More South Korean mothers are hoping for girls

Topic:

        

This article discusses the growing preference for baby girls in South Korea.

          

       

Before reading:

          

General Knowledge:

• Can you find the country of South Korea on a map? What do you know about this country?
• In some parts of the world, boys have been valued more highly than girls. What are some reasons that this might happen? How can this affect the male-female balance in the population?
• What are some consequences of a much larger number of one gender than another?

           

Speculate:

• "To have two daughters wins you a gold medal" is a new saying in South Korea. What do you think it means? What does it suggest about South Korean culture?
• Some South Korean parents now hope to have daughters instead of sons. What might they feel is an advantage of having a daughter?

         

        

Click on the embedded link below to read the article, hear the audio report, and see photos on the PRI website. Word count: 952

        

In South Korea, parents are increasingly saying, 'we hope for a girl'

After reading:

          

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• Based on information in the article, what do you think are the biggest differences between the lives and preferences of young mothers now and those of young mothers one or two generations ago?
• Some of the cultural changes in South Korea are attributed to the fact that many people have converted from Buddhism to Christianity. In addition to religious values, what are some other forces that can cause change in a culture? What factors are most likely to influence change in your culture?
• Some South Koreans believe that daughters are better at caring for elderly parents than sons. What do you think about this? Do you agree?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

           

Reflect and evaluate:

• The article mentions some traditional Buddhist rituals that included different roles for males and females. Can you think of any customs or traditions that are different for men and women where you live? Have these traditions changed over time, or have they stayed the same?
• The article says that women in South Korea still face challenges: pressure to conform to certain beauty standards, harassment, and sexism in the workplace, for example. How does this compare to your own culture? If you are a woman, have you experienced any of these things?
• 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!

Changing perceptions about people with disabilities

Topic:

This article is about a café that only employs people with disabilities.

       

Before reading:

          

General Knowledge:

• Can you find the country of Kazakhstan on a map?
• What does the word "stigma" mean?
• What are some kinds of "disability"?
• What are some kinds of discrimination that disabled people face? Why?

         

Speculate:

• In the article a woman says, "In Kazakhstan, people with disabilities are forced to exist within tight boundaries". What might she mean by "boundaries", and why might those boundaries exist?

            

        

Click on the embedded link below to read the article on the PRI website. Word count: 630

           

Kazakhstan cafe uses employment to fight disability stigma

After reading:

        

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• Zhuldyz Abdykarimova, a waitress at Training Café, says she has learned a lot while working there. What are some of the things that she might have learned?
• While providing important employment opportunities, the Training Café is also a place where people with disabilities interact with other members of society. What might be some effects of bringing people together like this?
• The article also mentions that a movie starring people with disabilities was recently released in Kazakhstan. By choosing these actors, what do you think is the message to the audience? How might this movie change public perceptions about people with disabilities?
• Why don't more places like Training Café exist, in Kazakhstan and in other countries around the world?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

         

Reflect and evaluate:

• In your country or culture, what are some attitudes about disabilities? Are people with disabilities treated differently than others? Are there many opportunities for people with disabilities to find jobs?
• Explain why it is beneficial for people with disabilities to have opportunities to work. List as many advantages as you can think of. Conversely, what are the problems with not providing opportunities?
• 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:

• For some people, it might be challenging to know the best way to communicate with people who have disabilities. This guide offers some helpful tips: Communicating Effectively with People who Have a Disability
• Open Society Foundations is one of Training Café's financial supporters. Find out more about this organization here: Open Society Foundations

            

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California summer camp brings traditional music to children

Topic:

This article is about a summer camp where kids learn to play a style of traditional Mexican music.

       

    

Before reading:

       

General Knowledge:

• Can you find the US state of California on a map?
• What is mariachi music? What kinds of instruments are played? Do an internet search if you aren't sure.

            

Speculate:

• This article tells the story about a man who created a free program to teach children how to play mariachi music. What do you think are his goals for the program?

         

          

Click on the embedded link below to read the article, see photos, watch a video, and listen to or download the audio file on the PRI website. Word count: 901

         

Mariachi camp in California teaches kids tradition for free

After reading:

         

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• Jose Soto tells the children to "see if you can fit [an instrument] into your life". What do you think he means by this?
• What are some possible reasons that Rebecca Humphreys might have decided to join the mariachi music program?
• Debate with your partner(s): Is it a good idea to recruit more students like Rebecca Humphreys (students with no ties to Mexico) for the mariachi music program? Consider arguments for and against this option.
• What might be some of the benefits of having a program like this for children? Make a list.
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

            

Reflect and evaluate:

• Describe traditional musical styles and instruments from your culture. Do children learn how to play them? In what kinds of situations do people hear this music? Is there special clothing to wear while playing this music?
• What role has music had in your life? Do you enjoy traditional music? Can you play an instrument? Tell your partner how music makes you feel.
• Reflect on the relationship between music and culture. Write down your thoughts.
• 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:

• Choose one type of traditional music from your culture and research its history.
• The British Library has a collection of traditional music from around the world. Choose a region to explore: British Library World and Traditional Music

              

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!

Darkness and starlight

Topic:

       

This article is about one of the darkest places on Earth.

            

       

Before reading:

         

General Knowledge:

• Can you find the US state of New Mexico on a map?
• What is "light pollution"?
• What is astronomy?

          

Speculate:

• This article mentions some of the important benefits of darkness. What might they be? How might darkness be important to people and animals?

             

Click on the embedded link below to read the article, see photos, and listen to or download the audio file on the PRI website. Word count: 621

            

A place where the stars are so bright you can see your shadow by starlight

After reading:

          

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• The article mentions that some places, like France, are enacting laws that are intended to reduce light pollution. In addition to reducing light pollution, what might be some of the other effects of laws like this? Can you think of both positive and negative consequences?
• At the end of the article, Al Grauer asks: "So what's the price of imagination? Where does the next generation of poets and scientists and engineers … come from?" What do you think he is suggesting with his question? How does his question relate to his interest in astronomy?
• In your own words, explain why the Grauers believe that the Cosmic Campground is important.
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

            

Reflect and evaluate:

• Would you be interested in visiting the Cosmic Campground? Explain.
• Do you know a good place for star-gazing? Have you tried star-gazing before?
• The article included a short list of some of the benefits of darkness. Can you think of any that weren't included?
• 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:

• How many constellations can you name? If you want to learn more, try this website (Neave.com). Set your location to see a map of the night sky, and learn the names of the constellations! Want more? Download one of these smartphone apps: SkyView Free (iPhone) or Sky Map (Android)
• Learn about the International Dark Sky Association, search a map to find dark sky places around the world, and more: International Dark Sky Association
• A little something extra for science lovers—check out the Grauers' website for their podcast: Travelers in the Night

            

Also in the news:

• Want to know more about the importance of darkness? Read this article: Why We Should All Be Worried that We Don't Get Enough Darkness in Our Lives

          

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!

The restoration of Iraq's marshlands

Topic:

         

This article is about the restoration of a marshland area in Iraq.

         

       

Before reading:

          

General Knowledge:

• Can you find the country of Iraq on a map? What do you know about it?
• What is UNESCO, and what are its main mission
• What are the characteristics of 'marshland'?

           

Speculate:

• What are some reasons that natural areas might be destroyed? In other words, what are some of the causes (human or otherwise) of ecological destruction?

             

Click on the embedded link below to read the article, see photos, and listen to or download the audio file on the PRI website. Word count: 543

           

Iraq's marshlands, nearly destroyed under Saddam, are coming back

After reading:

          

Review and discuss:

• Write a 3-4 sentence summary of this article. Begin your summary with "This article is about…".
• In your own words, explain why it is important to preserve these marshlands. Look for hints in the article, and give as many reasons as you can.
• How might the new UNESCO World Heritage status affect the region? Make a list of possible consequences.
• Although previous Iraqi governments have actively caused the destruction of the marshlands, Azzam Alwash says that the current government has made a commitment to protect this area. What does this imply about the current government?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

          

Reflect and evaluate:

• Can you think of any traditions in your culture that have remained unchanged for a long period of time? Why do you think this tradition hasn't changed?
• Does your country have any sites with World Heritage status? What makes these places special? Have you been to visit any of them?
• Like the Iraqi marshlands, are there natural areas in your country that have been destroyed by humans? What were the effects of the destruction? How were people and animals affected by the destruction?
• 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.

           

Also in the news:

• Read about successful efforts in China to convert land back into forest. But this success, as it turns out, is a double-edged sword: What China's successful reforestation program means for the rest of the world

             

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!

Bhutan's model for managing stray dogs

Topic:

       

Dogs have an important role in the ecosystem of Bhutan. This article is about how the country is managing its population of strays.

       

      

Before reading:

        

General Knowledge:

• Can you find the country of Bhutan on a map? What do you know about it?
• What is a "stray" animal? How do these animals affect the areas where they live?
• What does it mean to spay or neuter an animal? What is the purpose of this?

       

Speculate:

• When the people of Bhutan tried removing all stray dogs from the streets, they noticed an unexpected negative consequence. What might that have been?

           

Click on the embedded link below to read the article, see photos, and listen to or download the audio file on the PRI website. Word count: 910

         

Bhutan carried out a nationwide program to spay and neuter its stray dogs

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 Bhutan's system of "community" pet ownership? Compare and contrast the way dogs are cared for in Bhutan with the way they are cared for in your culture.
• What effects might the Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release method have on Bhutan's economy? How about on tourism? What other outcomes do you predict?
• Explain the purpose of putting a notch in a dog's left ear after it has been spayed or neutered. Why is it important to be able to recognize whether a dog has been spayed/neutered?
• In your opinion, what was the most interesting thing mentioned in this article? Why?

          

Reflect and evaluate:

• Twig Mowatt says, "Bhutanese people, who are largely Buddhist, believe that sentient beings should be cared for." Where you live, are there religious ideas or other beliefs that affect the way people interact with animals or the environment? Explain.
• Are there stray animals where you live? What kind? Do they have an important role in the ecosystem, like the dogs in Bhutan?
• 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 Humane Society International, the organization that helped Bhutan establish its program. Then, look for information about Humane Society programs where you live.

           

Also in the news:

Read recent news about stray animals in other parts of the world

• India: Stray dogs, pigs a menace in Maharani Bagh
• Serbia: Call to Help! Belgrade activist sets up animal charity
• Turkey: Turkish children hide stray dogs from municipal police

           
           

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