It was 1980, and I was in third grade. In the classroom the teacher, Ms Brown was 1 aloud to us from Island of the Blue Dolphins. And we had just come to a part of the book where the main 2 was training a wild dog. I was listening, caught up in the wonder of all.
Not far away from me, there seated a boy who always frightened or 3 others, so I was 4 of this boy. While Ms Brown was reading, I looked over at him, for he was someone I was in the 5 of keeping an eye on. I 6 that he was listening too, that he was attracted by the 7 , that he was leaning forward in his seat and listening with all his heart. I 8 at him, open-mouthed. I was struck with a sudden knowledge that this boy was in fact just 9 me. He was a kid who liked a story. The boy must 10 my eyes on him, because he turned. Then something amazing happened. He smiled at me. 11 , I smiled back, unafraid. We were two 12 smiling at each other.
Why have I never forgotten this small moment? Why do I still 13 every detail(细节) of it? I think it's because that moment shows so beautifully the 14 of reading out loud.
It shows us into a safe room, where everyone involved, the reader and the listener, can have that chance to 15 each other. We humans long not just for the story, not just for the flow of language, but for the connection that comes when words are read aloud.
Are you scared about moving up to senior high school? It can be a new experience, but you shouldn't worry. We've put together a guide on how to survive the first week.
You're not alone
Remember everybody else in your year is in the same boat. They may not realize it, but they're just as nervous as you are. Moving to senior high is an opportunity, not a problem. Things are different and all you need to do is be polite and learn the new rules.
Teachers are ready to help
If you're unsure what to do or are worried about anything, then you had better ask for help. Teachers are probably the best people to turn to as they're experienced in helping new students. Some senior high schools also have a "friends system". If your school has this, then you will be paired with an older student. They will look out for you and help you if you have any problems or questions.
All change
There are lots of differences between junior high school and senior high school. You'll have a homework diary or a student planner. You will have your lessons with different teachers in different rooms. You will have homework for different subjects on different days, so make sure you get organized. Make sure you have a copy of your school timetable written down so you know which rooms your classes are in and on which days you will have your different subjects.
Other points
If you've got an older brother or sister at the school, then ask them for advice.
Be yourself! It sounds simple, but people will know you much better if you just act naturally. Having early nights makes a difference and you'll find it easier to get up in the morning!
①keeping a homework diary
②making a plan
③keeping a copy of school timetable
④getting yourself organized
⑤going to classrooms half an hour before the classes
As I walked into the primary school, I looked down at my new black shoes. I stood at Mrs Blackstone's door. Before I tried the great escape, the door opened. "We've been waiting for you!" Mrs Blackstone, my new fifth grade teacher, said loudly. With a smile my mom walked away and I was left taking center stage in front of a group of students.
Over the next few days, Mrs Blackstone made it her job to find me a new best friend. During history lessons, when I didn't want to speak in front of the class, she'd not only call on me but have me stand up to address my classmates.
One spring afternoon, Mrs Blackstone asked me to stay after class. "I'd like to speak with you, Amanda." My mind raced. Had I got a bad grade? Had I hurt anyone's feelings? "Are you enjoying your new school?" She sat comfortably behind her desk. "I want to tell you something, between you and me, not to be shared with anyone else." She continued, "I see something special in you. The way you communicate with others, and the kindness you show — I think you have great potential (潜力) to be something important." I listened carefully to every word. "I have been a teacher for over twentyfive years; I can see it. But you must believe in yourself. That's very important. Remember that and you'll go far," she said.
Her voice was music to my ears that day. I walked out of her office, not staring at my shoes, but looking straight ahead with my head high. My teacher saw something special in me! Years later, her words still remain inside of me.
One of the most important things in the world is friendship. In order to have friends, you have to be a friend. But how can you be a good friend at school?
Listen — Listen when they are talking. Don't say anything unless they ask you a question. Sometimes it's not necessary for you to have anything to say; they just need someone to talk to about their feelings.
Help them — If your friend is ever in need of something, be there to help them. You should try to put them first, but make sure you don't do everything they want you to do. Try to take an extra pencil or pen with you to classes in case (以防) they forget one. Have a little extra money in your pocket in case they forget something they need.
Be there for them — Try to make something for your friend to help make them feel better in hard times. Making cards and encouraging them are among the nicest things you can do for a friend. Marilyn Monroe, a famous U.S. actor, once said, "I often make mistakes. Sometimes I am out of control. But if you can't stay with me at my worst, you are sure not to deserve (值得) to be with me at my best." Always remember this! If you don't want to stay with your friends when they're in hard times, then you don't deserve to be with them when they're having a good time!
— Try to make plans with your friends. Go shopping, go for ice cream, have a party, go to a movie and so on. Take time to know each other even better by doing something you both enjoy. By planning things together, you both can have a good time. And you'll remember these things when you're all old!
Reading with Rover is a reading program where children read to dogs. In addition to Reading with Rover, which is based on Washington state, there are many such reading programs around the country. The goal of all these programs is to improve the reading skills of children with reading problems by having children read to dogs.
When reading aloud in the classroom, many children with reading problems and poor reading skills feel frightened. They have little confidence in themselves and are afraid of being laughed at. They may also feel that reading is difficult, boring and stressful(有压力的). However, when children read to dogs, reading becomes a fun and non-stressful experience for both the children and the dogs. Dogs don't criticize(批评)，judge or laugh at the children's reading ability.
Reading with Rover and other programs like it have been a huge success, resulting in improved reading skills for a number of participating children with reading problems. In addition to making learning enjoyable, when children read to dogs, it increases their sense of self-confidence.
A recent research study was conducted by the University of California, which concluded that when children read to dogs, it can increase their reading skills by thirty percent. Children who took part in this study remarked, "I feel relaxed when I'm reading to a dog because I am having fun." "The dogs don't care if you read really badly so you just keep going."
