Be a Green Child What does it mean to be...

    Do you find it difficult to put down your mobile phone?

If yes, you’re not alone. These days, many people suffer from the stress of FOMO (fear of missing out). They reach for their mobile phones when they wake up in the morning, and for the rest of the day, they constantly scroll down (向下滚动) the timelines of their social media apps to get the latest updates.

Despite the convenience smartphones bring, many people struggle with their digital habits.

As Sameer Samat, US tech Company Google’s vice president of product management, said in his speech at the 2018 Google I/O developer conference on May 8, 70 percent of people don’t want to spend so much time on their phones.

This is why during the conference Google introduced an app called Dashboard for the new version (版本) of its Android operating system. This new app includes well-being functions that aim to help users manage the time they spend on their digital devices.

It all starts with a bird’s-eye view. Dashboard allows users to look at all the details of their phone habits. For example, a user can see how many times they’ve unlocked their phone and how many times they’ve checked their social media apps, as well as how much time they spend on each app every day.

Once the users see this information, they’ll be able to make some changes. With the App Timer function, users can set a time limit for how long they can use each app for every day. After they’ve hit the limit, they won’t be able to launch the app until the next day.

But even if users become more mindful of their usage, they’re still likely to be drawn in by notifications (通知). This is where the Shush feature comes in. It automatically (自动地) silences incoming calls and notifications when a user puts their phone face down.

If people truly want to make full use of their free time instead of losing hours using their smart phones, these new functions are just one way of doing that.

After all, who needs to use an app to stop you from using other apps when the easiest answer would be just to use your willpower?

1.Who are the target users of Dashboard?

A. People who know little about smartphones.

B. People who have trouble dealing with stress.

C. People who are slow at searching for things online.

D. People who wish to manage the time they spend on their smartphone.

2.What can Dashboard do?

A. Lock the phone at a certain time. B. Limit some apps to certain users.

C. Limit the time certain apps can be used. D. Silence app notifications at night.

3.The underlined word “mindful” in Paragraph 8 is closest in meaning to ______.

A. serious. B. careful.

C. prepared. D. creative.

4.What does the author think of Dashboard?

A. It’s not very useful. B. It’s perfectly designed.

C. It should include more functions. D. It may be helpful to some people.

    Believe it or not, we all have an inner-child living inside of us. One of the greatest problems is people’s desire to silence the inner-child. Instead, welcoming this voice to the conversation can be very beneficial and help you in many areas of your life.

Why is it so important to listen to your inner child?

Do you remember you wanted to be an adult more than anything else when you were young? But now you’re an adult, and do you ever find yourself thinking, “I wish I were a kid again?” That’s where your inner-child comes in. That’s the voice inside of you telling you to have fun, be silly and let loose. Adult life is full of important responsibilities, but once in a while you just have to let go and have fun like a child. It’s healthy and good for the soul to not take things so seriously all the time.

We can tell bad choices and mistakes of the past, but unless you help your inner-child heal and recover, planning for the future will always be difficult. The inner-child will relive these painful experiences until you learn to accept them, forgive and let go. We must show love and acceptance to our inner-child, as this is the only way to heal, move on and not continue to suffer from the pain of these unpleasant times. This is the opportunity to go back in time and let you know just how wonderful, beautiful and special you truly are.

One of the most common times your inner-child is likely to appear is when you’re facing a decision you are unsure about. Naturally, when we were children, doubt and uncertainty scared many of us. So, it’s no surprise that when faced with these moments as adults, the inner-child decides to show up. Don’t let this scare you; instead, listen to that voice as it is trying to guide you in the decision-making process. Ask it questions, speak with it.

When you can start to see your inner-child as your partner who helps guide you through this crazy life, it’s amazing what can happen. Don’t fight it. Go with it and see how it changes your life for the better.

1.What do people usually do to the inner-child?

A. Stop it. B. Welcome it.

C. Rescue it. D. Blame it.

2.Why is it always hard to plan for the future?

A. We have no fun in our life. B. We always make bad choices.

C. We don’t help inner-child recover. D. We always experience unhappy times.

3.When will inner-child probably come up?

A. When we make decisions. B. When we enjoy ourselves.

C. When we make mistakes. D. When we feel unpleasant.

4.What may happen if we accept inner-child?

A. We may feel more painful. B. We will make more mistakes.

C. We will take things more seriously. D. We may have a better life.

    On Thursday night my two adult children took us out to dinner as our daughter lives in Bathurst and she will be there for Father’s Day with her husband’s side of the family. Two of our grandchildren were able to join us.

Having pre-celebrated my Father’s Day and it being on our minds, my wife asked this question only this morning:

“Do you remember anything about your father?”

While this subject had come up before, however, the question had not been put so bluntly(直率的). I answered “No. My only memory is of the few photos outside.” You see, my father died when I was only four years old.

Many people have lost their father early in life and it is easy to feel somewhat sorry for having to deal with such a situation, especially when the death has occurred when you are at an early age. On reflection, I think I do not remember anything because he passed away when he was a member of the Royal Australian Air Force. He was a Corporal(下士) doing land based duties, however, a medical condition took his life. It was 1942.

The 2nd World War was in full battle and Australia was being attacked. My Mum and I, with my younger brother, were living with my grandparents and I can only imagine the emotional circumstances that existed in the household at that time. Probably not something that would leave a memory.

What I would like to say at this time, as the question is often asked, “What did you learn from your father?” The thing I learnt from his passing, at the age of 28, is a love of life. What I do remember is growing up wondering if I would live to his age, and after I did, thinking each year the bonus(津贴) of life I had been blessed with when compared to my father.

I have sometimes felt disappointment in not knowing my father but life has moved on. However, can I say to those who do have fathers, celebrate today with him and return him all the love and happiness he has given to you.

1.Why did the author answered “No” in Para 4?

A. He didn’t want to talk about his father. B. His father died when he was very young.

C. He was much disappointed in his father. D. There was no photo of his father left.

2.What do we know about the author?

A. He is the only child of his parents. B. His father died of a medical condition.

C. He remembered quite a lot about his father. D. He lived with his parents during World War II.

3.The father’s passing makes the author____.

A. realize the love of his own life. B. hope to live longer than his father.

C. feel very disappointed all the time. D. want to get more bonus from life.

4.What is the author mainly talking about in this passage?

A. His father’s life. B. His Father’s Day.

C. His fatherless childhood. D. His father’s influence.

Science camps for kids

Destination Science Young Inventors

Curious minds want to know and build. Experiment & discover the technology behind controls that operate inventions: touch, sound and motion sensors. Take home a robot dog that barks, eats, and sits at your command. Invent flipping friction racers, magnetic quiz games, 3D water-powered polymers and more.

Price

Early bird price ends

Mar 15, 2019

Schmahl Science Physics of Motion(运动)

The physics of motion is all about forces. Forces need to act upon an object to get it moving, or to change its motion. In the tradition of Da Vinci, Galileo and Newton, students will explore forces as they build gliders and airplanes, design submarines, build rockets, learn about light, make roller coasters and build bridges.

Price

Early bird price ends

Mar 15, 2019

Mad Science

Junior Mad Scientists explore the kingdom of the Chemical and Physical world in this crazy week of non-stop action! Kids explore our wonder lab and find eggs that don’t break, ice that doesn’t melt, and discover how to freeze time! Our young chemists perform impressive hands-on experiments.

Price

Early bird price ends

Mar 12, 2019

1.Jenny is a second grader and fond of pets. Which camp is suitable for her?

A. Mad Science B. Destination Science Young Inventors

C. Schmahl Science Physics of Motion D. All of the above

2.What can kids do in Mad Science?

A. Build a rocket. B. Learn something about ice.

C. Invent a racer. D. Design a robot.

3.What is the lowest price for Tom, who is a 3rd grader and wants to register(注册) a camp on March 13, 2019?

A. $395. B. $420. C. $410. D. $475.

听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。

1.What is the similarity of logos?

A. They are simple in design.

B. They are difficult to understand.

C. They are in small size.

2.What colors are most frequently used in logos?

A. Red and yellow. B. Blue and yellow. C. Blue and red.

3.What does the blue color on logos stand for?

A. Strength. B. Trust. C. Energy.