A library without books

Topic:

This article is about a library that's the only one of its kind…for now.

Before reading:
      

General Knowledge:

• Look at a map of the US. Can you find Omaha, Nebraska?
• How would you define the word "library"? In your opinion, can a place be called a "library" if it doesn't have books? Support your position.
• Is your local library a very "modern" place? Has it done a good job of keeping up with the latest technology?

      

Speculate:

• What kind of library do you think the article's title is describing? What services might it provide? What kind of people might be patrons (users) of this library?

         
Click on the embedded link below to read the article, see photos, and listen to or download the audio file on the NPR website. Word count: 530

After reading:
        

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• Make a chart of similarities and differences between Do Space and a typical library. Next, compare Do Space with an internet café.
• What kinds of people might find Do Space most useful?
• This article refers to Do Space as a "library". In your opinion, is this a good way of describing it? Do you think it should be called something else? Explain.
• Hans Bekale says that Do Space is "our modern-day office". What does he mean by this? What are the characteristics or features of this type of workplace?
• Could there be any disadvantages or weaknesses in this plan to offer free technology to the public? What are some unique challenges that Do Space might face that libraries with books might not?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

           

Reflect and evaluate:

• Would a library like Do Space be useful to you? What would you use it for?
• If you could create a "bookless" library for your own neighborhood or city, what kind of library would it be? Would it be a library offering access to technology, like Do Space, or would it offer some other kind of service?
• Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic? Do you have any questions that weren't answered in the article?
• What vocabulary words were new to you in this article? Make a record of what you have learned.

         

Beyond the page:

• Take a look at the Do Space website: http://www.dospace.org/
• "Coworking" is trend that has arisen in the last 10 years. What is it? Do some research to find out more, and then compare this concept to Do Space.

Also in the news:

• Though most people probably think about libraries as a space for books and maybe for studying, the concept of "library" is evolving. Some libraries are now beginning to offer services such as a "Library of Things". Read this article about a library in California that is implementing this service soon: Need a gadget? East library allows people to borrow big selection of items

        

Join the conversation: add your thoughts about this article in the comments section below. And don't forget to share this post with your friends!

What if robots take our jobs?

Topic:
     
This article is about how countries are preparing for robots to take over more jobs in the future.
           

Before reading:
      

General Knowledge:

• Can you find Switzerland on a map?
• Some jobs that used to be done by humans can now be done by robots. Can you think of any examples?

         

Speculate:

• The idea of a "guaranteed basic income" is important in this article. What could that phrase mean?

     
Click on the embedded link below to read the article and see photos on the PRI website. Word count: 500

        

What if robots take our jobs? Switzerland considers giving people a guaranteed income        

After reading:
       

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• In your opinion, is an "automated future" something to be afraid of? Why or why not?
• The article mentions two different strategies for offering basic income: the experiment in Manitoba only offered money to "families who earned below a certain amount", while Switzerland is considering offering money to "every citizen". Compare these two strategies. Do you think one is better than the other?
• As the article points out, the experiment in Manitoba seemed to have had a particular effect on new mothers and teenage boys. Evelyn Forget says this could potentially change the course of their lives. Think about the outcome of a mother staying home longer with a newborn baby, for example. Or a young boy finishing high school instead of dropping out. Discuss the long-term effects.
• Matt Zwolinski says, "If we give people cash, they’re likely to use it in responsible ways." Do you agree or disagree? Explain.
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

       

Reflect and evaluate:

• Do you think an "all-robot workforce" is likely to happen? How many years do you think it will take before it is possible?
• Imagine that your government decided to give every citizen an extra $2600 a month. How would your life be different? What would you use the money for?
• Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic? Do you have any questions that weren't answered in the article?
• What vocabulary words were new to you in this article? Make a record of what you have learned.

       

Beyond the page:

• Read more about the Manitoba experiment here: Fascinatingstory: A town without poverty, with better well-being and health

        

Join the conversation: add your thoughts about this article in the comments section below. Like Lively Exchanges on Facebook, and don't forget to share this post with your friends!

Weekend reads

Looking for something interesting to read this weekend? I've got you covered!

       

Today, instead of our usual news-story-with-questions format, let's try something new. I've come across several interesting topics while scanning news headlines, and sometimes there are too many great stories to cover them all here on the blog, sooooo this time *you* get to choose the topic.

        

First, pick one of the four articles from the list below to discuss with your study group, friends or classmates—whatever interests you most. (Click on the article titles in blue to be directed to the news websites.) Then, use the questions below to guide your discussion, or better yet create your own!
        

        

Article choices:

         

1. The Arctic Suicides: It's Not The Dark That Kills You

I read this article not long after it was published, and it's been on my mind ever since. It isn't cheerful subject matter, but this article captivated me with its deep exploration of the problem of suicide in Greenland. It's definitely a long read (the longest on this list) but the article is accompanied by beautiful (and sometimes haunting) pictures, so if you're up for the challenge I highly recommend it.

Carl Skou

        

         

2.  One of Africa's Most Active Volcanoes is Showing New Signs of Life 
Nature is powerful, and an interesting theme of the following story is how displays of that power fascinate us--and can even boost tourism. This article covers the very recent eruptions of Africa's Mount Nyiragongo and also delves into the history of how this volcano has affected the lives of the people who live in its shadow. In addition to photos and an audio file, don't miss the YouTube video with aerial footage of the mountain.

     

Mark Robinson

       

                 

3. Wildlife in Chernobyl is Thriving 30 Years After the Nuclear Accident

This article begins with an interesting, albeit sensitive, question: "Is it possible that radiation isn't as bad as we think it is?" In an era when debates about the use of nuclear power ignite some pretty powerful arguments, scientific research has given us even more to think about.

       

Tatyana Deryabina

        

        

4. Paris Extends Summer Nights By Keeping Parks Open After Sunset

This article has more light-hearted subject matter compared to the others on this list. Here we read about how the French capital plans to change operating hours for public parks...to help people enjoy every minute of those delightful summer nights in Paris. This story offers a window into French culture that just might convince you to book your summer holiday in France this year.

          

Eleanor Beardsley / NPR

         

        

Questions to consider:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• Does the writer do a good job of covering all the facts? Is there any information left out?
• How many points of view are represented in this article? Do we hear only one side of things?
• Why was the article written? Does the writer want to inform people, to influence people's opinions, to clarify an issue?
• Is there any evidence of bias or stereotypes in this article? Does the writer make assumptions about people or situations?
• Has the writer or editor done a good job of using images to enhance the report?
• What is your reaction to the story? In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

          

And finally...

Let us know how your discussion went! What did you talk about with your group? Did your discussion increase your understanding of the article? Post about your experience in the comments section on the blog.

Russia offers free land to citizens

Topic:
        
The Russian government wants to give free land to some of its citizens.
      

Before reading:

       

General Knowledge:

• Can you find Russia on a map? What do you know about the geography of this country?

      

Speculate:

• The Russian government is giving away land in one of its eastern districts. What might be the purpose of this plan? Why might the land be available?

        
Click on the embedded link below to read the article and see photos on the PRI website. Word count: 558

         

Russia is literally giving away land for free  

After reading:

           

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• What problems might the Russian government be attempting to solve by implementing this program?
• Aleksandr Galushka said this plan will offer young people "a real chance for self-realization". What do you think he means? How might the plan accomplish this?
• What might be the pros and cons of participating in the government's plan? What are the advantages of this program for the Russian government?
• What are some strategies that the Russian government might use to promote this program and to encourage people to participate?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

       

Reflect and evaluate:

• What kind of person do you think is best suited to participate in the government's plan? What kind of people do you think would be successful in a venture like this? (Hint: you might want to consider things like personality or skills.)
• Which areas of your country are the least populated? Do you think a plan like this would help to revitalize those regions? Why or why not?
• In many countries, the percentage of people working in agriculture has decreased significantly. What are some factors that have contributed to this trend?
• Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic? Do you have any questions that weren't answered in the article?
• What vocabulary words were new to you in this article? Make a record of what you have learned.

            

Beyond the page:

• Do an online search to find out more about Russia's Far Eastern Federal District. Look for pictures of the landscape. Does this change how you feel about the government's plan?

           

Join the conversation: add your thoughts about this article in the comments section below. And don't forget to share this post with your friends!

10 words we've learned this spring

Here are 10 words and phrases we've seen in news articles this spring. Were any of these new to you?

    
           

1. desertification: [dih-ZER-ti-fi-KAY-shun] when a region of land gradually transforms into a desert

         

"The UN says that 100 million Africans are threatened by growing desertification as the climate changes and the worst drought in 30 years affects parts of the continent." -Africa's Great Green Wall is Making Progress on Two Fronts

         

         

2. guerrilla war: [guh-RIL-uh] a type of war in which unofficial soldiers in small groups fight against a government or a regular military

         

"Until recently, conflict made Colombia a no-go zone. But the government expects to sign a peace treaty this year to end a half-century-old guerrilla war." -As Colombia Grows Safer, Tourists—Especially Bird Watchers—Flock Back

          

        

3. kosher: [KO-shur] food that is prepared according to Jewish dietary laws 
            
"McDonald's is the largest fast-food chain in Israel. There are kosher branches in the country, and on the weeklong Passover holiday, which begins Friday, McD's substitutes its usual hamburger buns with potato-starch buns, in line with the Jewish custom of not eating bread products on the holiday." -Israel's Health Minister to McDonald's: 'Not in Our Country'

          

          

4. soft skills: skills that help a person to get along well with other people

         

"'The women [in this program] often need help with soft skills,' Wright tells us. In a sense, they're learning to undo some of their old habits and replace them with behaviors that can propel them forward." -This Bakery Offers a Second Chance for Women after Prison

        

          

5. smog: fog combined with smoke and other forms of air pollution

        

"Last month, for the first time since 2005, Mexico City officials declared a Phase 1 smog alert." -In Mexico City, the Return of Terrible Smog

      

         

6. asylum: [uh-SAI-lum] a type of protection granted to a refugee

         

"Class has just ended at a community center in the southern Swedish town of Ronneby. This is the first stop for refugees in the area, once they've been granted asylum." -A Swedish Town's Newest Residents Settle In and Make a New Start

         

          

7. home in (on something): to concentrate or focus on something 
         
"The team, led by cognitive scientist Aleix Martinez, homed in on negative statements — like 'that's not a good idea' or 'I don't like that' — and used computer algorithms to map the corresponding facial movements." -It's a Small World When it Comes to :-/

           

      

8. deplete: [dih-PLEET] to reduce the supply of something 
        
"The world is in danger of running out of vaccines for a deadly disease: yellow fever. A major outbreak in the African nation of Angola has already depleted the stockpile that world health officials had set aside for emergencies." -A 'Forgotten Disease' is Suddenly Causing New Worries

          

         

9. credible: [KRE-dih-bul] believable or able to be trusted

             
"Whenna Andrews knows about those things — she even found the homebuyers class on Facebook. But she prefers learning in person. 'I feel like the library seems more credible, if that makes sense,' she says." -For Adults, Lifelong Learning Happens the Old Fashioned Way

       

        

10. deploy: [dih-PLOI] to spread something out in a strategic way

          

"These missing maps make it next to impossible to track traffic congestion, to effectively deploy resources to poverty-stricken communities and to build public transportation systems." -How Do You Start Mapping Unmapped Streets?

               

        

What other words from recent posts would you add to this list? :)

        

Join the conversation: add your thoughts about this article in the comments section below. And don't forget to share this post with your friends!

Chinese police on patrol in...Italy?

Beginning this month, Chinese police may be seen patrolling some Italian streets. Click on the embedded link below to read the article, see photos, and listen to or download the audio file on the NPR website. Word count: 462

  

Before reading:

General Knowledge:

• Can you find Italy on a map? Where are Rome and Milan?
• What are some problems that tourists should prepare for before they travel abroad?

        

Speculate:

• Chinese police officers have begun patrolling parts of Italy. Why do you think the Italian police might have invited foreign officers to patrol jointly with them? What could be the goal of this partnership?

           

Tourists in St. Peter's Square, Rome

          

        

After reading:

      

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• What might be the most challenging parts of creating and maintaining partnerships between Chinese and Italian police forces?
• What is your opinion of this police partnership?
• Why do Chinese tourists feel "amazed, astonished, [and] happy" to see a Chinese officer patrolling in Italy? Explain what Pang Bo means.
• According to Italian national police chief Alessandro Pansa, "proximity policing" is a new approach the Italian police are taking. How does cooperation with Chinese police fit into this plan? What are other ways that Italian police could "[be] close to citizens' needs"?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

          

Reflect and evaluate:

• Why do you think that Italian police are partnering specifically with Chinese police? What does this suggest about Chinese tourism in Italy?
• Do you think partnerships between local and foreign police would be good in parts of your country? Explain.
• Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic? Do you have any questions that weren't answered in the article?
• What vocabulary words were new to you in this article? Make a record of what you have learned.

           

Beyond the page:

• Find out more about proximity policing or community policing. Is it happening where you live?

             

Join the conversation: add your thoughts about this article in the comments section below. And don't forget to share this post with your friends!

A "First Class" High School at JFK

A high school in a New York airport gives students the opportunity for hands-on learning. Click on the embedded link below to read the article, see photos, and listen to or download the audio file on the NPR website. Word count: 763

Before reading:

      
General Knowledge:

• Can you find the US state of New York on a map?
• What is an internship? What is the purpose of an internship?

        

Speculate:

• This article discusses a high school that prepares students for careers in the aviation industry. Many parents want to send their children to this school. Why do you think it is so popular?

           

         

        

After reading:
      

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• What do you think about Kalvin's daily schedule, including his internship at Delta?
• Mario Cotumaccio says the internship program has been "flourishing". What do you think are the factors in its success? Why do you think major airlines are willing to participate in the program?
• What does Mike Fisher mean when he says, "It's nothing to sneeze at"?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

         

Reflect and evaluate:

• What do you think about high school programs like this? Besides aviation, what other industries might be a good for high school programs?
• As a student, have you ever had the chance to do hands-on learning? What did you learn, and how was the experience different than learning in a traditional classroom? (It doesn't have to be a program like Aviation High School.)
• Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic? Do you have any questions that weren't answered in the article?
• What vocabulary words were new to you in this article? Make a record of what you have learned.

            

Join the conversation: add your thoughts about this article in the comments section below. And don't forget to share this post with your friends!

A Great Green Wall for Africa

Several African countries are cooperating on a project that will improve people's lives. Click on the embedded link below to read the article, see photos, and stream or download the audio file on the PRI website. Word count: 619

         

Africa's Great Green Wall is making progress on two fronts

      

Before reading:

       

General Knowledge:

• Where is the Sahara Desert? Can you name any of the countries that are in this desert?
• What is 'desertification'? What causes it? How does it affect the people living nearby?

       

Speculate:

• Many countries in Africa are cooperating to build a 'Great Green Wall'. What do you think it might be? What might be its purpose?

     

      

Credit: Bobby Bascomb

       

After reading:

      

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• What does the article's title mean? What are the 'two fronts' that the writer is referring to?
• How many benefits of the Great Green Wall project are mentioned in the article? Make a list. Can you think of any other possible benefits that were not mentioned?
• What does Elvis Paul Tangam mean when he says that a sense of 'ownership' is the greatest accomplishment of the project?
• Why might the French government be interested in investing so much money in the project? (Hint: consider Africa's colonial history.)
• Tangam thinks it will take at least a generation for the Great Green Wall to become a reality. Why?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

        

Reflect and evaluate:

• What do you think might have been some of the challenges to achieving cooperation among so many different countries?
• What does this article suggest about gender roles in these countries?
• What are the biggest threats to the environment in the area where you live? Is anything being done to change the situation?
• Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic? Do you have any questions that weren't answered in the article?
• What vocabulary words were new to you in this article? Make a record of what you have learned.

         

Beyond the page:

• Explore the website for the Great Green Wall initiative: Great Green Wall
• Indigenous plants are an important part of the Great Green Wall project. What plants are indigenous to the area where you live? Why do they grow well in that environment?
• Do some research to find out more about the Sahara Desert.

           

Join the conversation: add your thoughts about this article in the comments section below. And don't forget to like Lively Exchanges on Facebook!