I am really looking forward to thιs.

SWIMMING

2009-07-10T16:02:00.004+03:00

I really love swimming.It's a really fascinating sport that helps you keep fit. Furthermore, you can start swimming from four years old. The most important is that there aren't any injuries and It's a really good sport for the summer because the water is cold the hot days!There are four styles of swimming: butterfly, breakstroke, backstroke and free style. Butterfly is the most exciting and difficult style also It is my favourite and I have won lots of medals by swimming butterfly.

I have been swimming for nine years, almost half of my life.I have made new friends and I definitely recommend to everyone to start swimming. It's an amazing experience!!

A LETTER TO A FRIEND IN CANADA

2009-07-10T15:32:00.004+03:00

Dear Robin,
How are you? I got your letter yesterday, and decided to write back straightaway.
It will be fantastic to go together to the sports camp. As you know, I love sports and this camp offers a fuge range of sports. Furthermore, we'll be together and have fun. I'd prefer to stay in rooms because tents are uncomfortable and we'll be really tired at the end of the day.
I am a really good cook and I know lots of traditional racipes. Nevertheless, my favoyrite traditional food is stuffed leaves and I cook this food really well.
It has minced meat, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and rice. It's really delicious. It's an amazing idea to come to Canada a few days before the sports camp. I would really like to go sightseeing and snowboarding on the high mountains.
Please give my regards to your sister and tell Susan to drop me a line. Hope to hear from you soon.

Best wishes,
Maria

Britain's got talent 2009-winners

2009-07-10T11:47:00.009+03:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtwVfJqBfms

THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE VIDEOS

It is from Britain's got talent 2009 and it shows the winning contestants.

Breathless-Dan Wilson

2009-07-10T11:47:00.007+03:00

It is a very good song,one of my favourite once!It has amazing lyrics and melody!

COMPOSITION PLANNING

2009-07-10T11:25:00.004+03:00

STORY

Par.1: sentence+intro(setting,introduce main characters)

Par.2: main events

Par.3: more events

Par.4: the ending

If you want to read a story, for young children visit this page.

Linking words showing contrast

2009-07-10T11:21:00.004+03:00

...,but....
...,even though...
...,despite...
...,in spite of...
...,although...
However,...
On the other hand,...
On the contrary,...
Nevertheless,...

NOTE: despite/in spite of +

gerund e.g. He went to the gym despite being tired.
noun e.g. In spite of the rain, the match took place as usual.
the fact that + clause e.g. Despite the fact that I was tired,I went to the gym.

More useful phrases

2009-07-10T11:20:00.004+03:00

gets on their nerves---->means annoying

fancy doing------>be in the mood of doing sth

be on the lookout for sth--->have my eyes always open

have a crack/go---->try to succeed in sth

Positive adjectives

2009-07-09T11:52:00.007+03:00

Today we learnt about lots of useful adjectives that we can use in positive reviews about TV programmes. To be specific:

hilarious
amusing
fascinating
gripping
fast paced
outstanding
witty
superb
excellent

NEW PHRASES

2009-07-09T11:52:00.005+03:00

-The job of a police officer is to uphold the law.

-The witness was afraid to testify against the dangerous gangster.

-The young girl was frightened by the dog's menacing growl.