Learning with the News: “Father Christmas School”

Hi ABA Friends!

We had to share this news story with you because it is very funny! In Brazil there is a school for men and women to learn how to be the perfect Santa, isn’t that cool? Find out more by watching the video!

1. First read the text
2. Understand the vocabulary
3. Watch the video

Text

“Christmas is coming and Brazilian Santas are in training. This free course, led by actor Silvio Rodrigues helps men and women get to grips with festive season job skills. And Rodrigues says it takes more than just a long white beard to be a good Saint Nicholas.

– There is an absence of Santas in the market. Why? Because many lack skills, there is absence of good Santas, of Santas who are capable of looking convincing. Many people think that because their beard is long, they are Santas and that is not true.

But for some, like truck driver, Sergio Oliveira, that long white beard is a plus.

– I like to wear my beard and hair long and I face some discrimination because of my looks. People were always saying to me ‘ho ho ho’, look at the Santa. So I decided to take this course as a job opportunity.

The course is not all a laugh a minute – Rodrigues has introduced a serious section of instruction for the bearded men on how to deal with children appropriately. Meanwhile Mother Christmases learn how to laugh; but instructor Izilda Souza says she can’t teach happiness.

– If you are a happy person, a person who is full of joy, this is something that is already inside you. So, there’s no need to learn that.

And for this merry group, within a very short time, “ha, ha, ha” has turned into…”

Vocabulary

In training – the process by which an athlete prepares for competition by exercising, practicing, etc.
Example: “My cousin is in training to compete in the Olympics”

Get to grips – to begin to understand or deal with (something, such as a problem) in a direct or effective way.
Example: “Young people need to get to grips with unemployment”

Lack skills– to not have (something), in this case skills – the ability to do something that comes from training, experience, or practice.
Example: “His lack of cooking skills were obvious: the food was cold and too salty”

To face – to deal with (something bad or unpleasant) in a direct way.
Example: You must face your fears to overcome them”

Appropriately  – right or suited for some purpose or situation.
Example: “The party is very formal, so dress appropriately”

Joy –  a feeling of great happiness.
Example: “We were full of joy when we found out we had won the lottery”