When Hong Liu walks around Zhenlong Primary School in Guangde, Anhui Province, many students greet (和……打招呼) her in English. Some call her Miss Hong while others prefer Apple.

“I know Apple sounds silly as a name, but it might be the easiest one for the kids to remember,” said Hong, the headmaster of the school. Hong joined the school as an English teacher in 2007, and in 2018 she became the headmaster.

With around 1, 000 students, Zhenlong is just a small school in a small place. “But small school can also do big things, right?” Hong said. So far, she has brought three new subjects to the school, such as art, music, science. She thought these new subjects were healthy for children’s minds and bodies.

After she finished university, Hong had chances (机会) to go to big cities for better development, but she decided to return to her hometown. She said her hometown was not as rich as big cities, and some families even couldn’t afford to send their children to school. “I wanted to pass on something good to the children in the countryside and I could realize this dream only by becoming a teacher,” Hong said. “As educators, we can only influence the children with our actions. I wants to help my students develop a perfect personality (人格) and have a healthy body.”

How did you learn the facts about COVID-19 and the coronavirus that caused it? You probably read newspaper articles, searched for information on the internet and listened to online lectures. These methods, however, may not work well for children younger than you.

Some medical researchers in Memphis, Tennessee, wanted to help these little children deal with the COVID-19 crisis (危机). They have designed a special coloring book.

Kristin Canavera is one of the researchers. “We have seen a lot of misinformation about COVID-19. People, especially children, are feeling worried,” she said. “We really wanted to do something for them, to correct the misunderstandings.”

At first, Canavera and her colleagues wanted to produce resources for parents to use when they talk to their children about COVID-19. Then, they decided to make them directly for children. Children often learn best through play, so coloring is a great way to help them understand the disease.

The ten-page book gives kids the “real facts” about COVID-19. It also offers ways for parents to have open and honest discussions with their children about their fears. The book is available in English, Spanish and Arabic (阿拉伯语). Canavera and her colleagues first printed 750 paper copies for children in local hospitals. Later, they put the book online so that it could reach more readers during this special period. People around the world can now download it for free.

The team also produced an activity book for older children. It has crossword puzzles (填字游戏) and provides more information about COVID-19. Another book for young adults is on the way. It will include professional tips on staying safe from the disease.

Below you’ll find some stories and their main ideas. Use these good stories to improve your family life. They’ll help your children to be better kids.

Book, Ink (墨水), and Feather (羽毛) is a story about cooperation and positive attitude (合作与积极的态度).

“Forgetting the past doesn’t solve anything. Try to change one’s situation and find the necessary help to do so.”

The Great Gifts is a short story about stopping bullying (恃强凌弱) in school.

“Children who at first seem strange are special in fact. We should help them to find their own talents.”

Peggy’s Talking Pets is a story about communication and listening.

“When we open our hearts and communicate with others, we enjoy getting to know them, because we all have things to share.”

The Magic Key is a story about children’s adventures.

“Children can learn, read and speak good English while they are sharing the exciting experiences with the characters in the story.”

The Homework Party is a story about making homework funny.

“Interest and games are the best ways to motivate (激励) yourself to do the jobs which need more hard work.”