1 . The novel corona-virus(新冠) pandemic is resulting in worldwide concern for elementary and secondary school students’ mental condition. The following are some possible activities that can be carried out to help them and also create a safe and healthy school environment.

John’s and Mary’s thoughts

Students are demonstrated with a picture which says that John and Mary have different thoughts after they have heard of the COVID-19. Then students are invited to guess and write the characters’ thoughts on the picture. This activity uses a “projective” method(投射法). Students are not directly asked what their feelings are, but instead, they project their feelings onto the characters.

When I’m worried

After talking about what the characters may think, students can now turn their attention to themselves. They are asked to list their common worries, but most importantly, they are directed to think about some measures. This is a vital exercise, because it switches students’ focus from their worries to the solving strategies.

Seeking a balance

It’s important to strike a balance between the recommended healthy behavior and the concept that microorganisms(微生物) are a natural part of the environment and that many of them play a key role in human life.

Videos to know and understand viruses

It is advisable to plan science lessons on microorganisms. Students can know more about the pandemic by studying microbial (微生物的) life, and thus they can understand what viruses are and how they spread. But be careful not to bring anxiety—avoid talking about scary messages.

3 . In early November of 1942, my geology (地质学) class was supposed to go on a field trip to see the mica mine (云母矿). Although it rained, everyone showed up on time. I was the only girl in the class. We all fit into two cars.

Near Deary, Mr. Tier, our teacher, went into a store to ask about the direction, while townsmen looked at us with curiosity. On the store owner’s advice, we drove out into the hills for a few miles. Then we left the cars. We were afraid they would get stuck in the mud.

Eventually, we located the mine near the top of the mountain. There was a very small hole, running about two or three hundred feet into the mountainside. The passage (通道) was so narrow that we could touch both sides with our hands, and not tall enough to allow us to stand up straight. The first boy held the torch; we took hold of the backs of each other’s coats, in a line, and followed him in, ducking our heads. After getting in, we were disappointed because it was not the mine our teacher was looking for.

The rain was coming down hard as we started back to the cars to go home. Back at Deary, we went into a drugstore and stood around its big heating stove to dry out. The clerk was a middle­aged lady. Seeing our entirely wet hair and clothes, she handed each of us a cup of hot water immediately and asked if there was anything wrong with any of us.

Hiking eight miles in the rain had not reduced our interest at all. We all felt we had a wonderful time, even if we didn’t find the mine.

The great changes in my hometown in the past decade

Yours，

Li Hua

We had an argument over whether it is necessary to carry out outer space explorations at a class meeting the other day.

Last weekend, our school organized a activity to welcome the foreign students from Zhongshan University. It last about 3 hours. We talked and laughed happy during the whole activity. Which impressed me most was that they all were good at speaking both English or Chinese. They also told us that it was necessary to master some social skills like how deal with different people and difficult things. I benefit a lot from the activity, which makes me understood that if we want to be much more suitable for the modern society, you should be excellent enough. I like this kind of activity because of it gives us a chance to communicate with foreigner, know their culture and enrich our experiences.

Our English club has held a various activities in the past two months, drawn much attention of the students and teachers.

Recently our club held an English speech contest, which theme was “Challenge Myself and Strengthen Self-confidence”. A large number of students take part in the contest to show their wonderful skills. A great many teacher crowded into the lecture hall to see they perform. At the stage, no matter pressure the speakers might face, they bravely challenged themselves to achieve great success.

They have impressed other students and teachers deep through such an activity with their unusual confidence and performance. What’s more, they have gained many, such as self-confidence, honor, and so on.