Time for Greek School

Hellenic American Leadership Council

2012-01-25T08:15:00.004-06:00

image from the Hellenic American Leadership Council Website

Do you know the issues?

Would you like to know more?

Visit this very informative website to lean more about Greek and Cypriot issues.

Hellenic American Leadership Council

The Hellenic American Leadership Council is an organization established to chart a new course for the Greek-American community: to ensure the continuity of a distinct and distinguished Greek-American community, to pursue and attain a level of excellence for all Hellenes and Hellenic causes, to strengthen ties between the next generation of Greek-Americans and Greece and Cyprus, and to nurture Hellenic learning and culture.

Book winner

2011-12-11T10:32:00.001-06:00

Congratulations Vana from California for winning the Lucky Cake book!! I'll be sending it out to St. Katherine's Church early next week!!

K-1 Christmas song

2011-12-09T13:18:00.000-06:00

The artist Theofilos (6th Grade Geography Class)

2011-12-09T09:48:00.001-06:00

The Lucky Cake give-a-way!!

2011-12-04T13:57:00.003-06:00

It is so heartwarming to see Greek Americans produce books and materials to teach children in the diaspora about our wonderful Greek traditions. I was blessed to get in contact with Anna Prokos not too long ago, a great children's author out of New Jersey. Anna has just produced a book about the Vasilopita tradition and about St. Basil. Her book is called the Lucky Cake and it is available in both Greek and English

(How lucky are we?!).

Mrs. Prokos has generously offered a book to be given away on my blog. So, this is your chance to be one of the fist to have a copy of The Lucky Cake. Please a post a comment to be eligible for the drawing that will take place a week from today, December 11th.

To learn more about Anna Pokos and The Lucky Cake, visit her website at

theluckycakebook.com

Merry Madagascar in Greek

2011-11-27T13:24:00.002-06:00

η ημέρα των Ευχαριστιών

2011-11-22T19:06:00.018-06:00

Την τελευταία Πέμπτη του Νοεμβρίου, κάθε χρόνο, γιορτάζουμε στις Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες την ημέρα των Ευχαριστιών. Μαζευόμαστε στα σπίτια μας με συγγενείς και με φίλους να ευχαριστήσουμε τον Θεό για όλα τα καλά που μας δίνει.

άλφα, άλφα......α α α

2011-11-18T15:17:00.004-06:00

Watch a great

alphabet review song here

I can't stop singing it!! Neither can my students!!

Christmas song for Kindergarten

2011-11-09T08:00:00.002-06:00

ΖΗΤΩ Η 28Η ΟΚΤΩΒΡΙΟΥ 1940!!

2011-10-29T15:40:00.015-05:00

Projects and ideas for OXI Day

2011-10-23T18:16:00.006-05:00

OXI Day pictures from around our school

Images from World War II posters and photographs from the internet printed out and laminated to decorate the bulletin board on the way into school.

Project completed by Kindergarten and Pre-School students of the Afternoon school.

Bulletin board with project completed by 1st graders of the Day school outside the Greek rooms.

Thank you to all the Kindergarten bloggers from Greece for the wonderful ideas for OXI Day. What a blessing to be able to share resources and ideas across the world to benefit our children.

For more OXI Day ideas, take a look at my favorite blog list to see what teachers in Greece are doing to teach the new generation about Greece's heroism and role in

World War II.

ΖΗΤΩ Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ!!

Pictures from my other Greek School will be posted tomorrow.

Καλό Φθινόπωρο

2011-09-23T21:00:00.003-05:00

Today is the first day of Fall!! What a beautiful day to begin our new vocabulary unit.

Η τάξη μας

2011-09-23T20:36:00.008-05:00

Where did the summer go?! I can't believe we have been back at school for over a month!

Here are some pictures of my classroom. This back wall is invaluable in our 1st grade daily routine. We go over letter sounds, vowels, colors, shapes, seasons, weather, months and days every class session.

This is our season, calendar and weather wall.

Our letters, colors and vowels wall.

The view from the front of the room.

Maria Rousakis--Greek children's author

2011-06-28T13:12:00.003-05:00

I was so excited to receive an e-mail from Maria Rousakis today. She is the well known and honored Greek children's author of my daughter's favorite book Η Μέλπω η Μοναδική. Please take a look at her website to learn more about her. Her books are available to purchase on line here. Any of these books would make a wonderful addition to your child's Greek library as they are beautifully illustrated and always have a meaningful message in the story.

For more about the author, take a look at her interview here, at the Mikros Anagnostis website.

Happy Reading!!!

Keep them singing over the summer!!

2011-06-18T19:53:00.003-05:00

Visit the blog Παιδικά Τραγούδια to listen to Greek children's songs! It really has everything from Baby Lilli to Aliki Vougiouklaki's songs from the 60's!

Το Μικρό μου λεξικό Free picture dictionaries

2011-06-08T23:19:00.009-05:00

Some parents have requested summer review materials. I will try to post new material weekly to keep our little students speaking Greek over the summer.

The following are a series of picture dictionaries produced by ΚΕΔΑ for students in Greece learning Greek as a second language. There are four in all.

Picture dictionary #1

focuses on the Greek alphabet

Picture dictionary #2

focuses on the school environment

Picture dictionary #3

focuses on home, family and neighborhood

Picture dictionary #4

focuses on transportation, colors, clothing, seasons, time, weather and months.

I hope you enjoy these wonderful free Greek learning resources!!

Questions and answers

2011-06-01T23:31:00.007-05:00

So, for some reason I am not able to respond to comments in the comments section lately, so I will try to answer some questions sent my way here.

Question #1
Is it possible to post a copy of the church from the Kryfo Scholio project.
Answer:
This coloring page was found on the Potamitis Publishing website a few years ago. I do not have the rights to this coloring page to post it, but perhaps you can contact Potamitis Publishing and they could send it to you.

Question #2
Where did you find the costumes for the Passport Please post.
Answer:
These were found in the book Greek Boy and Girl paper dolls from Dover Publications. It has costumes from Ancient Greece in it too! It really is a cute book. Take a look at the book here.

Σ΄αγαπώ μανούλα-- I love you Mommy!!

2011-05-05T20:22:00.005-05:00

We had so much fun making these Mother's Day projects at Greek School tonight. The girls especially liked learning princess vocabulary like βασίλισσα, στέμμα, κοσμήματα and more.

Thank you to the bloggers at Στο τελευταίο θρανίο της Πάτρας for the crown template. The poem on the reverse side is by Γιώργη Κρόκου called "Μανούλα" from the book Ανθολογία Σχολικών Ποιηματών και Τραγουδιών

Day School Kindergarten Graduation Songs

2011-05-03T13:40:00.002-05:00

For my Kindergarten Day School students. Please practice this song for our graduation program.

Φύλλα εργασίας-- τα σχήματα /Shapes Worksheets

2011-05-01T21:12:00.011-05:00

Some useful worksheets for reviewing shapes with your students. Encourage your students to trace the shape, color them in and then write out the shape name.

Click here for Greek Shapes Worksheets

Exciting news from Papaloizos Publications

2011-04-26T11:12:00.002-05:00

Papaloizos Publications and Greek 123 are working on a new online tutor ! The online tutor contains hours of interactive content. Each lesson includes animated video, spoken vocabulary, speech recognition, comparative pronunciation and testing for writing, listening and speaking. It's fun and engaging with 43 lessons, 6 quizzes and a final exam.

You can try Papaloizos' online tutor by clicking here.

Letter matching activity

2011-03-26T14:14:00.005-05:00

I created these alphabet matching cards last summer for my kindergarten class. They have become very popular during centers. It is great listening to little 5 year olds talk in Greek about the pictures. It is even better watching them identify the lower case letter that matches the capital letter on the card.

To make them last, I printed them out on card stock paper and laminated them. The clothespins were purchased at the local discount store. If you use these at home or in your class, I would love your feedback!

ΤΟ ΚΡΥΦΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ

2011-03-20T17:24:00.005-05:00

This is one of my favorite projects for Greek Independence Day. I was lucky enough to find a great coloring page of a small church from Potamitis Publishing a few years ago, and incorporated the famous painting το Κρυφό Σχολείο by the Greek artist, Nikolaos Gyzis. I explain the painting to my students and teach them the song φεγγαράκι μου λαμπρό, then we create this project. My students really like the fact that they each get a small copy of the painting in their projects and they enjoy drawing the stars and moon on the black construction paper. In doing all of this, they are able to visualize that boys went to school secretly at night, and were in many cases taught by the clergy.

Awards and certificates

2011-03-01T21:08:00.004-06:00

from the blog Στο τελευταίο θρανίο της Πάτρας

Take a look at the blog Στο τελευταίο θρανίο της Πάτρας for cute certificates in Greek to print out and give your students.

Greek Alphabet Banner

2011-02-19T07:57:00.006-06:00

Image from the etsy handmade shop of Play to Learn

In my Greek classes, we usually spend the first half of the year learning the alphabet and letter sounds. Come January, its time to read,and to accomplish this, we review our letters and letter sounds constantly. I created this banner for my classes for a couple of reasons. First, I have marked all the vowels red and the consonants blue. The children are taught that the vowels are red because they like to have big voices. Secondly, word association. Each letter has a word and an image that is in view during class if they need help. At the start of each class, after we do weather and calendar, we review our alphabet. A student is invited to come to the front of the class with a pointer and lead us in our lettter reveiw. You can find my banner here

Our Word Wall

2011-02-10T21:38:00.003-06:00

It's an exciting time in Kindergarten!! We have reviewed all the letters of the alphabet and we are beginning to read words and sentences. The photo above is of our classroom word wall, where we put words that we know how to read. We review these words every session and include them in our word journals.

In this class, we follow the curriculum set out by Papaloizos Publishing for Kindergarten, so most of the words included in this area are from the chapters we have completed so far.

Resources from the National Book Center of Greece

2011-01-31T14:47:00.008-06:00

I know I say it all the time, but I am a big fan of Evgenios Trivizas! Every time I introduce his books to my students they are always so excited and really have a good time listening. Today in one of my Kindergarten classes, we began reading the book ΠΟΙΟΣ ΕΚΑΝΕ ΠΙΠΙ ΣΤΟ ΜΙΣΙΣΙΠΗ and we had so much fun listening for rhyming words in Greek.

If you would like to listen and follow along to one of Trivizas' books on-line for free take a look at The National Book Center of Greece's children's site mikrosanagnostis.gr. They have a number of books that children can listen to. A new book is added weekly, so make it one of your favorites and and introduce your child to the wonderful world of Greek authors and children's literature.

Happy reading!

Fun Alphabet Worksheets

2011-01-15T09:29:00.003-06:00

I was so happy to find this website! It is exactly what every Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st grade teacher needs to teach the alphabet. Check out nipio.gr to find free downloadable worksheets on the Greek alphabet and more!

Καλή Χρονιά!

2011-01-04T12:42:00.004-06:00

Happy New Year!

What better way to welcome the new year than by making a Greek calendar and learning the months of the year.

To find a template for a 2011 calendar in Greek from Microsoft Office, click here.

Have your students draw a picture depicting each of the 12 months of the year, add those drawings to the calendar, bind and there you have it, a Greek calendar for 2011 for them to practice the months, days of the week and seasons. You could even go through each month to highlight special days like Easter, 25th of March, OXI Day etc.

I can't wait to get started making these tomorrow!

ένα γράμμα μια ιστορία....

2010-12-04T18:14:00.006-06:00

A huge thank you to Gogo for e-mailing me the link to these fun videos. Each letter of the Greek alphabet is made into a short 5 minute cartoon filled with images and words that start with that letter.

These come from the educational broadcasting website of the Ministry of Education in Greece that you can find here.

Λάχανα και Χάχανα-Το βιβλίο

2010-11-28T22:32:00.001-06:00

What I'm using in 1st grade

2010-09-26T07:50:00.006-05:00

Παίζω και μαθαίνω

reader/flashcards, workbook, teachers guide

This is my first year teaching 1st grade. Along with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese book Τα Ελληνικά μου, I am using this book. The teacher's guide is so helpful in helping plan out and execute the lessons! See for yourselves.

στο σχολείο καρτέλες....at school flashcards

2010-09-18T08:36:00.006-05:00

Help your students learn about things we find in the classroom. Flashcards can be found here.

Alphabet Sounds

2010-09-01T22:33:00.006-05:00

Visit this link to watch a 10 minute cartoon of the Greek Alphabet and letter sounds. As your child watches the video, encourage them to say the sounds and words that accompany each letter.

Digital Dialects games and flashcards

2010-08-30T09:30:00.003-05:00

Visit Digital Dialects for digital flashcards and games in Greek and English. Topics include colors, vocabulary, animals, fruits and vegetables, animals and more! Happy learning.

Art of Ancient Greece...Pots

2010-08-26T19:10:00.003-05:00

Look at what the kids of the North County Greek Language School of Sts. Constantine and Helen, located in San Diego County, California created a few weeks ago! Thank you Andreas for sharing this wonderful art activity on the art of ancient Greece!

Letter blocks

2010-08-25T20:54:00.007-05:00

O.K.... how cool is this?! Anyone have some old building blocks hanging around? If not, hit those garage sales this weekend and get busy making this really fun manipulative using Greek letters instead of English. I'll be making mine this weekend for my classes.

Flashcards

2010-07-22T13:21:00.005-05:00

I found this great site that generates flashcards on a variety of topics. These can be used in many ways in class and at home. Take a look at esl-kids.com, created by a man who teaches English as a second language in Japan. He offers so much on his site that can be used in our classrooms!

Great new Kindergarten Resource

2010-07-08T00:17:00.006-05:00

This past week, The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese held its biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Atlanta, Georgia. The Clergy-Laity Congress is a great opportunity for Greek Orthodox Clergy, Laity and Hierarchs from throughout the United States to gather and discuss pertinent issues regarding the Archdiocese and its various departments (National Ministries, Communications, Religious Education, Greek Education etc).

My husband came home tonight with the greatest gift ever... this book (yes, he thinks I'm strange too, but he does indulge my weakness for books!) I spent the evening looking at it and have so many ideas for the next school year.

The book is broken down into 52 chapters with 52 themes. Although it is a translation from what I am assuming to be an English language book (the author is Barbara Backer), it has been well done. Just look at this song that is in the book under the chapter regarding oral hygiene:

Τραγουδήστε το παρακάτω τραγούδι στο

ρυθμό του ¨Ήτανε μια φρεγάτα, παιδιά¨

Τα δόντια μην ξεχάσεις ποτέ,

τα δόντια μην ξεχάσεις.

Βούρτσιζε τα καλά,

για να λαμποκοπάνε.

Βούρτσιζε τα,

για να 'ναι καθαρά.

Τα δόνιτα μην ξεχάσεις ποτέ,

τα δόντια μην ξεχάσεις.

Πλένε τα καλά,

ποτέ να μην πονάνε.

Πλένε τα, να ΄ναι πάντα γερά.

Loosely translated:

Don't ever forget your teeth,

don't forget your teeth.

Brush them well

so they shine

so they're clean.

Don't ever forget your teeth

don't forget your teeth.

Brush them well,

so they never ache.

Brush them well, so they are always healthy.

For the melody of the song visit the Bizeli.gr site

(look on the left had side, go down to Μπιζέλι Radio

and click the song that says Η Φρεγάτα in the yellow box.)

You can purchase the book from the Orthodox Marketplace website here.

Greek Bingo Cards

2010-07-02T15:49:00.006-05:00

Image from bingocardscreator.com

Visit Bingo Cards Creator to make
Greek Alphabet bingo cards.

This great site allows you to make boards for
upper and lower case Greek letters.

2010-06-15T16:22:00.001-05:00

A fun variation of bingo that can be played at home or in class. Templates can be found at the Prasini Priza website.

Lots of reading going on around here!

2010-06-14T08:44:00.008-05:00

we love this book series!

Eugenios Trivizas.... need I say more?! We have passages of his books memorized around here! We laugh out loud just looking at these fantastic books.

We have read this award winning book so many times, the binding is coming apart.

Look what happens when you take the TV and put it in the garage. I love the house without that constant background noise of Spongebob and Elmo. So peaceful and relaxing.

Happy Reading

and the winner is....

2010-04-16T09:04:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to NJGreek for being randomly selected

as the recipient of the Greek-English picture dictionary.

Please e-mail me your address at greekschool@att.net so I can send it out to you.

μήλο μου κόκκινο

2010-04-15T10:11:00.002-05:00

Lyrics
Μήλο μου κόκκινο, ρόιδο βαμμένο (x2)
Γιατί με μάρανες το πικραμένο

Παένω κ’ έρχομαι μα δεν βρίσκω (x2)
Βρίσκω την πόρτα σου μανταλομένη

Τα παραθυρούδια σου φεγγοβολούνε (x2)
Ρωτάω την πόρτα σου, που πάει η κυρά σου

Κυρά μ’ δεν είναι ‘δώ, πάησε στην βρύση (x2)
Πάησε να βρει νερό και να γεμίσει

Translation
My red apple, my scarlet pomegranate,
why have you made me wilted and bitter?

I come and go, but cannot find you
I try your door, and it's always locked.

Your windows are always lighted
I ask your door, "Where is your lady?"

"My lady is not here, she is at the wellspring
She's gone to bring water".

Free Summer Greek Camp in Greece

2010-04-14T15:44:00.004-05:00

What a wonderful opportunity for Greek children

between the ages of 8 and 12 years old.

As is done every summer there will be a free summer camp in Greece for children of Greek heritage living outside of Greece this summer.

Camp sessions will include

* Greek language lessons, Greek history and mythology
*Field trips to historical and archaeological sites, as well as to museums and other points of interest.
*Informative sessions on the environment (water the source of life and bees) and Mediterranean diet (olives and honey)
*instruction in Greek dance, music and theater

There will be two camp sessions: July 12-July 26th and August 9-August 23

All expenses including airfare, room, food, trips etc are covered

Qualification Requirements:
1. One parent must be of Greek decent.
2. Can only be between the ages of 8-12 (and not turn 12 during the trip)
3. Children must be comfortable and capable of being in a camp like setting
4. Children must not be related to a Greek government employee

Please contact Τμήμα Προγραμμάτων Φιλοξενίας at
210 2597549 or by fax at 210 2597571
for more information. (long distance phone call to Greece)

Μαθαίνω το αλφάβητο... Αα/ Learning the Greek alphabet Αα

2010-04-12T09:58:00.004-05:00

Αα.... αστροναύτης

Find the template for this craft at makingfriends.com.

(I usually use Greek flags for this project)

Worksheet from Παίζω και μηλώ book series on the letter Αα

More worksheets from e-selides on Αα

flashcard with the letter Αα

with a picture of an αεροπλάνο (airplane) from grafoulis.gr

coloring pages of an άλογο and αστέρια

Χριστός Ανέστη!

2010-04-05T14:54:00.005-05:00

Χριστός Ανέστη!

To celebrate Pascha, I am giving away a copy of this wonderful Greek/English picture dictionary. Leave a comment to be entered into the drawing for this great resource. The deadline for entry is April 15th.

¨Ηρθε ο Λάζαρος, ήρθαν τα Βάγια... Saturday of Lazarus

2010-03-22T07:38:00.015-05:00

Coloring page of the Raising of Lazarus

Icon of the Raising of Lazarus

Lazaraki cookie

Lazarus dolls, picture can be found here

Ήρθε ο Λάζαρος ήρθαν τα Βάγια,ήρθε των Βαγιών η εβδομάδα.Ξύπνα Λάζαρε και μην κοιμάσαι,ήρθε η μέρα σου και η χαρά σου.
Πού ήσουν Λάζαρε; Πού ήσουν κρυμμένος;Κάτω στους νεκρούς στους πεθαμένους.Δε μου φέρνετε, λίγο νεράκι,που το στόμα μου πικρό φαρμάκι.Δε μου φέρνετε λίγο λεμόνι.που το στόμα μου, σαν περιβόλι.
Ήρθε ο Λάζαρος, ήρθαν τα Βάγια,ήρθε η Κυριακή που τρων’ τα ψάρια.Bάγια, Bάγια και Bαγιώ.τρώνε ψάρι και κολιό.Και την άλλη Κυριακή,τρώνε το ψητό τ’ αρνί.
Ήρθε ο Λάζαρος ήρθαν τα Βάγια,ήρθε η Κυριακή που τρων’ τα ψάρια.Σήκω Λάζαρε και μην κοιμάσαι,ήρθε η μάνα σου από την πόλη,σου ‘φερε χαρτί και κομπολόι.Γράψε Θόδωρε και συ Δημήτρη,
γράψε Λεμονιά και Κυπαρίσσι.Το κοφνάκι μου θέλει αυγά,κι η τσεπούλα μου θέλει λεφτά.Βάγια, Βάγια των Βαγιών,τρώνε ψάρι και κολιόκαι την άλλη Κυριακήτρώνε το παχύ τ’ αρνί.»

On the Saturday of Lazarus, the Saturday before Holy Week, women in Greece, and of Greek heritage around the world make cookies or small loaves of bread in the shape of a person and call them "Lazarous or Lazarakia" In various areas of Greece, children make Lazarus dolls out of fabric and tie them onto a stick decorating it with flowers and go around singing the Lazarus carols (like the one in the youtube video above). Many times in return, they receive eggs to paint red for Pascha.

Lazarakia recipe from Adventures of an Orthodox Mom

Make a simple Lazarus doll out of fabric, directions here

Greek alphabet activity game/pocket chart

2010-03-15T09:58:00.008-05:00

I use this chart in class for any number of activities. As a class we pull words out and sound them out together. We also practice putting the words in alphabetical order. The children work independently by picking words and writing them in their word journals, and testing each other on what the words say.

The word strips used for this can be found at the Cypriot Ministry of Education and Culture site, where they were origianlly used as words for a letter neighborhood (the letter neighborhood is explained in their post, and has pictures to go along with the explanation so you can see how it was implemented in a classroom setting). Click on the link that says Καρτέλες λέξεων-γραμμάτων . For durability, laminate all the word strips and letters and place a piece of velcro on the back so they can easily be placed and removed from the yellow section of the chart.

The letter pocket chart can be found at Discount School Supply. Simply print out the Greek alphabet and glue it over the English letters. In the photo above, vowels and consonants were printed out in different colors (red for vowels and blue for consonants just like they do at American school), and laminated before being pasted onto the chart.

If you would like more pictures for your chart, print out this wonderful resource, Η Αλφαβήτα Ταξιδεύει from Ε.ΔΙΑ.Μ.ΜΕ.

Twister anyone?

2010-03-08T09:04:00.009-06:00

Not too long ago, I attended an early childhood educator conference where I took part in a session called "make and take". For those of you who are not familiar with this, basically, there were a couple of presenters who showed us how they take everyday items and make them into effective teaching tools. At that time, I was struggling with how to teach my Greek school class in such a way that the children would learn and have fun at the same time. I searched the internet for items to bring into my class, but really could not find any. My point in all this is to tell you something that the presenter said that really changed things for me. She said, there are teachers who buy things to use in their class, and then there are teachers who use the things around them and create things to help their children learn. Wow! That was so liberating. Yes, I could create things out of nothing and make them effective learning tools.

So, as I was cleaning out my children's game cabinet, I came upon a "Twister" mat with no spinner (my children have an abnormal fascination with game spinners). As I was about to put it into the recycling bin, I counted the circles...hhmmm...24 circles and then it hit me, I could repurpose this into a Greek alphabet game. So I drew out the letters of the alphabet on each circle, and the rest is history. My students enjoy this so much, my kids ask me to bring it home so they can play with it, and the best part is, they are learning their letters in the process. Not only that, but it teaches them left from right and body parts!

It is easy to make... find a "Twister" mat and with permanent markers draw a letter in each circle. If you do not have a mat, simply go to the dollar store and purchase a plain shower curtain. Lay it out on the floor, use a dish or bowl to make 24 circles and then draw the letters in the circles. Voila.. a useful game that cost you a buck!

To play, simply call out the letter sound, or a word that begins with a certain letter sound, tell the kids to place either their left or right foot on the letter circle you called out and have fun!

I have also used this as a matching game for upper case and lower case letters. If you put capital letters on your mat, print out or write out the lower case letters on index cards, and have the children take turns matching the letters.

25η Μαρτίου- Ο Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου/Annunciation

2010-03-02T09:31:00.010-06:00

From the Orthodox Church in America,
an icon coloring page of the Annunciation

Απολυτίκιον Ευαγγελισμού

Σήμερον της σωτηρίας ημών το κεφάλαιον, και του απ αιώνος Μυστηρίου η φανέρωσις. Ο υιός του Θεού, Υιός της παρθένου γίνεται, και Γαβριήλ την χάριν ευαγγελίζεται. Διο και ημείς συν αυτώ τη Θεοτόκω βοήσωμεν . Χαίρε κεχαριτωμένη, ο Κύριος μετά σου

Κοντάκιον Ευαγγελισμού

Τη υπερμάχω στρατηγώ τα νικητήρια, ως λυτρωθείσα των δεινών ευχαριστήρια, αναγράφω σοι η Πόλις σου Θεοτόκε. Αλλ’ ως έχουσα το κράτος απροσμάχητον, εκ παντοίων με κινδύνων ελευθέρωσαν, ίνα κράζω σοι, Χαίρε Νύμφη ανύμφευτε.

A nice article in Greek from the March 2010 issue of Προς τήν Νίκην that draws comparisons between the Greek National Anthem and the Kontakion of the Annunciation.

Another article from Προς τήν Νίκην in Greek explaining the icon of the Annunciation.

From the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, a detailed explanation in English

of the icon of the Annunciation here

Greek vocabulary words to associate with the icon:

άγγελος (angel), Θεοτόκος (Theotokos), φτερά (wings), Γαβριήλ (Gabriel), ύμνοι(hymns), εικόνα (icon), χρώματα (colors), μήνυμα (message), χαρά (joy), έκπληξη (surprise), νήμα (thread/yarn), μητέρα (mother), άκτίνες (rays), ουρανός (sky), χαρούμενη (happy), τρία άστρα (three stars),σκήπτρο (scepter).

Kindergarten Curriculum- Αναλυτικό Πρόγραμμα Νηπιαγωγείου

2010-03-01T22:34:00.005-06:00

The following is an offering from the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North America.

In response to the need for a uniform course study for the kindergarten classes of the parochial day schools, the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education recently created a Curriculum for the Kindergarten to assist the teachers who teach Greek as second language to children of this age group.

Based on the developmental needs and the learning abilities of the kindergarten child, the Kindergarten Curriculum places an emphasis on oral communication and, at the same time, aims at instilling in the young learners a sense of pride, love and respect for the Greek cultural heritage and the Greek Orthodox faith.

The Kindergarten Curriculum is divided into 13 units, one of which refers to major religious holidays and customs. Each unit consists of the following: the general goal, the objective of each lesson, recommended activities and materials, basic vocabulary, phrases for oral communication practice, and a vast list of resources (songs, poems, stories, and games) to help teachers introduce each unit.

Teachers are advised to use the Curriculum as a “guide.” They may adapt it to the particular needs and abilities of their students and use various resources to achieve the general goal and the learning objectives of each lesson.

To download the curriculum, click here

25η Μαρτίου - Greek Independence Day

2010-02-23T09:37:00.002-06:00

From Grafoulis, songs and other various items related to Greek Independence Day.

From mathima.gr various resources of poems, songs and skits.

From Prasini Priza, some more activities, including coloring pages and more.

From Crayola, coloring page of a flag of Greece along with a map in English.

Portraits of heroes, paintings and images from mathima.gr.

Projects from matia.gr.

From Proodosperida, Worksheets (scroll to the last few pages for some cute projects) and more here.

Some bulletin board ideas here.

The Swallows are coming - Τα Χελιδονίσματα

2010-02-21T20:10:00.005-06:00

The 1st of March is traditionally recognized as the beginning of spring and the return of the swallows, τα χελιδόνια, in Greece. To celebrate their return, children sing the "χελιδονίσματα", or the "swallow's carols". These carols are similar to traditional carols but rather than expressing the anticipation of Christmas, they tell us of the joys of spring. This is a very old tradition dating back to ancient Greece, and the carols themselves differ from region to region. Children create a swallow and mount it on a stick with a bell around it's neck. Some examples can be found in the following video of the students of the School of Music in Komotini, Greece.

Coloring page of a χελιδόνι

Spring carols from various parts of Greece and background information on March 1st from Matia

From Prasini Priza... connect the dots and make a χελιδόνι

From Paidika, make a χελιδόνι mask

From the Τετράδιο Εργασίων Μελέτη Περιβάλλοντος Α' Δημοτικου print out page 41 for a handout and craft idea for celebrating Τα Χελιδονίσματα

From the Ανθολόγιο Λογοτεχνικών Κείμενων Α' & Β' Δημοτικού, pages 141-142 for a cute handout.

Clean Monday- Lady Lent

2010-02-11T09:28:00.010-06:00

The first Monday of Lent is called Clean Monday or Καθαρά Δευτέρα. Schools and many offices are closed in Greece this day and people leave the cities to have picnics and fly kites. The sky fills with colorful kites as people participate in this lovely tradition. That day, people eat fasting food consisting of tarama (fish roe spread), calamaria, beans, salads, olives and any other food that does not include milk, cheese, fish, meat and eggs. Many people keep this fast throughout the whole lenten period, from Clean Monday until Pascha (Easter) Sunday (as is tradition in the Orthodox Church).

Another tradition related to "Clean" Monday is lady Lent (Κυρά Σαρακοστή). The lady of the house, would (and in many cases still does) bake a bread in the shape of a lady who has seven legs (as many weeks as there are in Lent). On her forehead would be a cross, the symbol of Christianity, her hands would be folded over in prayer, and she would not have a mouth because she fasts, just like Christ did . This strange little bread was called lady Lent, or Κυρά Σαρακοστή. Once it had been baked, it would be put near the icon center in the home and every Sunday that passed during lent, a leg would be removed. This was used as a calendar to count down to Pascha. The last leg would be removed on Holy Saturday.

Every year my Greek school class constructs a Κυρά Σαρακοστή out of poster board and the children all participate in decorating her. The children also construct their own Κυρά Σαρακοστή to take home and put by their icons. This is such a charming tradition that shows us the resourcefulness of those who came before us.

We also try to get outside to fly kites on "Clean" Monday during class, but with lent being so early this year, and the weather in Chicago not cooperating, we will be making kites in class on Monday.

Καλή Σαρακοστή!

Καθαρά Δευτέρα-Κυρά Σαρακοστή

2010-02-05T20:31:00.009-06:00

From Crayola Greek Lenten Calendar- Κυρά Σαρακοστή (in English)

From Potamitis Publishing a couple of versions of Κυρά Σαρακοστή as a lady and as a nun.

From Paidika, background information on Κυρά Σαρακοστή and Καθαρά Δευτέρα

From Χριστιανική γωνιά, make a Κυρά Σαρακοστή our of dough here.

From Matia, some more background information on Καθαρά Δευτέρα

From Matia, some background on the tradition of kite flying on Clean Monday (χαρταετός)

From Astropeleki, images of children flying kites and classroom display of Κυρά Σαρακοστή

Color a kite for Καθαρά Δευτέρα:

girl flying kite , plain kite, boy flying kite

From the Διαβάζω και γράφω series, a handout (page 51)

Τα Ελληνόπουλα της ξενιτιάς

2010-01-28T18:47:00.014-06:00

It's Greek Letters week! The Metropolis of Chicago annually hosts a week long celebration of Greek education and honors the Three Hierarchs: St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil and St. Gregory. Εvery evening during the week, various churches around Chicago host programs and speakers that have the same message... the preservation and continuation of the Greek language. Most Greek schools host their own programs showcasing their students, but there is also a Metropolis-wide program that brings many schools together to perform and present traditional songs, dances, skits and poems. The week ends with a Greek Letters luncheon where Hierarchs, clergy, Greek teachers and students enjoy an afternoon together and honor those students who excel in learning their "Greek letters".

Last Saturday the Metropolis-wide program was held, and as always, the children inspired us with their ability to sing, dance, speak and recite the Greek language. I have fond memories of the same type of performances in my youth ... but things were different, I was second generation Greek-American. My parents came to America in the 1960's and Greek was the language spoken at home. Many of these children on the stage last Saturday were 3rd and 4th generation Greek-American (and in many cases a little Italian, Irish, Polish, Mexican etc) They learn Greek at Greek school, and it is not necessarily spoken at home... and yet, their performances were fantastic! There were no stutters, or funny accents, only confident children proud of their Orthodox faith and Hellenic heritage.

Last fall, while attending a Greek school teachers seminar, a word came up... one that I don't particularly care for...τα Αμερικανάκια. Perhaps it is my own sensitivity to the word, being called that many times in my life, but the term Αμερικανάκι does not have a pleasant connotation to it... it implies that children of Greek heritage living in the United States are not quite Greek, but as many of us know, are not quite American either. We live in this limbo where the homeland of our ancestors doesn't quite understand us and the country that we live in find our faith, customs and traditions strange (don't believe me? Just take a walk with an Orthodox priest in his cassock to see how unaccepting America still is). What should we be called then?

I received a nice comment from the author of the blog To χαμομηλάκι where Time for Greek School readers were greeted as τα Ελληνόπουλα της ξενιτιάς..how beautiful is that?! It is a term that unites children all over the world who go to regular school and then go off to afternoon school to learn about a distant land and language. It unites all of those who left Greece to go to America and Australia, Germany and England, South Africa and Brazil, Hong Kong and Russia... we are all Ελληνόπουλα της ξενιτίας.. united by faith, language and culture. Lets keep all these Ελληνόπουλα in our prayers this Saturday as we attend Liturgy in honor of the Three Hierarchs of our church.

To learn more about the Greek experience in the diaspora, take a look at these books produced by Ε.ΔΙΑ.Μ.ΜΕ

Passport please

2010-01-20T03:22:00.009-06:00

Wall in my classroom depicting various traditional costumes from Greece

The first semester of Kindergarten/Νηπιαγωγείο is dedicated to learning the alphabet and letter sounds. Each class session, we review a letter and break up into stations to do various activities related to that letter. Thanks to my parent volunteers, these stations usually include: a craft/project related to the letter of the day, letter recognition and reading skills with me, a game, and writing. Last Monday, we learned our last letter... so now we will be starting the fun stuff!

The second semester, we re-visit our letters, but also add in units that build vocabulary, counting skills, and general knowledge of Greece and Greek culture. In the next few weeks we will begin "traveling" to different parts of Greece. Each child will be given a "passport" to help them remember places they have visited. We discuss traditional costumes, local customs, as well as landmarks and history. I am often amazed with what my students remember, and what interests them.

Γεωγραφία Ε' Δημοτικού Μαθαίνω για την Ελλάδα

comes in handy when I prepare my lessons.

Alphabet Work in class

2010-01-16T08:55:00.006-06:00

We use many kinds of manipulatives in class to help us learn the alphabet and letter sounds. Here are some of my favorites....

Alphabet Wall: This is one of my best teaching tools! Children take turns using the alphabet wall to point out letters and for reference when doing their work.

Stamping: I have found so many uses for these Greek stamps! One of my favorite activities is having the children use this alphabet chart to match lower case and upper case letters!

Alphabet Bingo: Children take turns pulling a piece of the Greek alphabet puzzle out of a bag and call out the sound the letter makes.

Alphabet magnets with a magnetic board: These help children learn letters, spell words and match upper and lower case letters.

Στο Ζωολογικό Πάρκο...At the Zoo

2010-01-11T09:22:00.005-06:00

From the Attica Zoological Park (Αττικό Ζωολογικό Πάρκο ) , print out a copy of the park map with animals labeled in both Greek and English here and learn about the animals here.

From Sparklebox, print out animal masks to use in class, or for fun here.

From the Μαργαρίτα book series a unit on the Zoo here.

From Alphabet Soup, zoo animal coloring pages here.

From ESLjunction, animal images (can be used as flash cards, just remove english text) here

From Dover Publications, some cute zoo animals here

From Printables4Kids, print out this two copies of this zoo printable, color in the pictures and cut out. Use for a memory game.

Τα παιδια ζωγραφίζουν στον τοίχο

2010-01-09T09:38:00.003-06:00

For the students in my Greek school class. Please practice this song for the Three Hierarchs Program on January 24th.

Σήμερα τα Φώτα....

2010-01-05T20:02:00.004-06:00

ΑΠΟ ΤΗΝ ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΠΑΡΑΔΟΣΗ ΜΑΣ.

Σήμερα τα φώτα και οι φωτισμοί, Κι χαρές μεγάλες κι αγιασμοί. Κάτω στον Ιορδάνη τον ποταμό κάθετ' η κυρά μας η Παναγιά. Καλημέρα! Καλησπέρα! Καλή σου μέρα αφέντη με την κυρά! Όργανo βαστάει, κερί κρατεί και τον Αϊ-Γιάννη παρακαλεί. Άϊ-Γιάννη αφέντη και βαπτιστή βάπτισε κι εμένα Θεού παιδί. Ν' ανεβώ επάνω στους ουρανούς να μαζέψω ρόδα και λίβανούς Καλημέρα! Καλησπέρα! Καλή σου μέρα αφέντη με την κυρά!

Greek Mythology Resources

2009-12-28T11:13:00.007-06:00

The kids in my Greek School class love learning about Ancient Greece. They learn so much about the agora, art, schools, clothing, armies, and the Olympics. Their favorite activity is acting out the story of the naming of Athens and pretending to be Athena and Poseidon. Although I don't go into detail about the gods of Olympus, we do touch on them briefly.

For a Greek mythology go-fish game take a look at this link at Bogglesworldesl.com.

From alfavita.gr, a nice power point presentation on Ancient Greece, in Greek

St. Spyridon Resources

2009-12-11T08:58:00.003-06:00

Life of St. Spyridon from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

Send an Iconogram of St. Spyridon

From Daniellesplace.com, lots and lots of sheep crafts

From Katihitis, coloring page of St. Spyridon

More Christmas Activities

2009-12-10T19:34:00.004-06:00

Visit Paidika.gr for Greek Christmas carols, poems, coloring pages, activity pages, skits and information on Christmas, New Year and Epiphany.

Paidika.gr

Babyradio.gr

2009-12-08T12:27:00.004-06:00

Babyradio.gr can be heard live on line. It is the first Greek children's radio station. Programming information and a link to their site can be found here

Babyradio.gr

Greek Christmas Vocabulary Reader

2009-12-07T13:29:00.016-06:00

For a short reader to introduce children to Christmas vocabulary in Greek and to the phrase "I see" visit my scribd page

Βλέπω και διαβάζω τα Χριστούγεννα

After printing out the pages, cut them in half and staple them all together on the left hand side to create a little book.

Learn some Greek everyday

2009-12-07T09:53:00.007-06:00

Visit Greektionary.com and sign up to have three Greek words sent to your mailbox every day!

"Greektionary.com was created to provide everyone with an opportunity to improve their Greek vocabulary on a daily basis. Three words from different levels of difficulty are chosen each day and displayed with their translations, pronunciations, example phrases and recorded audio files."

http://www.greektionary.com/

Christmas Lesson Ideas

2009-12-04T10:53:00.005-06:00

Visit Grafoulis.gr for many Christmas activities, including Greek Christmas carols, crafts and lesson ideas.

http://www.grafoulis.gr/wp/?cat=39

Φρόστυ ο Χιονάνθρωπος

2009-12-02T19:45:00.008-06:00

There is a wonderful Greek children's YouTube channel called Paidiki Fwlia... I encourage you to take a look along with your children. There are so many things to watch, all in Greek, incuding Barbie Princesses, Disney songs, Warner Brothers cartoons and more. So much fun!

http://www.youtube.com/user/PaidikiFwlia

Playing and Learning

2009-12-02T19:09:00.003-06:00

The Παίζω και μαθαίνω series is geared towards 5-6 year olds learning Greek as a second language. By using colorful pictures to begin discussion, the goal of this series is to get children speaking and understanding Greek. The Workbook and cards encourage children to learn the Greek Alphabet and letter sounds. Produced by Ε.ΔΙ.Α.Μ.ΜΕ

Playing and Learning Student Book

http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/index.php?id=60,206,0,0,1,0

Playing and Learning Workbook
http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/index.php?id=60,207,0,0,1,0

Playing and Learning Teaching Instructions
http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/index.php?id=60,208,0,0,1,0

Free On-line Greek Games

2009-11-19T16:03:00.004-06:00

From Red Fish Soup at Passionrouge.com

Alphabet recognition and word associations

http://www.poissonrouge.com/greekalphabet/index.html

Vocabulary Builder Game

http://www.poissonrouge.com/schoolofgreek/index.html

More Alphabet Work

2009-11-18T09:45:00.006-06:00

From Scholarxeio

Greek Alphabet Wall Cards

http://blogs.sch.gr/anianiouris/files/2009/09/a-w-karteles-ths-alfavhtas-gia-ton-toixo.pdf

Greek Alphabet Coloring Pages

http://blogs.sch.gr/anianiouris/files/2009/09/alfavhta-axrwmh.pdf

Greek Pre-Reader

http://blogs.sch.gr/anianiouris/files/2009/09/proanagnwstiko.pdf

From Prasini Priza

Greek Alphabet Capital Letters Coloring Page

http://www.prasinipriza.com/PAGES/E02/E02-005/ALFKEFOUTLINE.html

Greek Alphabet Lower Case Letters Coloring Page

http://www.prasinipriza.com/PAGES/E02/E02-005/ALFMIKOUTLINE.html

Ο Λαγός και η Χελώνα

2009-11-17T10:16:00.005-06:00

From the Παιδική Φωλιά channel on You Tube

From Ε. ΔΙΑ.Μ.ΜΕ story cards front

http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora/download.php?id=282303,2490,11

From Ε.ΔΙΑ.Μ.ΜΕ story cards back
http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora/download.php?id=72316,2491,11

From E.ΔΙΑ.Μ.ΜΕ masks for this and other Aesop's Fables
http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora/download.php?id=1193976,2494,11

From Edupics.com, coloring page for Λαγός και η Χελώνα
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.edupics.com/en-coloring-pictures-pages-photo-the-tortoise-and-the-hare-dl5999.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.edupics.com/en-coloring-pictures-pages-photo-the-tortoise-and-the-hare-i5999.html&usg=__JelQnL8HGnLha1DhPru9zNZ5rHw=&h=875&w=620&sz=77&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=gvjrxZkFoHBRSM:&tbnh=146&tbnw=103&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dtortoise%2Band%2Bthe%2Bhare%2Bcoloring%2Bpage%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4ADBS_enUS241US241%26sa%3DN

My Frist Words in Greek and English DVD

2009-11-16T09:42:00.007-06:00

I recently received an e-mail from Tony at Greek Toys and Books in Australia informing me of their new Greek language video
My First Words in Greek and English.

Take a look at their promotional video on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M4h7lznSbI

For more information, go to the Greek Toys and Books website at http://www.greektoysandbooks.com/

Clothing Vocabulary

2009-11-15T07:25:00.008-06:00

From Tools for Educators, generate vocabulary writing sheets (input only the clothing items you would like and leave text area blank so you can write in the Greek)

http://www.toolsforeducators.com/spelling/read_write_clothing.php

From Tools for Educators, generate bingo cards with clothing theme
http://www.toolsforeducators.com/bingo/clothing.php

From Εμείς και οι Άλλοι - Ε.ΔΙΑ.Μ.ΜΕ series, clothing vocabulary sheet and worksheets
http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/download.php?id=1748597,1621,11

From the Μαργαρίτα- Ε.ΔΙΑ.Μ.ΜΕ series conversation sheets on clothing and colors
http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/download.php?id=299323,1832,11

From the Μαργαρίτα -Ε.ΔΙΑ.Μ.ΜΕ series worksheets on clothing and colors
http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/download.php?id=140077,1844,11

From Paramithia.gr- TheEmperor's New Clothes in Greek

http://www.paramithia.net/and3.html

Say YES! to Greek Arts Education

2009-11-11T10:16:00.006-06:00

The Four Seasons by Yannis Tsarouchis

As a child going to Greek school, I never realized that there were Greek artists. Greek art for me, and I believe many who grew up Greek-American, consisted of ancient Greek temples, pottery, Byzantine iconography and portraits of the heroes of the Greek revolution (who can forget Bouboulina on the boat, or Kolokotronis on the horse). There was just never enough time in class to talk about "modern" Greek artists, and their contributions to Greece. To be honest, I didn't know much myself until I stumbled upon the National Gallery of Greece's website a few years ago. They have a wonderful site that allows you to see their permanent collection along with biographies of the artists. Since then, I have been hooked! I include art from the National Gallery and the Benaki Museum in my class all the time. Let me give you an example:

The image above is used when I present my lesson on the four seasons. There is so much for the kids to look at... what is each person holding? What are the differences? Can they tell what season each person represents? What are some things that are around them that gives clues? What are the seasonal fruit in Greece? You will be amazed at the response you get, and the kids will remember the artwork and the artist. Not only that, in your lesson you have discussed clothing, colors, fruit, and flowers!

According to Richard Kessler, executive director of the Center for Arts Education in New York City "research shows that children who spend time in school doing visual art, performing music or dance or even acting in a ply gain a whole set of creative and analytical skills that are quickly disappearing from the rest of the curriculum." Why not cultivate these skills in our children by showing them what talent Greece has to offer! Show your child Greek art, teach them a Greek dance, encourage them to learn Greek songs and poetry. It will be a memorable experience for both you and your child.

The National Gallery of Greece

http://www.nationalgallery.gr/

Benaki Museum

http://www.benaki.gr/

Karagiozis

2009-11-08T22:47:00.005-06:00

Last Friday at Greek School we learned the letter Κκ. K is always a great letter to learn because it becomes Karagiozis day. The kids really enjoy looking at the different "figoures" and making their own Karagiozi to take home. Here are some Karagiozi resources for you to join in the fun.

Make your own Karagiozis figoures
www.karagkiozis.com/deite-kataskeues.htm

Karagiozis the Cook

More information about Karagiozis and characters

in the shadow puppet theater from the Karagiozis Museum at

http://www.karagiozismuseum.gr/en/figoures/index.htm

Archangels Resources for November 8th

2009-11-05T22:10:00.014-06:00

Synaxis of the Archangel Michael & the other Bodiless Powers: Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, & Barachiel
November 8

Reading in English from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

http://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints/279

Reading in Greek from synaxaristis.googlepages.com

http://www.synaxaristis.googlepages.com/8%CE%BD%CE%BF%CE%B5%CE%BC%CE%B2%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BF%CF%85

Activity page from Orthodoxonline.com

http://www.orthodoxonline.com/archangels-secondary.htm

Send an Archangels Iconogram

http://www.iconograms.org/sig.php?eid=279

Archangels Activities from Theologic.com

http://www.theologic.com/oflweb/feasts/11-08.htm

Coloring page from Potamitis Publishing of Archangel Gabriel

http://orthodoxchildrensbooks.com/eng/images/stories/print-and-paint/saint%20archangel%20gabriel.pdf

Coloring Page of the Archangels from Katihitis

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_y3dDrdcZCl4/Sm3mMrqwmbI/AAAAAAAAAmo/ae_W-uBif6s/s1600-h/ARXAGELLOI.jpg

Απολυτίκιο. Ήχος δ’.

Ο υψωθείς εν τω Σταυρώ.Των ουρανίων στρατιών Αρχιστράτηγοι, δυσωπούμεν υμάς ημείς οι ανάξιοι, ίνα ταις υμών δεήσεσι τειχίσητε ημάς, σκέπη των πτερύγων, της αΰλου υμών δόξης, φρουρούντες ημάς προσπίπτοντας, εκτενώς και βοώντας, εκ των κινδύνων λυτρώσασθε ημάς, ως Ταξίαρχοι, των άνω Δυνάμεων.

Κοντάκιον. Ήχος β’.
Αρχιστράτηγοι Θεού, λειτουργοί θείας δόξης, των ανθρώπων οδηγοί, και άρχηγοι Ασωμάτωv, το συμφέροv ημίv αιτήσασθε, και το μέγα έλεος, ως τωv Ασωμάτων Αρχιστράτηγοι.

Hymn to the Archangels - (Troparion)
"O Leaders of the heavenly armies, although we are always unworthy, we ask you that with your prayers you may circle us with the protection of the wings of your angelic glory. Watch over us as we bow low and earnestly cry out to you: “Deliver us from trouble, O Princes of the heavenly armies.”

New Address

2009-11-05T21:43:00.002-06:00

Please note the address for Time for Greek School has changed to

http://www.greekschoolusa.com/

Η Αλεπού και ο Κόρακας

2009-11-04T09:11:00.006-06:00

illustration by Rachel Smith

Aesop's Fables are a big hit in my class. By retelling them and acting them out we build our vocabulary and have lots of fun.

Fox and Crow Story in card format from Ε.ΔΙΑ.Μ.ΜΕ

The originals are two sided with one side having a picture and the back having the story to read to the kids. Print out both sets and paste them together to get the same effect. Please note that there are some with no words on the back because they do not go with the story, but are meant the get the kids thinking about what is wrong with the picture. These cards are labeled with a number and a letter, where the ones that go along with the story are labeled with only a number.

Back of cards:

h http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/download.php?id=73584,2483,11

Front of cards:

http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/download.php?id=380672,2484,11

Fox and Crow Masks (plus other various masks) for acting out the Fable

http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/download.php?id=1193976,2494,11

Fox and Crow coloring page from kids-pages.com

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.kids-pages.com/folders/colpages/Aesops_Fables/the-fox-and-the-crow.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.kids-pages.com/folders/colpages/Aesops_Fables/page6.htm&usg=__lRaijiyoJol7AskwdTegnnYvGUg=&h=803&w=614&sz=18&hl=en&start=1&tbnid=hdUhLjdiWPLKaM:&tbnh=143&tbnw=109&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfox%2Band%2Bcrow%2Bcoloring%2Bpage%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4ADBS_enUS241US241%26sa%3DN

Music

2009-11-02T09:07:00.004-06:00

Download traditional Greek song lyrics and sheet music to be used in class or at home from the Greek Minstry of Education and Religious Affairs' Παιδαγωγικό Ινστιτούτο.

Teacher's Edition Music Book for grades 1-6

http://pi-schools.sch.gr/dimotiko/mous_anth_a_st/dask/s_1_200.pdf

Παίζω και Μιλώ

2009-10-31T08:59:00.015-05:00

Παίζω και μιλώ-I play and talk student book

http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/index.php?id=60,198,0,0,1,0

Παίζω και μιλώ-I play and talk student workbook

http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/index.php?id=60,204,0,0,1,0

Παίζω και μιλώ-I play and talk instruction manual

http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/index.php?id=60,205,0,0,1,0

Greek e-cards for Feast Days and More

2009-10-30T09:05:00.005-05:00

At Netkids.gr, you can send an e-card for any occasion. They even have personalized Feast Day cards that include the first name of the recipient in Greek. How neat is that?! Send one to a friend today.

http://www.netkids.gr/greetingcardpro/default.asp

Greek Children's Music

2009-10-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but my kids love Greek music. Not only do they enjoy it, but it also boosts their vocabulary! I am amazed at what they learn, and when I ask them about it, they will tell me in many cases it was from a song they heard.

Join the fun, by listening to Greek children's music and videos at ΠαιδικάΤραγούδια.gr at

http://www.paidikatragoudia.gr/.

OXI Day Activities

2009-10-28T23:30:00.002-05:00

From astropeleki.files.wordpress.com

OXI with victory wreath

http://astropeleki.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/dsc03236.jpg

Watch a tutorial on how to create a Tsolia's fesi

http://astropeleki.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/%cf%86%ce%ad%cf%83%ce%b9-%cf%84%ce%bf%cf%85-%cf%84%cf%83%ce%bf%ce%bb%ce%b9%ce%ac-%ce%b3%ce%b9%ce%b1-%cf%84%ce%b7%ce%bd-28%ce%b7-%ce%bf%ce%ba%cf%84%cf%89%ce%b2%cf%81%ce%af%ce%bf%cf%85/

Storytime

2009-10-27T17:58:00.006-05:00

Find and read fairy tales in Greek at Paramithia.gr

The Ugly Duckling

http://www.paramithia.net/and2.html

The Princess and the Pea

http://www.paramithia.net/and1.html

Little Red Riding hood

http://www.paramithia.net/grim1.html

Cinderella

http://www.paramithia.net/grim2.html

Classroom Vocabulary

2009-10-26T07:20:00.006-05:00

illustration by Sarah Beise

Label things around your classroom or home from Grafoulis.gr

http://www.grafoulis.gr/wp/IROES/PINAKIDES%20.pdf

From the Εικονογραφησμένο Λεξίκο Α' Β' Γ'Δημοτικού published by ΟΕΔΒ scroll down to page 437 for a colorful picture of a classroom labeled with classroom vocabulary

http://pi-schools.sch.gr/dimotiko/lex_a_b_c/lex_391_440.pdf

2009-10-24T09:05:00.006-05:00

Background information on Greece in World War II

http://www.fhw.gr/chronos/14/en/1940_1945/index.html

Paintings of Alexandros Alexandrakis

Having fought at the war front, painter and draughtsman Alexandros Alexandrakis (1913-1968) found time to document the harsh life of soldiers up on the Pindos mountains.

http://www.cslab.ntua.gr/~phib/hellas/alexandrakis.htm

St. Demetrios Resources

2009-10-23T08:56:00.011-05:00

St. Demetrios coloring page from Potamitis Publishing
http://orthodoxchildrensbooks.com/eng/images/agios%20demetrios%20orthodox%20kids%20corner.pdf

Life of St. Demetrios in Greek from Matia.gr
http://www.matia.gr/7/72/7203/7203_1_14.html

Life of St. Demetrios in English from
the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America http://www.goarch.org/special/demetrios/index_html

Απολυτίκιο
Μέγαν εύρατο εν τοις κινδύνοις
Σε υπέρμαχον η οικουμένη
Αθλοφόρε τα έθνη τροπούμενον.
Ως ουν Λυαίου καθείλες την έπαρσιν,
εν τω σταδίω θαρρύνας τον Νέστορα, ούτως,
Άγιε Μεγαλομάρτυς Δημήτριε, Χριστόν τον Θεόν ικέτευε,
δωρήσασθαι ημίν το μέγα έλεος.

Troparion (Tone 3)
O victorious Demetrios, thou wast a protection for the world and an invincible soldier of Christ. Thou didst inspire Nestor to humble Lyaios. Intercede with Christ our God to save us

The coloring page to the right of the post was created by Egle-Ekaterine Potamitis. More of her work can be seen at the Potamitis Publishing link under learning resources.

Ελλάδα μου όμορφη....

2009-10-22T23:24:00.002-05:00

Η Αλφαβήτα Ταξιδεύει

2009-10-22T09:08:00.008-05:00

I am always on the lookout for fun and colorful materials I can use in my classroom, and with my kids at home. Last year at the Metropolis teacher's meeting each school was given a folder with a little train carrying the Greek alphabet that included a matching game. My kids loved it! My students loved it! I hope you like it too.

http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora2/index.php?id=102,284,0,0,1,0

I would suggest these be printed out on card stock and laminated if possible.

Resources

2009-10-21T20:10:00.012-05:00

The main reason this blog was created was to disseminate information about Greek education. Greek education in America has changed drastically since I was in Greek school. The demographics are different, lifestyles are different, priorities are different. There was no getting out of Greek school when I was younger, we never even dared to ask our parents to skip school, because we knew it was so important to them (1st generation) for us to learn the language of their homeland.. they needed that connection. They sacrificed and worked at factories and restaurants so we could have the best education, including Greek School, and in return they expected us to study. They expected us to be good Orthodox Christians and honorable "Ellinopoula". But as I stated before, times have changed and many things take priority over Greek school... baseball, birthday parties, life. Every family has its priorities, and sometimes, Greek education does not fit in... and there is nothing wrong with that, it just comes with the territory of being Greeks in the diaspora.

Thirty years ago, Greek textbooks used in America were the same ones used by Greek children in Greece. As a matter of fact, when I went to Greece at 8 years old, I went to school with my cousin and guess what... we were on the same lesson . These books worked then because mom and dad in most cases spoke Greek and if not, Γιαγιά and Παππού did and they would help with homework. But now the books used by children in Greece do not work for us. The Greek government knows this and spends a lot of money developing books to teach kids in the diaspora Greek (your talking about over 40 countries speaking that many different languages with kids learning Greek as a second language).

The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America has also started producing a series of leveled books (not grades) called Τα Ελληνικά Μου. These books have been created for the Greek American student, using stickers, music, a dialogue CD and a supplementary book that explains everything in English for the non-Greek parent who does homework with the child. Anyway, I can go on and on.

Please take a look at what the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs and the Univeristy of Crete (Rhethymnon) in has produced for us...

http://ediamme.edc.uoc.gr/diaspora/index.php?yliko

Alphabet Matching

2009-10-21T09:13:00.006-05:00

Prasini Priza is a great website from Cyprus with many resources, games and lesson ideas. Click on the links below to print out the Greek alphabet (upper and lower cases), cut out and have fun playing a Greek alphabet matching game.

http://www.prasinipriza.com/PAGES/E02/E02-005/ALFKEF.html

http://www.prasinipriza.com/PAGES/E02/E02-005/ALFMIK.html

Victory, Freedom... Panagia with him

2009-10-20T09:34:00.014-05:00

Our Greek School presents numerous programs throughout the year... Christmas, Three Hierarchs, Greek Independence Day, Graduation, and the OXI Day Commemoration.

"The Anniversary of NO", that we so endearingly call OXI (ochi) Day commemorates Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas' rejection of the ultimatum made by Italian dictator Mussolini on October 28, 1940. Who would have thought that a poor, small country like Greece would have been so brave in their simple response of "OXI" No!. No, Greece would not allow Axis forces to enter Greek territory and occupy strategic locations. Yes, they would follow their simple answer with bravery of heart and spirit and mark the beginning of Greece's participation in World War II. Since 1942, October 28th has been celebrated in Greek communities around the world with programs and parades.

In presenting this history lesson to my students, I like to include images of the time period. They are always so interested. And although many include soldiers and weapons, the ones that grab their attention the most are those that include the image of the Panagia. They inherently know that Panagia is in these images because she protects and prays for soldiers, she protects and prays for everyone. Their responses to these images are so genuine, and so right on point that they teach me a lesson or two in the end... like one of my students said yesterday, Panagia is always hugging us, just like she hugs the soldier in the poster and how she hugs "Christouli" in church.

Join in the celebration of OXI day by coloring your own Greek flag to display at home:

http://www.crayola.com/free-coloring-pages/print/greece-coloring-page/

I love Greek School!

2009-10-19T14:29:00.001-05:00

I really do! It is such a blessing to be able to instill a love of Greece, its language and culture in these beautiful children.

This blog is my humble offering of activities that I do in class to teach beginning modern Greek, Greek history and culture.