Getting to Know You

2008-06-06T11:16:00.000-05:00

Hello!

2008-06-04T01:43:00.000-05:00

2008-05-28T02:15:00.000-05:00

Hi Lauren and Sydney,
Thank you for your letters.
We have summer break from June 1st to August 31st . I have never gone to summer camp. But I take part in school and International educational projects.
In summer 2006 I took part in the International Russian-American Project “English Language Summer Camp.”
I participated in the School Project “English Language Learning” in summer 2007. This educational year I participate in the International Educational Project “We Are in the Multicultural World”. Three teachers from our school won the American grant for this Project.
We will develop a student’s book “Holidays and Traditions in the USA.”
I will develop chapters: “Mother’s Day”, “Halloween”, “Easter”. How do you celebrate your holidays and traditions in the USA?
Did you take part in school or International projects?
This is my routine on a typical day. 5:00 It is time to get up and have a wash.
7:30 My mum prepares my breakfast. I usually have sandwiches and hot chocolate.
8:00 I put on school. My school is not close to my house. 9:15 The school day starts.
12:30 I leave school and return to my house. I have my lunch, relax and watch TV. 13:00 I start doing my homework. It usually takes me one hour. 14:00 I finish my homework and clean my room. I often read a book. 20:00 I have dinner with my family and we all watch TV. 23:00 I go to bed.
Best wishes, Angelina

---------------------------------------

Hi Tyler,
I like to talk to you too. I’ve heard of Bayer Leverkusen! It’s one of the best German teams. And do you know that Russian soccer team Zenit (St.Petesburg) has defeated them 4:1 at the semi final of UEFA Cup this year. And they will play with another German team Bayern Munich on May 1st. The score of the first match was 1:1.
I know David Beckham, now he plays in Los Angeles, but I think he is not a good player. I consider he played very well, when he was in Manchester United.
I play computer games on personal computer. Russians rarely play not on PC. I know, that Sony Playstation, X Box and Nintendo are famous in the USA, but not in Russia.
In Russia we celebrate: New Year’s Day, Christmas, The Day of Fatherland Defender, The 8th of March (International Women’s Day), Labor Day ( 1st of May), Victory Day, The Day of Russia, The Day of Unity.
After school I often: watch TV, play computer games, hang out with my friends, go to the cinema e.t.c. My favorite pastimes are playing computer games, going to the cinema, hanging out with friends.
I like to eat roast chicken, red and black caviar, macaronis, blini (pancakes), pizza, rice, roast turkey, chocolate e.t.c.
And you?
Hope to get your answer soon,
Kirill.

Hi!!

2008-05-15T06:01:00.000-05:00

2008-04-29T05:24:00.000-05:00

Hallo, my name is Slavik. I am a boy. I am a student of 8 grade. In school number 12.
I am 14 years old. I have a dog and a cat. My dogs name is Gear. He is big, bud very kind. My cat’s name is Simon. He is a Scottish flap-eared cat. I like to watch TV ad play computer games in my free time. My favorite film is “The best film” and “300 Spartans” ( it is a American film). My favorite computer game is “The Elders
Scrolls IV OBLIION” and “Total War”.
I took part in Schools Projects since summer 2006. I took part in the School Project “School Newspapers” in 2006. I participated in the School Project “English Language Learning” in summer 2007. In this educational year I participate in the School Project “Holidays and Traditions in the English Speaking-countries”.
We develop a student’s book “National Holidays in USA”. I develop chapters: “Martin Luther King’s Day”, “Arbor Day”.
I go in for Sambo. This is wrestling like Ju-do, bud rude. I like it. I used go to Greek-Rome wrestling club.

What do you think about over school projects?
Is Arbor Day National holiday in the USA?
Do you go in for sports?
Do you like it?
Do you take part in any school projects?
Do you have any pets?
What are the names?
What is your favorite film?
Do you like to play computer games?
------------------------------------------
Hi McKenze,
My favorite subjects at school are Math, Art, English and German. I play volleyball, badminton and table tennis at free time. Now, it is warm here (15-20 C degrees above 0). My birthday was on the 29th of March: so I’m 14 now. At school I develop project “National Holidays in the USA”. My chapter is “Independence Day”. How is Independence Day celebrated in your state – North Dakota, in your town, in your family? Can you send me pictures about this holiday? What is your favorite film?
Your Russian friend,
Ann

-----------------------------

Hello Nicholas,
My favorite subjects at school are Math, Art, English and German. My favorite things to do out of school are reading books and playing volleyball. Now I have no pets. But two years ago, I had a cat. It is a pity, but he ran away. At school I study English and German. What foreign languages do you study at school? Do you have any pets? Do you like to read books? Do students of your school take part in any school project activities?
With best wishes from Russia,
Ann

2008-04-15T15:08:00.002-05:00

Hello Lena,
My apologies for not returning your messages faster, I have some trouble with the website occasionally. Some of my students have replied to your students, and I have had my own son respond to Fedya. Jason is 12 years old and in the 7th grade. We are nearing the end of our school year. The students are starting to get a little crazy. After staying inside all winter, the weather gets nice and they have a hard time staying in!! I hope to send some photos of my classes soon. If your students have specific questions that I can help with, they can write to me as well.

Best regards,
Jennifer M.

Hi Angelina,
My favorite book is called, Love Ruby Lavender. It's a very good book. In my free time I like to hang out with friends and go shopping. I have never danced in modern dancing (we call it hip-hop here), but I was in tap dance and ballet. When do you guys have summer break? Do you ever go to summer camp? I am going to one this summer.
Your American Friend,
Lauren

Hey Angelina,
It's spring here too. But, not everything is green. All the grass still looks like it is dead. Right now I am reading a new series. It's called the Twilight series. They are really good books, if you like reading about vampires. Oh, the author is Stephanie Meyer. I hope you read the books!
Sincerely,
Sydney

Hi Kirill,
I like to talk to you. You are so cool. Another of my favorite soccer teams is Bayer Levurskun - have you heard of them? My favorite player is on a different team. His name is David Beckham. He is pretty famous. I also like the Elder Scrolls series. What kind of game systems do you have? I read the Ranger's Apprentice series. It is adventure as well. What kind of holidays do you celebrate? What is your favorite pasttime? What food do you like? What do you like to do after school?
Da-svi-da-niya,
Tyler

Hi Fedya,
My name is Jason. I am Mrs. M.'s son. I am 12 years old and in the 7th grade. I go to a different school than my mom. My favorite sport is American football. I have a dog named Sophie. I like camping and canoeing with my dad. Some of my favorite classes in school are, gym, choir, science, health, and life skills. My favorite season is summer because that is when my birthday is. I have many friends too.
Later,
Jason

2008-04-11T09:59:00.000-05:00

Tyler- Hello! I was very happy to get a letter from you! Now I’ll answer you questions. I like Italian soccer most. My favorite team is Juventus, because Juventus is a symbol of traditional Italian soccer. My favorite player is Alessandro Del Piero, and yours? My favorite subjects are History and Geography. My favorite computer games are “The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion”, “Medieval II: Total War”, and “Lord of the Rings. Battle for the Middle Earth 2: The Rise of the Witch King”, because I like strategies and RPG (Role Playing Game). I like fantasy books. My favorite author is Robert Salvatore. Nowadays I read his books about the adventures of dark elf. What book do you read nowadays? What films do you like and what is your favorite one? What is your favorite actor or actress?
I’m taking part in a school project. We learn American national holidays and write book about them. My topics are “Labor Day”, “Flag Day” and “Memorial Day”. Please, tell me how you celebrate these holidays in your country and in your town. Can you send me some photos of your town, please?
With best wishes,
Kirill

Angelina

2008-04-04T07:12:00.000-05:00

Hi Sydney,
I have read a new American book “What’s for Breakfast?’’ by Judith Bauer Stamper. I liked it. Have you read it? How are you? Now it is spring in Russia. It is windy and sometimes rainy. Sometimes it’s sunny. And the weather is so nice. It is warm and everything is green. There are so many beautiful places to visit in Russia! So you are very welcome!
Sincerely,
Angelina

------------------------------------------
Hello Lauren,
I am Angelina. I am ten. I have a brother, too. He is younger than me. And I have a dog called Lassie. She is funny. I am in modern dancing. I like it very much. And I like gymnastics, too. We do it at school. I like sports very much. My favourite sports are swimming and figure- skating. What is your favourite book? What do you do in your free time?
Sincerely, Angelina

Fedya's Greetings

2008-03-21T03:33:00.001-05:00

Friday, March 21, 2008
Rostov-on-Don Greetings
Dear Mrs Jennifer M.,
Thank you for this International Internet Project. Some of my students are very glad to take part in it. That is why they write e-mail letters to American students. My students want to know more about life in the USA. We read and discussed your letters at our English classes with all the students.
One of my students Fedya Polenov would like to have a pen-pal in the USA. He had written and sent two letters but he hasn’t got answers yet. Could you help him to find a pen-pal, please?
With best wishes, Teacher of English as a FL Irina Makarenko.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My name is Fedya. My surname is Polenov. I am a boy. I am 10 years old. I live with my Mum and Dad.
I live in Rostov-on-Don. This city is my hometown. I have a nice school. I have nice teachers. I am in the fourth form of the elementary school.
My favorite sport is soccer. I like to play chess with my Dad. I like to play badminton with my friends. I go to parks with my Mom and Dad. I like nature. I have no pets. I’ve got a lot of interesting books at home. I like to read English books. I read a book by an American author.
Now it is spring in my hometown. It is not frosty, slippery and snowy. It is warm and sunny but sometimes it rains. The temperature is 5 -14 degrees C above zero.
Would you like to answer my questions, please?
1. What sport do you like?
2. Have you got a pet?
3. Do you like nature?
4. What do you like more: to play computer games or to read books?
5. What subjects do you like in your school?
6. What season do you like?
7. Have you got friends?
Please, write back.
Your Pen- Friend from Russia
Fedya Polenov

Spring Greetings

2008-03-18T12:06:00.002-05:00

Hello and Happy Spring!
Things are starting to warm up here and the snow is melting! Our temperature is finally above freezing (32 F). My students have written some responses to your students, as well as a few with some general information. What is the weather like for you at this time of the year?
Our school year ends at the end of May. I hope to have a few more exchanges with you before that time.
Da-svi-da-niya,
Jenny

Hi Ann,
I ride my bike instead of rollerblading. I go everywhere with my friends in the summer. My favorite book is called Warriors. The author is Erin Hunter. It is about cats and they fight each other and have separated a forest into 4 different clans. In school my favorite subject is Math. We are doing positive and negative numbers. What is your favorite subject in school? What sports do you play there?
Your pen-pal, McKenzie

Dear Ann,
Hi, my name is Nicholas. I am 13 years old. I am in basketball right now and I used to be in football. My hobbies are basketball, biking, and bowling. I am in the 7th grade and my favorite subject is Math. What is your favorite subject? What is your favorite thing to do out of school? Do you have any pets and if so, what kind?

Kirill - Hi again. I do like soccer. My favorite team is Milan because they are awesome. What is yours? My favorite subjects are Math and Science. My favorite computer game is Mechwarrior. I like war games for the computer. What type of games do you like? What is your favorite? I read adventure books. My favorite author is Gordon Korman. What books do you like, and who is your favorite author?
See ya,
Tyler

Dear Angelina,
I am 12 years old. My favorite book is InkHeart. Yes, I think that it would be really cool to visit Russia. Is there anything really cool to see in Russia? Is it nice there?
Sincerely,
Sydney

Hi,
I am Lauren and I am 12 years old. I have a brother and 2 dogs named Boomer and Buttercup. I am in gymnastics. I can almost do a backflip. Do you do gymnastics in Russia? I love volleyball. Do you play any sports?

Hello,
My name is John Henry. I have one sister, a mom, a dad, a cat named Nick and a dog named Ruby. I am 12 years old and I am in the 7th grade. My dad is in the Air Force, and that means we move around a lot. I used to live in Valdosta, Georgia. Now I live in Grand Forks, North Dakota. I like to play football, basketball, and I also like to wrestle.
What are some of your favorite sports? Do you have any pets like me? What kind of music do you like to listen too?
I hope to hear back from you soon.

Hey Arevik!
Oh, that is very cool. We have one class for French, Latin, German, and Spanish. In German I can say a lot of numbers and ich liebe dich. It means I love you - ha, ha. What do you do for your national holidays in Russia? What does Russia look like? Can you send pictures? That would be great! I have one older brother finishing high school. My favorite actress would probably be Amanda Bynes. My favorite movies are Quest for Camelot and Radio. Do you have a favorite movie or actor? Do you like to read often? I don't. Talk to you again soon.
Your Friend,
Brianna

Hello!

2008-03-16T03:08:00.000-05:00

Hello!

2008-02-15T13:49:00.000-06:00

Hello dear Brianna! I study English, French and I can speak Armenian very well. I lived in Armenia since my birthday till 3 years old. When I was 3 my family moved from Armenia to Russia, to Rostov – on - Don.
In summer 2006 I took part in the International Russian-American project ‘English Language Summer Camp’. This educational year I participate in the School Project ‘National Holidays in USA’.
Have you got any sisters or brothers? Who are your favorite actors and actresses? What are your favorite film?
With best wishes, Arevik!
----------------------------------------------
Dear pen-friend,
Hello! My name is Fedya. My surname is Polenov. I am a boy. I am ten.
I am in the fourth form of the elementary school. I live in Rostov-on-Don. Rostov is my hometown.
I like nature. In the city I like to go to the park. I live with my mum and dad.
I like to play chess with my dad. I haven’t pets. I like tennis and badminton.
I’ve got a lot of interesting books. I like to read them. I have friends.

1. What sport do you like?
2. Have you got a pet?
3. Do you like nature?
4. What do you like more to play computer games or to read books?
5. What subjects do you like in your school?
6. What season do you like?
7. Have you got friends?

Please, write back.
You Pen- Friend from Russia
Fedya Polenov
----------------------------------------------
Hi McKenzie.

Our school number 12 was a secondary comprehensive institution
since its foundation in the 30-s years last century till spring 2007.In autumn 2007 the school was given a new status. Now it is called a Gymnasium. What does it mean? Besides comprehensive subjects our students study additional subjects.
for example, our grade 8V has additional subjects: German or French as a second
foreign language, a history of Great Britain. And 8B grade has Arts as an additional subject.
In our gymnasium I participate in school project “Holiday and Traditions in
English Speaking-countries”. We develop a student’s book “National Holidays in
the U.S.A. I develop a chapter “Independence Day”. Also I like to spend time
in rollerblading in summer. I have never skied in my life, because we do not have long snowy and frosty winters in our region. Of course, sometimes we have frosty and snowy days in winter. But it is rarely. For example in December 2007 and January 2008 there were some very frosty days: -25-30C degrees below 0. Do your like to spend your time rollerblading? What is your favorite book and author? What is your favorite subject at school?
With best wishes,
Your Russian friend,
Ann
---------------------------------------------------

Tyler- Hi Tyler! Thank you for your letter. Now I’ll answer your questions. I like rock music too, especially “Red Hot Chili Peppers”, “Queen”, “Nirvana”, “Aerosmith” e.t.c. Also I like some Russian Rock Groups: “Сплин (Splin)”, “Nautilus Pompilius”, “Ногу Свело(Nogu Svelo)”, “КИНО(Cinema=Movies)”, “Би 2(B 2)” e.t.c.
I don’t play rugby, because it is not popular in Russia. But I played rugby sometimes, when I was in wrestling.
What rock groups do you listen to? Do you play and like soccer? If yes, what is your favorite soccer team? What are your favorite subjects at school? What computer games do you play? What is your favorite genre in computer games? Do your read books? If yes, what is your favorite author?
Hope to see your answer soon.
With best wishes from Russia, Kirill.

------------------------------------------------------

Dear Sydney,
Thank you for your letter. I’m glad to have a pen-friend from America, so I can practice my English. I collect stamps. I have more than 100 stamps. I like to play badminton. I like to read very much. My favorite book is Harry Potter. Have you read it? What is your favorite book? How old are you? Would you like to visit Russia?
Best wishes, Angelina

Cold January Hello's

2008-01-14T11:54:00.000-06:00

Hello from very cold North Dakota. The temperature this morning was 17 degrees below zero farenheit. Not too many of our students wear furry hats to school.
I would like to answer some of your students questions, & then my students have written some responses to certain students. First, we will not post our last names on the blog. We do that for safety reasons here in the US. Most people in the US will have a first, middle, & last name.
A student asked if we study the Russian language here in the US. Not at any of the schools I have been in around the Midwest. The main foreign languages that students study, are Spanish, German, & French. Do most of your students study English for many years?
Here are some student responses:

Hi Ann - My name is McKenzie. I am 12 years old. I have gone out for volleyball and now am in basketball. My hobbies are reading, swimming, going to the gym with friends, & movies. In school, we will be going on a trip of our pick. I chose skiing, it will be my 2nd time down-hill skiing. It is really cold here today - about 20 below 0.

Kirill - Hi, my name is Tyler. I was in wrestling and football. I like them both. I am in the 7th grade and my hobbies are football, soccer, playing on the computer, and playing with my dog & cat. My dog's breed is a Bichon Frise, & his name is Fargo. I am 13 years old. I like rock music, what kind of music do you like? I go to Twining Middle School. This time of the year it gets very cold. Do you play Rugby? It is like soccer & football combined. Well, see ya, & I hope to hear from you soon!

Angelina - My name is Sydney. I am a girl. I have a sister, a brother, a mom and a dad. I own two dogs. One of my dogs is maned Nepolien. He is a Miniature Pinscher. My other dog is named Blue. She is a weimer-raner. Weather in the US can vary depending on where you live. I like to play soccer. I collect Breyer horses. Do you collect anything? What do you like to play? What languages do you learn?

Arevik - Hey! My name is Brianna. I am a 13 yr. old girl. I am in the 7th grade. Our education is not very similar to yours, so you will have to explain to me how yours works. Like, what do you mean by gymnasium 12? I am in gymnastics & basketball. I have been in softball & volleyball previously this year. For our foreign languages, we have a specific class which lasts 9 weeks. We do not study Russian. However, we do study Latin, Spanish, German, & French. Do you study the American language? Have you ever lived anywhere other than Russia? I have lived in Mississippi and here. Well, I hope to talk to you soon!
Your American Friend,
Brianna

We will post again soon and look forward to hearing from you!
Jennifer M

2008-01-13T12:49:00.000-06:00

Hello!
How are you?

2007-12-20T11:50:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Hello,
Thank you for your letters.
We’ve got your letters. We were very pleased, when we got them. First of all we would like to answer your questions!
We play soccer, we like soccer, we like to watch soccer, we like to play soccer. We play the following sports: volleyball, basketball and handball. We don’t play American football. We know about it only from books and films.
Now the weather in our city is snowy, sunny, and frosty. Sometimes it is windy. Nowadays the temperature in our hometown is 2-5 degrees below zero for Centigrade. When it is very cold we wear furry hats and furry coats.

Kirill- Hi, my name is Kirill. I am 13. I am a boy. I study in 8th class and I go to Gymnasium #12. I go swimming 3 times a week and I like it. My hobbies are playing computer games, watching TV and communicating with my friends. I have a pet. It is a dog - a French bulldog and her nickname is Fenia.
How old are you? What is your second name? Do you go to sports? What sports do you like? Do you like swimming? What are your hobbies? Do you have a pet? If yes, what is it?

Ann- Hi, my name is Ann. I am 13. I am a girl. I study in 8th grade and I attend Gymnasium #12. I visit the dancing club “The Theatre of Modern Dancing” and I like it. My hobbies are playing volleyball, listening to rock music, drawing and reading books.
How old are you? Do you go in for sports? What are your hobbies?

Slava- Hi, my name is Slava. I am 14. I am a boy. I study in 8th class and I go to gymnasium #12. My hobbies are playing computer games, watching TV and playing with my dog and cat.
What and when National and State holidays do you celebrate in your State?
Arevik-Hi, my name is Arevik . I am 15. I am a girl. I study at Gymnasium #12 in 8th grade. I visit dancing, volleyball and basketball clubs.
What is your name, my American pen-pal? What foreign languages do you learn? Do American schoolchildren study the Russian language?
Angelina
Dear pen – pal,
I would like to have a friend in the USA. I am a girl. My name is Angelina. My surname is Petrosian. I am nine. I am from Russia. I live in Rostov – on – Don. Rostov is the name of my hometown. Don is the name of the river. I study at gymnasium №12. I am a student of the fourth form. I have a mother, a father, a brother, a grandmother and a grandfather. In my free time I go to the dancing club. I like to dance very much!
Is your family big? Could you write about your hometown? What is the weather like in the USA now? What do you like to do in your free time? Are you fond of sport?
Best wishes,
Angelina

Fedya

Dear pen- pal,
I would like to have a friend in the USA.
I am a boy.
My name is Fedya.
My surname is Polenov.
I am nine.
I am from Russia.
I live in Rostov-on-Don.
Rostov is the name of my hometown.
Don is the name of the river.
I study at gymnasium #12.
I am a student of the fourth form.
I have a mother and a father.
Is your family big?
I want to have a cat. Have you got any pets?
Could you write about your hometown?
What is the weather like in the USA?
Best wishes,
Fedya

Best wishes from Rostov-na-Donu.
We are waiting for your letters.
Facilitator’s Greetings
Hello Jennifer M.,
My name is Irina (my first name) Anatolyevna (patronymic name=my father’s name) Makarenko (family name or last name). I am a teacher at Gymnasium #12 in the City of Rostov-na-Donu in Rostov Region, Russia. I teach Civics, History and English as a Foreign Language. You can find some more information about me on my two personal websites which were developed by me:
<http://alumni.iubip.ru/Makarenko/><http://alumni.iubip.ru/Makarenko/Students/>
Some of my students want to have pen-pals in the USA.
With best wishes,
Irina Makarenko

P.S.
My name is Elena Molchanova. I am a teacher of Math and IT.

1st Greeting

2007-12-07T10:14:00.000-06:00

Hello,
This post is the 1st from our students.

James - Hi my name is James. I am in 7th grade and I go to a school called Twining middle school.I am now in wrestling but I really like football.Its cold over here and there is snow everywhere.What sports do you play? Do you like football? How is the weather?
Good bye, James

Skyler - I'm in wrestling and I like football. It is 20 below zero here. Do you wear furry hats?
Good Bye, Skyler

Wes - Hello I'm Wesley, do you like soccer?

We look forward to hearing from your students soon. We will write again next week.
Good Bye,
Jenny

Greetings

2007-12-04T10:36:00.000-06:00

Hello Elena,
My name is Jennifer M. I am a 7th grade teacher at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA. I teach Geography.
My students are very excited to communicate with your students in Russia!
I have set up a schedule for every Friday that we are in school. I will usually have 4 students writing to your students each week. They will have certain questions that they will ask about life in Russia. They will also respond to the questions from your students.

Look for our first posting this Friday.

Good Bye,
Jennifer

Good to Hear from You

2007-11-06T08:54:00.000-06:00

I will be showing this blog to students during the week of November 12th. The students will then write letters using this blog to your students. The week of November 12 is National Geography week in the United States. What better way to know the rest of the world than to communicate with others so far away.
Da-svi-da-niya
Cindy

for Cindy

2007-10-27T04:43:00.000-05:00

Blogger it is created. Now we can start to communicate? What it is necessary for this purpose? I shall give this address to children. They will be glad. Thanks. I shall wait for letters from you, Cindy.
Elena M.

New Friendship

2007-10-25T11:14:00.001-05:00

This blog was created on October 25th. It is our hope that we can learn about our new friends with this blog.