BOOKS ON WHEELS

This is about a project on reading, but not as a skill, or a subject matter. It means Reading for pleasure. The writer reminds about having been read some books by her mother, and realized that most children don't visit bookshops to "choose the book to read at bed". That's why she thought to implement this project at her school, "Books on Wheels club". The fist aim is that children get in contact with books. So, she stated a day for reading, chose a quiet place at school and brought pillows for them to sit on. Children listen attentively and then they work with it.They make a book trolley, decide the difficulty of the book ,through using traffic light system, they write their impression of that reading,etc. After the class each pupil can take one book for reading at home. Through these experiences students develop their creativity, their imagination, self-confidence, accuracy, fluency and at the same time they discover a fascinating worl of magic. It seems an interesting project. It might be a nice experience. Good Luck!

Kelro

An artist’s haven in the harsh shadows of the docks by Joan Scobey (The Herald)

Joan Scobey in his article tells us about a place called “La Boca” in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He provides us its general characteristics, colourful description of the people and main activities. To this port arrived immigrants from all over the world, but mainly Calabrian and Sicilian who founded La Boca; named for the mouth of the Riachuelo River. Due to the old port so near the city residents are called “Porteños”.
La Boca is characterized by people who are painting, playing the accordion, dancing the tango and just café sitting.
The poor old wooden houses are painted in bright colours, and decorated by papier-mâché figures and cartoon portraits hanging from their balconies; examples of these are Eva, Juan Peron and Maradona.
Another picturesque view is “Caminito”, a short pedestrian cobblestone alley with a riot of coloured houses.
The most relevant activities in La Boca are playing and dancing tango. In the mid 20 century the vulgar version of the tango war refined and introduced into upscale dance clubs, or tanguerias.
The “Centro Cultural de los Artistas” in the Conventillo is an example of a Conventillo; a former house where multiple immigrants’ families live in.
Boca Juniors is the most famous football team as well as Diego Maradona who is well known all over the world.
For all this, the poet and journalist Orlando Barone , native of La Boca and descendant of Italian immigrants called this place “Republica de la Boca” for its myth and mystery.

Dolphins. Social Behaviour. ( Wikipedia)

Dolphins are very social. they live in pods of about dozen individuals. In addition, they live in places where there is abundance of food. Dolphins can communicate by using a variety of clicks, whistles and different vocalizations. Besides, dolphins make ultrasonic sounds for echolocation. Being a member in a pod, is not rigid, thus there is interchange in common. These marine mammals can establish strong social bonds. Dolphins may stay with injured or individuals, so that they can even help them breathing by bringing them to the surface whenever needed. Dolphins in Moko and New Zealand have been seen swimming in circles so as to protect swimmers from the attack of sharks. Dolphins leap above the water surface, performing acrobatic figures. Although Scientists are not certain about the purpose of the acrobatics, they think the possibilities may be to locate schools of fish by looking at above-water some signs such as feeding birds, communicating with different dolphins, simple amusement or dislodging parasites. Playing is very important for dolphins. Moreover, dolphins play with marine algae and play fight with other dolphins. Besides, these beautiful animals enjoy riding waves.

Angels

Expectations shape behaviour

Surely you have heard that if you fear for something it is bound to happen. But I have never thought that this could be applied even to economic events. In an article in the Buenos Aires Herald it is argued that psychology matters a lot and that many of the consequences of global recesion, such as inflation, are shaped by what workers, managers and investors expect. In this article it is said that if they fear inflation, they act in ways that bring it about. This argument is based on what happened after the recession in late 1948 and 1949 when inflation stopped because people did not expect it to continue. Economists say that inflation is the result of too much demand chasing too little supply. Is it possible for both arguments to be correct? What do you think? Can psychology influence economy?
To read the article click HERE.

Cheeps

Unstoppable Rise of English!

I read an article, which refers to the rise of English among other languages. This situation takes place in Africa, where just over half of fifty-two countries speak French. Due to the increase in the use of English, French is spoken only in France, some parts of West Africa, parts of Canada and Switzerland.
Because of globalization and other circumstances English has emerged as a backbone for growth and development, not only in the region but also around the globe.
As France cares more about its language, it has waged a long and expensive campaign to guarantee the survival of a French- speaking zone in central and West Africa.
Knowledge of both English and French is required for University entrance, but statistics say that only three percent of the population can speak English fluently.
Is also reflects that Rwandans speak kinvarwanda and they have no need for a “lingua franca” to communicate among themselves.
And it says that only those going into higher education or working with foreigners need any other language at all, so only eight percent of Rwandans speak fluent French after all this time.

Anush