A Distant But Yet Such A Near Dream

            We grow while we are dreaming and our dreams grow with us. Some of them come true and others stay just dreams. When we become adults, we often continue dreaming just like in our childhood. I think it’s wonderful, because children's dreams are the most beautiful!!!

Once upon a time in the future on some planet there lived a Girl. A usual, cheerful, healthy Girl, who loved many such usual things like all teens around. But she did not have a specific interest.

One day in the library the Girl all of a sudden tumbled upon an early manuscript. It was written in a very strange and unknown language of some far planet called Earth but the Girl was interested so she started to translate it. She did it! The manuscript told how to change your Fate. And then the Girl started thinking about what she was living for.

And she set a goal to herself to find or to create such language that all beings in the Universe could easily communicate with. At her school there were children from different planets. And they spoke different languages and sometimes couldn't understand each other. Cherishing her dream, the Girl studied many languages that her friends, teachers and the whole neighbourhood spoke. She drew a parallel between them, read foreign books and went around.

...This Girl is still growing and will have a great future, and she will make her Dream come true. And she perceived that all beings can understand each other, if they use the language of Peace, Kindness and Love.

Try it too, please! Smile, and then every creature will understand you!

And more: do believe in your dreams, and some day they will come true. But dreaming is not all you have to do for it. You need to do something that will really help, you have to reach for  your dream and make it come closer and closer until one day your Dream will meet you!

By Anna Alieva 1^st Prize winner,

 4^th grade, “Marina” School

2014

A LUCKY SNOWMAN

Last Christmas the snow was falling on the ground so soft and white. Children made a beautiful snowman. Its eyes were made from black round buttons and its nose was made from a carrot. There was a nice red scarf all around its neck. It was wearing an old grandpa’s hat.

At midnight there happened a miracle… the snowman came to life. And the next morning it played with the children. They skated and had a snowball fight. The children and the snowman loved each other.

Suddenly one of the girls said: “It’s a pity that the spring is coming and our snowman will melt and become a running stream”. But one of the boys said: “Wait, no, it won’t. I’ve got an idea. I know what to do. We’ll take our snowman to the ice cream factory. It is always cold there even in the summer”.

I’m glad to tell you that our snowman still works at the factory and makes the most delicious ice cream in our city. All children know it. We promised to make a snowwoman for him next winter, so that he wouldn’t feel lonely. I’m sure he will be the happiest snowman in the world.

Oh, well… I think that our fortune is in our hands. Don’t you?

3 место —  Савецкая Алла,

3 класс,  ГБОУ школа-интернат № 16

2014

FORTUNE AND FATE

We, people, believe in our fortune and fate. Fortune is a chance, luck, success. But fate is something that is certain to happen. And it cannot be a luck and success. So when schoolchildren get a high mark they say that their fortune is good and successful. Many boys and girls think that a bad mark is their fate and it is not necessary to work hard and learn lessons every day. What is the purpose to do it if it is impossible to change one’s fate, they think sometimes.

A lazy person considers that only a lucky man has a fortune, and he forgets that a lucky man did, does and will try and work very hard practically every day. But I am sure that it is not so difficult to change one's fate. Just put a very ambitious goal before you, and step by step go towards it. On this way you can learn and benefit from the experience of some famous people who have already achieved very ambitious goals. You should take into consideration not only positive but negative experience of these people as well. You should find out why a man is doomed to this or that fate. And you should try not to make the same mistakes. Other people's experience can teach a lot of things. It is very important to be thankful to any person who helps and teaches you. For most young people the most important teachers are their father and mother, and of course school teachers. Only they help overcome all mishaps and make good fortune become fate.

3 место —   Брусницына Екатерина,

4 класс, ГБОУ ЦО № 1296

2014

BLOB FISH FAIRY TALES

Once there lived a Blobfish deep in the Atlantic Ocean. She happened to be terribly ugly. In her childhood, nobody wanted to play with her. But her great-aunt Barracuda Agnes used to say:  “It doesn’t matter how you look, if you are honest, clever and you have a kind heart”.

The years passed. The Blobfish studied diligently, helped relatives and never said “no” if anybody asked for help. Gradually the Blobfish got so many friends that nobody paid attention to her appearance anymore. All the sea creatures came to her for advice and help in the most difficult situations.

One sunny day a crab called Tommy sailed to the Blobfish. “I walked along the beach and suddenly saw a shoal of small shrimps that got in trouble. They got lost and could not find their way home to the depth of the sea", said the crab. “Shrimps could die, but I saved them. Those shrimps were so helpless and there were so many dangers around. Shrimps can easily die if there isn’t a sea creature nearby who takes care of them. What can I do? Life is so cruel! But I can't change it. I'm too small and too weak. I can't change the world! It makes me unhappy!” he added.

“You should not try to change the world. Take one of the shrimps to your home. Take care of her. Play with her. Teach her. You can't save all the shrimps. Your home is too small for this. But you can change the fate of the shrimp that you take. If all other crabs do the same, the world will change. You can't change the world alone. But together we can do it,” said the Blobfish.

The water glittered in the sun. Seaweeds floated peacefully. Crab Tommy and his shrimp Dustin were swinging happily in a beautiful shell.

So what is the moral of the story? It’s not important what you were born, but what you have become. When we are together, we can do a lot. Even change the world. Start from small things. Never be afraid. Do not stop.

2 место —  Казак Вероника,

4 класс,  «СААШ «Марина»

2014

A TALE OF TWO FRIENDS

Once upon a time, there were two friends. Their names were Alan and Charlie. Charlie had a good fortune and did not have to do much in life to be happy.  Alan did not have too much luck, but he always studied very hard, even at weekends.

Charlie was so lucky that even when he had exams and did not study, schools would close because of snow. Then Charlie would go home and study in the last minute to pass the exam. Alan always studied very hard and was always ready for the exams on time. Charlie was also fortunate because he had a rich family, who gave him everything he wanted. Alan’s family was not that rich but they supported Alan in getting good education.

When Alan and Charlie finished school, Alan entered a good university because he studied so hard in school. Charlie’s fortune helped him again and he won a lottery and got rich. He was making parties and dancing with his friends in night clubs. Alan was studying very hard at the university and finished the university with the best grades. Alan’s parents were proud of him. He became a very good economist and found a very good job in one of the best companies.

Suddenly, Charlie lost his good fortune. He won no more lotteries and his family had only enough money to survive.  Since Charlie didn’t finish the university, he could not find a good job. Alan became a successful businessman and his family got rich and happy. Charlie got very poor.  He had to sell his big house and his party friends disappeared.  He lived with the help of his old friend, Alan, who gave him a job.

The moral of this tale is that you should never count on luck. Luck can be with you today but it can leave you tomorrow. You should create your own fate yourself. Fortune does not come every time, but hard work always brings success.

2 место —  Джейлан Денис,

4 класс,  «СААШ «Марина»

2014

MY BIRTHDAY WISH

It was on a nice summer day, on the sixth of June 2013. Our whole family went to our summerhouse in the countryside.

The weather was hot as the sun was shining brightly. The birds were singing cheerfully and the butterflies were flying all over our beautiful roses, violets and tulips. That day was special for me as the sixth of June is my birthday. I got a lot of birthday presents from my relatives and friends. There were game sets, toys, books and even a big bicycle.  I liked all my presents but I was still waiting for something magical.

Late at night when I came to my bedroom I saw a little angel sitting on my pillow. I couldn't believe my eyes. I even pinched my arm, but it was still there. He said that the wheel of Fortune chose me and that I could make one magical birthday wish. To tell the truth, I was ready with my wish: I wanted to speak English as a native speaker...or even better.

The next morning I woke up. Was it a dream? My grandma came in. She said:  Доброе утро!  But...stop. WHAT WAS IT? I could not understand her. I asked Granny for a glass of water. Now she looked very surprised. She could not understand me either. My birthday wish came true.

After that birthday the Angel comes to me every night. He takes me to the wonderful land of Great Britain where I can speak English with British people and understand them very well. Every day I go to school and work hard to learn Russian to be able to talk to my parents and friends.

The Angel gave me a chance to live in two countries: In Russia during the day time and in Great Britain in the night.

The wheel of Fortune goes round and next time it may choose you. Magic happens when you believe in it!

1 место —  Слепнева Камилла,

3 класс, ГБОУ ММГ

2014

]]> http://elt-moscow.ru/2014/07/my-birthday-wish-by-kamila-slepneva/feed/ 0 http://elt-moscow.ru/2013/04/my-wishing-tree-by-fyodor-filin/ http://elt-moscow.ru/2013/04/my-wishing-tree-by-fyodor-filin/#comments Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:12:26 +0000 http://elt-moscow.ru/?p=999 Once I was passing through a rocky valley. Not a sight of any dwelling. I tasted dust and swallowed heat. Tired and thirsty, thirsty and tired. And hungry, too.

O, thank you, Lord! There was a shady place to rest for a while. A tall leafy tree was waiting for me at a distance. I might have some minutes of relaxation! The tree was inviting me and I settled under the branches. As soon as my wish to find a place to rest was granted, I had another wish. I was thirsty! It was almost unbearable! ‘Had I only a sip of water’ I whispered. And you know what? Yes! I found a bottle of mineral water. Then I wished ‘Had I something to eat’. Suddenly, a dish with snacks appeared. There was no doubt – I was under the shade of a wishing tree! Yes! A person who was under it would have whatever he wished for.

I felt sleepy. I wished for my lovely bed. And it was granted! My tired legs hurt and I hoped the wishing tree would massage my body. Yes! The branches lowered and started to massage me. I was relaxing. But my mind was busy! Suddenly, I started thinking differently. ‘What a trick! Why is the tree so nice to me? It’s suspicious. Why are the branches so soft and comforting?’ Immediately, I felt pain. Sharp thorns pierced my body. I was terrified. I had to pull myself together and start to think that thorns are petals which can cure my wounds. I felt better and the pain disappeared.

When I was leaving the dangerous tree behind, I thought it was a real trap. How dangerous it is to be granted what you have on your mind!

By Fyodor Filin

School 1738

2013

Arcadia! Most Greeks regard this wild region as dark and mysterious. Majestic oak forests cover the steep slopes. Hermes was born there, Orpheus sang here, and the forest god Pan played his pipes there! Arcadia, your oaks are great and your landscapes are rich but your people are poor. They don’t have money, but they keep ancient traditions of prehistoric Greece. The Greeks believe that Arcadia’s oak groves are the sacred home for dryads – forest nymphs.

Hamadryads are bound to the oak-trees. Every time such a dryad is born, an oak-tree comes out from the earth. Then dryads reside on their trees and protect them.

Dryads are beautiful and fun-loving ladies. They don’t have much to do. They rejoice in the sunshine and in the singing of birds. They like watching what people do. They are so curious that try to talk to people who dare to come to the sacred grove.

Once a Hamadryad fell in love with a young shepherd. She liked watching him and his flock. She was most rejoiced at the sound of his voice. All dryads understand the language of men as well as they understand the language of animals and plants. When she was waiting for her suitor, she was trembling in the pleasurable feeling of expectation. And the leaves of the tree where she lived were shaking. The leaves whispered ‘Welcome! Welcome!’ At last the young shepherd approached. They started talking happily about love, freedom, music, and poetry. You know, in Arcadia every shepherd is a poet. Suddenly, the young man said that it was time to take his flock back to the village. He had to leave the dryad. She cried silently and nestled up to her oak-tree. The tree was crying too.

The next day, the shepherd didn’t come to the grove. The Hamadryad and the oak couldn’t see the sun. It was unfair. Time passed and the dryad heard the sounds of soft melodies which her shepherd was playing somewhere in the distance. Why didn’t he come to visit her? She was desolate! And the tree leaves were rustling in despair. Soon she dared to leave the oak and went looking for the shepherd. All animals and plants were trying to stop her. ‘Stay with the tree. Don’t leave the sacred grove!’ they whispered.

Hamadryad saw the shepherd near a stream playing music and reading his poems to a mortal girl. The dryad’s heart was broken. She detested her immortality and called for Death.

While the dryad was secretly observing the girl and the shepherd, a horrible thing happened. A woodcutter invaded the sacred grove. The oak-tree remained unprotected without Hamadryad. The woodcutter saw the tree which he found suitable for his needs. When his axe stroke the mighty trunk, there in the distance from the grove, the dryad fell on the ground. Her body was pierced with pain. But her soul was agonizing because of the lost love. She didn’t rush to the grove to save the tree.

The day was coming to the end and finally the woodcutter finished his job. The oak-tree was lying in the thick grass ready to be turned into ashes. The broken-hearted Hamadryad died near the stream of crystal clear water. This water is like tears shed to mourn over the forest nymph. You know, dryads die when their trees die.

By Arina Abramova

School 1738

2013

Outside, the last tree is dying. There is nothing anyone could do. It is simply old and sick. It couldn’t give life to other trees. Genetically diseased trees died out without offspring. Forests had been wiped off the planet’s surface long before I was born.

It’s freezing here. No wonder. I live in Winterville. Who can remember what the city’s name was when Winterville had trees? Our vast plains used to be fertile and gave food in plenty. But now you can see gardeners watering vegetable patches only in the pictures displayed in the National Gallery.

It was really hard work to grow crops and raise animals. Who wants to be farmers now? People want to be millionaires! Or they want to experience what they believe only millionaires can buy – ski chalets, bungalows, yachts, football teams, exotic travels – you can finish with the picture as you prefer… Sounds nice. But relaxing in a hammock and listening to the sound of waves is also in the past. Greenhouse gases have changed the climate. Now we have to deal with mutation, abnormality and contamination.

Future millionaires were creative but not farsighted. They cut trees and built factories. First, lab-grown meat appeared. Then, test-tube fruit and vegetables proved to be easier to produce and return interest, of course. Soon genetically modified plants killed unmodified organisms. Traditional farming was forgotten.

In Winterville, factories producing test-tube burgers stand alongside with factories producing machines and software. Online simulation games have become very popular. Look at the adverts! “Ready to harvest eggplants and strawberries? Join us with the best social network game and start farming!”

A harmless online entertainment is in reality a shrewd viral game designed to make people waste time and forget that they are not millionaires. They forget that they own virtual squares of land, plough and plant them just to progress to level two. Their farm will never produce any food.

Outside the window something catches my eyes. It’s something bright and painful on my sore eyes. It’s moving, and shining, and I struggle to see what it is. It looks familiar. I can finally make out the shape. It’s a star. I struggle to find my gasp – I am flooded at once with five thousand thoughts.

This tiny thing used to shine among the branches of the last tree growing near my house. I used to sing happy songs when I was five. I used to make wishes when I was five. Not one of those wishes is possible now. A shooting star dances past, and I make a wish. I miss my old life so much I could scream. I turn away from the star. My only wish now is that we can somehow build a big rocket and go to a planet with clean water and green forests. Putting all thoughts out of my mind I go to sleep.

I have a dream… The star moves closer and takes the shape of a space rocket. The rocket lands and I welcome the crew. They have a mission on our planet. They give me seeds of clean plants. Now I have a mission too.  I plough the rough and unwilling land. I plant the seeds. I start growing trees. Now I know how difficult farming can be. But I will call the next daybreak in Winterville a Green Morning!

 By Marianna Maksimova

School 1738

2013

THE MISTLETOE’S SECRET

I want to tell you a very sad story. It’s also a very old story that can be found in Norse mythology. I want to tell you about the god of light Balder, who was the son of the chief god Odin and the goddess Frigg. It’s the story how the weakest thing destroyed the most noble of all gods.

 So Balder was the most noble of all gods. He was loved and admired by all, except the wicked god Loki. Loki was jealous of Balder’s popularity. And Loki plotted his death.

Balder’s mother, goddess Frigg, was extremely worried about her son. She made all things – living and not living – swear an oath that they would never harm her beloved Balder. Metals swore a holy oath, rocks swore a holy oath to never do harm to Balder. Frigg got the oath from fire and water, giants and dwarves, elves and human beings, animals and plants. As a result, every weapon directed at Balder, missed him. What’s more, one of the favorite pastimes among the gods was throwing all kinds of weapons at Balder. None could touch him.

But Loki, this mean-spirited one, managed to find out the secret. And listen carefully! This is the secret! On an oak-tree, outside the gates of Valhalla, grew a bush of mistletoe. This little tree seemed so harmless and worthless to Frigg that she didn’t bother to get any oath from such a meek plant.

Evil-wishing Loki cut a twig from the mistletoe and went to the meeting of gods. As usual, they were enjoying their game with Balder throwing different things at him. The only one standing aside was the blind god Hoder, Balder’s brother. Loki asked why he wasn’t hurling things at Balder like the others.

“How can I play when I can’t see what I’m doing?” he complained.

“Take your bow and get ready to shoot”, replied Loki. “And here is your arrow!” with these words Loki gave Hoder the twig of mistletoe. Then he guided Hoder’s hand.

Not suspecting anything, Hoder shot. Mortally wounded, Balder sank on the ground. He died because he was pieced with this good-for-nothing twig of mistletoe. That’s how the smallest can destroy the greatest.

By Ivan Mulenkov

School 1738

2013