【推荐1】For primary and middle school students, being able to cook has become a must. They will also need to learn how to plant vegetables, raise poultry（家禽）and fix home appliances（电器）.

The Ministry of Education brought out new standards for labor education in schools last year. Starting from 2022 autumn term, students in primary and middle school have to take courses on labor skills at least once a week.

The new standards include three types of labor tasks. The first is basic life like everyday household chores. including cleaning, cooking and fixing home appliances. Next is industry and agriculture labor practice, including new technologies like 3D printing and traditional crafts learning. The third type is service work such as community volunteer services.

Schools in China had placed more focus on studying, and many had regarded household chores as a waste of children's time. According to the Ministry of Education, labor education must be built up to help students enrich their life experience, cultivate （培养）a right view of labor and develop an interest in labor.

Online people have been busy discussing the new standards on social media.

“The main purpose is to let children share responsibility and become independent as early as they can,” said Wang Peng, a father from Guangdong.

“Children’s hand-eye coordination（协调）, time management and organization skills can be trained by doing the housework,” said Sun Yunxiao, a parenting expert.

They all agree that children will find fun in doing chores through labor education.

【推荐2】Learning happens outside schools, in Night Safari!

Night Safari is a Living Classroom where learning about animals, plants and wildlife protection comes to life! Students can experience real sights, sounds and smells. So, read on to discover how to plan a wonderful educational trip to Night Safari.
Opening hours: 7:15pm—1:00pm (Last entry at 10:15pm) We’re open every day of the year. Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore, 729826 Tickets for students: For every 10 paying students, 1 teacher (or parent) volunteer gets 1 free ticket.	Getting here: Making your way to Night Safari is easy. No matter where you’re starting your journey from, there are several quick ways to get here. *   Public transport (click here) *   Mandai Khatib Shuttle (click here) *   Direct bus services from the city (click here) *   Self-drive (click here) Note： Please be kind and do not use flash photography during shows.

What should I eat for breakfast? Who should I go out with on weekends? What should I do if I miss the bus to school? What colleges should I apply for? Again and again Chinese kids ask these questions to their teachers and parents.     1    

Kids in America would be very surprised to hear how much Chinese children depend on adults.     2     By twelve they know what classes to take for middle school. Thirteen years old is the beginning of being what Americans call a “teenager”. Now the child makes almost all his/ her decisions—what to do after school, who are his/her friends, sometimes even when to come home at night. Finally at sixteen the kid usually gets a car from his/her parents. Now he or she can come and go when he/she likes. The only rule is when they come home at night.

Why should kids be independent? Think about it.     3     Will our parents be able to tell us what to eat for breakfast in college? Can our teachers decide what we should do at work?

    4     But we can start with making small choices, and then slowly make bigger and more important choices. Before we know it we will become independent, confident and able to make our own decisions!     5    

【推荐1】Everyone dreams of changing the world. But can teenagers really make a difference? And how can they do it?

Michael Norton's book 365 Ways to Change the World is a good starting point. The book gives an idea or a task for every day of the year. The tasks are from volunteering at a hospital to planting a tree.

The book says that even one small act can help someone in need. It may even influence other teenagers to do something.

Nathan Anthony, a student at Enochs High School, agrees. “It's impossible to get anything in life without giving something to someone or working hard at school or work,” Anthony said.

Another student, Ariane Mota, has the same opinion. “Giving is our way of returning to those who help us.” she said. “Whether it is a helping hand or money, we should help others to improve their day of life.”

But how often do teenagers help a stranger or do something nice for someone? According to Anthony, not a lot. He and Mota both believe this needs to be changed.

So whether you're helping to find medicine for cancer or simply smiling at a stranger, do something every day to help change the world for better.

【推荐2】My town is a great place to live in. It's the best place to enjoy your free time. There are three movie theaters in town. They are all good，but the one nearest my house is the best. Shopping is also easy. There are many shops and most of them are trendy（时髦的）. They sell very fashionable clothes. The shops are also cheaper than those in other towns，so students love to shop here.

There are also a lot of video and music stores. They are very popular with students. I go to the music store every week to buy a new CD. The most crowded place for students to hang out is the park. Everyone goes there，so it's really interesting. Sometimes there are even street performers. Some students think they're boring，but I think they're the most creative people. I want to be a street performer，too.