【推荐2】In middle school, reading requirements go up in all subject areas, including history, math, and science. In English or language arts classes, students will be introduced to great works of literature, including biographies, short stories, folktales, poetry, and plays. They will spend time, in class and in homework, analyzing these works and studying the complex elements of plot, setting, and character development. The goal is to help them develop a true love of reading, which will, in turn, build vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and knowledge.

Unfortunately, not all middle school students enjoy reading. Some read only when they have to complete school assignments, rarely picking up a book for pleasure. One job of the middle school teacher is to turn reluctant readers into proficient readers by offering them access to a wide range of materials from which they can choose according to their own interests. These might include mysteries, biographies, science fiction, and fantasies, as well as magazines and newspapers.

For struggling readers, teachers might offer books at their independent level—books they can read successfully. Good teachers also provide students with strategies to improve their comprehension and fluency. “When students are offered strategies that bond them to books and stimulate thinking and wondering, it plants the seeds that germinate lifelong readers—readers who turn to books because of the knowledge, pleasure, and entertainment that reading brings to their lives, ” says Laura Robb, a teacher and author.

Parents, too, should provide their child with a rich selection of reading materials at home—and share and discuss what they read with their child. Laura Robb asks her students’ parents to read the same books as their children, and exchange thoughts and opinions. “Parents say it really opens doors and stimulates communication,” says Robb. “Sharing a magazine or newspaper article helps build a child’s background knowledge and range of experience, which will ultimately make him better equipped to learn,” she adds.

【推荐3】Most of us look forward to the weekend as a time to relax, connect with friends and family, and tackle items from a to do list that gets neglected during the work week. But as the weekend comes to an end, many of us are missing out on Sunday Funday and instead experiencing a sense of anxiety and even worry about the upcoming week.     1     Here is how experts say you can ease your end of week anxiety.

Identify your anxiety source

Anxiety is a normal human experience and one of the main ways to manage it is to identify your personal causes.     2     Create multiple to do lists. One list for tasks that need to be completed immediately, another for tasks that are less urgent, and a final list for tasks that you’d like to complete at some point.

Don’t forget to relax

When structuring your Sunday, try not to put in too many routine tasks.     3     Maybe a body scan meditation(冥想), maybe a mid-afternoon shower or bath, maybe an engaging movie or show, whatever feels like a helpful distraction(分心的事)to recover from the scaries.

Create some excitement for the week ahead

Having something to look forward to gives you something to think about what is pleasing rather than only focusing on the fright you feel. Instead of focusing on awful things you expect from the week, build excitement over a coffee or lunch date with a friend you have been meaning to catch up with.     4    

Structure your day

    5     Maybe that means planning some favourite foo ds to enjoy while watching football. Or maybe you go all in for some self-care. Do you best to honor this time and make Sunday night all about you leave the work emails for Monday morning.