Warm up: Tell the names of these things kimono Lucky money sumo firework cherry flower Today we will learn about how the New Year is celebrated in Japan.

Before you listen * Work in pairs. Guess which of the following activities the Japanese often do on their New Year’s Days. exchanging gifts and cards. decorating the house with peach flowers. wearing kimonos or special dress. giving/ receiving lucky money. going to the pagoda. visiting friends.

Before you listen What other things do you think the Japanese also do at the New Year?

Before you listen * Listen and repeat. - kimono (n): - shrine (n): - pine trees (plural n): - represent (v): (n): - housewives (plural n) - longevity (n): - constancy (n): - similarities (n): Áo kimono Đền thờ, miếu Cây thông Tượng trưng cho, biểu tượng Người nội trợ = long life: tuổi thọ Tính kiên trì, bền bỉ Sự giống nhau Sự tượng trưng, biểu tượng

* Task 1. Listen and tick ( ) the things you hear. While you listen 1. They put on special clothes. 2. Everyone cleans the house. 3. Bells ring 108 times. 4. Housewives prepare special foods. 5. They decorate their houses with kumquat trees 6. They go to a shrine 7. They give each other “lucky money”. 8. They drink rice wine. 9. They play cards. 10. They watch television. 11. They eat a special meal.

* Task 1. Listen and tick ( ) the things you hear. While you listen 1. They put on special clothes. 2. Everyone cleans the house. 3. Bells ring 108 times. 4. Housewives prepare special foods. 5. They decorate their houses with kumquat trees 6. They go to a shrine 7. They give each other “lucky money”. 8. They drink rice wine. 9. They play cards. 10. They watch television. 11. They eat a special meal.

* Task 2. Listen again and answer the following questions. While you listen 1. Why do Japanese do a big clean up before the New Year comes? 2. Where do the Japanese hear the bells from? 4. Do the Japanese often celebrate the New Year with their friends? 3. What do the Japanese often wear when they go to visit their shrines? -> No, New Year’s Day is mostly celebrated among family only. -> Because they want to get rid of the dirt of the old year and welcome the New Year. ->...from television or radio. ->... kimonos or special dress.

After you listen: Work in groups: Compare the following aspects of the Vietnamese New Year with those of the Japanese one. ActivitiesJapanVietnam Preparations Foods and clothes Activities on New Year’s Eve People to celebrate with Begin a few days before the New Year Cook special food; Dress kimonos or special dress Clean up and decorate the houses with cherry flowers; W atch the national singing contest on TV; Go to the shrine; Drink rice wine... among family only Begin many days before the New Year Cook traditional foods; Dress ao dai, suits, no kimonos Clean up and decorate the houses with peach/apricot flowers; Watch TV; Go to the pagoda; …... with every family/ relatives

Work in groups: Use the knowledge in Literature, in History and in reality to discuss the following questions: 1. What celebrations do you know in Viet Nam as well as in the world? 2. Can you describe one of your most favorite festivals? 3. What do you think of Vietnamese culture in organizing a celebration? Discussion

Use the knowledge in Civic Education to discuss this question: “ What should we do to preserve all good values and culture of the festivals in Vietnam?”

VI. Wrapping up 1.Consolidation 2.Homework: -, Learn new words. -, Write a short paragraph to compare the similarities and the differences in celebrating The New Year in Japan and in Vietnam. -, Prepare the new lesson : Writing