Dear Colleagues, Learning Circle Volunteers!

1
Dear Colleagues, Learning Circle
Volunteers! Belarus is my Motherland and Im one
of its citizens, Natalia Tarik, a teacher of the
English language in the secondary school 213
in Minsk, the capital of our state. Ive been
working at this school for two years trying to
encourage my pupils in their learning English. I
teach different grades and each pupil
individually, because communicative method of
teaching that I apply at my lessons and out of
them involves each person in sharing views,
opinions and at least energy that shines in their
eyes. Last year my pupils of the 7th form took
part in the environmental project Save the ozone
layer!. We were not winers,but participation
itself was very precious for us as we acquired
unestimating experience in group work and unity
of efforts in achiving mutual goals. One of the
ways I use very often at my lessons is
brainstorming that makes my pupils
think,developes their individuality. Provoking
questions help me in that aim. Most of all I
like to inspire my students. I like them to be
active and in High Spirits. Sometimes people
dont see how exciting communication can be with
each of the grade of students, to see them grow
as individuals and be proud of their results and
achievements. My group of students of
different age and classes 15 in number but the
circle grows. I participate in Learning Circle
for the first time and hope to awoke my students
awareness in learning language with the help of
live writing and project activity. Age 47 Years
of teaching 10 Subject English Language Degree
I graduated from the Belarusian State University,
Philological department in 1983 and the Teachers
training Institute in 2000, BA in English,
Russian and Belorusian Languages and
Literature Educational Interests
Telecommunication,  critical thinking,
collaborative teaching,. Hobbies Reading,
watching movies, psychology, biology, writing
poems and short stories.
2
VOLKOVA MARIA
My name is Maria. I am 14. I study in the eighth
form at school number 213. I like listening
RUSSIAN RAP music, spending time with my friends,
watching videos, playing football and dancing. I
dislike dishonest people,quarrelling with
friends, listening to POP music and crowded
public transport. I hate when people pollute
nature, leave rubbish in the forest, factories
and plants pollute rivers and air, and people
suffer from serious diseases. I would like to
connect my future profession with protecting
people from evil. M? e-mail MasikRAP_at_mail.ru

DARYA SHERSHEN
Hi! My name is Dasha! I'm 14 years old. I study
at an average school number 213 at the 8th form.I
live in Minsk, Belarus.  I'm keeping on Hip-Hop
dancing. I like listening to Hardrock, Pank-Rock
MUSIC (SUM41, FOB, Amatory, Jane Air, Simple plan
etc.). I like to read detective stories. I like
to watch TV program, go shopping. I dislike POP
music, reading romantic stories, I like to go to
McDonalds with my friends-classmates. I like
my school very much. It is cozy with long
corridors, with large windows. That is why it
seems to be so light. There is an Assembly Hall
that we stage all the concerts in, a canteen
where we have meals and usually all the senior
classes come there on the second break to have
lunch. We have two computer classes on the first
floor and chemical laboratories, library and lots
of classes for studying various subjects on the
second floor. My e-mailBad_Ada_AntiEMO_at_List.ru

3
NASTYA VASHKEVICH
My name is Nastya. I am 13. I like to listen to
music. Emo-core is the best music for me. But
most of all I like to meet my friends. It's
really fun. We always laugh, joke and have a good
time. I study at the 8th form and get good marks.
I want to communicate with different people. I
would like to connect my future with diplomacy.
Peace to all the people on the Earth!

TREE BEST FRIENDS
My name is Lena. Im
fourteen years old. I study at school ? 213 in
the 9th form. Im too busy because Im interested
in dancing and swimming. In my free time I like
to read interesting books, for example detective
stories and novels. I think that books are very
important in our life, they can help us to
understand different situations, they teach us
how to live. Practically as all people I like
theatre and cinema. I think that these are great
arts. I have two close friends. Their names are
Anya and Dasha.I can always rely on them, I can
trust them as they are real friends in need. My
family is very friendly. There are four of us
me, my Mother Maria, My Father Igor and my elder
sister Anny.
ELENA KUNITSA
4
ANDREY MOROCHKOVSKIY
Hello my name is Andrey.I live in Belarus
(Minsk). Minsk is a capital of Belarus. I am 14
years old. I study at the 9th form, at school
? 213. I like to study. My favorite subject is
Math, Geography and PT. I like music, taking
pictures, computer games, adventure films, to
explore Internet and many other things that boys
prefer. I like to listen to Linkin park,
Amatory, Nightwish, Red Hot Chilli Peppers
and many Belarusian singes.I like to go to the
cinema with friends. Everyone goes to school.
Everyone learns different things at school. Our
school is nice. It is a three storey-building.
Our classes begin at half past eight. We usually
have five or six classes a day. There is a hall,
a canteen, a cafe, cloakrooms and an Assembly
hall on the ground floor. There is a teacher's
room, headmaster's office, a gym on the first
floor.   We are taught a lot of subjects at
school. We study Math, Languages, History,
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, PE, Geography,
Handicraft.   School helps us to choose future
profession, to form outlook, to get along with
people and prepare for future life and gives an
opportunity for future profession to
choose. by_hellsing_at_mail.ru
SERGEY PETRENKO
My name is Sergey. Im Belarusian.I was born on
July 30,1993in Minsk. Im at the 9th form. Im
doing quiet well at school. My favorite subjects
at school are Literature and Physical Training. I
also like English. I have many friends with whom
I spend much time together. Three times a week in
the evening I go in for wrestling without rules.
Its a sport for men. When Im at home I watch
TV, listen to music. I like disco stile in music,
I listen it for relaxation. Sometimes I go for a
walk with my friends. Minsk is a beautiful city.
We like to walk in the center of Minsk
Independence square, Yakub Kolas square, Nemiga
street, Trinity suburb-the oldest part of the
city), Masherov avenue. I love Minsk and our
republic.
5
ALEXANDRA SARAPKINA
My name is Sasha, it is short from Alexandra. I
study in the 9th form. I am amusing but sometimes
I like to cry to express my sadness. Im a very
faithful friend and a trustworthy person. I like
comedies and enjoy music that makes me cry. Im
very friendly and appreciate devotion in
friendship in return. I like to read anecdotes
and funny stories. I have various interests but
still havent aim in my life.
Katherin Borsenko
My name is Kate. I study together with Sasha in
the same class and in the same English group. We
are friends.I like listening to music. My
favorite music style is rock. I like people who
play the guitar. Sometimes I have sad periods in
my life, sometimes bright, but I like to face
difficulties and overcome them. Im a strong
person.

Julia Khatskevich
My name is Julia Khatskevich. I am 14. I was born
on January, 20th, 1993 in Minsk. When I was 6, I
went to school. My school is very beautiful and I
like to study in my school.  Good teachers work
at my school. Now I study in form 9G. I am
especially good in algebra and geometry, but
also coped with the rest of the subjects. I like
the lessons of English language because it is
very interesting to talk it. In my free time I
like to read, walk with friends and to go on
discos. I prefer to read novels . I have many
good friends. I like to spend a lot of time with
them. I dream to go to London and to visit all
its well-known places.
6
ANNA VUSLIK My name is Ann. Im
fifteen. Im in the ninth form. I live in a nice
flat in Minsk. I have Mother and Father but I
have neither sister or brother. Im tall. My hair
is long and brown. My eyes are dark brown. I
learn many interesting core subjects at school.
They are English, History and Russian. Also we
learn Math, Geography and Biology, but Im not
interested in that subjects. I like reading
books. My favorite hobby is playing draughts. I
go to the draughts club six time a week and play
draughts professionally. I also enjoy watching
TV, reading and playing tennis. I am keen on
listening to rock music. I can play the guitar. I
learn German and English. I like both languages,
but Im better at English.
We are pupils of the 8th form. we like to study
at school and we are good at English and the
Russian and Belorusian Literature and
languages.We like to listen to the pop-music
Rihana,Tokio- Hotel, the songs of Dima
Bilan. We have brothers and sisters 4 members
in our families.
VICTORIA BRESHKO
VERONICA PIPCHENKO
Alina Kozlova
7
Our school.

On the first of September millions of pupils come
back to school after summer holidays to start or
continue studies, to meet classmates and
teachers. Traditionally the first day at school
is holiday the Day of knowledge. Our school is
situated in Lyubimova street. Its a large three
storied building with light recreations
connected by long corridors. The classrooms are
spacious and light. Pupils study different
subjects there the Russian, Belorusian, English
languages and literature, Mathymatics, History,
Physics, Chemistry, Cultural studies, Geography,
Biology and Handicraft for boys and girls. We
have all the facilities to acquire computer and
trade skills and to go in for sports. There are
two computer classes in our school and a large
sport hall for playing games and having sport
competitions. There are video classes and
workshops, a dancing hall in our school. Besides,
we have our concerts in the cozy Assembly Hall
exactly opposite to the entrance of our school so
if someone were invited to the concert, he
wouldnt miss the place or wouldnt be lost in
such a large school.
8
Its our Assembly Hall where we have concerts and
meetings. Here we have a concert of the famous
Belorusian group and a popular poet and a
composer Vladimir Tsybulsky presented us his
verses(he is in the middle of the picture and
our principal is on the top of it)
9
MINSKMinsk? City with enough ancient history.
For the first time it is mentioned in annals in
1067. In 1974 Minsk the rank of a hero city,
in commemoration of its inhabitants in struggle
against fascism during the second world war has
been appropriated. At the moment the executive
committee of the Commonwealth of Independent
States, the government and parliament of the
Republic of Belarus is located in Minsk. Minsk is
known for the cultural component. 16 museums,
including the National art museum, the Museum of
history and culture of Belarus, the Museum of
history of the War II, eleven theatres, including
State Russian Drama and Belarusian Academic
theatres. Besides,there are 20 cinemas, 139
libraries in the city. There are 34 higher
educational institutions, including the
Belarusian State University, the Belarusian
National Technological University, the Minsk
State Linguistic University in Minsk.
Besides,there are 28 special educational
institutions, 258 comprehensive schools, more
than 500 preschool establishments. (Andrey
Morochkovskiy) Minsk. Minsk is the capital of
the Republic of Belarus, its political and
business centre. It is one of the oldest and the
most beautiful cities in our republic. Minsk
stands on the river Svisloch. About two million
people live and work there. There are many
beautiful streets and squares in the city. The
main street is Skariny avenue. A lot of trees and
nice flowers grow in the streets and squares.
There are many parks and gardens in Minsk. The
most famous is the Botanical garden. Many people
come to the park named after Maxim Gorky to walk
and enjoy roundabouts with children. One can find
lots of theatres, churches, cinemas and museums
in Minsk. The most famous theatres are the Opera
and Ballet theatre, the Yanka Kupala theatre, the
Academic Drama theatre. There are many
attractions in Minsk to visit even if you come to
our city in winter. Youll find jolly skating
rings where children and adults like to spend
there spare time. I like my city and proud of
being the Belarusian. (Elena
Kunitsa)
10
  History
and Culture      Ancient stands of people on
the territory of Belarus existed already 25
thousand years ago.   In the 6th - 8th
centuries, Slavonic tribes living between the
Elbe and Vistula began to settle in the south and
east, including the territory of Belarus. The
oldest city in Belarus is Polotsk known since
862.   For the first time Minsk mentioned in
1067 under the name of Mensk as a fortress of
the Polotsk Principality. Since 1104-as a part of
the Minsk, principality, since the 14th century-a
part of the Grand Principality of Lithuania.
Minsk was  granted the Magdeburg Right. Situated
 on the crossroads of the important trade routes
, Minsk had wait commercial relations with the
west and the east .During the war of 1654-1667
between Russia and Rzech Pospolita, the North War
of 1700-1721 the city was repeatedly destroyed.  
11
   GEOGRAPHICAL POSITIONBelarus is located in
the center of Europe, at the crossroads of trade
routes from west to east, from north to south, in
the western part of the Eastern European Plain,
in the watersheds of the Dnieper and Nieman
rivers, the middle  reaches of the Western Bug
and Western Dvina rivers and the right bank of
the river Pripiat. Most of Belarus is lowlands
with heights ranging from 80 to 345 meters above
the sea levelThe  flat territory ,the damp
moderate continental  climate (the temperature in
January averages minis 9C , and in July plus
18C (16-65)) with an annual precipitation  of
550 to 700mm(22 to28 inches), the well- developed
hydrographic network and mixed deciduous and
coniferous woods-all  this creates favorable
conditions for habitation , farming ,
construction and transportation.   The territory
of Belarus covers 207.6 thousand sq km (36 under
woods, 2 water, 45 farm land, 17 other lands).
 It stretches out for up to 650 km (406 miles)
from west to east and 560 km (350 miles) from
north to south, bordering Russia in the north and
east, the Ukraine in the south and Poland,
Lithuania and Latvia in the west and northwest.
The agate border length is 2,969 km.  Minsk is
the capital of the Republic of Belarus. Minsk is
500 km away from Warsaw, 1,060 km from Berlin,
1,300 km Vienna, and 700 km from Moscow, 215 km
from Vilnius, 580 km from Kiev.The total
population is 10 million people as of 2000,
including 70.2 of towns people and 29, 8 of
country people.The Republic of Belarus  consists
of  6 regions with centers in the cities of
Minsk, Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel,Grodno and Mogilev,
witch are further divided into 118 rural
districts,102 towns and over 24 thousand
townships and villages. 1.7 million People live
in Minsk.  One of the peculiarities of the
Belarusian nature is a great number of lakes
about 11 thousand lakes of the total area of
2,000km2. the total area of glacial lakes is
around 1,200m2 , and of flood-land lakes 800
km2.Over 130 weather reservoirs of the total
area of 799 km2 have been built to control ground
waters and humidity of the adjacent reclaimed
lands.Belarusian forests occupy about 36 of the
country's territory. Immature, ripe and overripe
forests constitute 19. For all this, only 1.3m3
of forests is being logged per 1 ha wood area
compared to 4.4 in Germany and 3.7in
Austria.Forests are rich in medical herbs. About
290 kinds of herbs important for scientific and
folk medicine grow here. Belarus is among the
countries exporting ledium, fresh water sponge,
marsh cud weed,etc.Animals life in Belarus is
 represented by over 31 thousand species 73
species of mammal animals( bison, elk, wild boar,
deer, fox, wolf, bear, hair, roe deer, goat
,lynx, and others) 300 species of birds, 58
species of fish, about 30 thousand species of
insects. The biggest among the Belarus fauna is
the bison- a relic mammal, which has become a
symbol of the country. It mainly dwells in
Belovezhskaya Pushcha occupying an area of 876 m2
and being a national forest reserve. This park
has been put on the list of the world heritage of
the mankind.
12
The My Hero Classroom Survey Circle Name My
Hero Class Name ECO PLUS PART I. INTRODUCING
THE CLASS A. Name of teacher Natalia Taryk B.
Grade level 8th, 9th. C. Class favorites (List
your class top 5 favorites in each category) 1.
Music groups Kryvi, Stary Olsa 2.
Authors Pushkin, Lermontov, Korotkevich,Kolas,
Kupala... 3. TV programs Comedy club 4.
Foods Draniky- Belorusian pancakes from potatoes
(sometimes with meat inside) 5. School
subjects English, Literature,Maths,Physics,Chemist
ry,PT lesson 6. Sports soccer, swimming,
volleyball,basketball 7. Video or computer
games World in conflict, Faces of War, Medieval
2,Warcraft 8. Other Class Favorites of your
choice We like to travel in our country and
abroad. PART II. INTRODUCING THE SCHOOL A.
School information 1. Name and address of class
and school School ? 213 (it doesn't have a name)
13
27, Lyubimova Street, Minsk, Belarus. 2. Number
of students in class and school 17-25in a class,
800 in the school 3. Size of school A
three-storey building 4. School emblem, colors or
mascot Berendei 5. Type and number of
computers 28(Pentium3) 6. School history Our
school is 10 years old, one of the common schools
in Belarus. Among our graduates there havent
been famous people yet, but there will
definitelly grow up. B. School program 1. List 3
things about your school program that make it
unique. We have a debate club Alternative and a
possibility for the pupils to have a part time
job in the brigade of the same name, we have a
Belorusian club where pupils compose their poems
in Belorusian language, sing Belorusian songs and
dance national dances,sometimes they stage plays
in the Belorusian language. 2. List school
calendar from the session dates (holidays and
special events that may affect your
participation). School year starts on 1st of
September, this day is called "The Day of
Knowledge". It is a tradition to give teachers
flowers on this day. Autumn holidays 31.10
10.11 Winter holidays 24.12 09.01 Spring
holidays 23.03 1.04 School year ends 25.05.
9th and 11th graders have exams in June. PART
III. INTRODUCING THE COMMUNITY A. Your
community 1. Name of your community The capital
of Belarus - Minsk 3. Location of your
community The city is located in the centre of
Belarus, a landlocked country with thousands of
lakes and rivers, with famous reserves like
Belovezhskaya Pushcha and Berezinsky Reserve,
Nalibokskaya Pushcha 5. The population of your
community About 2,000,000 people B. Special
characteristics
14
1. List 3 reasons why people come to
visit your area. I. We have lots of museums and
art galleries II. We have beautiful
cathedrals and churches.
III. We have green zones in our city for
bathing and having fun. IV.Our circus is the
best place of entertainment. V.You wont miss our
theatres and cinemas. VI.Youll enjoy
our skating ring any time of the year.
2. Describe any
unusual land formation found in or near your
community. I.Brestskaya fortress II.Lake
Naroch III.Slavianskiy
Bazar in Vitebsk C. Industries Automobile plant
that produces cars, bikes, bicycles. The most
tasty sweets are produced in Minsk by our plant
Communarka PART IV. WHO IS A HERO? Our heroes
are doctor Frantsysk Scorina-a man who brought
literacy in our country and preserved our
language, Eufrosiniya of Polotsk-a holy woman and
a great enlightner, Simeon of Polotsk-one of the
greatest teachers,Tadeush Kostiushko-political
and military man,Ignat Dameika-the founder of
mineralogy in Chile,a great explorer who made a
significant contribution to different branches of
human knowledge mineralogy,physics,chemistry,meta
lurgy,geography,botany,geology,
pedagogy,ethnography and zoology. Best regards,
Minsk, Belarus.