Leave the Screens at Home on Your Next Family Road Trip

The other day, a friend sent me an email, asking if I’d consider writing about educational apps for children to watch while on road trips. The email said, “【小题1】 And often with long car rides comes the use of on-screen entertainment. These educational apps can develop their art, math, science, engineering and design skills.”

While the intention is well-meaning, I disagree with his idea. There is so much to see on a road trip! 【小题2】 So what can a child do in the car? There are plenty of off-screen activities that a child can do to pass the time.

Take physical books along. Choose some novels for an older reader, get cartoon books, or take interactive books such as I Spy, coloring books, puzzle books, etc.

Play games. 【小题3】 Print out a map of the country and color in each state as you notice a license plate from there. Keep a record of the different colored cars you see. Play the old classic alphabet game.

【小题4】 Parents can find online lists of good questions to get older kids talking, such as, “If you could travel anywhere in the world, what are your top three destinations and why?” “If you could have a dinner party with three people, who would you invite?” Not only is this fun, but it keeps the driver refreshed.

Long road trips shouldn’t just be about endurance (耐力); they should also be about learning how to pass the time without a screen. So, challenge yourselves to a screen-free road trip the next time you go somewhere as a family. 【小题5】

Many people with a combined love of reading and writing want to become book reviewers. 【小题1】 But most have at least a high school diploma, or often a college degree in literature or a related field. An English degree and a writing degree are also popular choices for professional book reviewers.

It generally takes much patience to become a book reviewer. It’s important to learn much about book reviewing beforehand. Read as many book reviews as possible to get a sense for the tone and content found in the reviews. And remember book reviews are a little different from book critics. 【小题2】

If you want to become a book reviewer, it’s important to determine what type of book you wish to review. Most book reviewers focus on one specific type. 【小题3】 Whichever type you want to review, you should truly enjoy reading it, and be relatively knowledgeable about common themes and plot methods.

【小题4】 Even if the reviews are never published, it’s important to have samples. Most editors won’t hire a reviewer without any sample pieces. It may be easier to start writing for a university newspaper while still in college, or for a local newspaper. Another option is to write reviews and post them on a blog. Thus, you prepare yourself for becoming a book reviewer,

Most book reviewers are freelance writers who are paid per piece, if they are paid at all. 【小题5】 In exchange, they will receive free books to review, sometimes ahead of their publication dates. Like any other freelance writing career, it can be difficult to get started, but it won’t be long for someone who really enjoys doing that.

Are you scared about moving up to senior high school? It can be a new experience, but you shouldn’t worry. We’ve put together a guide on how to survive the first week.

You’re not alone

Remember everybody_else_in_your_year_is_in_the_same_boat, you may not realize it, but they’re just as nervous as you are. Moving to senior high school is an opportunity, not a problem. Things are different and all you need to do is be polite and learn the new rules.

Teachers are ready to help!

If you’re unsure what to do or are worried about anything then you had better ask for help. Teachers are probably the best people to turn to as they’re experienced in helping new students. Some senior high schools also have a “friends system”. If your school has this, then you will be paired with an older student. They will look out for you and help you if you have any problems or questions.

All change

There are lots of differences between junior high school and senior high school. You’ll have a homework diary or a student planner. You will have your lessons with different teachers in different rooms. You will have homework for different subjects on different days, so make sure you get organized. Make sure you have a copy of your school timetable written down so you know which rooms your classes are in and on which days you will have your different subjects.

Other points

If you’ve got an older brother or sister at the school then ask them for advice.

Be yourself! It sounds simple, but people will know you much better if you just act naturally.

Having early nights makes a difference and you’ll find it easier to get up in the morning!