September, 19/20 – Activate English Group 3.9. – Good and bad news
The year 2016 in Ukraine is the year of the English Language.
The Activate English Group at DOUNB library is an integral part of the EXPRESS-ENGLISH course offered to the Window on America Dnipropetrovsk readers in year 2016.
The Activate English Group was created for people who have been studying English for several years, but are too shy to speak. The objective of the course is to activate the passive knowledge and enable the students of English to express themselves in English no matter how small might be their vocabulary.
All the participants found the session educational and helpful.
Participants number – 24 persons.
September, 21 – Wednesday Movie Club at #DniproWOA
Today our movie session was unusual. As a rule we watch feature films, but this time our Australian friends Eric with Irina offered a unique opportunity to watch documentary movies about Australia, each of them last for ten or fifteen minutes. These movies were about Australian nature, sanctuaries, zoos and an old part or Sidney. It was really amazing to watch these movies and then discussed them.
Participants number – 23 persons.
22-23 вересня – Всеукраїнська науково-практична конференція «Міжнародна діяльність бібліотек як
складова європейського вибору держави» (м.Одеса). Метою конференції було висвітлення пріоритетних напрямів міжнародної діяльності бібліотек України.
Дніпропетровську ОУНБ ім. Первоучителів слов’янських Кирила і Мефодія на конференції представляли співробітники інформаційно-ресурсного центру «Вікно в Америку» Світлана Усенко і Тамара Гаврилюк. Темами їх доповідей були:
- Реалізація грантового проекту “Windows Go Biking”: «Велосипед – тренажер для тіла, а книга та читання – тренажер для розуму і душі».
- Досвід бібліотеки по залученню волонтерства в міжнародні проекти по вивченню європейських мов.
У доповідях йшлося про міжнародні проекти Дніпропетровської ОУНБ, завдяки яким відвідувачі бібліотеки можуть вивчати іноземні мови і знайомитися з культурами світу.
У роботі конференції брали участь фахівці з національних бібліотек, зокрема Національної бібліотеки імені В.І. Вернадського та Національної наукової медичної бібліотеки України. Своїм досвідом поділилися співробітники обласних універсальних наукових бібліотек з 17 областей України. На конференції були присутні представники районних та міських бібліотек, видавництва «Зелена хвиля».
Кількість учасників – 2 особи.
September, 24 – ESC Gabfest: AUSTRALIA & WINE Stories.
This afternoon the GABFEST Club at #DniproWOA gave its floor to our Australian volunteer Mr. Eric who offered to watch and discuss a video about tourist attractions of his Australian home – the Hunter Valley in NSW.
With great interest the Club members watched the film about cow and race horses farms, historic mansions turned into guest houses; jazz, hot air balloons and rodeo festivals; the wild life and beautiful nature of the Hunter Valley.
The highlight and the treasure of the valley is white Australian wine. We watched how it is grown and manufactured. The group was urged to tell Mr. Eric about the Ukrainian wine regions and typical wines. We discussed the qualities of the wine brand produced in Dnipro. Some club members recommended Trans Carpathian wines. We also recommended the Black Sea region wines and discussed their merits. Some information about the historic background of Ukrainian vineyards was provided.
The surprise of the session was the return of our US volunteer Mr. Jason. He brought us a present from his trip to Caucasus region – a book about the Wines of Georgia.
At the end of the session the group was offered a round of “Speed English” prepared by WOA’s volunteer educator O.Myrgorodska. All the participants were thrilled and were looking forward to their turn to talk to native speakers.
Participant number – 30 persons.
#УкраїнаSpeaking #americanspaces #DniproWOA #Dnipropetrovsk #library #DOUNB #ДОУНБ #Ukraine #EducationalActivities #LearnEnglish #Gabfest #SpeedEnglish
September, 26 – Theodor Dreiser for High School Students.
To observe the anniversary of Theodor Dreiser the WOA staff member T. Gavryliuk offered a presentation to the 9th year students. The children study at the local school No. 141 with focus on English and other foreign languages.
The Dreiser’s novels from the DOUNB library collection were displayed to the group and the importance of his work was explained. The book trailer for Dreiser’s most popular book “An American Tragedy” was screened and translated by the students. A short discussion about the American dream followed.
The highlight of the session was the conversation about
Dreiser’s trip to the Soviet Union and visit to the Ukrainian cities of Kiev, Odessa and Donetsk (Stalino then). ”Dreiser looks at Russia” book contained his impressions about the Soviet Union. We discussed 16 things that surprised him most.
The students also translated a Dreiser’s quote about happiness and answered the questions of a literary quiz about Th.Dreiser’s novels.
Participants number – 12 persons.
September, 27 – U.S. CONSUL TO DISCUSS DIVERSITY VISAS (GREEN CARD) AND VISA FRAUD ISSUES.
United States Vice-Consul Ed O’Bryan visited Dnipro and gave a presentation on Diversity Visas and visa fraud issues. The meeting took place at Window on America Center, Dnipro Oblast Research Library, 18 D. Yavornytskyi Ave.
During the presentation Mr. O’Bryan explained the process of applying for U.S. diversity visas. He covered the main aspects of the process and explained what one should do to ensure a fair and transparent application process. Mr. O’Bryan also discussed visa fraud issues pertaining to agencies that offer services associated with U.S. visa applications and the Green Card Lottery entry process.
Mr. O’Bryan was available to answer any other questions that the audience may have regarding current diversity visa application procedures.
Participants number – 35 persons.
Thank you for visit, Mr.O'Bryan!
September, 27 – Business Visas.
Participants number – 15 persons.
September, 27 – VIP at Course Graduation.
This afternoon the Activate English Group had its last lesson. The surprise visit of the US Vice-Consul in Kyiv Mr. Ed O’Brian thrilled the students.
The age of Activate English learners range from 7 to 80 years. They have introduced themselves to the VIP guest and told him about their professional background.
The Foreign guest asked the Group about the places of interest in Dnipro city and about nice places to eat out with his family. The Ukrainian students were able to present the brief history of Dnipro, its historical monuments (palaces, fortresses, and cathedrals) and popular modern sites. The best buy recommendations included Petrykivka paintings, Millennium chocolate and other gastronomic souvenirs of the region.
The second part of the session was dedicated to the conversation about different types of transport and their respective advantages and disadvantages. The students who attended all 10 lessons of the course received their Certificates of Attendance.
Participants number – 23 persons.
September, 28 – Wednesday Movie Club at 5:00 p.m.
Today our movie session was unusual. As a rule we watch feature films, but this time our Australian friends Eric with Irina offered a unique opportunity to watch documentary movies about Australia, each of them last for ten or fifteen minutes. These movies were about Australian nature, sanctuaries, zoos and an old part or Sidney. It was really amazing to watch these movies and then discussed them.
Participants number – 13 persons.
September, 29 – Basic English.
The Basic Group at Window on America Dnipro was familiarized with the vocabulary to the topic “FOOD”. The text by Ogden showed the students how to operate basic verbs and substitute complex meanings with simple grammatical constructions.
The students shared their stories about “My breakfast”. The home task will a challenge – to describe Ukrainian nature or weather in English.
Instructor: T. Gavryliyuk
Pictures: S.Usenko.
Participants number – 15 persons.
September, 29 – Ukrainian Libraries’ Day: Friends’ Greetings.
On the eve of the Ukrainian Libraries’ Day (September, 30) the DOUNB Library foreign department staff and "Window on America" (Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine) center were greeted by the long-time partners – the teachers and students of the high school №141. The Librarians’ team heard the words of appreciation for all educational events offered to the students within the cooperation project framework. In return the librarians highly appreciated flowers, sweet treats and especially a musical number. The DOUNB Library staff is motivated to plan and present new events for the inquisitive young generation.
Participants number – 6 persons.
AUSTRALIA’s WILDLIFE and CENSUS at Window on America center in Dnipro.
This afternoon WOA’s Australian volunteer Mr. Eric suggested to introduce a unique Australian predator. The group was offered for big-screening a short video “Killer Crocodiles of Australia” by “Travel OZ”. The film presented the salt water crocodiles and their way of life. The fresh water crocodiles were also introduced together with croc hunters and croc farms. Even though the comprehension of the Australian English was a challenge for many the new vocabulary proved to be very useful for other spheres if life.
The next topic for discussion was an important event for the Australian and Ukrainian society - the census. A short US educational cartoon explained why censuses are important for government. We also watched and discussed videos about Ukrainian community in Australia and top Australian actors in Hollywood.
At the end of the session the group was offered a round of “Speed English” prepared by WOA’s volunteer educator O.Myrgorodska. All the participants were thrilled and were looking forward to their turn to talk to the Australian volunteer.
Participants number – 46 persons.
#УкраїнаSpeaking #americanspaces #DniproWOA #Dnipropetrovsk #library#DOUNB #ДОУНБ #Ukraine #EducationalActivities #LearnEnglish #Gabfest#SpeedEnglish
The Basic Group was familiarized with the vocabulary to the topic “FOOD”. The text by Ogden showed the students how to operate basic verbs and substitute complex meanings with simple grammatical constructions.
The students shared their stories about “My Day”. The home task will a challenge – to describe traditional Ukrainian breakfast in English.
Participants number – 24 persons.
#americanspaces #DniproWOA #Dnipropetrovsk #library #DOUNB #ДОУНБ #Ukraine#EducationalActivities #LearnEnglish #УкраїнаSpeaking #BasicEnglish
The Dnipro Window on America center continues its project “Discover USA” with partner Universities of Dnipropetrovsk city. On September, 15 the facility was visited by two group of students from the local faculty of the National University for Culture and Arts. The students major was Tourism and Hotel Management.
The WOA staff member Ms. Tamara Gavryliuk delivered a lecture about the American Hospitality Culture. The modern trends in the US hospitality technologies were presented to the students in a slide show. Screening of videos about the leading American hotels, theme parks and cruise companies illustrated the topic and gave an insight into the differences in hospitality across nations.
The professional periodicals available at the DOUNB Library were also introduced to the University students.
Participants number – 53 persons.
#americanspaces #DniproWOA #Dnipropetrovsk #library #DOUNB #ДОУНБ #Ukraine#EducationalActivities #LearnEnglish #УкраїнаSpeaking #lecture #HospitalityCulture
DOUNB Library Promo for WOA’s resources: «Привіт, ENGLISH! We are back to school!»
On the main street of Dnipro city in front of the DOUNB Library building the Window on America center staff joined the promotional event for library services. We presented the book display: «Hello, ENGLISH!» which familiarized with the popular US landmarks and the most popular sports in America – baseball and basketball.
The "Window on America" Librarians reminded the passes-by about the “Year of English in Ukraine” and informed them about free resources for learning English at the DOUNB library, the clubs and courses offered at WOA.
The people interested in the WOA’s stand were offered the CNN Olympics Quiz. They had to answer questions of a funny test about Olympic Games history and Rio Games.
While introducing library resources we met some knowledgeable people who answered questions of the «Great CNN Olympic quiz»; as prizes they received WOA’s bookmarks and pens.
The librarians distributed promo flyers, shared information about the new groups of free Express English course that start in October (11 and 13). Several interested persons signed up on the spot.
Number of participants – 97 persons.
#americanspaces #DniproWOA #Dnipropetrovsk #library #DOUNB #ДОУНБ #Ukraine #EducationalActivities #LearnEnglish #УкраїнаSpeaking #БібліотекаOpenAir
Look at more pictures, please
Wednesday Movie Club – The Gambler (Crime, Drama, Thriller).
The Gambler is a 2014 American crime drama film directed by Rupert Wyatt. The screenplay by William Monahan is based on the 1974 film The Gambler, written by James Toback.
Lit professor and gambler Jim Bennett's debt causes him to borrow money from his mother and a loan shark. Further complicating his situation is his relationship with one of his students. Will Bennett risk his life for a second chance?
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Writers: William Monahan (screenplay), James Toback
Stars: Mark Wahlberg, Jessica Lange, John Goodman
Participants number – 17 persons.
#TheGambler #WednesdayMovieClub #DniproWOA
The 8th lesson of the Activate English course at Dnipro Window on America center was dedicated to the topic “My favorite book, writer, TV program and film”. The group discussed this topic in pairs. It turned out that for many students in the group the favorite writer is the American sci-fi author Ray Bradbury. The new vocabulary about books was introduced: paperback, pocket size, bestseller, etc.
Participants number – 27 persons.
#americanspaces #DniproWOA #Dnipropetrovsk #library #DOUNB #ДОУНБ #Ukraine#EducationalActivities #LearnEnglish #УкраїнаSpeaking #ActivateEnglish
WOA’s Promotion and Introduction of #УкраїнаSpeaking project to students and teachers of Dnipro Polytechnic college.
Within the framework of the educational project #УкраїнаSpeaking DOUNB Library and "Window on America" Center were presented to students community. The WOA’s Head Svetlana Usenko visited the colleagues at the Dnipro Polytechnic college Library.
She offered a presentation for the English teacher and the 1st year students of the Dnipro Polytechnic college. The presentation started with the big-screening of the motivational video that encourages Ukrainians to learn English (production by the УкраїнаSpeaking project). The audience learned about several essential things:
- the modern services of the DOUNB Library that are assessable 24 hours/ 7 days a week.
- the DONUB Library web site and its online catalog
- the activities plan to observe the "Year of English in Ukraine",
- the various language clubs for different age groups and skill levels skill
- the #УкраїнаSpeaking project that is aimed to help all who wish to improve English proficiency in one way or another . Students were offered a slide show that recommended effective on-line resources: УкраїнаSpeaking, American English, Voice of America, SHAREAMERICA, English is fun and others.
Participants number – 25 persons.
Look at more pictures, please
“COLUMBUS” of the UKRAINIAN STEPP.
This afternoon the session of the #GABFEST Club at #DniproWOA was truly international – our Australian and American friends came over to join our conversation club. For the warm-up we had an introduction of the newcomers and cracking some jokes in Ukrainian (with explanations for the foreigners).
The official topic of the session was “COLUMBUS” of the Ukrainian Stepp ”.
The group was offered to render into English for our guests the information about the prominent citizen of American Corner Dnipropetrovsk – Mr. Alexander Pohl. The slide show gave the most important facts about Pohl’s projects – the Dnipropetrovsk province iron ore deposits discovery and construction of the railway between iron ore and coal regions. The industrial glory of Dnipro was prepared by this enthusiast. A. Pohl also started the collection of the local history museum .
The second part of the session was a Q&A. The foreigners were asking about the City Day events and entertainment. The club members recommended them good places for concerts and shows for the city’s birthday.
Mr. Eric also arranged the tasting of the Australian heritage – the vitamin spread Vegemite.
The session was educational for all participants.
Participants number – 42 persons.
Basic English at Window on America Dnipro / American Corner Dnipropetrovsk.
This afternoon the Basic English group in Dnipro WOA has practiced reading the vowels and combinations of consonants. They are now able to introduce themselves in English. The new topic was “My Day”.
Instructor: T. Gavryliyuk
Pictures: S.Usenko.
Number of participants – 35 persons.
#americanspaces #DniproWOA #Dnipropetrovsk #library #DOUNB #ДОУНБ #Ukraine#EducationalActivities #LearnEnglish #УкраїнаSpeaking #BasicEnglish
Wednesday Movie Club at Dnipro Window on America center.
The film Avatar was offered for big-screening at WOA’s Movie Club.
Avatar (marketed as James Cameron's Avatar) is a 2009 American epic science fiction film directed, written, produced, and co-edited by James Cameron, and starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sigourney Weaver. The film is set in the mid-22nd century, when humans are colonizing Pandora, a lush habitable moon of a gas giant in the Alpha Centauri star system, in order to mine the mineral unobtanium, a room-temperature superconductor. The expansion of the mining colony threatens the continued existence of a local tribe of Na'vi – a humanoid species indigenous to Pandora.
The film's title refers to a genetically engineered Na'vi body with the mind of a remotely located human that is used to interact with the natives of Pandora.
WOA’s patrons enjoyed the film and the discussion that followed.
Participants number – 18 persons.
#Avatar #WednesdayMovieClub #DniproWOA
Today’s session of the Activate Group was very helpful. It was attended by our American guest Mr. Spencer. Mr. Spencer briefly introduced himself and told about his home state Florida and the state where he studied at the University (Utah).The students had a chance to introduce themselves to the foreigner and ask questions about his shopping habits. They recommended him the best buy from our region – Petrykivka decorative painting.
The students discussed what do they plan to buy and why. The new material – constructions for thanking people.
Participants number – 30 persons.
Look at more pictures, please
Speed English at Dnipro Window on America center.
Today, our Speed English was orientated towards one topic “Jobs and Money”. Our guests from Australia, Mr. Eric and Ms. Irina, helped us a lot and it was interesting to discuss how much the life in Australia and Ukraine is similar at one side and different at the another ones. “What professions are prestigious in your country?”, “What was your first job for money?” and “Do you prefer to spend money or save money?” were actively discussed.
After the official part, our club members were reluctant to leave the library. We continued communication and discussion. And even after passing into the library hall with the purpose to leave, we continued asking questions and discussing issues. It is difficult to say “good buy” to the friend which became dear to us.
Participants number – 30 participants.
Look at this slide-show, please
FATHER’S DAY and other Australian holidays.
This afternoon the Gabfest Club’s session was dedicated to the introduction of the Father’s Day. The group was familiarized with the American tradition to celebrate this holiday (June). The illustrative video mentioned that YMCA was one of organizations that helped to spread the idea of the Father’s Day celebration in the USA. The iconic YMCA song by Village People was introduced to the Club members as well as the popular YMSA disco dance.
The second part of the session was dedicated to the Father’s Day celebration in Australia – this year it is September, 3. Our Australian volunteers Mr. Eric and Mrs. Iryna made a presentation about Father’s Day traditions. They also introduced other unique Australian holidays – Wattle Day (September, 1), ANZAC Day, Boxing Day, etc. They have told the group about unique Australian plants – wattle flower, waratah flower, macadamia nut. We mentioned other Australian things – vitamin spread VEGEMITE, BYO restaurants (where you can bring your own alcohol), and plastic wine cask.
The group enjoyed the conversation with foreign guests very much.
Participants number – 39 participants.
After meeting IRYNA shared the INSIGHTS into Australian Life with the Gabfest activists.
Look at more pictures, please
The WOA’s Basic English group started to read texts and to prepare introduction speeches. This afternoon we formulated statements about family and professional background.
Participants number – 21 persons.
Dnipro WOA's volunteer Oleksandra Myrgorodska who had conducted summer sessions in the center for young and adult learners, is congratulated with the start of Academic year in Ukraine!
On his first day at school our young friend Sergey got
some stationary with WOA’s logo.
