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Lesson of The Week- 

Quote of the Day:

God sells us all things at the price of labor.  ~Leonardo da Vinci

See you all next week!    Smile, laugh and enjoy your life and learning!

Aloha- Today is Labor Day.  It is a special US Holiday connected with hard work and the working spirit.  Most people celebrate by BBQ, Beach or other outdoor activities as it is also the symbolic end of summer.  From here school gets into full swing, and soon Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us.  The busy time of the year is to begin.

Theme: Labor Day

Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September (September 6 in 2010).

The first Labor Day in the United States was observed on September 5, 1882 in New York City, by the Central Labor Union of New York, the nation's first integrated major trade union.  

It became a federal holiday in 1894, when, following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with the labor movement as a top political priority. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.

The September date originally chosen by the CLU of NY and observed by many of the nation's trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers' Day because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would stir up negative emotions linked to the Haymarket Affair, for which it had been observed to commemorate.  

All 50 U.S. states have made Labor Day a state holiday.

The form for the celebration of Labor Day was outlined in the first proposal of the holiday: A street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations," followed by a festival for the workers and their families. This became the pattern for Labor Day celebrations. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civil significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. The holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parties. Speeches or political demonstrations are more low-key than May 1 Labo Day celebrations in most countries, although events held by labor organizations often feature political themes and appearances by candidates for office, especially in election years. Forms of celebration include picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, water sports, and public art events. Families with school-age children take it as the last chance to travel before the end of summer recess. Similarly, some teenagers and young adults view it as the last weekend for parties before returning to school, although school starting times now vary.

In U.S. sports, Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and college football seasons. NCAA teams usually play their first games the week before Labor Day, with the NFL traditionally playing their first game the Thursday following Labor Day. The Southern 500 NASCAR auto race was held that day from 1950 to 1983 in Darlington, South Carolina. At Indianapolis, the National Hot Rod Association hold their finals to the U.S. Nationals drag race.

Reading

Answer the following questions in your journal.  Try to write complete and detailed answers.

1. Do you have anything like Labor Day in your country? Tell about it.

2. What purpose do traditional Holidays serve in our society?

3. If you could create your own Holiday what would it be and why?

4. How would your Holiday be celebrated?

5. In your opinion do we need more or less Holidays and why?

With your class or as an individual learner take this speaking challenge.

Step 1: Read and listen to the Labor information above.

Step 2: Outline a brief summary on what is Labor Day.

Step 3: Present it to your class.

Writing

Listening

Challenge

Please view this informative video history of Labor day.  Take notes on the words you can hear but not understand.

Write a few questions to ask your English Teacher about points you may not be clear on.