Gatehouse Awards · Classic IESOL · B2
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UK Children Reading Too Early
Children 0) are too young to learn to read when they first start school in the UK, an academic claims. Pushing young pupils too hard could put them off for life, especially boys, says Professor Lilian Smith. She believes government plans to teach children to read even earlier, at pre-school, are a ____. Dr Smith, a professor of education at the University of Michigan, thinks policy makers are pushing children too hard too early. Most children in the UK start learning to read and write when they start primary school – often before their fifth birthday. In Scandinavian countries, formal teaching begins much ____, usually when children are six or seven.
Dr Smith said there was a danger that the British model could put children off reading for life if pupils were forced to learn before they were ____. She said: "The evidence we have, so far, is that, if you start formal teaching of reading very early, children do well in tests, but when you follow them on to the age of 11 or 12, they don't do any better than those who had a more ____ approach."
She suggests a more informal approach, which supports children's "natural curiosity", is much better and gives the example of ____ going to visit a local bakery and then writing down what they have seen and experienced. Dr Smith also emphasises that English is a very difficult language to learn. "Some people think that because English is so difficult you need to start early but that's wrong. If it is so difficult, ____ until they're older and do it in a natural context - where they see things and write them down." Children should be introduced to the alphabet at the age of about five-and-a-half in an ideal world," said Dr Smith.
Dear Library User
We are writing to give you some information about how to borrow library items during the summer holiday period. Our staff will be working throughout the summer to help all users renew and return library items.
Opening hours: Except for in unforeseen circumstances, the library building will be open 24 hours a day as normal throughout the summer holidays. You can return books in person at any time via the book returns slots, which are located near the main entrance to the library. The Help Desk will be staffed 9am - 5pm on weekdays (with the exception of Bank Holidays).
Taking library items overseas: When you borrow books from the library, you are responsible for returning them before the due date or extending the loan period to keep the books for an extended time. If you take library items overseas, you must ensure that you renew the loan and can return them on time. You can renew the items online. Alternatively, you can contact the Help Desk via telephone.
Renewals and fines: During the holiday period all users are liable for the same overdue fines as in term time. Remember that books may be renewed (online, by phone or in person) if: the book is not reserved by another user; the borrower does not owe the Library more than £10 - borrower accounts are blocked when the level of fines reaches £10. Fines will accrue at a rate of 20p per day per loan item once the due date has passed. Please think about this carefully and ask Help Desk staff for advice before leaving on holiday.
Returning books reserved by another user: If another borrower has reserved a book you have taken away with you during the holiday, the loan period cannot be extended. In order to avoid fines, you will need to make arrangements to return books to campus. If you are not in the country, you can return books using a postal service. We recommend that you obtain postal insurance to cover damage or loss of books. Remember, you are responsible for loaned items until they are safely returned to the library.
We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you about the Annual Book Fair, which will be taking place during the last weekend of the summer holiday. Tickets are now available to purchase online on the University's website. Each ticket entitles you to a 20% discount of one purchase. Don't miss this opportunity to get a selection of some truly great reads at competitive prices!
This is a popular game played in many Australian preschools and kindergartens to help children remember their classmates' names as well as good listening skills. Kids sit in a circle and an adult asks one child to go into the middle - she is the first Skippyroo, the kangaroo. Skippyroo crouches forward on the floor with her eyes closed while the kids in the circle chant: "Skippyroo, kangaroo, dozing in the midday sun, comes a hunter, run, run, run." At this stage an adult points to a child sitting in the circle, who then touches Skippyroo's shoulder and says, "Guess who's caught you just for fun?" and waits. Skippyroo tries to name the owner of the voice and if she guesses correctly, swaps places. The game begins again and continues until all the kids have had a chance to be Skippyroo.
Before the game begins, Mum or Dad will need to make the parcel by wrapping something fun or silly they have around the house in layer upon layer of paper. Using a different pattern or colour for each layer will make it easier for kids to tell them apart. To play, ask the kids to sit or stand in a circle, then turn on the music. Players pass the parcel around until a parent stops the music. The player who is holding the gift removes one layer of wrapping paper. Start up the music again and continue playing until the final layer of paper is removed. The child who removes the last layer of paper gets to keep what is inside. This is also a fun game for children to play at birthday parties, but you should make sure that the child celebrating opens a nice present.
Choose one player to be "It" and have her stand, eyes covered, in the centre of a playing field. She starts to count, at least to 10, but she can go higher. The point is that there's no set number; only "It" knows when she'll stop and open her eyes. While "It" is counting, the others scatter around, never sure when she'll yell "Agalmata!" (That's "statue" in Greek. Tell kids to yell it to be authentic, or to just say "statue" if that's easier). On this cue, players freeze, taking on poses that mimic famous statues. They can imitate any statue they've ever seen a photo of - a javelin thrower, The Thinker, even the Statue of Liberty. Kids are allowed to use found items, such as sticks, a ball, or a Frisbee, to add a touch of realism. "It" tags any statues that are moving - they're out - then tries to make the steady ones laugh or move. The last player remaining composed is the winner and becomes the new "It." This game is great for practicing balance.
| # | Which text does the following? | Text (A/B/C) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Describes a game which is played without adults' help. | |
| 2 | Describes a game which should be played outside. | |
| 3 | Describes a game where children do not sit in a circle. | |
| 4 | Describes a game where no one has to shut their eyes. | |
| 5 | Describes a game where a child gets a prize. | |
| 6 | Describes a game where if a child laughs they lose. | |
| 7 | Describes a game which tests memory. | |
| 8 | Describes a game which requires something to be prepared. |