A different way of teaching is widely used in our English study.

    Before class. we make study plans first. Then we look up the new words. listen to the recording and read the text. When we meet problems. we can t solve by ourselves. We always write them down in our notebooks.

    In class, we sit in groups to discuss the problems freely. The teacher always offers help when we need. After discussion, It's time for us to give a report to the class. We also make conversations in pairs and practise a lot. It's really good for our listening and speaking.

    After class, we have less homework now so we can go to the library to read English books, magazines and newspapers. We can also surf the Internet for useful information.

    In a word, we enjoy the new way of studying. We can make more progress in our study.

    From the time each of my children started school, I packed their lunches. And in each lunch I packed, I included a note. Often written on a piece of small paper, it might be a thank-you for an unusual moment, a reminder of something we were happily expecting, or a bit of encouragement for the coming test or sporting event.

    In early grade school they loved their notes. But as children grow older they become self-conscious（有自我意识的）, and by the time he reached high school, my older son, Marc, informed me he no longer enjoyed my daily notes. Telling him that he no longer needed to read them but I still needed to write them, I continued until the day he graduated.

    Six years after high school graduation, Marc called and asked if he could move home for a couple of months. He had spent those years well, graduation from college, completing two internship（实习）in Washington, D.C., and finally, becoming a technical assistant in Sacramento. However, he had lived away from home except for short holiday visits. With his younger sister leaving for college, I was especially happy to have Marc back. Since I was still making lunch for his younger brother, I packed one of Marc, too. Imagine my surprise when I got a call from my 24-year-old son, asking about his lunch.

    “Did I do something wrong? Don't you love me any longer, Mom?” he asked.

    “Of course I love you, dear!” I laughingly said. “What's wrong?”

    “My note, Mom,” he answered. “Where's my note?”

    Fun or kind? Old or young? Let's see what these students say about their favourite teachers?

Zhao Dan

    My favorite teachers are learned(博学)teachers because they can make their lessons easy and interesting. And in class, after learning what is in the book, we hope to learn more.

Wang Jianing

    My geography teacher Mr. Todd is kind to students. His class is interesting. All of the students want to learn and do their homework.

Wang Peng

    We boys and girls often have questions. We really want to talk about these questions with teachers and make friends with them. I don't like old teachers because they can't understand(理解)us!

Lu Hongfei

    Ms. Li is my English teacher. She always wears purple clothes. It is her favorite color. She often teaches us to sing English songs.

    Maybe you pride yourselves on only sleeping a few hours a night. However, are you feeling tired and sleepy throughout the day? Do you have a hard time keeping your eyes open as you study? Have you nodded off while driving? If you can answer "Yes" to any of these, it shows you could not have enough sleep.

    It is suggested that most adults need seven to nine hours' sleep. As for teens, they need even more. If you aren't getting enough sleep, you should:

    Avoid caffeine(咖啡因) You should avoid drinking caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and soda at least 10 hours before you go to bed.

    Avoid eating big meals before sleeping Eating a big meal can make you feel sleepy, and it can make you feel uncomfortable and prevent you from sleeping well.

    Build a healthy sleep environment With the light on, can you have a good sleep? Of course not, and you'd better keep your bedroom dark and cool.

    Avoid using electronic devices before bed The light from electronic devices can keep you from falling asleep. Try reading or listening to quiet music instead.

    Please get enough sleep from now on.

    Here is some information about how to get enough {#blank#}1{#/blank#}. If you lack sleep, it's easy to keep your eyes {#blank#}2{#/blank#} as you study. As to the time of sleeping, most adults need seven to nine hours' sleep while teens need {#blank#}3{#/blank#}. You'd better avoid drinking caffeinated drinks. Stop {#blank#}4{#/blank#} before sleeping, and you can feel comfortable. Keep your bedroom dark and cool. Try reading or listening to quiet music {#blank#}5{#/blank#} using electronic devices before bed.